Travel Guide: San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
May 15, 2017
Where
to eat, what to see and where to stay. Here are Travelista73’s insider tips on exploring
and discovering the best of San Miguel de Allende!
This Travel Guide accompanies Travelista73’s in-depth account of her visit to San Miguel de Allende!
WHAT TO SEE - In town, be sure to visit the Jardin Principal (Main Garden), the Casa Allende Historic Museum, and the Church of San Francisco. At the busy Mercado de Artesanías behind Plaza Civica, purchase silky woven shawls, hand-embroidered tablecloths and beautiful pottery created throughout Guanajuato, as well as food stalls and herbal medicine. On the outskirts of downtown, visit Fabrica La Aurora. This art and design centre is housed in a 90 year old textile factory and features works by Mexican and international artists – don’t miss the open studios held on Thursdays or the Picasso and Dali paintings at Skot Foreman Fine Art gallery. At El Mirador viewpoint, take in postcard-perfect panoramic views of the city.
WHAT TO SEE - In town, be sure to visit the Jardin Principal (Main Garden), the Casa Allende Historic Museum, and the Church of San Francisco. At the busy Mercado de Artesanías behind Plaza Civica, purchase silky woven shawls, hand-embroidered tablecloths and beautiful pottery created throughout Guanajuato, as well as food stalls and herbal medicine. On the outskirts of downtown, visit Fabrica La Aurora. This art and design centre is housed in a 90 year old textile factory and features works by Mexican and international artists – don’t miss the open studios held on Thursdays or the Picasso and Dali paintings at Skot Foreman Fine Art gallery. At El Mirador viewpoint, take in postcard-perfect panoramic views of the city.
WHERE
TO EAT - From
the delicious street food to an exciting selection of restaurants, San Miguel’s
culinary scene impresses. Try El Correo, Panio, Cumpanio, Finca Luna Serena and
Lavanda for breakfast. For lunch head to Los Milagros, Casa de Aves or one of
the delicious taco stands. For dinner, book a table at Hanks, Pegasso, Aperi
and then head to El Gato Negro for a cold michelada. Nothing beats dining
alfresco to take in the magnificent city views and the rooftop at La Posadita
will provide you with some of the best Instagram worthy moments!
WHERE
TO STAY - Many
of the city’s picturesque centuries-old haciendas now house lovely boutique
hotels like the charmingly La Morada Hotel located on the corner of El Jardín
plaza, so you have access to all the fun and festivities. A definite favourite
is L’Ôtel, a sleek and stylish hotel and design center housed in the former
Casa Cohen. Hotel highlights include outdoor bathtubs and a pool, while Dôce-18
Concept House features high-end boutiques, galleries, flower shop and gourmet
cuisine—all under one roof!
WHERE
TO SHOP - BoutiqueMarrakesh is a lovely shop in the El Jardin Plaza overlooking the square and
the imposing Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel. Owners Hisham Tefi, an expat
from Beirut, and his Mexican wife, Sandra Serhan, have cultivated a beautiful
array of Bohemian Chic style apparel, jewelry, bags and accessories. Their
selection of party dresses is swoon-worthy, perfect for attending any number of
fiestas that take place in each day.
SURROUNDING
AREA - Attractions
include a tour of Cuna de Tierra, a
contemporary vineyard with an award-winning selection of wines by winemaker
Juan Manchon that you can pair with delicious dishes from their kitchen. Book a
tour at cunadetierra.com.
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| Photo of Travelista73 captured by Rick McGinnis |
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sanctuary of Atotonilco is referred to as the “Sistine Chapel of Mexico” because of the beautiful wall to ceiling Mexican Folk baroque style murals housed inside. Keep your camera handy.
At Finca Luna Serena, former Madison Avenue ad execs, Victor Gutierrez and Susan Chamberlin, opened an olive farm as a retirement project that now produces the best olive oil this side of Tuscany. Book a tour and tasting, or plan a stay at their family guesthouse located on their farm.
With
Coyote Canyon Adventures, outdoor
enthusiasts can enjoy the desert hot springs, horseback riding on one of the
dude ranches, mountain-biking along the picturesque Bajío Mountains and a hot
air balloon ride over the city.
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