World Class Restaurants, Art Galleries, Shopping and Entertainment
San Miguel is a beautiful old colonial town dating back to the 1500s. The historic downtown, where our rentals are, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. One of our properties, Casas Artistas, is in a landmark building located on the main road going through downtown, about a block from the Jardin/Town Square, which was the route used by traders transporting silver to Mexico City around the 1500s. San Miguel de Allende was built as a mid-point on the silver transportation route.
Today, you can enjoy world-class dining by award-winning chefs, the best shopping, and entertainment, perfectly blended with carefully preserved historical architecture and cobblestone roads for a truly authentic Mexican experience in a fairy tale town.
Shopper’s Paradise
Indulge in Retail Therapy Amidst Historical Beauty
Downtown San Miguel de Allende beckons to the avid shopper with its unique blend of old-world charm and modern elegance. Nestled within the heart of this captivating town, the shopping scene offers an array of treasures that reflect the town’s rich cultural heritage and artistic flair.
The Colorful Markets are a Feast for the Senses
Visit San Miguel’s vibrant markets, where the bustling atmosphere and eclectic wares create an unforgettable experience. El Tianguis de los Martes, the Tuesday Market, is a treasure trove of textiles, spices, fresh produce, local crafts, and baked goods. It is located outside of downtown. The Artisan Market is where you’ll find beautifully hand-painted ceramics. It is also the place to go for silver jewelry, rugs, and souvenirs at affordable prices. The Artisan Market is located in Downtown.
A Fashion Forward Town, Discover Chic Boutiques and Designer Finds
For the fashion-conscious, downtown San Miguel de Allende boasts an array of boutiques offering stylish clothing, accessories, and footwear. Discover a fusion of Mexican and international designs, making it the ideal place to revamp your wardrobe with distinctive pieces that tell a story. We highly recommend visiting Sindashi, a fashion-forward boutique featuring stunning hand-painted garments.
Indulge in a Gourmet Shopping Extravaganza for Culinary Delights
Food enthusiasts can enjoy exploring the town’s specialty food shops and markets. Sample artisanal cheeses, local wines, chocolates, and spices that showcase the culinary prowess of the region. These edible souvenirs are a delightful way to take a piece of San Miguel’s flavors home and share them with your friends.
Shopping Recommendations, Must See
Fabrica Aurora
Fabrica Aurora is an old textile factory converted into a Cultural Center of Art and Design with Art galleries and restaurants.
Sindashi
High Fashion, chic, hand-painted clothing. You will not find anything like it in the world.
sindashi.com
City Market
Opening its doors in 2021, it is truly a gourmet grocery store. Unlike anything you have ever experienced
Culinary Escapade
Experience Culinary Adventures with a Globally Inspired Food Scene
Downtown San Miguel de Allende’s culinary landscape extends beyond Mexican cuisine, embracing a variety of global influences. Discover European-style bistros, Asian fusion restaurants, and Mediterranean cafes that infuse international flavors with a touch of local inspiration. Every meal is an opportunity to experience the town’s unique blend of tradition and innovation.
Photo Credit Marsala Cocina
Looking for that authentic taste of Mexico? We have that, Too
Downtown San Miguel de Allende is the place to be if you are looking for anything from authentic sizzling street-style tacos, rich mole dishes, regional enchiladas, and tamales to upscale restaurants with renowned chefs preparing signature gourmet dishes.
Al Fresco Ambiance. Dine Amidst Architectural Splendor in the Many Rooftop Restaurants
Picture yourself savoring a delectable meal in a picturesque courtyard or rooftop terrace. Downtown San Miguel de Allende’s restaurants take advantage of the town’s colonial architecture to create enchanting dining settings that transport you to another era. The soft glow of lanterns, the rustling of leaves, and the distant melodies of street musicians enhance the ambiance, making your dining experience truly magical.
Farm-to-Table Freshness: Embracing Local Ingredients
Many downtown San Miguel de Allende eateries take pride in sourcing their ingredients from local farmers and markets. This commitment to farm-to-table dining ensures that every dish bursts with fresh, seasonal produce flavors. Prepare to indulge in dishes that are not only delicious but also a celebration of the region’s agricultural bounty.
Photo by Megan Thomas on Unsplash
Arts & Culture
Explore the Art Scene in San Miguel de Allende
Downtown San Miguel de Allende is a haven for art and culture enthusiasts, offering a vibrant blend of historical significance and contemporary creativity. Nestled within its picturesque streets and colonial architecture, you will find beautifully hand-painted murals. Artists travel to San Miguel from all over the world to paint murals on the walls of this historic Mexican colonial town, adding to the growing contemporary art community. Photo by Julie B. Rose, a travel blogger. Colorblock Horses, by MJ.
A Canvas of Colonial Heritage
The town’s colonial history is the backdrop against which San Miguel de Allende’s artistic evolution has unfolded. Cobblestone streets, ornate facades, and centuries-old buildings reflect the architectural beauty that has inspired generations of artists.
A must-see landmark is the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, a towering neo-Gothic church that stands as an iconic symbol of the town’s rich heritage.
Art Galleries in San Miguel de Allende
Downtown San Miguel de Allende boasts a captivating array of art galleries that showcase the works of both local and international artists. These galleries provide a platform for various mediums, from traditional paintings and sculptures to contemporary mixed-media installations.
Celebrating Tradition and Craftsmanship
San Miguel de Allende’s commitment to preserving its cultural roots is evident in the vibrant art scene. Explore workshops and studios where skilled artisans craft intricate ceramics, textiles, jewelry, and more. The art of handiwork thrives here, inviting you to witness the techniques and dedication passed down through generations. One of the best places to explore this is at the Fabrica Aurora.
Photo by Dillon Wanner on Unsplash
Welcome to the Enchanting History of San Miguel de Allende
Cultural Festivals
San Miguel de Allende is alive with celebrations all year. The annual San Miguel Writers’ Conference & Literary Festival brings literary minds worldwide, while the Festival de Música de Cámara showcases classical music in historic venues. The town’s Day of the Dead celebrations infuse the streets with vibrant colors, altars, and traditional offerings, underscoring the deep connection between art and culture. Our vacation rentals are located in the heart of these festivals. You can watch parades go right by your front door.
A Town Born from Struggle, Explore San Miguels’ Colonial Roots
Founded in the early 16th century, San Miguel de Allende has a storied history that dates back to the Spanish colonial era. The town’s inception is linked to its strategic location along the Camino Real, the historic trade route connecting Mexico City to northern regions. Originally established as a religious mission by Franciscan friars, San Miguel’s roots are deeply intertwined with indigenous culture and Spanish colonization.
Independence and Heroic Acts
San Miguel de Allende’s history gained a new chapter during the Mexican War of Independence. In the early 19th century, this quaint town became a pivotal hub for revolutionary fervor. It was here that prominent figures like Ignacio Allende and Juan Aldama, whose legacies are deeply intertwined with Mexico’s fight for independence, began to plot and rally support against Spanish rule. The “Grito de Dolores,” considered the catalyst for the Mexican War of Independence, echoed in the streets of San Miguel.
A Harmonious Blend of Tradition and Modernity
San Miguel de Allende’s unique charm lies in its ability to bridge the gap between its storied history and the modern world. The town effortlessly marries colonial architecture with contemporary amenities, creating an atmosphere where the past and present coexist harmoniously. Visitors can traverse its historic streets, dine in age-old courtyards, and explore centuries-old churches, all while enjoying the conveniences of modern life.
