I’m pretty sure that there’s something in the food or the water in San Miguel de Allende that spurs creativity, because this beautiful Mexican town is one of the most interesting, artistic cities I’ve ever visited. I don’t consider myself a particularly creative person, but as I walked through the colorful, romantic streets of San Miguel, I felt as if I was absorbing all of the art and the beauty around me. This city truly is a haven for creators, artists and romantics, but it’s also a fantastic destination for travelers looking for energy, excitement, and beauty.
My recent trip to San Miguel was entirely unexpected, but when my friend told me she was heading down to San Miguel for the weekend, I made the spontaneous decision to join her on her Mexico vacation. So I packed a bag, purchased a plane ticket and booked a last-minute hotel in San Miguel de Allende through HotelTonight’s easy-to-use app. In less than 15 minutes, I was packed and ready for a weekend adventure in one of Mexico’s most idyllic towns.
El Jardin is the city’s main plaza, also known as the zocalo, and it’s considered the heart of the city. This charming plaza is a paradise for those who like to people watch, as there’s always something happening in El Jardin. Whether it’s a political rally or a band of local musicians playing live, you will certainly find entertainment in El Jardin. This area is also home to some of the best restaurants in the city, so it’s the perfect spot for lunch or for a fun, lively dinner. As my friend and I walked through El Jardin, we immediately noticed how diverse the crowd was – this plaza is a popular spot for locals, expats and tourists alike.
Whenever I travel, I avoid cheesy tourist shops as if my life depended on it. I prefer instead to find my souvenirs at local boutiques or markets, which is why I couldn’t resist shopping at San Miguel’s Mercado de Artesanias. This local market offers authentic, handcrafted products as well as delicious local treats, and it’s a must-visit for anybody who wants to pick up some handmade products from local artisans during their time in San Miguel.
The next day, we decided to venture out of the city so we could visit one of the most famous archaeological sites in Mexico – Canada de la Virgen. This archaeological site features four ancient pyramid complexes, some of which you can even climb to the top. Since we wanted to know all about the history of Canada de la Virgen, we hired a tour guide to give us an in-depth look at this ancient marvel. Whether you decide to go with a tour group or not, visiting Canada de la Virgen is definitely worth your time if you love learning about ancient civilizations.
No matter where you are in San Miguel, chances are you’ll be able to see the pink pinnacles of this parish church jutting into the sky. The Parroquia de San Miguel is one of the most intricate, unique churches I have ever seen, and you can’t visit San Miguel without standing in awe of its beauty. Since it overlooks El Jardin, chances are you’ll walk past the church several times during your stay in the city, but it’s also worth peeking inside the church to admire the beautiful interior. And be sure to walk past the church at night at least once, when its spires are illuminated, making the church look less like a place of worship and more like a magical castle.
When you’re in San Miguel, you’re always surrounded by art and beauty. This city is a paradise for art lovers, and nowhere is this more apparent than at Fabrica La Aurora, a former textile mill that has been transformed into a unique art space. Not only can you admire some beautiful artwork in this building, but you can also purchase local art and even test your own artistic talents at one of the many classes held here.
San Miguel de Allende is one of the most colorful, picturesque towns I’ve visited. Its cobbled streets, brightly colored buildings and stunning parish church look like they belong in a painting, which is possibly why this city attracts so many artists from around the world. I left San Miguel feeling more inspired and more creative than I had in a long time, and I’m so glad I was able to plan a last-minute trip to this charming Mexican town. Fortunately, I always know I can rely on HotelTonight to make it easy for me to jet off to a foreign city on a whim, because HotelTonight makes it so easy to book great last-minute hotels.
