Welcome to San Miguel de Allende, El Corazon de Mexico, and the crown jewel of the Mexican Bajio.
Cobblestone streets, taco stands, fruit stands, lively music, vibrant culture coupled with the energy of Mexicans, expats and visitors alike make for a once in a lifetime Mexican experience.
The first thing I noticed about San Miguel was its vibrant energy, architecture and how much it has stayed true to its colonial roots.
San Miguel de Allende was founded in 1542 and was originally a presidio to protect the antiguo Camino Real, the silver route from Zacatecas to Mexico City. Aptly named after its founder, Franciscan friar, Juan de San Miguel and native born Ignacio Allende, San Miguel de Allende is now a cultural destination for expats, artists and Mexicans alike.
The Escuela de Bellas Artes was founded in 1938 which is when David Alfaro Siqueiros began his mural painting courses that attracted artists from around the world. Many of the students were American veterans who settled in San Miguel with the benefit of the GI Bill and San Miguel continues to attract an influx of artists to this day.
Be prepared because there is so much to experience you’ll want to come back year after year. Click here to see our favorite things to do in San Miguel de Allende and enjoy the pictures below while you prepare your own active adventure trip.
Otomi Dolls are handmade in nearby Queretaro
Street vendors are a staple in Mexican plazas
Just a regular afternoon in San Miguel’s main plaza
Elote street vendors in San Miguel de Allende Guanajuato Plaza
Oh the things you see in San Miguel de Allende.
View from our AirBnB Terrace Balcony
My kids making some very hard decisions. lol#MexicanTienda
One of my favorite things to do in San Miguel is walk the cobblestone streets.
The Night sky at La Catedral The Cathederal in San Miguel de Allende
Handmade Shawl scarves made by local Otomi Women
Tip: To find the best food stands just go to the ones with the most people in line. So here we are. lol