By: Natalia Ramos
We present you the activities that you cannot miss during your next visit. From buying handicrafts, delighting in its architecture, jazz evenings and dancing with mojigangas are just some of the good ideas. Are you missing any?
1. Walk through the city: Walk through the streets of the city and admire the colonial architecture of its beautiful buildings. You will understand why San Miguel de Allende is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Mexico.
2. Go to the parish: Visit the parish of San Miguel Arcángel, a symbol of the city, built at the end of the 17th century. Do not lose detail of its striking neo-Gothic façade, designed by the master Ceferino Gutiérrez and superimposed around 1880.
3. Buy handicrafts: Visit the Handicraft Market and in the Lucas Balderas walkway buy one (or several) of the typical handicrafts in brass and natural, copper and decorated sheet that are offered in the place.
4. Discover a corner of Allende: Visit the Casa de Allende. With a beautiful neoclassical façade designed in the mid-18th century, this construction houses an interesting collection of pieces from the time of Independence arranged in the rooms where the hero Ignacio Allende y Unzaga was born.
5. Take a photo in the main square: Take a photo next to the equestrian statue of Ignacio Allende, located in Plaza Cívica, the largest meeting space in the city (located in the north zone). Its outline dates from 1555 and for some time it was considered the original center of the population. Without a doubt, it is the meeting point when it comes to things to do in San Miguel de Allende.
6. Look for the oldest bell in the city: On one side of the Civic Square is the temple of Nuestra Señora de la Salud, which towards the end of the 18th century served as a chapel for the Colegio de San Francisco de Sales. In this place it is said that the oldest bell of this heritage city is preserved. Don’t stop looking for it!
7. Enjoy some churros: Savor some delicious churros and a hot chocolate at the traditional San Agustín restaurant, owned by actress Margarita Gralia, located in an old 18th century mansion a few steps from the Temple of San Francisco. An essential stop among the things to do in San Miguel de Allende.
8. Participate in the Parade of the Fools: During the month of June, you cannot miss the Parade of the Fools, an original event that becomes more popular every year. Within the framework of this party, which takes place on the Sunday following Saint Anthony’s Day, the participants have to dress up and give sweets to the public that attends.
9. Stroll in its botanical garden: If you like botany, 2.5 km northeast of the center of San Miguel, very close to the old dam, is the “El Charco del Ingenio” botanical garden. In this reserve, of approximately 67 hectares, some 1,300 species of cacti are exhibited that you cannot miss!
10. Delight yourself with original cuisine: Savor the best of national and international cuisine in its traditional restaurants located mainly in the central square area. Among the most recognized are: the Fonda San Miguel, Casa Allende, Los Milagros, Mamma Mía, among others.
