Things to do in San Miguel de Allende

It’s not every day that I fall completely starry-eyed in love with a new city. But that’s precisely what happened when I visited San Miguel de Allende, a charming spot in Mexico that offers the perfect mix of art, culture, and fun. For families seeking an awesome 3-night adventure, our guide ensures unforgettable fun. Let’s dive into family-friendly things to do in San Miguel de Allende!

Things to do in San Miguel de Allende: Artistic Exploration

Art classes are one of the best things to do in San Miguel de Allende. Catrina skeleton figurines made at Mi San.Mike art class. — Our finished catrinas

Girl in sunglasses sitting on pink sofa at Fabrica la Aurora in San Miguel de Allende — Our finished catrinas

Begin your day at Fabrica la Aurora, a lively hub of art galleries. Wander the historic space where modern and classic art collide. You might even catch artists at work! But you can do more than watch – join an art class like the one Guadalupe offers at Mi San Mike. Contact her directly ([email protected]) for better pricing than you’ll find on her Airbnb experience (500 pesos per person). While she doesn’t speak English, she had a friend translate, and we crafted our own catrinas while learning about their history.

Things to do in San Miguel de Allende: Xotolar Ranch Day Trip

Little girl in a cowboy hat looking over her shoulder while riding a horsenat Xotolar Ranch

Stuffed green peppers and a serving spoon on a plate at Xotolar Ranch near San Miguel de Allende

Escape to Xotolar Ranch, just 30 minutes from town, for a half-day of horse riding. Run by an extended local family, this ranch offers a genuine experience. Enjoy the desert’s beauty, complete with optional galloping. After that, tuck into a homemade meal with cheese made from the milk you collected from their cows that morning. It’s the perfect mix of adventure and authenticity. My horse-crazy daughter was in heaven!

Horse resting in desert setting during ride at Xotolar Ranch near San MIguel de Allende

Lindsey from Adventurous Tastes waving on horseback as she rides through cacti on Xotolar Ranch near San Miguel de Allende

Things to do in San Miguel de Allende: Stylish Shopping Galore

Dive into the vibrant world of Mercado de Artesanías. Spend hours exploring stalls filled with treasures. Negotiate if you can, but even as a tourist, the prices are fair. I came home with a mask; an Otomi pillowcase, embroidered stuffed animals, and more! For upscale finds, hit boutiques like Doce 18 Concept House and Eclectic Array. Fashionistas, you’re in for a treat!

Lindsey from Adventurous Tastes shopping at Mercado de Artesanías

Things to do in San Miguel de Allende: Architectural Marvels and Vibrant Nights

Don’t miss San Miguel de Allende’s stunning architecture. Each door is Instagram-worthy! The peach-hued Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel dazzles particularly from one of the town’s many rooftop restaurants. As night falls, head to nearby Jardin Allende. This square is filled with families and mariachi bands. It’s the ultimate people-watching spot!

Pink walled church and mnsoan selling ball — Mojigangas are giant puppets that come out for celebrations

Church lit up at night in San Miguel de Allende — Mojigangas are giant puppets that come out for celebrations

Things to do in San Miguel de Allende: Family Dining Guide

Start your day with a lavender latte at the charming Lavanda Cafe. Once you’ve worked that off with some shopping, head to Inside Cafe for a scrumptious sandwich and a cocktail. When sunset approaches, a rooftop is the place to be. Don’t miss Luna on the Rosewood rooftop, which offers swanky cocktails and an unbeatable view.

Monte Christo sandwich and salad at Inside Cafe in San Miguel de Allende — Monte Christo sandwich at Inside cafe

Pistachio cinnamon bun at Lavanda Cafe — Monte Christo sandwich at Inside cafe

While Tostavere is probably not a great fit for the youngest travelers, it was a perfect dinner with our tween and offered stellar cocktails for mom and dad, while Mezcaleria is your spot for pre-dinner drinks. Pair these with street food from popular trucks like Andy’s Tacos or San Francisco Tacos, and you’re in for a delicious experience.

Where to Stay in San Miguel de Allende

Girl from Adventurous Tastes walking on patio of her Airbnb in San Migue de Allende — Our Airbnb

Girl from Adventurous Tastes exploring a fountain decorated for Chinese New Year at Rosewood in San Miguel de Allende — Our Airbnb

SMA offers a bevy of stylish boutique hotels and more spacious apartment or villa accomodations. A few of our favorites:

Casa del Tio (family room available)
LOtel Casa Arca (private suite)
Casa 1810 Boutique (2 queens)
Holt Art (3 bedroom villa)
Hotel Maria Camille (deluxe 2 queens with balcony)

How to get to San Miguel de Allende

We took a 3.5-hour luxury coach from Mexico City. While a little confusing to navigate the Mexico City Norte bus station, the bus itself was a pleasant way to travel. Pro tip: Ignore the lack of signage and head to gate 1 from which all ETN buses depart. If you want to skip Mexico City, fly into Guanajuato International Airport (BJX) in Guanajato or Querétaro Intercontinental Airport (QRO) in Querétaro.

San Miguel de Allende with Kids – Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the top family-friendly activities in San Miguel de Allende?

There are so many family-friendly things to do in San Miguel de Alllende! The city boasts art classes, beautiful walks and parks, nearby adventure, and great restaurants.

Explore the stunning town on a walking tour, take a food tour or art class, take a leisurely stroll through El Charco del Ingenio, or enjoy a picnic at Parque Juárez.

Don’t miss the educational Museo La Esquina del Juguete, a toy museum that’s fun for all ages. Additionally, horse riding tours and hot air balloon rides provide thrilling experiences for the whole family.

2. Are there any kid-friendly restaurants in San Miguel de Allende?

Absolutely! San Miguel de Allende boasts several kid-friendly restaurants. Luna Rooftop Tapas Bar offers stunning views and a variety of dishes that kids will love. Inside Cafe provides a cozy atmosphere and excellent sandwiches. For a sweet treat, head to Churrería San Agustín, famous for its delicious churros and hot chocolate.

3. How many days should we plan to stay in San Miguel de Allende?

San Miguel de Allende has so many things to do, I recommend a stay of at least 3-4 nights. This allows ample time to explore the city’s main attractions without feeling rushed. You can also enjoy a day trip to nearby hot springs, Xotolar Ranch horseback riding or the archaeological site of Cañada de la Virgen. A few days will also give you the chance to savor the local cuisine, participate in cultural activities, and simply relax in the charming atmosphere of this beautiful city.

4. Is San Miguel de Allende safe for families to visit?

Yes, San Miguel de Allende is considered one of the safest cities in Mexico, making it an ideal destination for families. The city is known for its friendly locals and a strong sense of community. However, like any travel destination, it’s important to stay vigilant. Keep an eye on your belongings, avoid poorly lit areas at night, and follow local guidelines. By taking standard safety precautions, your family can enjoy all the wonderful things to do in San Miguel de Allende without worry.

Looking for more family adventures?

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