About San Miguel de Allende Mexico

A Little About San Miguel de Allende

San Miguel de Allende has become one of the most popular places in the world to visit. Tourists flock to for the fiestas as well as the beautiful setting of this colonial town.

San Miguel de Allende, known just as San Miguel, is one of a group of colonial cities in central Mexico, it was originally a stop for traders to old silver mining cities, Guanajuato, Zacatecas, San Luis Potosi and Pozos. Located in the center of colonial Mexico it has it is known as birthplace of Mexican independence.

In the 50's San Miguel became known as an art community the town is full of galleries and art schools. For many people a visit is not enough and they decide to move to, or retire in Mexico. Today San Miguel de Allende itself is a, quaint, cobble stone street lined town that attracts tourists from all over north america as well as people from Mexico City, artists, craftspeople and foreign expatriates who have moved to San Miguel.

San Miguel is a relatively small city in size but it is groing all the time it successfully combines old world charm with modern-day cosmopolitan lifestyle.

San Miguel is great for a day, but better better if you stay a few days or weeks! I have known people who came down for 2 week 15 years ago and never left. The town is known for its fine hotels & B&Bs, quaint restaurants and fine shops.

San Miguel is a must-see destination if you are planning on touring Mexico. The city has a unique, attractive charm that reflects all that is best about Mexico.

Attractions

Colonial Center - San Miguel is packed with stunning colonial architecture. The town square is the focus of the city. La Parroquia, which faces the Jardin is one of the main architectural attractions here.

Casa Allende - Be sure to visit the birthplace and home of revolutionary Ignacio Allende, the famous Patriot . This is loacted on the south east corner of the Jardin

Another colonial gem that should be seen is La Casa del Conde Canal , now occupied by the famous Instituto Allende , you can walk through the now famous art school. There are a few restaurants located inside and they often host arts and crafts fairs.

The Instituto Allende - One of the most famous art schools in Mexico founded by Sterling Dickenson and populized by GI's coming back from vietnam, the Instituto Allende is an accredited instutition and hosts students from all over the world who come here to learn various arts and languages in the heart of San Miguel. Students come here and stay for extended periods of time. Click here for more information on rentals ->

Benito Juarez Park - The local park a few blocks south on Aldama seems to always have things going on, and if not it is a beautiful spot to sit and people watch. The annual spring festival of plants is always hosted here.

Museums & Art

Escuela de Bellas Artes , this is a local art institute that offers courses in, art, sculpture, music and dance. The center is hosted in a former convent and is right next to Las Monjas the corrent convent. The huge beautiful courtyard and colonial fountains are a must see. Check inside the office on Hernandez Macias for information on concerts and lectures,

Art galleries are in abundance allowing you to find art for sale everywhere in San Miguel. Quite often you can find art openings on the weekends.

Exploring Around San Miguel

There are Hot Springs nearby, where you bathe in natural warm mineral waters. The most popular are La Gruta, Taboada and Escondido, and are on the road to Dolores Hidalgo.

Day Trips are available to Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajauato, Los Pozos and Queretaro

Getting There & Around

By Air/Ground Transport - San Miguel has no airport, but you can fly to Leon (BJX), Queretaro(QRO) or Mexico City(MEX), and either get a private taxi to San Miguel (although this is relatively expensive unless you are traveling in a group of 3 or 4 people to share the cost) or take a van service, where several people are transported in a comfortable suburban van. This is ideal if you are traveling alone or with just one or two other people and want to save money.

By Bus - You can travel to San Miguel on a luxury bus from Mexico City - the trip takes around 4 hours and departs from Mexico City's northern bus terminal. The best bet from Mexico City though is a bus directly from the airport to Queretaro from there you can take a cab or another bus.

From the Airport - Ground transport from the closest airport (Leon) is by private taxi only although this is relatively expensive unless you are traveling in a group of 3 or 4 people to share the cost. The best way to get to San Miguel is to drive or take the bus.

Taxis - San Miguel's Taxis are not metered, so agree your price before you get in. Your hotel can arrange taxis for you; some post their rates on a board in the lobby. However a taxi pretty much anywhere within the city is 25 pesos.
Local Events Calendar

San Miguel has a huge number of Local Events. If you want more information on the local festivals The best thing to do is buy an Atencion (english newspaper) when you are here or consult the local Tourist Information Office

January 21st - Ignacio Allende's Birthday - a local parade and celebrations take place to mark the birthday Ignacio Allende -- one of Mexico's most revered historical figures and the person whom the town of San Miguel Allende is named after.

Easter Week - Religious celebrations are big in San Miguel - not least because it has six Patron Saints - and Easter week is of course, one of the biggest. The festivals during Easter week, will include a variety of celebrations, parties and street performances.

All of September - Independence, Running of the Bulls (Sanmiguelada) and what is probably San Miguel's biggest festival Alborada- that Archangel Saint Michael.

Practical Information

Exchanging Currency: Banks are found throughout the downtown area of San Miguel. During business hours, they and the local Casas de Cambio will buy traveler's cheques and cash from you as well. San Miguel also has plenty of ATM's that work for US credit or debit or account cards.

Internet Access: Internet cafes are commonplace in Mexico - new ones open and old ones close all the time - but you won't have to look too hard to find one downtown and in the main tourist areas.

If living in San Miguel the 2 best internet connectivity places are Cablevision, Cable internet and Telmex, with broadband and dialup.

There is WiFi Access at the Library: The town's central library (biblioteca) offers free WiFi (wireless internet) access. Several restaurants and cafés offer wireless as well.

Local Climate

San Miguel enjoys year-round, warm-to-hot & dry weather. The climate is ideal for taking part in a variety of outdoor sports and activities and for taking in the local culture, architecture and scenery. Rain is seldom a feature here; thunderstorms happen infrequently during the months of April thru November, but tend to be fierce and brief in the late afternoon, leaving the evenings dry and cooled off.

Winter evenings and early mornings can be quite cool - so pack some wool pullovers if you're traveling during the winter months.

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San Miguel de Allende Mexico