Located in the Central Mexico state of Guanajuato and known for its preserved cobblestone streets, Spanish colonial-style architecture, and creative cuisine, this UNESCO World Heritage City is also called “Mexico’s Gift to the World.” One of the best ways to spend a day in San Miguel de Allende is to wander the 68 blocks of historic streets in its picturesque city center and eye candy for photographers.

Shopping in San Miguel is a treat. A dizzying number of boutiques selling art, clothing, jewelry, home design, and artisanry can keep one busy!

We were lucky enough to be there during the colorful holiday of Dia de Los Muertos, during which locals honor the dead and decorate homes, businesses, and people to the nines. The Belmond Casa de Sierra Nevada and the Rosewood are exceptional properties located right in the mix.

The food in San Miguel is delicious…Visitors sample local mezcal and tequila at neighborhood watering holes or rooftop bars with staggering views.

The Rosewood San Miguel De Allende

Set in the heart of this charming artists’ village, Rosewood San Miguel de Allende provides all the luxuries of a full fledged luxury resort including fantastic dining, spa, tennis and an enormous pool, yet with 67 guest rooms and 9 private residences, it managed to feel boutique.

The rooms are decorated with stunning wood-beamed ceilings and private balconies or terraces, and most have fireplaces. Multiple restaruants, a tequila bar, and a vibrant roof top, make this the place to be. Location however is still prime, in the city center with easy walks down cobble stone streets to all of San MIgue’s magnificence.

Belmond Casa de Sierra Nevada

Water fountains and blooming flowerpots dot the cluster of six historic 17th and 18th-century houses that comprise the hotel, including 37 guest rooms, all unique and steeped in history. The hotel allows guests to feel like locals as they step into their homes, enjoy the refreshing pool in the courtyard, or make their way across the cobblestone street to hit the rooftop bar. The discreet hotel setting is decidedly authentic and gives guests an insider’s perspective of San Miguels’ enchantment.

The closest major airports are Guanajuato International Airport (BJX) in Guanajato and Querétaro Intercontinental Airport (QRO) in Querétaro. Both airports are about 1.5 hours away from San Miguel de Allende.

San Miguel does not need to be a stand-alone stop; however, Mexico City is always well worth a visit, and you can check out a separate write-up on that.

All over Mexico, you’ll find towns with gorgeous, historic centers filled with ornate Baroque buildings and elegant plazas. Here are seven standouts that boast well-preserved colonial architecture. (Believe it or not, I did this entire trip when I was 18 years old. My best friend and I rented a Volkswagon Beetle, lovingly referred to as a VOCHO in Mexico, and spent a month driving around Mexico. We visited all of these colonial cities mentioned below, plus Oaxaca, Puebla, Mexico City, and Cancun.

Guanajuato – a UNESCO World Heritage Site tucked away in San Miguel’s shadow. It’s largely devoid of the crowds of international visitors you’ll find in other, more popular Mexican cities, yet still packed with a full slate of interesting opportunities ripe for exploration. Guanajuato’s streets are perfectly strollable, and right upon your arrival by car or bus, you’ll understand why: much of the traffic is routed through the cavernous tunnels running under the city, which leaves the streets largely empty of vehicles.

Taxco de Alarcón —Taxco is blessed with magnificent colonial architecture and stunning natural geography. The two combine to make it one of the most picturesque cities in Mexico, yet surprisingly, it does not yet draw huge numbers of tourists.

Querétaro’s – relative anonymity is a bonus to visitors, too. In the rush of tourism to nearby San Miguel de Allende, travelers somehow overlook Querétaro. It’s a bit surprising since Querétaro’s historic city center is a prime example of the magnificent colonial architecture that made its neighbor a must-see destination. Every day, I walk out my front door and into the shadow of Templo de la Merced. If I’m ever lost in the city, I simply look for the crimson dome – freshly painted the week I moved in – and follow it home.

Campeche – Surrounded by thick fortified walls, the heart of Campeche is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to wonderfully preserved Baroque churches, shady plazas where time appears to stand still, and 18th- and 19th-century pastel-shaded houses that look like they’ve been plucked from the pages of a Gabriel García Márquez novel.

Merida – Merida’s position on the Yucatan peninsula gives it a tropical Caribbean atmosphere, which contrasts with most of Mexico’s colonial cities. With its palm trees and humidity, it reminds me more of Havana or San Juan than Mexico City.
In many ways, Merida symbolizes Mexico’s hybrid nature. On the one hand, the Maya population of the region has ensured that its people’s dress and food have a clear indigenous influence. On the other hand, the architecture of its center feels very Spanish, and it has firmly embraced European culture. Its streets are lined with sculptures, and it’s home to museums, art galleries, and even an opera house.
San Cristóbal de las Casas – is one of Mexico’s most attractive cities. Its historic center is filled with cobbled streets, mansions with red-tiled roofs, and ornate churches, some dating back to the 1500s.