San Miguel de Allende
Events |
Activities |
Dining
Events
San Miguel de Allende is host to numerous festivals throughout the year, making it a popular vacation destination for foreigners and Mexicans alike. In the summer there is the world-class Chamber Music Festival, in winter the annual Jazz Festival, and countless celebrations for the dead, saints, and others. And don’t forget about what is arguably the biggest party weekend of the year, the renowned Running of the Bulls.
Dia de los Muertos, The Day of the Dead
This event is one of the most well known in Mexico and takes place at the beginning of November. This is not a morbid festival, as the name might imply, but rather it’s a celebration of the lives of the deceased. The festival celebrates death as the beginning of a new life. During this event the streets leading to the main cemetery of San Miguel are crowed, starting at mid-day, and stay that way long into the night.
Three Kings' Day
This event takes place at the beginning of January, and is also known as the Day of the Epiphany. The celebration commemorates the Three Wise Men who followed the Star of Bethlehem to the manger and the baby Jesus. During this celebration it's customary to invite friends and neighbors into your dwelling to share a special sweet loaf, known as the Wreath of the Kings.
St. Anthony's Day
This Saint's Day takes place on January 17, and is celebrated by people taking their animals to be blessed at churches in and around San Miguel. The celebration of this festival is believed to keep the evil spirits away, and to bring fertility and regeneration of the land.
San Miguel Activities
Most of San Miguel's sightseeing highlights are clustered around the compact downtown area. This is a wonderful city for aimless wandering along its narrow cobbled lanes. Guided walking tours of the city are available. The Mercado is a pleasant place to shop and eat traditional meals. There is also a renowned music festival in December, The San Miguel Music Festival. Parque Juarez is an excellent park near downtown.
Horseback Riding | Health Spas | What to See | Art
Arts & Crafts | Golf
HORSEBACK RIDING
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Coyote Canyon Adventures Horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, four wheeler, camping, rappelling,hot air ballooning, riding roping & cooking lessons www.coyotecanyonadventures.com Tel: (415) 154 4193 or (415) 153 5005 Cel: 044 (415) 153 5005 |
Sol y Luna Horseback riding, Kayaking, Art Gallery Tours, Hiking, Horse races, Shopping tours, Bull fights, Pyramids, Pueblos & Hacienda tours www.solylunatours.com Tel: (415) 154 55 51 or 044 (415) 103 4112 |
HEALTH SPAS
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Patricia Spa Manicure, Pedicure, Massage, Reflexology, Waxing, Facials * In - home services Ladrillera # 1 (corner Pila Seca) Tel: (415) 154 8104 or 044 (415) 100 2101 E-mail: patispasma@hotmail.com |
Jasmine Day Spa Swedish, Deep Tissue, Lymphatic & Aromatherapy Massages Reflexology * Deep Cleansing Facials * Salt Scrub Herbal Wrap * Manicure * Pedicure Jesus #25-A * Tel. (4) 152-7973 |
WHAT TO SEE
El Jardin
A visit to the city's lovely main plaza will quickly give you a feel for San Miguel's magic. Relax and watch the town at work and play. Make sure you are here in the evening when strolling musicians entertain the crowds.
Iglesia de San Francisco
A fine example of Mexico's Churrigueresque architecture. Built in the late 18th century on Juarez between San Francisco & Mesones.
Jardin Bótanico
One of the areas premiere botanical gardens. You'll find over 1,900 species and 5 miles of walking paths. The gardens are on a hill above town, just ask for directions. It is open daily sunrise-sunset and there is a small donation suggested.
La Parroquia
This pink, gothic-style parish church dominates the plaza with it's soaring sandcastle-like spires. It is one of Mexico's great treasures. The story says the church was designed by a self-taught Indian mason who was inspired by postcards of gothic European cathedrals. The original building dates to the late 17th century.
Bellas Artes
Also known as El Nigromante Cultural Center is part museum, part artist showcase, and part art school. It is housed in the former 18th century Convento de la Concepción at Macias #75.
Parque Juarez
A large shady park perfect for relaxing or strolling. The park is at Aldama & Diezmo.
Templo del Oratorio de San Felipe Neri
A clash of architectural styles such as neoclassic, baroque and others provides for one unique church. The inside is wonderful. Found at Canal & Macias.
Mercado Ignacio Ramirez
This is the city's main market and is filled with both foods and goods. It is in front of Oratorio de San Felipe Neri.
ART GALLERIES
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Galeria Atelier Great quality, Mexican & Internetional art. Jewelry, Sculpture, Art & Studio Fabrica la Aurora www.galeriaatelier.com Mon - Fri 11 to 6 / Sat 12-4 Tel: (044) 415 151 8665
Galeria Pergola Mexican Fine Art featuring Modern Masters & more Inside the Instituto Allende www.galeriapergola.com Tel: (415) 154-5595
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Art in Mexico with Anita Middleton Private tours of Artists' Studios and Contemporary Art Museums in Mexico City. Tell her that Premier sent you. email: anita@anitamiddleton.com From: U.S. dial: (214) 764-8773 Local Tel: (415) 152-5509
Generator Gallery Showcase of works by internationally established artists living in San Miguel. www.generatorgallery.com Fabrica la Aurora Calzada de la Aurora S/N Mon - Sat 10:00 to 06:00 Tel: (415) 154-9588 |
SHOPPING
Finca
Furniture, Accessories, Interiors & Bibelots
Fabrica La Aurora
Tel: (415) 154-8323
www.fincahome.com
Mitu
Antiques, Furniture & Decoration Articles
Pila Seca # 3
Tel: 044 (415) 117-9431
Namuh Decorative items & Fine Furniture from Asia
Camino a Alcocer Km 2.2
www.namuhmex.com
Tel: (415) 154 6909 * (415) 120 3650 * (415) 154 8080
Gogo
Natural Jewelry Desigs. Great Selection made with natural patterns from bones & shells
www.gogo@gogojewelry.com
Agua de Coco
Great collection of sophisticated beach wear and shoes. Sollano # 32: Tuesday - Saturday: 11-5pm
Sollano 16
Luxury goods from Spain, Italy, France, Argentina, and Israel
Sollano #16
www.sollano16.com
Tel: (415) 154-8872
GOLF
Malanquín Country Club
Road to Celaya (3 kms south of town, just north of Los Frailes)
Tel: 152-0516 or Tel/Fax:152-6721
Hours: Tues-Sun 8am - 6 pm, Closed Mondays
This the only golf course currently around, and is a 9-hole course that opened in 1970. If you are not a member, you can only tee off after 1 pm on the weekends. The country club also has four clay tennis courts, swimming pool and a driving range. Members of the Country Club also have privileges at Country Club of Quertétaro, the Country Clun of Juriquilla, and the Country Club of Celaya.
Green Fees for Non-Members:
9 Holes is 456 pesos.
Caddie for 9 holes is 80 pesos plus tip or 18 holes for 100 pesos plus tip.
Electric Cart is 156 pesos for 9 holes, or 240 pesos for 18 holes.
Dining and Nightlife
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The diversity of San Miguel's food rivals that of a major metropolis. You will find traditional and regional foods in great abundance plus Italian, Continental, vegetarian, and Spanish dishes. Cafes abound, and many places feature live music. San Miguel de Allende is a colonial city full of history, so don't expect the glitzy nightclubs of Acapulco or Cancun.
Regional | International | Bars/Clubs | Pastries |
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REGIONAL |
INTERNATIONAL |
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El Correo Correo # 23 Great Mexican dishes
Bugambilia Old-style Mexican Cuisine Hildalgo #42 * Tel: (415) 152-0127
Pueblo Viejo Mexican Patio Restaurant Umaran #6 Tel: (415) 152-4977
Hecho en Mexico Mexican & International Ancha de San Antonio #8 Tel: (415) 154-6383
Tio Lucas Reasonable Prices * Patio Setting Live Music * Hours: 1pm-12am Mesones #103 * Tel: (415) 152-4996 |
The Restaurant at Sollano #16 Cocina Fusion Sollano #16 Call for Reservations * Tel: (415) 154-7877
MiVida Italian Restaurant Elegant Italian Dining Open Everyday expect Tuesdays: 1:30pm - 10:30pm & Sundays 3:30-10:30pm Hernandez Macias #97 * Tel: (415) 152-7482
Food Factory Serving an eclectic Asian fusion. Aurora Fabrica #1-A
La Crepe Patio cafe serving Crepes Hospicio #37 * Tel: (415) 154-9435
La Grotta Italian & Pizza Cuadrante 5 * Tel: (415) 152-4119
El Tomate Argentine/Italian fusion Mesones 62 * Tel: (415) 154-6390
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BARS/CLUBS |
PASTRIES/CAFES |
DRINKS Boutique Bar Tuesday - Saturday 4 PM-12 AM Correo #17 * Tel: (415) 152-7979Mint Late Night Club Mesones #99
Azotea Lounge Rooftop Bar Umaran # 6* Tel: (415) 152-8265 |
El Petit Four International pastry and coffee shop European-style Pastries Mesones #99-1 * Tel: (415) 154-4010
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