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San Miguel de Allende is a colonial town in central Mexico that is becoming increasingly popular with travelers. It’s been voted one of the best cities in the world by several travel companies. My grandfather was born and raised here, so I have visited several times. Over the years, I have become very familiar with the city and its attractions. In this blog post, I’ll discuss the top 10 things to do in San Miguel de Allende on a budget.
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Where is San Miguel de Allende?
San Miguel de Allende is located in the central highlands of Mexico, in the state of Guanajuato. It is about 270 kilometers northwest of Mexico City.
How to Get to San Miguel de Allende
Unfortunately, San Miguel de Allende does not have its own airport. There are a couple of different ways you can get to San Miguel de Allende.
From Querétaro
The closest international airport to San Miguel de Allende is Querétaro Intercontinental Airport (QRO), located about 70 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a taxi or arrange a shuttle service to reach San Miguel de Allende. This can be a little expensive.
If you are on a budget, you can take a taxi or Uber to the ETN bus station in Querétaro, and pay 95 pesos ($5 USD) to get to San Miguel de Allende. The bus ride is about 1-1.5 hours.
From León, Guanajuato
It is also possible to fly into Guanajuato International Airport (BJX) in León, about 100 kilometers east of San Miguel de Allende. From the airport, you can take a bus for about 200 pesos (about $11.50 USD). The total trip takes about 2-2.5 hours.
From Mexico City
You can often find cheaper and more direct flights into Mexico City. If you do, you can also take a bus from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende. There are several bus companies offering this trip at the Central Norte bus terminal. The trip is about 4 hours long and costs between $30-35 USD.
What to Do in San Miguel de Allende
While there is plenty to see and do in San Miguel de Allende on a budget, here are our recommended top 10!
1. Visit the Charco del Ingenio
Nature lovers will enjoy the Charco del Ingenio, a botanical garden located a short distance from San Miguel de Allende. Here, you’ll be able to see the flora and fauna of the region, including a vast collection of native Mexican plants. This nature reserve also has an impressive canyon with stunning views. The entry fee is only 50 pesos (about $3 USD).
2. Relax in the hot springs
There are several hot springs located just outside of San Miguel de Allende. The most popular is La Gruta, which offers several thermal pools and an iconic underground thermal cave. There are also spa services, such as massages, offered here. The entrance fee is 250 pesos (about $14 USD).
3. Experience the nightlife
In recent years, San Miguel de Allende has started to offer a vibrant nightlife scene. If you go around the city center (Centro Histórico) at night, there are a variety of bars and nightclubs to check out. I would avoid going to bars outside of the city center, as they can be more dangerous
4. Check out different parades around the city center
It seems like every day there is a holiday or celebration in San Miguel de Allende. Parades will frequently occur in the city center, showcasing the rich cultural traditions of the region. Check out the video below to see a parade I witnessed on my last trip there.
5. Try out an outdoor activity
There are several outdoor activities you can do in and around San Miguel de Allende. Hot air balloon tours are popular options, as well as horseback riding, city tours, and even camping in ranches on the outskirts of the city. Going for a run in San Miguel de Allende is also a popular activity and great way to experience the city.
6. Admire the rooftop views of the city
One of the most budget-friendly activities enjoyed by locals and travelers alike is to admire the breathtaking rooftop views of the city. If you want to experience these views, I recommend heading to a restaurant or bar that does not charge an entry fee. Just order a simple drink or small meal and you’ll be free to spend as much time enjoying the views as you’d like.
7. Visit La Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel
You cannot visit San Miguel de Allende without visiting La Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel. This iconic pink church stands high above the surrounding buildings in the city center. Visitors of all faiths are welcome to enter the church and admire its beauty. However, no photos are permitted inside. Entry to the church is free, but donations are accepted. You can also admire La Parroquia from El Jardin, the shaded central plaza directly across from it.
8. Check out the local markets
There are several markets in San Miguel de Allende, with a couple located just a few blocks from the city center. Make sure to bargain with the vendors, because the prices are often inflated. If you want a truly authentic experience, go to the Tianguis de los Martes that is open every Tuesday. You can try some unique foods there, such as chapulines (grasshoppers) or a gusano de maguey (maguey worm).
9. Visit the Ignacio Allende museum
I highly recommend visitors to check out the Ignacio Allende museum (Museo Histórico Casa de Allende). This museum is located in the heart of the city center and showcases the life and legacy of Ignacio Allende. He had a profound impact on the history of not just San Miguel de Allende (which is named after him), but also Mexico as a whole. The entrance fee is 65 pesos (about $3.75 USD).
10. Walk along its picturesque streets and parks
San Miguel de Allende attracts people from around the world, partially due to its colonial architecture. The well-preserved buildings and colorful flowers make walking down the street a memorable experience! In addition, there are several parks around the city worth visiting. One of these parks, Parque Benito Juárez, is located right next to Aldama Street, the most famous street in San Miguel de Allende.
Best Time to Visit San Miguel de Allende
The best time to visit San Miguel de Allende is in April. During this time, it is cool in the mornings and warm during the day. But this is also when the jacaranda trees are blooming. This turns many of the city’s trees purple! It is an incredible sight.
Many people visit San Miguel de Allende from November to April to escape the winter weather back home. During this time, accommodations will likely be more expensive. To save the most money, visit during the summer months from June to August.
Where to Stay in San Miguel de Allende
There are a few different options to choose from when deciding where to stay in San Miguel de Allende. What you choose will depend on your budget, desired level of luxury, and what kind of experiences you wish to have.
Low budget
If you visiting San Miguel de Allende on a budget, La Catrina Hostel is a great option. This hostel is located right in the center of town. You can stay in a dormitory for about $11 USD/night! It is hard to find accommodations this cheap in San Miguel de Allende, especially with a convenient location.
Medium budget
If you want to stay in a private room, I recommend El Mesón del Quijote. This small hotel has a “bed and breakfast” feel, and is a great place for couples and families. This is also in a very convenient location, with the central plaza just a few minutes away by walking. Rooms here go for about $50 USD/night.
High budget
If you truly want a luxurious experience, check out Villa Santa Mónica. This hotel is located just a few minutes from the central plaza. In addition to its great location, this 5-star hotel also offers a bar, restaurant, terrace, and swimming pool to its guests. It is the perfect place to relax after a long day of exploring!
Check out the map below for available accommodations.
FAQs about San Miguel de Allende
1. Is San Miguel de Allende safe?
Yes, San Miguel de Allende is safe. However, there are some dangerous areas on the outskirts of the city. You should avoid going too far away from the city center, especially at night.
2. Are there Ubers in San Miguel de Allende?
Yes, there are Ubers in San Miguel de Allende. These are a cheap and convenient way to get around town.
3. How many days is enough in San Miguel de Allende?
I recommend spending at least 3 days in San Miguel de Allende. This city is a great place to relax during your travels, so you may end up wanting to spend more time here!
4. Can you use US dollars in San Miguel de Allende?
Although many hotels and restaurants cater to tourists, you cannot use US dollars in San Miguel de Allende. You will have to exchange them for Mexican pesos or use a credit card.
5. Can you drink the water in San Miguel de Allende?
Don’t drink the tap water in San Miguel de Allende. You could get sick, and bottled water is very cheap. In addition, many hotels offer purified water, which is safe to drink.
