The Magic of Mexico's San Miguel de Allende Irene S. Levine - NBC Universal
go to original March 25, 2013

Turismo en Guanajuato (gtoexperience)

San Miguel de Allende has no beaches or blue waters like the Mexican resorts of Cancun, Cozumel, or Los Cabos - and it isn’t very easy to get to directly from U.S. or Canadian cities. Nonetheless, almost 20 percent of people living there are expatriates. Once tourists visit, they fall in love with this magical city in central Mexico. Here are ten reasons why:

1) History

Recently listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, San Miguel de Allende is named after General Ignacio Allende, a prominent figure in Mexico’s War of Independence. The city’s rich history dates back to 1542, however, and to its importance as a one-time hub of the silver trade.

2) Architecture

San Miguel de Allende is known for its well-preserved Colonial and Spanish architecture. The tallest building in the city, with a façade of pink limestone, is the Parroquia de San Miguel Archangel. The architect, Zeferino Gutierrezm used a picture postcard to create the gothic façade for the local parish church that was inspired by Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.

3) Eclectic Shops

The shops in San Miguel de Allende are a mix of art galleries, souvenir shops, modern boutiques, and old-time stores like this pharmacy, Botica De Santa Teresita, that has doled out inexpensive homeopathic remedies for more than a century.

4) Cultural Mix

With a temperate climate, vibrant art scene, and moderate cost-of-living, San Miguel de Allende attracts many foreign retirees, artists and writers, predominantly from the U.S. and Canada. With the economic downturn, more tourists are coming from other cities in Mexico and from other countries. There are many weekend festivals, like this one from Cuba, that celebrate the music and dance of other cultures.

5) Food & Dining

Because San Miguel de Allende is so popular with tourists, there are a wide range of dining options, from street foods to gourmet restaurants. Enrique Olvera, one of the most prominent chefs in all of Mexico, oversees Moxi Restaurant at Hotel Matilda. Located in the courtyard of the hotel, the menu emphasizes inventive dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

6) Rooftops

With such temperate weather, described by some as “eternal spring,” many of San Miguel de Allende’s restaurants and bars are on rooftops, offering beautiful city views. This is Luna Rooftop Tapas Bar at the Rosewood Resort.

7) Art

After World War II, many soldiers took advantage of the GI bill and enrolled in art schools in San Miguel, the first of which opened here in 1938. There is still a very vibrant arts community with many studios and galleries with working artists and artisans. The Fabrica La Aurora is an art and design center housed in a former textile factory.

8) Walkability

The historic center of San Miguel encompasses 24 blocks of narrow streets, alleys, and paths without any traffic lights. Although the city is quite walkable in terms of distances, the uneven cobblestone streets can be perilous, especially for someone wearing the wrong shoes.

9) Jacaranda Trees

Blossoming lavender-colored jacaranda trees are native to tropical and subtropical regions of Central America, South America, Mexico and the Caribbean. Between March and April, these beautiful trees are in full bloom in San Miguel de Allende.

10) Dramatic Sunrises and Sunsets

Because of the light and changing colors of the foothills of the Sierra Madre, sunrises and sunsets in San Miguel de Allende can be quite dramatic.

For further information about San Miguel de Allende, see the official website of Guanajuato Tourism. (San Miguel de Allende is located in the state of Guanajuato.)

We invite you to add your charity or supporting organizations' news stories and coming events to PVAngels so we can share them with the world. Do it now!