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Selected #1 by Travel and Leisure Magazine’s “World’s Top 15 Cities” in 2017, San Miguel de Allende dates back to 1542, 50 years after Columbus’ debut in the New World, founded along the “Silver Road” from the city of Zacatecas to Guanajuato and on to Mexico City.
When the silver ran out and it was sure to become a ghost town, the Mexican government wisely decided in 1926 to declare San Miguel a National Historic Monument, as this part of Mexico was where the independence movement began and flourished and the town was a colonial gem.
Great Weather Year Round
The city was restored and continues to be maintained in impeccable condition with the streets cleaned by hand daily and the city center maintained so that every corner is a visual treat! It has become a center for artists from all over the world and a favorite tourist destination for Americans and Canadians both visiting and retiring here, with great bars and restaurants, art galleries, and the most splendid weather that you could imagine.
So if you’ve only been to Mexican beaches, treat yourself to the interior of Mexico, loaded with historic colonial cities and where the elevation and the summer cloud cover keep the temperature warm and mild all year round.
Mexican Disneyland for Foreigners
People say that San Miguel is a bit like a Mexican Disneyland for foreign (mainly American) retirees and visiting “Chilangos” (those from Mexico City). While there is a certain fairy tale feel to the place, it is a beautiful city, with colonial architecture, enchanting cobblestone streets and striking light (especially popular among photographers and artists). Regular festivals, fireworks and parades dominate the local scene.
San Miguel de Allende is a Safe Place
While the town’s cosmopolitan ambiance is reflected in its excellent restaurants and high-class accommodations, galleries, and cultural activities, the local culture and language coexist and help to make it an incredibly relaxing place and a great spot to learn and practice Spanish.
San Miguel de Allende is an extremely safe place for visitors and the streets are peaceful to walk in. Given its climate and natural landscape, combined with good infrastructure, it offers a wide range of activities related to leisure and entertainment. Outdoor activities include horseback riding, biking, hot air ballooning, camping, 4×4 tours, etc.
