Since I started traveling extensively in Mexico, I’ve heard a lot about San Miguel de Allende. It’s known for charming streets, a vibrant art scene, delicious food, and great weather. It’s a favorite among expats. Naturally, I wanted to check it out for myself.
Impressions – June 2023
First of all, a heads up – my initial take on San Miguel de Allende might be a bit skewed. I must have had a run-in with a rogue quesadilla in Querétaro and felt a bit ill for several days after I got back to SMA. It was also unseasonably hot during my visit, and my AirBnB didn’t come with air conditioning. It was the hottest part of the year while I was there, so I imagine it’s pretty nice at other times.
There’s no denying that San Miguel de Allende is beautiful, and a delight to visit. There’s lots to see and do and eat, and I would highly recommend checking it out for at least a few days. I stayed slightly east of the center, near Ignacio Ramírez Market, where the ambiance leans more local and less touristy.
However, I don’t really see it being high on my list of places to hang out for longer periods of time. The cobbled streets and narrow sidewalks aren’t too enjoyable if you like to do a lot of walking. And shady spots are hard to come by if you’re out in the middle of the day.
There are a few good spots to grab a coffee and get some work done, but fewer than I’d like, and mostly concentrated in a small area. There are some very nice supermarkets, but they are quite a ways south of the center. As for Uber, be ready for a 20-minute wait. You’re better off hailing a cab, unless you’re okay with waiting a while. Luckily, cabs were plentiful and the fares inexpensive and quite consistent.
I’d love to revisit when the weather is cooler. Next time, I’d like to try a place slightly south of the city center, closer to Juarez Park.