San Miguel de Allende, Mexico (Pete Scales)

• More about your oliver guide: Pete Scales
• Trip type: Family, City, Mountains
• Activity level: moderate
• Ideal length of trip: 4 DAYS TO A WEEK

to & from

We flew to Leon – BJX (Mexican state of Guanajuato). There are no direct flights, but a lot of options through Mexico City or LA. The drive from the airport to San Miguel is 1 – 1.5 hours. Prearrange a car service for a comfortable transfer. (We arranged ours thru the Rosewood hotel.) Our service provided carseats for the little ones, ready for us at pick-up.

Where to Stay

The Rosewood hotel is hard to beat for its beautiful rooftop terrace, restaurants, facilities, and outstanding service. Its a little bit of a walk to el Jardin, but an easy stroll. We enjoyed the added quiet the location provided away from traffic in the town center. We poked our heads into the boutique Hotel Mathilda, which had a high-style and secluded setting that looked amazing.

Where to Eat and Drink

• La Parada to sample excellent ceviches.
• Jacinto 1930 for intricate modern mexican fare, and a beautiful interior setting.
• Restaurant 1826 at Rosewood had great breakfast. Mexican eggs Benedict with chicharones!
• The Restaurant has great food, Thursday burger nights, and a beautiful courtyard.
• Quince rooftop just below the Parroquia had unbeatable views.

What to Do

• Hang out at el Jardin in the center of town.
• La Esquina Toy Museum
• Explore the shops, and restaurants
• Looking for keepsakes from local artisans.
• Wandering the streets of the old colonial city, and peeking into the hidden courtyard.
• Partaking in the activities around el Jardin during the evenings with the Parroquia lit up.

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Eat & Drink saved for next time

Breakfast:

• Cumpanio – French bakery
• Petit Four Patisserie – Pastries
• Posada Corazon – B&B
• Lavanda Cafe. – courtyard. Huevos Rancheros

Lunch:

• Taco Lab by Tacolicious
• Don Felix Tacos
• Don Tacos Tequila
• La Posadita – Rooftop at Parroquia. Mexican food
• Mestizo – Fodors choice

Dinner:

• Aperi – Fancy
• Moxi – Fancy
• Cumpanio – French bakery

Leaving the kids? Check out Cynthia Pillsbury’s couples getaway San Miguel guide here.