The Perfect Week in San Miguel de Allende with Ann Dolan
- SMiLE
- Jun 19
- 7 min read
Updated: Jun 23
A Whimsical Journey Through Color, Culture, and Heart
Welcome to San Miguel de Allende — a magical town where you can immediately fall under its spell. With its kaleidoscope of colors, spirited characters, and charming cobblestone streets, this town doesn’t just greet you... it sweeps you off your feet. And after 30+ years of calling this enchanting place home, I still find myself surprised daily by what I am privileged to experience.
San Miguel has a way of turning wide-eyed visitors into old friends almost instantly. So if I could plan the perfect week for you, filled with flavor, wonder, and a sprinkle of local magic, it would look like this…
🌸 Day 1: “Arrival & Sunset Cocktails”
Afternoon
Drop your bags at your hotel, take a deep breath, and wander to El Jardín, the “meeting place” or the heart of town. Life parades before you here — giggling children chasing bubbles, mariachis are vibrantly playing under the portales, newlyweds beaming as they come out of the church, and the “puestos” (food stands) setting up for the evening’s feast. Grab a bench and sit back and take it all in — the sound, the scent, the spirit… the life in San Miguel.
Evening
For your first sunset, there’s no better place than Luna Rooftop at Rosewood. It’s one of those iconic spots where every visitor has to have their first margarita and capture the moment with the Parroquia in the distance. (The Parroquia is the architectural centerpiece of San Miguel, known for its neo-Gothic façade and rose-hued stone, which reflect the town’s historic and cultural depth.) Luna gives you a good perspective of the city with 360-degree views. They have nice music, friendly staff, delicious botanas (appetizers), and if the temperature dips, they will have a blanket ready to give you warmth. You’ve arrived.
🌿 Day 2: “Strolling, Shopping & Sky-High Sips”
Morning
Start your day with a stroll through the cobblestone streets and maybe head to the artisan markets for some shopping. In Centro, look for the famous hand-painted Gorky Pottery (sold at Camino Silvestre), jewelry from Virgin Saints & Angels (found at Cafe Rama), or Elisheva & Constance pieces in Canal 16 (where there is also an excellent restaurant called Bovine known as an elegant, meat‑focused Art Deco‑inspired brasserie‑steakhouse) While continuing to meander our streets, don’t miss the hand-embroidered dresses for women and children, traditional guayaberas for men, and colorful Mexican folk art at the Mercado de Artesanías. The beauty of casually walking the streets is that you will visually see so many shops…just pop your head into any of them. They all have amazing products to see.
Afternoon
Comida at Atrio — where you feel as if you could reach out and touch the Parroquia from your table. Watch the bell ringers on the church’s roof pull thick ropes with no rhyme or reason as to the time, except at the top of the hour (we locals still play guessing games!). The food is fabulous. My favorites are octopus, duck tacos, and the tomahawk steak is outstanding. You are greeted like you are an old friend, and their lounge seating is perfect for a spontaneous cocktail, appetizer, and a view.
Evening
A twilight walk through El Jardín again? Yes, please. The night sparkles here.
🎨 Day 3: “Artful Explorations & Courtyard Delights”
Morning
Get inspired at Fábrica La Aurora, a former textile mill now humming with creativity. One favorite is a sculpture class where you mold your own masterpiece in just a few hours. You’ll feel like Michelangelo with a margarita. Also, Jessica Patterson, one of my partners, has her jewelry line displayed inside Rachel Horn Interior. Check it out.
There are two wonderful restaurants inside Fábrica La Aurora for you to enjoy: Grandpa & Son Burgers and Food Factory.
Afternoon
Time for a courtyard meal at The Restaurant — a local icon. It was on the first “real” restaurants outside of the hotels back in the day – hence the name “The Restaurant”. The space is gorgeous: a center patio with a Moroccan architectural flair. Favorites on the menu are the potstickers and brussels sprout salad. If it is Thursday, then it is hamburger night, a local’s favorite, and the Smash burger is what I always order. YUM!
🌸 Day 4: “Cooking, Culture & Casual Comida:
Morning
Sign up for a cooking class with Chef Ruben at Casa Sierra Nevada, a Belmond hotel. He is as charismatic to listen as he shares his culinary delights. He starts the class with a market tour where you buy your fresh ingredients, depending on the menu of the day, and also depending on what vegetables and fruits are available. We eat so healthy here. When you have made your purchases, you will return to the beautiful, newly remodeled kitchen (inside a 300-year-old building) where you’ll prepare a traditional Mexican dish. The smells coming out of that kitchen are phenomenal! My office is inside the building—I can attest to this firsthand, as we wait for any leftovers to taste, which isn’t often since his students always finish everything
Afternoon
Lunch at Estoril (often referred to along with its Japanese counterpart Murasaki) offers an elegant and welcoming culinary experience focused on high-end international and contemporary Mexican with Mediterranean inspiration. The moment we sit down, my husband starts ordering a mix of appetizers and plates to share: Some of his favorites to share with our friends are the fried parsley tacos, escargot, cactus salad, and jamón serrano. Sip, savor, linger in the restaurant. It is a white tablecloth experience that is still casual. No coats and ties in San Miguel unless you are attending a wedding, and even then, the men can be in guayabera shirts.
🕯️ Day 5: “Puppets, Play, and Rooftop Playlists”
Morning
Peek behind the curtain at Casa de las Mojigangas, the workshop of master artisan Hermes Arroyo. These joyful, larger-than-life papier-mâché puppets are San Miguel’s party mascots. Take a workshop, craft your own, and fall in love with the whimsy. You will see them leading wedding processions or just in the Jardin waiting for you to snap a photo with them.
You can also stop by our CDR office to meet Rita, our resident mojiganga. She's a local celebrity with outfits for every occasion—nails done, earrings gleaming, and headdresses that rival a fiesta queen.We change her outfits by season—she has a colorful Easter ensemble, Independence Day dress—red, white, and green, Day of the Dead mask, and, of course, her Mrs. Claus dress for the Holidays.
Afternoon
Lunch at Moxi’s is a must. It is located at Hotel Matilda, where chef Vicente Torres has created a fine dining concept with Mediterranean touches. If your heart desires a cocktail, quickly stop at the Monkey Bar by the pool. For cocktail lovers, Monkey Bar offers a highly sensory experience with a menu full of creativity and flavors, designed by one of the city’s top mixologists. One of the most popular signature cocktails among guests is the Caviartini, a drink made with vodka and caviar-stuffed olives
Evening
Chase another sunset — either at Antonia Bistro for panoramic views or Quince, where the vibe is buzzy, breezy, and Instagram-ready.
🎭 Day 6: “Festivals, Tastings & Tequila Dreams”
Morning
Start your day with flaky, fabulous pastries at Panio, Cumpanio, or Hortus. Hortus is located on the Jardin, where you could have a nice breakfast watching the town come alive, and then at 9:45, there is a Walking Tour that benefits Patranoto Pro Ninos, one of the many non-profits you can become involved with. They help underprivileged children with their medical and dental needs. They meet in front of the Parroquia, and you give a $ 500 peso donation, and they give you a fantastic historical walking tour for about 1 hour and 30 minutes. A few other nonprofits I support include Casita Linda, which builds homes for families in the most underserved communities; CRISMA, which provides therapy and support for individuals with disabilities; and of course, the Red Cross.
Afternoon
Lunch at Tostevere, a cozy gem you’d almost walk past (but shouldn’t). You must make reservations, as it is a top choice on TripAdvisor! Then indulge in a tasting:
Casa Dragones for silky-smooth tequila
The Tasting Room by Alex Gallina for wine wisdom and curated pours. His classes are amazing. Please reach out to him directly. His knowledge is astounding. He is a sommelier in 4 countries. Alex @ +52 551-224-4632
🌿 Day 7: “Brunch Bliss & Country Dreams”
Morning
A San Miguel must: Brunch at Rosewood. Think: food stations sizzling with fresh tortillas, mimosas on wheels, and garden views that stretch forever. It’s Sunday done splendidly with every choice of Mexican and International cuisine you can imagine!
Afternoon
You can have an afternoon riding horses with Cayote Canyon. They have been giving rides both in the country and in town for so many years. The scenery is beautiful!! Some of my family's fondest afternoons are spent at our home in the country — with horses, dogs, a shady garden, and our duck-visited pond. These are where our memories are made with family and friends.
A Week Well Savored
There is so much beauty in San Miguel – it truly is hard to put it into words unless you personally experience it. This is just a sample of an activity or two daily and a restaurant that you can enjoy, but just remember… there are so many options here – you will love every minute and will find so many things that you can do – you will already be planning your return trip.
I am an ambassador for San Miguel and try to explain the lifestyle we lead, but until you have seen our incredible churches, walked our cobblestone streets, met the beautiful people that generate such happiness that it is so inviting on a daily basis, it really doesn’t resonate until you actually experience it.
I hope this gives you an idea…..I will keep writing… until the next time.
🌟 5 Insider Tips from Me to You
Dress in layers. You’ll experience all four seasons in one day before sunset.
Where to stay? Call Katharine Hibberts at Premier Properties. Her homes are full of soul and sparkle — a bougainvillea-draped dreamscape awaits.
Carry cash (pesos!). Many shops and taxis are still cash-only
Plan on two meals. Desayuno and comida — lighter at night — your belly (and sleep) will thank you.
Say yes. To invites, to chance encounters, to unexpected moments. That’s where the real San Miguel lives - it shines brightest — when a stranger becomes a friend over a shared story or glass of wine.
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