San Miguel de Allende

San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato

San Miguel was originally known as San Miguel El Grande and founded as such in 1542 by Fray Juan de San Miguel of the Franciscan order. The name was changed to San Miguel de Allende in 1826 in honor of national hero of the Independence, Gen. Ignacio Allende.

The quaint, cobble stoned colonial town, lying on a hillside around its town square or jardín, was designated a national historical monument in 1930. Clustered around the central plaza are a number of colonial structures that include the church (La Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel, or Parish of St. Michael Archangel), construction of which began in 1689 and was completed in 1730 with further additions being built on into the 1800´s, and the Casa de Allende, with elaborate balconies and stone carvings, where Ignacio de Allende was born and which now serves as a museum displaying articles and artifacts dating from pre-Columbian times through the days of the Independence movement in Mexico.

In 1950 the Instituto Allende art school was founded, and San Miguel began to attract a growing number of foreign artists, craftspeople and tourists. The city now has several art and Spanish schools and private tutors and the most extensive bilingual library in the country, as well as the Photography Academy, art exhibits and concerts, crafts shops and markets and a fabulous selection of fine restaurants, many offering music while you dine or enjoy a drink.

San Miguel de Allende Hotels and Accommodations…

San Miguel de Allende is accessible by air through the Aeropuerto del Bajio (BJX) near León, just over 100 kms. from San Miguel, or through Mexico City´s international airport, 4 hours away. Many people take the luxury class buses down from the U.S. border at Laredo, about a 14 hr. overnight drive.

The Churches and Chapels of San Miguel…

The Doors of San Miguel De Allende

On Mexican Time – A New Life in San Miguel… a story set in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

Tying Loose Ends in Mexico: Essays and Images from San Miguel de Allende

Wining and Dining in San Miguel de Allende

With San Miguel de Allende’s popularity over the years as a center for art and culture, it has attracted visitors from all over the world, many of whom have irrevocably fallen in love and lost their hearts to this picturesque town. This confluence of international influence is notable when strolling the cobblestone streets of town in search of food, refreshment and entertainment. San Miguel de Allende offers some wonderful cuisine surrounded by incredible decor and ambiance.

Here is only a sampling of San Miguel de Allende’s fine and casual dining spots:

Azafran – International high cuisine. Hernández Macías 97. Tel: 415-152-7482
Bella Italia – Italian cuisine. Hernandez Macias 59. Open daily 1 pm to 10:30 pm. Tel 415-152-4989.
Bugambilia – Mexican cuisine. Calle Hidalgo 42. Tel: 415-152-0127
Café de la Parroquia – Mexican and international cuisine. Jesús 11. Open Tue. through Sat. 8 am – 4 pm, Sun. 8 am – 2 pm. Tel. 415-152-3161.
Café del Jardin – Mexican and international cuisine. Portal de Allende 2. Tel. 415-152-5006
Casa de Sierra Nevada – International cuisine. Hospicio 35. Open daily 7 am to 11pm. Tel. 415-152-7040.
Casa Payo – Argentine cuisine and steaks. Zacateros 26. Open daily 12 noon till midnight. Live music. Tel. 415-152-7277.
Chamonix – International cuisine. Sollano 17. Open Tue. Thru. Sat. 1 pm to 10 pm. Live music on Saturdays. Tel. 415-154-8363.
El Campanario – International cuisine. Canal 14. An elegant restaurant. El Correo – Mexican cuisine. Correo 23. Open daily 8 am to 10:30 pm. Tel. 415-152-4951.
El Market Bistro and bar (Le Petit Bar) – French cuisine. Hernandez Macias 95. Open daily 1 pm to midnight. Tel. 415-152-3229.
El Rincón Español – Spanish cuisine. Correo 29. Tel 415-152-2327 La Cartuja – Spanish cuisine. Hernandez Macias 109. Tel 415-152-2057.
El Tomato - Vegetarian and healthy cuisine. Mesones 62, Tel. 415-151-6057.
Mama Mia – Italian cuisine. Restaurant, disco and sports bar. Umaran 8.
Harry’s New Orleans Café – A popular hangout with great Cajun and Creole cuisine and ambiance, full bar. Hidalgo 12. Open Mon – Fri. 12 noon till 1 pm; Sat. & Sun., 11 am to 1 am. Tel. 415-152-2645.
Pueblo Viejo – Mexican and international cuisine. Umaran 6. Open daily from 8 am to 1 am. Tel. 415-152-4977.
La Brasserie – International and Mexican cuisine. Jesus 11. Open Tue. Thru Sat. 5 – 10 pm. Tel. 415-152-3161
La Felguera – Fusion cuisine. Cuna de Allende 7. Open Mon – Sat. 5 pm to 11 pm. Tel. 415-152-8888.
Olé Olé – Mexican cuisine. Mon-Sat 8:30am-10pm. Loreto 66. Open 1 – 9 pm. Tel. 415-152-0896
Pegaso – A fusion of Mexican and Asian cuisine. Corner of Corregedora & Correo. Open Mon-Sat 8:30 am to10 pm. Tel. 415-152-1351.