So much to see and experience, where to start? I recommend reserving a local hotel, VRBO or bed & breakfast near Centro for at least 4 nights when you first land in SMA. If you need a recommendation for options, write to me at Hola@3rdActTravel.com and I will email you a list.
Parking is rare as hens’ teeth so plan on walking (sturdy shoes required), taxi’s and we have a great bus service.
A wonderful way to learn about the city is to jump on a city bus for less than 10 pesos (fifty cents) and see the city like a local. When you have identified 3-4 rentals to check out, hire a driver for 2 hours (normally 200 pesos/$10 usd an hour)
San Miguel de Allende neighborhoods are called Colonias. We measure the distance to Centro (Jardin & Parroquia park in the center of town) to establish walkability to the main area of town. The closer a colonia is to Centro, the more expensive the housing. I recommend this map to learn the layout of San Miguel.
San Rafael
Old Mexico charm amongst the locals. It is 25 min walk to Centro and near the bus station. It does present some challenging hills but the views from the rooftops are worth it.
Pros: Still an affordable area of SMA, has a neighborhood grocery store and a lot of local tenenda. Districa Soma is up & coming. This area is gaining popularity
Cons: No coffee houses or quick eateries. Need good walking shoes.
Col Independencia
Live like a local and experience a Mexican neighborhood. While the streets can be a bit of a puzzle to navigate, it is well worth it to check out this colonia. It also has quick access to the freeway if you commute out of town.
Pros: Still affordable for rentals and great views
Cons: Little further out of town
Guadalupe
Lovely and relatively flat area of SMA. I love the shops and Fabrica Aurora. Great vegan eats and coffee shops. One of my favorite areas of town and well established exPat area.
Pros: Great mix of old Mexico and new foodie delights. Shopping is awesome.
Cons: Can be expensive rentals and gentrified
San Antonio
I love Col San Antionio for its location and eateries. Many of my expat friends enjoy living in this Colonia. It is close to everything, has so many dining options and you will see many of your expat friends when you are out walking. Mercado Sano has great organic food options and has been renovated.
Pros: Access to just about everything you need and a very social area
Cons: Rent is high and lots of traffic. Parking is difficult
Los Frailes
Colonial Los Frailes is excellent for those seeking refuge away from the hustle & bustle of Centro. I have several friends who live out here and they really enjoy it.
Pros: Quieter and less traffic.
Cons: Longer to get to centro
Balcones
Uptown Colonia in San Miguel. Set on top of a steep street you will find houses with some beautiful Mexican colonial touches.
Pros: Breathtaking views and beautiful architecture
Cons: Steep Streets that require stamina
Guadiana
A little slice of heaven in SMA with original historic houses, elegant streets, lovely park Jarez, and close amazing dining choices. Home of the Rosewood Hotel, very close to centro and the most prestigious places to live here.
Pro: Walking distance to everything you want in SMA
Con: the price tags often seem to be American prices; the area has more expats than locals
Historic Centro
The heart of San Miguel de Allende is a jewel in Mexico’s crown. 17th Century architecture meets high-speed internet. The cobblestone streets lead you to breathtaking discoveries and the paraqua stands tall in the Jardin for a center point in our city.
Pro: Experience everything San Miguel has to offer
Con: Crowded on weekends & holidays, fireworks and expensive