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Welcome to the VERANDA Weekend Guides, where we show you how to make the most of 48 hours in our favorite destinations. There are a million reasons why design enthusiasts are magnetized to the charming Colonial-era city of San Miguel de Allende, such as the intricate Spanish baroque architecture, the incredible community of creatives from around the world, the chic boutique hotels and wellness retreats, not to mention the seemingly endless terraces for tequila-sipping and people-watching. Plus, it’s becoming one of our favorite shopping destinations for achieving a well-collected home.
With its location in the Mexican Highlands, this nearly 500-year-old city and UNESCO World Heritage Site offers pleasant temperatures year-round, and while you may want to plan your stay according to San Miguel de Allende’s incredible festivals, visiting in the winter, spring, or fall will offer an especially fabulous and memorable getaway. Follow along for our highly curated itinerary to this inspiring destination that’s as historic as it is cosmopolitan.
Friday Afternoon
San Miguel de Allende isn’t exactly the easiest city to get to as plane travel typically requires a layover, and it’s an hour-and-a-half drive from the nearest airport. However, once you arrive in this vibrant town, you’ll be able to walk just about everywhere.
We’re beginning our journey at Casa de Sierra Nevada, a Belmond Hotel. This boutique hotel has just 37 rooms dotted throughout the six historic houses that make up the hotel. As soon as you see the lush gardens, oasis-like pool, and historical stucco buildings, you’ll feel instantly at ease.
Kick off the afternoon by heading to Sazón for an authentic cooking class. Classes are held at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., and they last three hours (reservations should be made through the hotel). During the class, a chef will take you on a tour of San Miguel’s local food markets and you’ll get to taste the delicious dishes prepared in the class.
ferrantraite – Getty Images
Friday Evening
If you’re still feeling peckish after your class, it’s a short walk to The Restaurant, one of San Miguel Allende’s most iconic dining destinations. This 17th century manse-turned-restaurant is helmed by Donnie Masterson, whose resume includes stints at Tavern on the Green and The Hay Adams Hotel. The Restaurant offers world-class comfort food with ingredients sourced from local farmers, ranchers, and cheesemakers, plus, a stellar wine list.
Just around the corner lies the enchanting Rosewood San Miguel de Allende. Its rooftop tapas bar, Luna, offers spectacular views of this incredible city. Cap off the evening with cocktails and live music while soaking in the city skyline.
The Restaurant
Saturday Morning
As much as you’ll want to spend a lazy Saturday by the hotel pool, there’s a lot of ground to cover, and it’s time to get exploring! Pop into Lavanda Café‘s Blue Door Center location for a fantastic cup of coffee and cozy breakfast to power a day of shopping and sightseeing. Be sure to scope out the incredible markets along the route for hidden treasures.
The three-block Mercado de Artesanías and nearby Ignacio Ramírez Market are sure to keep you busy, but it’s worth continuing your shopping excursion with a stop at Fábrica La Aurora, a textile factory that has been transformed into the city’s cultural center for all things art and design. You’ll find art galleries, home decor shops, jewelers, and more. Make sure to check out the various workshop offerings that range from watercolor realism to textile arts.
Tony Anderson – Getty Images
Saturday Afternoon
After a busy morning on your feet, head back to the hotel’s Andaza restaurant for lunch. Whether you opt for the guacamole, duck birria, or tacos made with a fresh catch of the day, you truly can’t go wrong.
San Miguel de Allende’s top attraction, La Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, is just around the corner. It’s also on your way to Jardín Allende, a lush garden square that’s filled with charming shops and cafes to wander through before making your way to the tasting room at Casa Dragones to experience the beloved tequila brand in its hometown.
Courtesy of Belmond Casa de Sierra Nevada
Saturday Evening
Whether dinner is just fuel for a night out dancing or your final stop before cozying up at the hotel, Áperi is a perfect place to land. This chic restaurant helped put San Miguel de Allende on the map as a culinary destination for its seasonally and locally driven tasting menus as well as it’s intimate, immersive chef’s table experiences. Be prepared for a creative culinary journey that will begin or cap off the night in style.
Áperi
Sunday Morning
Enjoy a nourishing breakfast at Restaurante Bar MAMA MIA, one of the city’s best brunch spots set in an outdoor oasis filled with ancient mesquite trees. After indulging in pancakes, chilaquiles, or an omelet, take a 10-minute walk over to Galería Casa Diana and Galería Nudo for artistic inspiration (and maybe even a special souvenir) before you leave San Miguel.
While you’ve still just scratched the surface of this city’s unique arts, culture, and culinary communities, this trip is sure to leave you with plenty of creative fuel for your next decorating, artistic, and kitchen endeavors. Plus, you’ll have collected an array of beautiful items that bring San Miguel’s vibrant, creative twist on joie de vivre into your own home for years to come.
Alexcrab – Getty Images