Cosmopolitan and sophisticated, it is a gastronomic and cultural destination in itself. Declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 2008, it has received yet another recognition to its long list, and last year it was distinguished as the Best City in the World according to the World's Best Awards 2017. And it is not at all strange because despite time it has managed to preserve itself as a quiet and small colonial town with the vitality of a great city that hides some of Mexico's most interesting architectural, historical, and culinary secrets.
Founded in 1542, the historic center has remained intact for 250 years. In the sixties, San Miguel became the preferred weekend getaway for many Mexicans and a paradise for Americans and Europeans who have given it a cosmopolitan and eclectic touch. It was then that gourmet restaurants, design shops, and art galleries appeared. The charm of this Magical Town lies in the way it maintains traditional Mexican culture in its contemporary version in each of its elements. Walking its cobblestone streets is an experience in itself; the peace that is breathed and the colors of Mexico are present in every corner and every stone. It contains more than 2,000 doors behind which there are as many interior patios, and the sunsets on one of its terraces are unforgettable.
TO SEE IN SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE
The main square with the famous Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, the church of San Francisco, the Capilla de la Santa Cruz, the Casa del Mayorazgo, the Museo Histórico Casa de Allende, the Centro Cultural Nigromonte, the Teatro Angela Peralta, Las Monjas, the Instituto Allende or the Museo de las Máscaras: these are some of the must-visit places.
TO SLEEP AND EAT IN SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE
Dôce 18 Concept House. A space that brings together the best of design, fashion, art, and gastronomy. The only Jewish building in the entire city, Casa Cohen. It has a small and exclusive boutique hotel, L'Ôtel with only 10 rooms on the upper floor of the house. And a concept store specially created to house the best of Mexican design: a flower shop, an art gallery, decorative objects, ceramic tableware from Michoacán, a bookstore, and a gourmet food court are part of this project. The restaurant is one of the best: Jacinto 1930 was born to surprise with its gastronomic and aesthetic proposal that rescues food preparation techniques based on the most representative ingredient of Mexican food: corn. The kitchen is run by chef Israel Loyola, of Oaxacan origin. The flavors of Mexico: jalapeño, mole, and chocolate are mixed with spirits such as tequila and mezcal to create delicious combinations with Mexican tones and European details.
Dos Casas is a colonial-style mansion that was converted into a pleasant hotel with charm and a modern touch. It has 12 rooms and each one is different. The suites have magnificent views of the famous parish and the city. It is also home to the restaurant Áperi, from the Latin "open" which perfectly describes the restaurant's proposal. A unique culinary experience; food for the five senses, prepared with the freshest ingredients from the region and the passion and excellence that characterizes its chef Matteo Salas.
Hotel Matilda is a worthy heir to San Miguel's most avant-garde side. The hotel takes advantage of the colonial exterior of an old mansion and incorporates it into a modern central building, which houses the minimalist-style rooms. There is also another gastronomic delight: Maxi, created by Enrique Olvera, recognized as the best chef in the country. The gastronomic experience is spectacular, from the first course to the last one is immersed in the flavors of contemporary Mexico.
Cumpanio is a must-visit: a different restaurant, bar, and bakery, run by a French-Italian pastry family that arrived in Mexico more than 100 years ago.
SHOPPING IN SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE
Código Postal Design. Designed with the great style of Luis Fabián Flores from Casa Armida. The house hosts three boutiques by Mexican designers: Colektiva Hoja Santa (brands of artisan-designed clothing), Elisheva & Constance (jewelry made with local materials and by Mexican hands), Casa Armida (furniture, striking lamps, and exclusive retro objects). The selection is not random; the purpose of this place is to boost young entrepreneurs to gain visibility and create trends. A restaurant, Bovine, a brasserie focused on meat with unparalleled flavors, joins the project again. The concept was created by Bruce James, director of Hotel Matilda, while the menu is signed by the renowned Australian chef, Paul Bentley. Based on local ingredients to enhance flavors that are only cooked over coals.
Tao Studio is a gallery laboratory of unique objects. Its creative director, the Spaniard Miguel Arregui, has managed to unite tradition and contemporaneity, feelings, thoughts, astonishment, and aesthetics, working hand in hand with the best master artisans. Stone, metal, wood, and fiber are the materials he uses to create his collections.
Km 33. They bring together the talent of emerging fashion designers, mainly Mexican. They are located in the tourist destinations preferred by international influencers: Tulum, Punta de Mita, San Miguel de Allende. In all their stores, you can find beautiful garments and accessories that in themselves seem to contain a story that highlights the best of Mexican culture. The minds behind KM 33 are Sara Galindo, an expert in Mexican fashion, and Gael Deboise, with an incredible sensibility in the world of luxury who has worked for major international brands. The boutique is inside the sophisticated hotel Casa No Name, which has only six rooms.
Notus. A recently opened modern and contemporary optical shop, run by an Italian who works with international artisan brands and will be part of a larger project that includes an art gallery and a café.
Noted in our agenda: "reserve three days to visit San Miguel de Allende".