San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico

a spontaneous guide to the #1 city in the world

This is The Place. Stories of travel, planets, and place. Through my own personal musing of travel and astrology, I use my experiences and those of others to share the wisdom of the planets to find greater communion on this earth.

spontaneously arriving in Mexico

should be an Olympic sport of mine. Explore what I believe is one of my new favorite locations in Mexico. I’ve spent so much time in this wonderful country and the diversity, and kindness of this culture never ceases to amaze me.

Nestled in the heart of Mexico’s central highlands, San Miguel de Allende is a city where past and present harmoniously merge. With its stunning cobblestone streets that are meticulously swept every morning to the vibrant colonial architecture, and an ever-present artistic spirit, this UNESCO World Heritage site has drawn travelers seeking inspiration, relaxation, and culture for years beyond. Going into this trip I have only heard raving reviews and was more than delighted by what I found here.

about the city

San Miguel de Allende has an energy that feels like a blend of rich cultural history and warm, present-day community. Set high in the mountains, it’s infused with an earthy grounding quality yet maintains a distinctly artistic and very vibrant spirit. There’s a palpable warmth here, not only from the sun-drenched, colorful colonial architecture but also from the friendliness of the locals and the international creatives drawn to its charm.

The city has a magnetic, almost mystical pull that invites visitors to slow down and appreciate the beauty of its cobbled streets, intricate churches, and stunning vistas. Wandering through San Miguel de Allende feels like stepping back in time, yet there’s an undeniable undercurrent of creative and progressive energy. Art galleries, handcrafted artisan markets, and charming cafes dot the streets, offering a cozy yet new world feel.

San Miguel de Allende is named after the Archangel Michael, the patron saint of warriors, and Ignacio Allende, a revolutionary hero from the Mexican War of Independence. The city was originally founded as “San Miguel el Grande” in 1542 by a Franciscan monk named Fray Juan de San Miguel, who named it after Saint Michael the Archangel, often invoked in battles against evil forces.

getting there

Getting to San Miguel de Allende requires a bit of planning since it doesn’t have its own major airport, but the journey is worth it!

Fly to the Nearest Airport: The closest airports are:

• Del Bajío International Airport (BJX) in León, about a 1.5-hour drive from San Miguel.

• Querétaro Intercontinental Airport (QRO), approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes away.

• For a larger international airport, Mexico City International Airport (MEX) is about a 3.5-hour drive from San Miguel.

Voted #1 city in the world in 2023

Last year, Travel + Leisure readers awarded the top spot for "Best City in the World" to San Miguel de Allende