If you’re visiting our fair city, there is so much to see that you could stay for months (For more info, check out my popular posts on Top Experiences in San Miguel de Allende and our Famous Rooftop Bars !).
But what if you only have one hour (or two) in the middle of the day, for example during a break in a conference?
Here are five ideas from a local on how to use a spare hour. There’s also a map of each of the spots mentioned in this article.
A note: If you’re visiting for the San Miguel de Allende Writer’s Conference, all of these can be reached in less than an hour starting from the Hotel Real de Minas.
1. Visit the Colibris and Mariposas in Parque Juarez.
We are lucky to have hummingbirds (colibris) and butterflies (mariposas) year round in San Miguel, sometimes including monarchs.
There’s a special pollinator garden in Parque Jaurez with plants designed to attract them, which is a gorgeous and peaceful spot for a stroll.
Pollinator garden in Parque Juarez
Butterflies
2. Shop for souvenirs (or drink tea) at Camino Syvlestre
Also a home to hummingbirds, Camino Silvestre is a great shop for gifts, specializing in beautiful, ornate hummingbird feeders. They also have pottery, candles, some books, and other unique souvenirs.
The one in centro has a cafe, and in both (centro and Zacateros locations) you have a good chance of spotting hummingbirds if you hang out long enough in their inside courtyard.
3. Grab a SNACK and stroll in Parque Guadiana
This lovely park is a little hidden from the main road (Ancha de San Antonio) and the Hotel Real Minas, but is actually less than 5 minutes walk!
There are several great options nearby to grab a drink or an ice cream. One is an ice cream shop right on Ancha de San Antonio, and the other is Mercado Sano, which is best described as San Miguel’s closest equivalent to Whole Foods: local products, bakers, organic products, coffee, sandwiches, and various drinks.
Grab whatever takes your fancy and enjoy a stroll across the road in this lovely park, which is rarely packed.
San Miguel Public Library (biblioteca)
4. Check out the San Miguel library (Biblioteca)
San Miguel has a gorgeous inside-outside library, set around an inner courtyard, where you can hang out. The gift shop has fascinating murals on the ceiling, and a full supply of books by local authors to purchase.
This is right in Centro on Insurgentes, so good if you are already close, but perhaps catch a taxi if you are staying at Real de Minas hotel, and truly only have an hour to spare.
5. Grab a beer at a Mexican Cantina
While I’m a fan of our rooftop bars, there is nothing quite like a genuine cantina, complete with swinging doors.
While historically these were a very macho domain (trust me you didn’t want to be there as a lady!), these days many are re-invigorated and a fine place, with great atmosphere, to grab a quick drink.
Here are my three favorites:
El Manantial
Amazing rejuvenation of a traditional cantina - check out those wall murals!
Good fish tacos and tostadas, best ginger margaritas in town. It’s somewhat up the hill (but worth it), so if you’re coming from Real de Minas, take a cab.
La21Unica Cantina
Lots of atmosphere, especially at night when you may find mariachis coming through.
But during the day you may be able to grab the one and only popular window table and watch the world go by.
Another super popular mariachi haunt. Right on the main square (El Jardin) and one of my favorite bars in general. You may have a hard time getting in without a local on weekend nights (feel free to try!), where this is THE place to be, with an old Mexico cinema decor and mariachis just tearing it up! But during the day no problem. And sure there’s beer, but why not try some new mezcal? Not a food place. This is pure booze and atmosphere.
So there’s your top 5! Did I miss any of your favorites? Feel free to email me or add them in the comments!
If you have a little longer (let’s say two to three hours) I considered including the following
Fabrica La Aurora - an amazing art complex in a converted factory, full of galleries, that you should try and see while in town.
Charco del Ingenio - You'll need more than an hour, but this botanical garden with a lake and lots of cactus is totally worth a visit.
And of course, I always recommend our famous Rooftop Bars & Restaurants in San Miguel de Allende. For a quick bite and drink during the day my favorites include El Pegaso, Inside Cafe, Baja Fish Taquito, and if near the Jardin (not a rooftop but a great place for Mexican food without the crazy prices) El Correo. Also, a short cab ride from the Writer’s Conference zone, Marios Mariscos (seafood) is one of the friendliest places in town!
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