How I Spend a Perfect Spring Day in San Miguel de Allende
Inside one expat’s slow, sunny stroll through Mexico’s most charming town.
It’s April, and spring has sprung in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
What a glorious season! The town is splashed with the lavender hues of blooming jacarandas… interspersed with dramatic fuchsia, coral and pink bougainvillea adorning the walls of homes and walkways. Walking into Centro I imagine we’re drifting into a dreamy Monet scene…
Each morning, I fling open the bedroom drapes to enjoy the scenery. We’re fortunate to have a tranquil vista beyond our expansive bedroom window. In the distance are the Los Picachos foothills and the Presa Allende (reservoir).
Why rush to get up? I prefer to get a cappuccino and crawl back into bed. While sipping my coffee, I relax, take in the view, skim The New York Times (electronically), and complete the day’s Wordle challenge. After that, it’s time to get moving…
We settled in San Miguel de Allende seven years ago. It was a major change from living in Ambergris Caye, on the Caribbean Sea, for 10 years. But we were ready for a major lifestyle change. Since moving, we’ve enjoyed every day spent in this spectacular Spanish Colonial town.
Many of our friends live in the busy Centro colonias (neighborhoods). They walk out their doorsteps straight into San Miguel’s vibrant stream of life. My husband and I prefer living on the edge of town, where we’re still close to the action, but not immersed in it.
That allows us to escape Centro’s hectic weekends for peaceful nights and calm weekends. Whenever there’s a parade or event that interests us, we head to town for the festivities. El Capricho—where we live—is just a few miles from the Jardin, the town’s center.
Daily Life in San Miguel de Allende
We head into town at least four days a week, in the morning. We’ve fallen into a comfortable pattern of regular activities. Each day’s a bit different, but with similar themes… In the mornings we alternate between yoga, dance, and Pilates classes.
Let’s take Friday as an example… After breakfast we head to a 9:30 a.m. yoga class. It’s held at the Aldea Hotel. Hotel parking is free while we’re in class. Alejandro’s class is relaxing, but enervating. This time of year the class is crowded. But after Easter, most snowbirds will fly north. Then the class will again be intimate.
Ironically, our yoga class is held in the same grand ballroom—also in the Aldea Hotel—where we attend Unitarian Services on Sunday mornings. The space is open and inviting. Expansive windows allow a divine breeze to pass through. Some of the windows provide a striking view of the Parroquia Catholic Church’s regal Gothic spires… Whether listening to music, a sermon, or practicing healing yoga moves, it’s a tranquil place to be.
After yoga, we park near our favorite callejon (a small street without traffic)—Rinconada de la Aldea. From there we stroll into Centro.
This lovely callejon is a tranquil, hidden path. Colorful homes with dramatic doors line the path. Some of the pathway’s walls are decorated with vibrant murals.
When in Centro, we like to drop by one of the cafes for a robust cappuccino. Sometimes we stop at Lavanda’s outdoor window, order our coffees, then head to the Jardin. The Jardin is directly across from the Parroquia church. It’s a delightful place to sit on one of the benches, sip coffee and people watch.
Some days we head directly to Buen Dia, our favorite café. With the most recent edition of the Atencion bilingual newspaper in hand, we can scan the activities scheduled for the coming week.
The owner of Buen Dia buys Vera Cruz coffee beans and has them specially roasted for him in Mexico City. He agreed to sell us some—so we often drop by to renew our supply.
Some Fridays we stay in town for lunch. A few of our favorite lunch spots are Hecho en Mexico, El Pegaso, and Turks. Other days we walk back to the car, then stop at the Mercado Sano organic market, or the fabulous City Market, to pick up lunch to take home.
Spring weather is crisp and comfy in the mornings (55 F to 70 F). But afternoons can reach into the upper 80s F. Afternoons are when I catch up on computer work, writing, bills, and travel plans. My husband prefers to take a siesta! We are retired and living in Mexico, after all…
We sometimes head back into town later in the day. There are many options to attend plays, movies, or musical performances (jazz, Latin, rock n’roll, or classical). We also like to invite friends to join us for dinner and a few hours of dancing when there’s a good live band.
A Vibrant City with a Small-Town Feel
Not long ago, we attended Six Ten Minute Plays at the Independencia Theater. We sat in the front row, given the cost per ticket was only $25. Although brief, each comedy kept us laughing. At the end, we voted for our favorite three plays. I love that most theaters in San Miguel are small and intimate. We often know some of the actors, as well as other attendees…
In truth, wherever we go in San Miguel, we run into people we know. It’s not that big of a town—only about 80,000 people. For me, it’s the perfect size. It’s easy to meet people here. We constantly run into friends while walking the streets or shopping at the Saturday organic market. These random encounters add to the pleasure of walking in and around town!
Some Sundays we attend the Unitarian service at the Aldea Hotel, including the following coffee hour. It gives us another chance to catch up with friends.
Other Sundays we drive to Zandunga, for an afternoon of spectacular classical or jazz music – performed in an outdoors venue. The first performance is followed by live music for dancing. Zandunga also serves a delicious Mexican buffet.
Another Sunday option is to head to one of the gorgeous vineyards nearby. Usually we try a wine tasting, then stay for a gourmet meal. Other Sundays we go hiking at the El Charco park… Or leave early in the morning to spend the day relaxing in La Gruta’s hot water spring-fed pools, in Atotonilco, 20 minutes from town.
Spring is spectacular in San Miguel. But we enjoy every season here.
Right now, we’re enjoying the blooming jacarandas, and the dry, balmy weather. But in June the rains will come. The hills will again be lush and green… the nights cool. We’ll relish the evening storms, with dramatic lightning displays and booming thunder, followed by cooling showers.
I can’t imagine being bored living in San Miguel de Allende.
Editor’s note: This piece was originally shared with our Daily Postcards readers. The seasons may have changed, but the message still rings true.
Love San Miguel as much as we do?
It’s no surprise—San Miguel de Allende was just named the #1 city in the world by Travel + Leisure. Patrice Wynne says what makes San Miguel de Allende truly special isn’t just its colorful streets or stunning colonial architecture—it’s the welcoming community and the ease of fitting in. Expats and locals mingle naturally here, creating a vibrant, connected town that feels like family.
👉 Discover why San Miguel is the world’s best city for expats.