San Miguel De Allende: A Handy Guide, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

As an introduction to the colonial towns of Mexico, San Miguel de Allende is quite possibly a perfect choice. Beautiful colonial architecture; clean, cobblestoned streets; festivals, fireworks and parades galore; and a central square dominated by a sumptuous fairy tale church.

It’s especially atmospheric at night when the subdued street lighting acts in tandem with the strong pastel accents of rust, yellow and terracotta that dominate the building facades. Something that sets it apart from most other Mexican pueblo magicos.

Critics will point to the sizeable ex-pat retiree population (roughly 10-12,000 - mostly from the US and Canada) and the gentrification of the historic centre in arguing that the town doesn’t represent the “true Mexico”. Indeed, property prices have sky-rocketed over the past few years. And substantial properties are either being built or renovated in the hillsides surrounding the town. Not just by ex-pats but wealthy Mexicans, too. Especially from Mexico City, just four hours or so away by road.

As a result, prices in restaurants, hotels and bars are typically higher than in other Mexican towns. And there’s a definite cosmopolitan flavour to what’s on offer. But, if you look in the right places, there’s still plenty of the “true Mexico” to be experienced. Which, going back to our opening paragraph, makes it (in our open opinion) a great place for the first-time visitor to Mexico. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).