This San Miguel de Allende 2-day itinerary is perfect for families visiting for the first time. We spent a few unforgettable days here with our kids, exploring colorful streets, scenic viewpoints, and historic landmarks. This guide highlights the best things to do in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico with kids, including churches, art galleries, and family-friendly restaurants, all easily walkable in the heart of the city.
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Where to Stay in San Miguel de Allende
For a centrally located stay, look for hotels near Jardín Allende and La Parroquia. We stayed at Numu Boutique Hotel, part of the World of Hyatt program, which included daily breakfast and had a playground right next door, perfect for families. You won’t need a car if you stay in this area.
Day 1 in San Miguel de Allende: Main Plaza, artisan markets, and rooftop views
From churches and artisan markets to colorful alleys and rooftops, there are plenty of things to do in San Miguel de Allende with kids.
Breakfast spots in San Miguel de Allende
We started the day with breakfast at Numu, which was included with our stay. The shaded courtyard made it a calm and relaxing place to fuel up before exploring.
If you’re not staying at Numu, nearby cafés like Lavanda Café (known for lavender lattes and chilaquiles) or Cumpanio (a local favorite for pastries and eggs Benedict) are great options just a short walk from the main square.
Get a snack from La Colmena bakery, San Miguel de Allende
Just a few blocks away, stop by La Colmena, a historic local bakery. We grabbed conchas and some cookies to take with us as a mid-morning snack.
Visit La Parroquia & Jardín Allende, San Miguel de Allende
Begin your walk at La Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, the breathtaking pink neo-Gothic church that dominates the skyline and has become the symbol of San Miguel de Allende.
With its dramatic spires, intricate stonework, and candy-colored façade, it’s no surprise this is one of the most photographed churches in Mexico. We were in awe, it’s even more stunning in person, especially when lit up at night.
The outside is stunning, but don’t miss the chance to step inside. The interior is peaceful and beautiful in its own right, with vaulted ceilings, soft light, and a reverent calm that offers a quiet break from the bustle of town.
Right in front of the church is Jardín Allende, a lively square filled with shaded benches and a steady rhythm of mariachi music. Our kids loved having space to roam and play while we soaked in the festive atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to sit, relax, and take in the charm of central San Miguel de Allende.
Shop at Mercado de Artesanías San Miguel de Allende
Next, head to the Mercado de Artesanías, a colorful market filled with handmade textiles, pottery, and souvenirs. It’s a great place for kids to pick out something small and for adults to appreciate the local craftsmanship.
Note that not all vendors accept credit cards, so some cash can come in handy.
Walk Up to El Mirador, San Miguel de Allende
From the market, make your way uphill to El Mirador San Miguel de Allende, a panoramic lookout with sweeping views of the city’s rooftops and towers. It’s about a 15-minute walk with some incline, but there are plenty of quiet side streets along the way.
Have lunch at La Favolosa, San Miguel de Allende
Make your way back down and stop for lunch at La Favolosa, a relaxed rooftop restaurant known for its thin-crust pizza, housemade pasta, and sweeping views over San Miguel de Allende. It’s casual and kid-friendly, with plenty of space to unwind after a morning of exploring.
This was one of our favorite lunch spots in San Miguel to take a break without sacrificing the view.
Spend afternoon at Parque Benito Juárez San Miguel de Allende
After a morning of sightseeing and lunch, head to Parque Benito Juárez for a relaxed afternoon. This leafy neighborhood park is a great place for kids to unwind, with a small playground, wide paths for strolling, and shaded benches where parents can rest.
It’s a low-key way to balance your day and soak in the local vibe of San Miguel de Allende.
Have dinner on the rooftop in San Miguel de Allende
For dinner on the first day in San Miguel de Allende, we recommend heading to a rooftop spot with views to match the atmosphere. We tried both Numu Restaurant and La Luna Tapas Bar at the Rosewood, and you really can’t go wrong with either.
If you’re following this San Miguel de Allende 2-day itinerary, it’s the perfect way to wind down after a day of walking, sightseeing, and soaking up the charm of the historic center.
Both Numu and La Luna are family-friendly restaurants in San Miguel de Allende with great food and views. Numu serves contemporary Mexican dishes in a calm rooftop setting that feels relaxed yet refined. La Luna, located at the Rosewood, is a more upscale experience with creative tapas and cocktails, perfect for watching the sunset over the iconic pink spires of La Parroquia.
Day 2 in San Miguel de Allende: churches, art studios, and churros
Take a morning church walk
Begin your second day in San Miguel de Allende with a peaceful morning walk through the quieter corners of San Miguel de Allende, exploring a few of its most beautiful and historic churches. While La Parroquia is the city’s iconic landmark, these lesser-known spots offer just as much charm and fewer crowds.
Templo de San Francisco, San Miguel de Allende, is located just a few blocks from the main square. This 18th-century baroque church is known for its elaborate stone facade and tall bell tower. It’s a serene stop and offers a glimpse into San Miguel’s religious history without the hustle of the central plaza.
Templo de la Inmaculada Concepció, San Miguel de Allende, is an elegant church that is part of a former convent and stands out with its large yellow dome and peaceful courtyard. It’s a short walk from the main square and a great place to admire neoclassical architecture. Inside, the chapel is simple but beautiful, worth a quick visit if the doors are open.
If you’re visiting during a temporary exhibition season, check out the Leonardo da Vinci Interactive Museum, often hosted at the Centro Cultural Ignacio Ramírez El Nigromante, a historic building near the artisan market.
This hands-on exhibit features life-sized replicas of da Vinci’s inventions, sketches, and machines. It’s a fun and educational stop that both adults and kids can enjoy.
Spend the late morning and lunch at Fábrica La Aurora, San Miguel
Spend your late morning at Fábrica La Aurora, a former textile factory that’s been transformed into a creative hub just a short walk from San Miguel’s historic center. Today, it’s home to a curated collection of art galleries, home decor shops, and working studios, showcasing both local and international artists.
The spacious layout makes it easy to stroll through with kids, and there’s plenty to see even if you’re just browsing.
We stayed for lunch at Fábrica La Aurora at one of the on-site cafés, which made it an easy, relaxed midday stop. There are a few options inside Fábrica offering sandwiches, salads, and traditional dishes, with peaceful courtyards perfect for a quiet break before heading back out to explore.
Best photo spots in San Miguel: Calle Aldama
On your walk back into town, don’t miss Calle Aldama, one of the most iconic and photographed streets in San Miguel de Allende. With cobblestone pavement, vibrant colonial buildings, and a perfectly framed view of La Parroquia’s pink spires, it’s a dream backdrop for photos.
Visit in the late afternoon for golden light and fewer crowds, and bring your camera, this is one of the best photo spots in San Miguel for families and travelers alike.
Take a rooftop pool break
After a full day of walking and sightseeing, unwind with some downtime at your hotel’s rooftop pool. Whether you’re staying at a property like Numu San Miguel or another boutique hotel with rooftop amenities, it’s the perfect way to cool off and let the kids splash while parents relax and enjoy the view.
Have dinner at the steakhouse, San Miguel de Allende
After some downtime at the hotel, we headed out for dinner at Prime Steak Club San Miguel, one of the town’s top spots for a quality steak.
This upscale steakhouse has a stylish atmosphere, attentive service, and a menu featuring premium cuts, fresh seafood, and a solid wine list. While it’s a splurge, it’s also a great choice for a special night out in San Miguel.
Finish the day at Chocolates y Churros San Agustín, San Miguel de Allende
We ended both nights with a sweet stop at Chocolates y Churros San Agustín, and it quickly became a favorite. We loved it so much, we went twice! The hot chocolate—especially the Español—was some of the best I’ve ever had: rich, thick, and deeply flavorful.
Paired with their freshly made churros, it was the perfect San Miguel nightcap. The cozy, old-world café is popular with locals and visitors alike, so expect lines, especially in the evening—but it’s absolutely worth the wait.
Bottom Line
This 2-day San Miguel de Allende itinerary for families covers the best things to do with kids, including historic churches, colorful streets, artisan markets, scenic viewpoints, and cultural attractions like Fábrica La Aurora. With short walks, delicious food, and plenty of relaxing spots, San Miguel de Allende with kids is the perfect blend of charm, culture, and family-friendly fun.
