There is a different kind of joy in San Miguel once the must-sees fade into the background. It shows up in small, ordinary moments—wandering the Artisans Market, hopping on the local bus, lingering at Tuesday Market, returning to familiar favorites, and beginning each morning with a walk in the campo. It is less about discovering something new and more about settling in, experiencing San Miguel at an unhurried pace, and leaving space for your own everyday rituals to take shape.

How to Get Around

San Miguel de Allende is known as a very walkable town. Depending on where you stay, however, you may find yourself tackling a few hills along the way. The streets are cobblestone and sidewalks can be uneven—or sometimes disappear altogether—so leave the fancy heels at home and bring sturdy shoes made for walking. You will fit right in.

If walking is not your preference, the green taxis are easy to find, and taxi stands are located throughout Centro. As of 2026, Uber is also widely available and is sometimes even less expensive than a taxi.

But, if you really want to get around like a local, we recommend the local bus. It’s just 10 pesos and they cover a wide area throughout San Miguel. An especially good option if you find yourself wanting to get back up a hill without walking!

There are stops all around the Centro area, that take you throughout town, and all the way to the mall and beyond.

And if you are lucky, you will even get a little entertainment while riding the bus!

Artisans Market

The shopping is good for visitors with both higher end shops and more affordable little stores. But, if you’d like to experience more local shopping, check out the Artisans market.

Forget a belt? No problem you can buy one here. There are lots of choices of beautiful leather far less then you would pay in traditional store or online.

Looking for a new hat? There’s a ton of choices throughout the market, also at incredibly reasonable prices. They will even help you pick out a custom band to make your signature look.

**More Local Shopping**

Just beyond the Artisans Market sits Mercado Ignacio Rameriez. It is named for a famous Mexican poet. Similar to the Artisans market, it’s worth a wander to find both practical and unique merchandise.

Speaking of local, a favorite local coffee shop is also just outside the Artisans Market, on Loreto. It’s called Lavanda Cafe (Lavender) on Loreto. It’s known for it’s delicious, and lovely, coffee in a relaxing setting.

We’ve also enjoyed great breakfasts at Lavanda Cafe. Definitely worth a stop! If you want to see more restaurant favorites click HERE.

Walk the Campo

Above San Miguel in the Atascadero area sits a beautiful botanical garden. For a small fee you can see a great assortment of native plants and flowers to the area. The views are stunning as well. For more information on El Charco del Igenio read our post HERE.

But as a local, consider walking in the “Campo” (field), just to the east of the Botanical garden. While visiting we walk this area with friends many, many mornings. You see the fields in their mostly natural state.

Depending on the time of year, during the rainy season, you might even see flowers blooming.

You’ll also see horses and cows grazing in the fields. In parts of the year, it can be quite chilly in the morning, but at the high altitude, the sun will warm you quickly.

In the campo, mostly you’ll see fellow walkers with their pups and locals walking through the fields on their way to school and work. There are walking groups that gather at the Botanical Garden to start their walk in the campo. Any way you get out, walking the campo is a very peaceful spot to start a morning.

Visit a Local Glass and Candle Artisan Shop

Another interesting side trip just outside of San Miguel de Allende is a visit to a local artisan workshop. About 22 kilometers from town, on the road toward Dolores Hidalgo, you will find Rose Ann Hall Designs, known for its beautifully crafted candles and etched glass.

Watching the candle-making process was fascinating—each candle is still crafted entirely by hand using traditional techniques.

Just as impressive was seeing the detailed glass etching up close, where skilled artisans carefully carve intricate designs into each piece.

All In The Detail

Their work is sold to high-end clients around the world, but visitors are welcome to browse the showroom. Naturally, we could not resist leaving with a few pieces of their beautiful glassware.

The business was founded by American artist Rose Ann Hall and is now run by her son, Charlie. Charlie is open about the challenges he has overcome and the determination that led him to build his life and career in Mexico. Today, he manages the entire operation and personally welcomed us with a tour of the workshop.

We are so glad we visited (and shopped!) at Rose Ann Hall Designs. It is the kind of place you discover when you have the time to explore beyond the historic center.

Shop at Tuesday Market

Every Tuesday all the locals come out to El Tianguis del Martes: The Tuesday Market. It is located near the football stadium (Estadio Municipal) and the firefighters' station (Bomberos), just off the salida a Querétaro (the road leading to Querétaro)

If you are at a short term rental or fortunate to stay with friends as we do, you’ll probably want to have some fresh food. Vendors come from all over the area to sell everything from, fruits & veggies to fresh seafood, to beautiful local crafts to apparel and shoes.

Our friend always picks up the fresh fish and we had a delicious Mediterranean dish in their home that evening.

Look at all the beautiful produce. At excellent prices as well.

The market is always quite lively, with even singers, dancers and mariachis. We stopped one day for lunch to enjoy the best Tacos al Pastor! For about 15 pesos (less than one USD) you place your order and they serve you. Don’t forget the agua Fresca as well. Each day it comes in a variety of flavors.

SMA Local Tuesday Market lunch table.jpg

On a recent trip we all bought sunglasses for the equivalent of $10USD. Whatever you’re searching for fresh food, new sneakers, souvenirs, entertainment or a great lunch, Tuesday Market is a must for any day spent living like a local!

Enjoy a Leisurely Afternoon in the Jardin

There are many beautiful parks to stroll or just sit under the shade of the trees in San Miguel. In Centro sits Jardin Allende, literally the center of this beautiful city.

One afternoon we did something simple: we sat and enjoyed the park. San Miguel de Allende has many beautiful green spaces where you can stroll or relax under the shade of the trees, but the heart of it all is Jardín Allende. Sitting right in Centro, it is quite literally the center of the city’s daily life.

If you pause here for a while, there is always something to observe. A mariachi musician stopping for a quick shoe shine before the next performance.

You might see a festival or parade winds its way through Centro, bringing music, color, and celebration with it.

Or local vendors displaying handmade crafts and small souvenirs.

Or even, a towering mojiganga waiting to take photos with visitors.

But just as enjoyable is simply watching people—families, locals, and travelers all sharing the same space, lingering on benches or gathering with friends. And of course, no visit to the jardín feels complete without stopping for a scoop of homemade ice cream from one of the nearby stands.

Life in San Miguel de Allende is often best experienced in the simple moments—riding the local bus, browsing the Artisans Market, enjoying a favorite taco stand, or starting the day with a walk in the campo. Add in a lively morning at Tuesday Market or a short drive outside of town, and you begin to see the everyday rhythm that makes this place so special.

Leave a little room in your plans to explore beyond the highlights. You may just discover your own favorite ways to experience San Miguel.