So you have chosen San Miguel de Allende as your vacation destination! Tickets are purchased, passports are ready, but before you zip up your suitcase and head out the door, here are the top 9 things everyone needs to know before coming to San Miguel.

Bring comfortable shoes! This one cannot be emphasized enough! While I am not necessarily saying throw all sense of fashion out the window, heels, flip flops, and even strappy sandals are not recommended for walking on cobblestones. You want to enjoy the quaint historical streets, not curse climbing unsteadily up what appears to be the Mt. Everest of a cobblestone hill. Your footwear will make a difference. So what should you use instead? Other than, of course, athletic shoes or hiking boots, most shoes with a sturdy sole with good grip will be fine. Even a well-made ballet flat will work, just make sure you have a thick sole to protect your feet. Also keep in mind, if someone in your party is more unsteady on their feet, it would be a good idea to invest in a quad cane rather than just a standard cane or walking stick to count on more support.

Travelling with small children or? Skip the strollers. Backpacks or carriers will be much more effective and less frustrating, again due to the uneven streets and very narrow sidewalks. A short point, but important.

Be weather-wise. San Miguel de Allende has beautiful weather! But it can be changeable. Count on warmer days with cooler nights, be sure to take a jacket and pants.

Count on bottled water. Most restaurants will prepare their food with bottled water, and most of the locals only use bottled water in their homes as well. However, the tap water is not always easy on the visitor’s stomach. Be sure to keep bottled water handy, not just for drinking, but also for things like brushing your teeth. If you buy produce, be sure to purchase a small bottle of water disinfectant or veggie wash to thoroughly rinse the fruits and veggies before eating.

Don’t worry about language barriers. Even if you are not proficient in Spanish, many of the locals will appreciate that you attempt to communicate with the Spanish you know. Many of them also have at least a basic understanding of English. Just enjoy the mixed-probably-grammatically-incorrect conversation and fill it with lots of smiles and laughter. Also keep in mind there is a good sized ex-pat community in San Miguel de Allende, so if in doubt, ask around! There is always someone who can help out, or who can help you find help!

Consider forgoing the rental car. San Miguel de Allende is very pedestrian-oriented. Aside from pedestrians nearly always having right of way, the streets are very narrow, not always aligned on a grid, and have lots of one way streets. Parking on the street is also tight and limited, especially in downtown. It’s much easier to walk or catch a taxi if needed. If you are planning to arrive in a car, ask about city transportation at the front desk of your hotel and leave the car at the hotel, or ask about the public parking options and leave the car there as you walk through town.

Should you decide to have a car, as mentioned above, San Miguel is very pedestrian-oriented. As a driver, you will need to know the expected behaviors from behind the wheel.

-Most of the local pedestrians are very confident in their right of way and will cross very closely in between cars, so first of all, keep it slow and stay alert.

-The wide speed bumps that are flat on top are pedestrian crossways and you MUST stop your car for all people to pass. Even if you don’t immediately see someone waiting to cross the street, it is best practice to stop and make sure no one is seeking to cross at that moment.

-At intersections, there are rarely stop signs or signal lights. It is customary to allow for the other vehicle to cross in front first. However, if the car at the intersection is given right of way, don’t immediately assume all the cars behind can continue on like a line of ducks. The usual pattern alternates, first one car from Street A, then one car from Street B, and then again one from Street A, and so on. Take turns.

Don’t expect a “cheap” trip, but do expect a quality trip. Financial planning is wonderful. However, San Miguel is a highly sought destination both locally and abroad, and as such there will be areas where the prices are slightly more elevated than other areas of the country. Do not let this faze you! There are fantastic options for every kind of budget and experience in San Miguel de Allende. Of course, the areas that expect more visitors, like the city’s center, tend to be relatively more expensive than the rest of the town. However, even just a couple of blocks out can offer some great experiences for those looking for more inexpensive possibilities. This can be said for restaurants, hotels, rental properties and real estate, and so on. So try a little of everything! Treat yourself to the downtown hotspots, but don’t forget the gem that you can find a little further down the street!

Be sure to hit the highlights! There is so much to experience in San Miguel de Allende it is easy to wander its streets for hours and be completely happy the entire time. However, it would be a shame to miss the opportunity of the city’ most recognizable places:

-The main plaza, or “Jardin Principal”, is a must, including taking a picture in front of the famous “Parroquia” (church). During the day the plaza is a quiet place to read and sit a while, but it comes alive at night with music, lights, and people.

-La Parroquia, the famous pink stone cathedral in San Miguel de Allende, is the most iconic structure in the city. Originally constructed at the end of the seventeenth century, the cathedral’s façade was changed drastically in 1880 by the self-taught construction master, Zeferino Gutierrez. He based his design from drawings of European architecture, turning the Parroquia into what is now one of the most photographed cathedrals of the country.

-Hot springs, anyone? There are several hot springs resorts near San Miguel de Allende. The most popular are La Gruta, La Taboada, El Xote, and Escondido Place. All are within about a 20 minute drive from the city.

-El Charco del Ingenio Botanical Gardens is a great place to be outdoors and appreciate Mexico’s natural beauty. Walking and hiking trails wind through the gardens, and can lead through greenhouses, conservatories, and along the canyon. It’s a great place for a family outing!

-The Mirador (Lookout) offers one of the best views of the whole city. The views are beautiful during the day but consider going at night as well for a fantastic display of lights!

-Of course, you want to remember your stay in San Miguel de Allende. Also everyone back home needs a little gift too, right? A visit to the Artisan’s Market is what you need! Local wares, arts, crafts, pewter, pottery, silver, punched tin, hand blown glass, and textiles can all be found in the long strip of shops that stretches over three city blocks. Prices are very reasonable and you will love the essence of Mexican culture as you meander through the shops.

There you have it! Now you are ready to make any last minute changes in packing, and zip up that suitcase!

Here’s to smooth vacationing!

Leslie García