RESTAURANTS:

Our suggestion for tipping: Leave 15 to 20 percent of the pre-tax total of your bill.

Click on the name to view their website (if they have one) and click on the address to locate them in Google Maps.

The Restaurant: Global comfort food. Open Thursday to Saturday from 12 pm to 11 pm and Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 12 pm to 10 pm. Thursday is Burger Night. Closed on Mondays. Reservations are required.

Address: Sollano #16 * Phone: +52 415 154 7862

Aperi: Food for the senses. We highly recommend booking the Chef's Table in the kitchen with a multi course tasting menu. Open Wednesday through Monday. Lunch: 2 pm to 4 pm and Dinner 6:30 to 10 pm. Reservations are required.

Address: Quebrada #101, inside Dos Casas Hotel * Phone: +52 415 152 0941

La Parada: Peruvian food. Open Wednesday to Saturday from 12 pm to 10 pm, Sunday and Monday from 12 pm to 9 pm. Closed on Tuesday. Reservations are required.

Address: Recreo #94 * Phone: +52 415 152 0473

Lavanda: Coffee shop and great breakfasts. Open from 8:30 am to 5 pm. Closed on Tuesday.

Address: Hernandez Macias #87 * Phone: +52 415 152 1610

Pueblo Viejo: Traditional Mexican food. Open every day from 9 am to 12 am (except Sundays from 1 pm to 12 am). They don’t take reservations.

Address: Umaran #6 * Phone: +52 415 152 4977

Quince Rooftop: International food accented with Mexican flavors. Open Monday – Saturday 12pm to 2am (latest), Sundays 11am to 2 am (latest). Reservations are recommended. Reservations email: reserve@quincerooftop.com . No phone reservations.

Address: Cuna de Allende #15 * Phone: +52 415 154 9776

Atrio: Rooftop restaurant, amazing view of the Parroquia. A delicious Asian and Mexican fusion. Open every day from 1:00 pm - 11:00 pm. Reservations are recommended.

Address: Cuna de Allende #3 * Phone: +52 415 688 1405

La Posadita: Great for lunch or dinner, also with a rooftop area. Mexican cuisine. Open Thursday to Tuesday 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm. Reservations are recommended.

Address: Cuna de Allende #13 * Phone: +52 415 154 8862

Doce Concept House: Has a fantastic sophisticated food court and shopping experience.

Address: Relox #18

Ki'bok: Corner of Cuadrante and Sollano, amazing coffee and quinoa bowls!

Address: Sollano #25

Antigua Trattoria Romana: Traditional and delicious, old style Italian restaurant.

Address: Codo #9 corner with Zacateros * Phone: +52 415 152 37 90

Hecho en México: Always very popular. Large varied menu. They do not take reservations.

Address: Ancha de San Antonio #8 * Phone: +52 415 154 6383

Cent’Anni: Great Italian food. Live music on Fridays and Saturdays.

Address: Canal #34 * Phone: +52 415 154 8044

Luna Rooftop Tapas Bar (at Rosewood Hotel): A lovely rooftop terrace where you can enjoy the best sunset. They do not take reservations.

Address: Nemesio Diez #11 * Phone: +52 415 152 9700

Bhaji Curry House: Their concept is the classic Curries that are prepared in England. British chef Adrián Gorton brought this novel concept like those in his country. Go ahead and try something different and get to know British Curry.

Address: Correo #48

We also recommend the blog http://www.dondayinsma.com very entertaining and provides good information on food and drinks in San Miguel.

GROCERY STORES:

Click on the name to view their location on Google Maps

La Comer: For full grocery shopping go to La Comer, a chain supermarket. They carry everything you would expect to see in a supermarket. You can take a taxi and just tell the driver that you want to go to La Comer.

Bonanza: A small neighborhood supermarket in downtown, with a lot of gourmet goods and American products. Right in Centro, they carry a few items that can't be found anywhere else.

Mercado Sano: A fully organic food market open seven days a week with additional vendors on Saturdays. A great place to visit on a Saturday morning where you can try all sorts of food, buy the best salad greens, or just enjoy a delicious snack.

The Municipal Market: Where you can find the freshest fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy products, poultry, etc.

SPECIALTY FOOD STORES:

Click on the name to view their website (if they have one) and click on the address to locate them in Google Maps.

Olio Fino: Specialty olive oil and vinegar store.

Address: Zacateros 83-A

Luna de Queso: One of San Miguel's best gourmet delis. You will find all kinds of artisanal and imported cheeses, sauces, dressings, oils, hard to find gourmet spices and packaged goods, in addition to high -quality deli meats.

They also sell ready-to-eat sandwiches, soups and salads that you can either take-out or eat on their pleasant patio and courtyard. Open from 9 am to 7 pm. Closed on Sundays. Reservations are not required.

They have two locations: Jesús #2 & Salida a Celaya #79

La Buena Vida: A bakery located in Centro, across from Bellas Artes. Great baked goods and breads. You can also find them on Saturdays at the Mercado Sano. 8 am to 4 pm, closed on Sundays

Address: Hernández Macías #72

Panio: Another wonderful bakery and restaurant. They make a wide variety of sour dough and other European breads and also beautiful sweet breads, pastries, and baked desserts.

They have three locations:

Correo #29 - Relox #12 (inside Doce 18 Concept House) - Salida a Celaya #69

Via Orgánica: Located in the artsy Colonia Guadalupe. They have a large selection of organic foods and sell produce, meats, cheeses and other dairy products or substitutes, packaged products, condiments and many made in-house salsas, baked goods, etc. They also have a small organic restaurant. Work hours: Daily from 8 am to 9 pm.

Address: Margarito Ledesma #2

LIQUOR STORES:

Click on the name to view their location on Google Maps

La Europea: A very well-stocked liquor store. They deliver for a minimum purchase of 12 bottles. Work hours from Monday to Sunday from 9 am to 9 pm.

Cava Sautto: A local store, they have an extensive variety of wine and liquors.

SHOPPING:

Click on the name to view their website (if they have one) and click on the address to locate them in Google Maps.

Agua D’Coco: Woman’s clothing and accessories.

Address: Sollano #31 * Phone: +52 415 154 9132

Sollano #16: The name of the store is the address. Home accessories.

Phone: +52 415 154 8872

Camino Silvestre: Decorative objects for the house and garden, seeders, binoculars and observation guides.

They have two locations: Correo #43 (corner with Chiquitos) & Zacateros #46

Fábrica la Aurora: A unique art and design center featuring artist studios, art galleries, antique stores, unique shops, and good restaurants too. They hold an Art Walk on the first Saturday of each month from 5 to 7 pm. Open from Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 18:00 hrs. Some shops may have different hours.

Address: Calzada de la Aurora s/n * Phone: +52 415 152 13 12

Mixta: Funky fun mix of original and new artisan products. Open from Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 19:00 hrs and Sunday from 11:00 to 17:00 hrs.

Address: Pila Seca #3 * Phone: +52 415 152 7343

Recreo San Miguel: Luxurious fabrics with a contemporary design.

Address: Recreo #26 * Phone: +52 415 154 4820

The San Miguel Walking and Shopping Guide is a great help. You can pick up a free copy at many locations around town.

SPAS & BEAUTY SERVICES:

Click on the name to view their website (if they have one) and click on the address to locate them in Google Maps.

Dos Casas Hotel: Open daily from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm.

Address: Quebrada 101 * Phone: +52 415 154 4073

Hotel Matilda: Open daily from 9 am to 8 pm. Closed on Tuesday.

Address: Aldama #53 * Phone: +52 415 152 1015

Rosewood Hotel: Open daily from 8 am to 8 pm.

Address: Nemesio Diez #11 * Phone: +52 415 152 9730

El Quinto Sol Day Spa: Open Monday to Friday from 10 am to 2 pm & 4 pm to 7 pm / Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm. Closed on Sunday.

Address: Farolito #10 * Phone: +52 415 152 1608

TOURS & ACTIVITIES:

For professional tours and personalized activities, we work with SMXperience.

Contact us to know more about private walking tours, city tours to nearby cities, private dinners by experienced local chefs, tequila, wine or mezcal tastings, hot air balloon rides, and much more.

Other activities we recommend, click on the name to contact them directly to book:

• Walking tours: 2 ½ hours guided Tour of Historic San Miguel

• Bici-Burro: Mountain bike tours or bike rentals

• La Biblioteca (Library): Here you can find a theater, a nice little restaurant and a surprisingly good selection of books in English. Work hours: Monday to Friday from 10 am to 7 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm. Closed Sundays.

• El Charco del Ingenio Botanical Garden: A nature preserve that spans over 170 acres. It is a beautiful natural park, with a spring-fed reservoir nestled in an impressive canyon filled with cactus and other indigenous plants. It is a unique place for strolling, jogging, hiking, meditating, or simply enjoying a peaceful time in nature. The preserve consists of an extensive network of paths that lead to various points of ecological, scenic or historical interest.

GOLF COURSES:

Click on the name to view their website and click on the address to locate them in Google Maps.

• Club de Golf Malanquín: Professional 18-hole par 72 golf course with 7,289 yards. Designed by Steven Newgent of Newgent Golf and Development.

Open Tuesday to Saturday from 6:30 am to 9:00 pm / Sundays from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm / Closed on Mondays. Address: Km 3 Carretera San Miguel–Celaya

• Club de Golf Ventanas de San Miguel: Professional 18-hole par 70 with 7,300 yards. Designed by Nick Faldo and the prestigious architect firm Schmidt-Curley Golf Design.

• Tee times: Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00pm / Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm

• Range: Monday to Friday from 7:00 am to 5:30 pm / 7:00 am to 4:30 pm

• Twilight – Wednesday to Friday at 3:30 pm

Address: Carretera Dolores Hidalgo - San Miguel de Allende

• Club de Golf Zirándaro: 9-hole, par 3 executive golf course. Designed by Rafael Alarcón (Lorena Ochoa's instructor). Practice range. Open Monday to Friday from 8.30 am to 5:00 pm

ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN:

Click on the name to view their website and click on the address to locate them in Google Maps.

• Mamma Mia Campestre: A beautiful setting for this restaurant. About 20 minutes out of town (in Atotonilco), it offers a quiet refuge with outdoor seating under the trees. A perfect place to bring the kids, they can run around while you enjoy gourmet food and homemade beer and mixed drinks. Address: Carretera al Santuario de Atotonilco KM2.180, 37894 Atotonilco, Gto.

• Museo La Esquina: Quaint museum with displays of vintage, handcrafted toys from various Mexican regions & a gift shop. Address: Núñez 40

COOKING CLASSES:

Click on their name to view their website (if they have one).

• Stefania Quero: Private cooking classes. Email: squr.smx@gmail.com, Cellphone +52 415 167 1043

• Paco Cárdenas: Private cooking classes. Reservations are needed. Email: pacopos3@yahoo.com.

• Gaby Green: Private cooking classes in your home or hers. Cellphone: +52 415 119 2195, Email: Gaby@chefgabygreen.com

• Kirsten West: Private cooking classes: email: kirstenwest@mac.com

• Sazón cooking school: All Classes Include: Tour of San Miguel Market with our chef, class tuition and gourmet tasting session.

EVENTS & NEWS:

The weekly bilingual newspaper Atención San Miguel, which includes the what-to-do guide Qué Pasa, gives the widest coverage of news, cultural events and community activities.

Published every Friday, for the following week, the printed version is readily available in many outlets as well as the newspaper stand in the Jardín (main square). The cost is $20 pesos.

REAL ESTATE:

• CDR San Miguel: Contact Nancy Howze: Mobile: +52 415 103 0585 / Email: nancy@cdrsanmiguel.com

SPANISH SCHOOLS:

• Warren Hardy

• Habla Hispana

We hope this will get you started on your adventure in San Miguel!

Special requests:

Please note that if we do not have your special requests within 72 hours of your arrival, then we can not guarantee their delivery.

Thank you for your patience and understanding!

House Keys:

Upon departure, please make sure you leave ALL the sets of keys at the house before leaving, as there is a $100.00 USD charge for each key not returned.

After your departure, you will have 48 hours to inform us if you have the keys; if we do not hear from you during that time frame, we will automatically deduct the $100 USD fee. Keys should be sent via FedEx Express or DHL Express, with a tracking number.

Please note that the keys should be received at our office within a week of your departure; otherwise, we will deduct the $100 USD fee.

Damages:

If any incidents happen during your stay please inform us as soon as you notice them either by sending an email to guestservices@premiersanmiguel.com or by calling our office.

Our office is open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm:

Mexico Phone: + 52 415 154 9460

U.S phone: 646.536.7634 (Dial this number directly from a US phone)

Please be aware that the office phone is forwarded to our emergency phone on the weekends after 5 pm on Friday until 9 am on Monday.

• What is the weather like in San Miguel?

On average, the warmest months are April and May. Most rainfall (rainy season) is seen in June, July, August, and September.

San Miguel de Allende has dry periods in January, February, March, April, November, and December.

The coolest month is January.

July is the wettest month.

February is the driest month.

May is the hottest month.

• What is the easiest way to get to San Miguel?

We suggest either León airport (BJX) or Querétaro airport (QRO). Querétaro is a small airport and very easy. Both are, but Querétaro is smaller and about 15 minutes closer to San Miguel de Allende than León.

• What is the cost of heating the pool?

The cost varies from house to house. Take into consideration that it usually takes a full 24 hours to heat the pool, so the heating up might start before your arrival. To know the cost of the pool heating of a specific home (or homes) please contact Karla at guestservices@premiersanmiguel.com

• What is the average cost of a meal per day?

It varies from house to house, but it usually is around $25 USD per day, per person, considering breakfast, lunch and dinner or appetizers. For days when only one or two meals are needed, we estimate between $10 and $15 USD per person, per day.

• What is the procedure for having the house stocked with groceries at our arrival?

We can take care of that for you! Review our grocery packages here.

If you do not require groceries stocked before your arrival, the house staff at most properties can do the shopping for you.

• What places do you recommend for grocery shopping?

We do shopping in the following places (click on the name to review the location on Google Maps):

La Comer: The largest and best-stocked supermarket in San Miguel.

Bonanza: A small neighborhood supermarket in downtown, with a lot of gourmet goods and American products.

La Europea: A liquor and gourmet goods store.

The Municipal Market: Where you can find the freshest fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy products, poultry, etc.

• How do I access the house? Will there be someone at the home when I arrive?

A staff member will be at the house at your arrival to greet you and show you around the house.

If your arrival is after hours, the house staff will wait for you, but you will need to pay them overtime fee or provide them a tip (we will let you know the suggested tip amount before your arrival).

• Will someone provide us a key to the house?

The house staff will provide you with sets of keys, usually one set of keys per bedroom. Upon departure, please make sure you leave ALL the sets of keys at the house before leaving, as there is a $100.00 USD charge for each key not returned.

After your departure, you will have 48 hours to inform us if you have the keys; if we do not hear from you during that time frame, we will automatically deduct the $100 USD fee. Keys should be sent via FedEx Express or DHL Express, with a tracking number.

Please note that the keys should be received at our office within a week of your departure; otherwise, we will deduct the $100 USD fee.

• Is the staff of the houses bilingual?

You will find that some of the members of the staff understand English pretty well but are not very fluent in speaking it. All the on-site managers do speak English fluently.

• Can we hire a nanny?

We can recommend a nanny to take care of your children if you are planning to go out. More details can be found here.

• Do the houses have a purified water system?

Some houses do; other homes get their drinking water from a water company in large plastic bottles called "garrafones." Some homes will provide drinking water bottles at your arrival.

The water that comes from the faucets is entirely safe for brushing your teeth, taking a shower, etc. although not for drinking.

• When will I get my security deposit back?

After your departure, we will contact the staff of the house to check for damages to the property.

The full refund will be made within thirty days after your departure in case there aren't any damages to the property. If any damage was done, the amount to fix it would be deducted from your security deposit, and you will receive the balance within 30 days after your departure.

• Where can I find ATMs and Currency Exchange Offices?

Around the main square (Jardín Principal), there are several ATM ́s and currency exchange offices. Most ATM's are open 24/7. You will find them at a walking distance from any of the properties you are staying at.

NOTE: The currency exchange agencies do not take dollar bills with ink stains, scratches, written things, or tears. Also, please do not pay the staff with this kind of dollar bills since they won't be able to exchange them.

• Can we pay in dollars around town?

Most restaurants, boutiques, galleries, and hotels take dollars at the exchange rate of the day.

However, it is advisable to carry pesos in lower denomination bills and coins as there are vendors around the main square and the market that only take Mexican currency.

• Do you have any recommendations for restaurants and stores?

Our recommendations are located below in the Around Town section.

Besides this, you will find throughout San Miguel booklets and brochures with options of galleries, shops, restaurants, coffee shops, museums, and many other places of interest. They come with directions and a map so you can find them easily.

• Are taxis easy to find? Are they safe?

Taxis are safe in San Miguel. All taxi cabs are clearly identified; the most well-known fleet is green with the ID number printed on the front doors. Never go in an unmarked car.

Taxis are not very pricey, but they don't have taximeters though, it is usually a fixed fare depending on the distance. The average cost for a taxi ride will be $80 pesos (around $5 USD).

You can either stop a taxi on the street or call to have one pick you up anywhere. Know where you're going before you get in and speak confidently to the driver. Always exit on the curbside, and keep an eye out for cyclists, pedestrians, and other vehicles.

For a long-distance trip (for example, to Guanajuato, Dolores Hidalgo, etc.), we recommend using a tour company as they have more comfortable and bigger vehicles and can also provide tour guides. We can gladly help you make arrangements.

• Is San Miguel a safe city?

San Miguel is generally very safe, but it is no different than the city where you live or any city that you visit. San Miguel is a great city for walking, but with so many people and so many things to look at, you need to take a few smart precautions.

Keep your belongings close and pay attention to your surroundings. Be hyper-vigilant at night and stick to well-lit, populated streets. Although San Miguel is a pedestrian-friendly city, always cross the streets in the corners and pay attention to cars and cyclists.

Since most streets are cobblestone, we advise you to opt for supportive shoes when exploring the city.

Greetings:

Hello - Hola

Good morning, Good day - Buenos días (To be said before noon)

Good afternoon - Buenas tardes (To be said from noon until dark)

Good evening, Good night - Buenas noches (To be said at night)

Basics:

My name is... - Me llamo...

Thank you - Gracias

Excuse me - Disculpe

Yes - Si

No - No

Please - Por favor

May I take a photo - ¿Puedo tomar una foto?

I don't speak Spanish. Do you speak English? - No hablo español. ¿Habla usted inglés?

I'm sorry - Lo siento

How much is it? - ¿Cuánto cuesta?

I don’t understand - No entiendo

Can you help me? - ¿Puede ayudarme?

Could you please repeat that? - ¿ Puede repetirlo, por favor?

One moment, please - Un momento, por favor

I don’t know - No sé

Goodbye - Adiós

I want... - Quiero...

I have... - Tengo...

I'm looking for... - Busco...

I need... - Necesito...

I lost my... - Perdí mi....

Time:

What time is it? - ¿Qué hora es?

Tomorrow - Mañana

Morning - la mañana

Afternoon - la tarde

Evening / night - la noche

Next week - la próxima semana

Place:

Where is...? - ¿Donde está...?

How far? - ¿A qué distancia?

Where are we? - ¿Dónde estamos?

Restroom - Baño

House - Casa

Downtown - Centro

Restaurant - Restaurante

Hotel - Hotel

ATM - Cajero

Questions:

Who - ¿Quién?

What - ¿Qué?

Where - ¿Dónde?

When - ¿Cuándo?

Why - ¿Por qué?

How - ¿Cómo?

How many - ¿Cuántos?

How much - ¿Cuánto?

Restaurant:

Can I have...? - Me puede dar...?

I'm vegetarian - Soy vegetariano

How much? - ¿Cuánto es?

Can I have the bill, please? - ¿Me trae la cuenta, por favor?

Menu - Menú

Starter - Entrada

Main course - Plato fuerte

Dessert - Postre

Drinks - Bebidas

Beer - Cerveza

Wine - Vino

Water - Agua

Waiter / Waitress - Mesero / Mesera

Getting around:

I need a taxi - Necesito un taxi

One / Two block(s) away - Una / Dos cuadra(s)

To the left - A la izquierda

To the right - A la derecha

Straight ahead - Derecho

Does it go to...? - ¿Va para...?

Ticket - Boleto

Roundtrip - Viaje redondo

Passport - Pasaporte

Bus - Camión

Seat - Asiento

Medical phrases:

My... hurt/hurts - Me duele...

I have a pain/ache of… - Tengo dolor de…

I am sick - Estoy enfermo / enferma

I need an ambulance, my address is... - Necesito una ambulancia, mi dirección es...

Illness, sickness or disease - Enfermedad

Sick - Enfermo / Enferma

Pain - Dolor

Pharmacy - Farmacia

Doctor’s office - Consultorio

Lab - Laboratorio

Test, exam, checkup - Examen

Medicine - Medicamento

Prescription - Receta

Pill - Pastilla

Capsule - Cápsula

Tablet - Tableta

Ointment / salve - Ungüento

Cream or lotion - Crema

Asthma - Asma

Allergy - Alergia

Cold - Resfriado

Flu - Gripe

Food poisoning - Intoxicación alimenticia

See the full list of Medical Terms for Travelers