Few towns are as subtly enchanting as San Miguel. Some places dazzle, others seduce but San Miguel de Allende most definitely bewitches. Nothing short of magic explains how somewhere so full of foreigners remains so endearingly Mexican. Awash with charming vignettes, this is a painterly town whose steep, cobblestoned streets echo the undulating lines of the surrounding hills. An energetic community of artists produces excellent folk and fine art, in addition to a jazz festival and a classical music concert series.

For a walk outside town, bring a picnic lunch to the public cacti gardens at El Charco del Ingenio. Outside of San Miguel are many hot water springs that have been channelled to form pools and spas. Most are en route to Dolores Hidalgo; you can get details from the San Miguel tourism department.