Voted the #1 small city in the world seven times by Condé Nast Traveler. Spring-like weather 365 days a year. A Waldorf Astoria moving in next door. This isn't a fantasy — it's San Miguel de Allende, and today's guest has lived there for 17 years.
Greg is a real estate broker and owner of the first Berkshire Hathaway Home Services franchise in all of Mexico. He moved to San Miguel at 50, intending to semi-retire — and never looked back. In this episode he gives us the full insider's guide: where to eat, what to do, when to go, and everything you need to know before you arrive. Love Mexico? We have two more episodes you'll enjoy — Mexico Off the Tourist Trail: An Aussie Expat's Local Guide and Mérida Travel Guide: Cenotes, Flamingos & Hidden Gems in the Yucatán.
Mexico Off the Tourist Trail: An Aussie Expat’s Local Guide
In This Episode
- Why San Miguel de Allende keeps beating out cities worldwide for the #1 small city title
- Where to eat — including the world's #1 rooftop restaurant and a chef covered in tattoos who's held the #1 spot for 18 years
- The one dish you must try (and you'll never find it in Australia or the US)
- How to get there, get around, and why you should leave the hire car at home
- Festivals: Day of the Dead, the Katrina Parade, the world's largest bilingual film festival, and 150 other celebrations a year
- The "random Aztec parade factor" — and what mañana really means
- Greg's top tips for planning your visit
About San Miguel de Allende
- Location: Central Mexico, inland at 6,400 feet altitude — no humidity, no beach crowds
- Climate: Spring-like year-round; 40°F diurnal swing in winter, never snows
- Population: ~175,000 — compact, walkable, European village feel
- Closest airports: Querétaro (QRO) and León (BJX) — both ~75 minutes away
Where to Eat
- The Restaurant — Greg's top pick for foodies; the chef (a tattooed local legend) has held the #1 spot for 18 years
- Quince — voted #1 rooftop restaurant in the entire world; stunning views of 26 of the city's 28 cathedrals
- Centro — the central neighbourhood where 90% of the city's 650 restaurants are concentrated; start here
- The dish to try: Chiles en Nogada — a green chile stuffed with ground beef, raisins and nuts, topped with white sauce and pomegranate seeds (red, white and green = the Mexican flag). Available September through Christmas.
Things to Do
- Walking tour with Patronato Pro Niños — a nonprofit that provides free healthcare for Mexican children; runs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday in Centro. No booking required. Covers history, architecture and culture.
- Day trip to Nirvana — a boutique resort 10 minutes outside town. Day pass ($120 USD) includes a three-course lunch, massage, pool access and natural hot springs (water comes out of the ground at 104°F).
- Atotonilco — the "Sistine Chapel of Mexico," a short drive north. Full of UNESCO-refurbished murals. You can tour it in 20 minutes.
- Vineyard tours — 20–30 vineyards in the area; San Miguel is the second-largest wine district in Mexico. Food-paired wine tastings make for a great half day.
- Natural hot springs — scattered around the region; water surfaces at hot-tub temperatures
- Hot air balloon rides — a popular way to see the city and surrounds from above
- ATV tours — for something more active
- Local pyramid — uncovered about 12 years ago; a fun add-on if you've never seen one
- Want a private guide? Then click here to book your one day private tour of San Miguel De Allende from Mexico.
Getting There & Getting Around
- Fly into: Querétaro (QRO) or León (BJX) — both ~75 minutes from the city
- From Mexico City: 3.5–4 hour luxury bus or shuttle
- Airport transfers: Book a shuttle in advance (roughly $30 USD per person); they meet you with a name sign
- In the city: Don't rent a car. You won't need it. Walk, take a taxi (~200 cabs in town), or use Uber/Lyft (both reliable, ~3 minutes wait.
Get in Touch with Greg Gunter
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