San Miguel de Allende is a popular ex-pat city a few hours north of Mexico City. Known for its eye-catching neo-gothic and Spanish baroque architecture, finding a good viewpoint of the city is essential to see all the brilliance. Luckily, the Mirador de San Miguel de Allende is perfect for panoramic city views – day or night!
In this post, I’ll tell you all about the viewpoint of San Miguel de Allende – where it is, how to get there and even 3 additional miradors you can visit.
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Experience Incredible Views from the Mirador de San Miguel de Allende
The viewpoint of San Miguel de Allende is one of the most visited places in the city. And, for good reason. The mirador offers panoramic views over the city.
It won’t be hard to spot the beautiful Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel. It’s the most famous and photographed building in San Miguel de Allende thanks to its towering spires and pink colour. Or, Templo de San Francisco – an equally stunning church located in the heart of the city.
But, the views don’t stop at the city centre. In the background, you’ll see the lakes to the west of the city and the dry hills of the Guanajuato countryside behind them too.
Mirador de San Miguel de Allende, or simply El Mirador, is free to enter as it is just a lookout from the side of the road. There are coin-operated binoculars available too if you want to get a closer look at the buildings.
TOP TIP: One block north of the Mirador is a street called Huertas. Head here for a great view of the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel framed by colonial-style buildings. It’s a lesser-known spot too with fewer people around!
Where is Mirador de San Miguel de Allende?
The mirador is located slightly southeast of the main square and church – Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel – on Salida Real A Querétaro. Its location in the central zone makes it easily accessible by foot from most of the city. Find it on Google Maps here.
San Miguel de Allende is in the Mexican state of Guanajuato. The city is 250 km northwest of Mexico City. With the drive usually taking 4 to 5 hours – allowing for the all-day traffic getting out of Mexico City.
How to get to the San Miguel de Allende Viewpoint
To walk to the viewpoint from the heart of the city is very simple. From the main square – also called Jardin Allende – head out the southeast corner along a street called Correo. After 5 blocks, turn right at Templo de Santa Domingo and continue along Salida Real A Querétaro. The Mirador de San Miguel de Allende will be on your right-hand side after roughly 500 metres! In total, the walk will take around 15 minutes.
Alternatively, Uber operate in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato or you can flag down a taxi on the street. If getting a taxi, remember to agree on the price before starting the journey.
Other Viewpoints in San Miguel de Allende
Mirador El Caracol
Located in the south of the city, Mirador El Caracol offers the most distant views of San Miguel de Allende. Plus, its location on the main road into the city means you’ll probably drive past it at some point.
While the views may be slightly more distant, they are still stunning. What’s more, fewer trees and people obstruct your view here than at El Mirador.
Mirador El Caracol is less than a 20-minute from the the main viewpoint of San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato. As such, these can be coupled up into your own DIY walking tour of the city.
Mirador Presa del Obraje
In the northeast of the city centre, near the El Charco Botanical Garden, is Mirador Presa del Obraje. Unlike the other viewpoints in the city, this one does not have conventional views of the city centre and its most famous church. Rather, the mirador looks north over the reservoir, the industrial centre of the city and the green hills of the countryside.
Walking from the main square of San Miguel de Allende to Mirador Presa del Obraje takes just 20 minutes. While this viewpoint is not the most impressive in the city, it’s still worth a visit if you’re nearby.
Mirador Cruz del Pueblo
If you want to take in the view from Mirador Cruz del Pueblo, you’re gonna have to work for it. You’ll need to climb approximately 250 steps to reach the mirador! With an altitude of 1900 metres and almost year-round humidity, those steps will be harder work than you thought. But, don’t fret, it’ll all be worth it in the end! Plus, the effort required means fewer people make it to this viewpoint.
Luckily, Mirador Cruz del Pueblo is just a short, less than a 10-minute walk from the main viewpoint. For those that want to add a little challenge to their trip out, these two viewpoints can be easily combined into one outing.
If you have any questions or want any more information, drop a comment below and I’ll get back to you!
Information is correct as of November 2021 but is subject to change in future.
More Mexico Travel Guides…
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Puebla: Ride the Teleférico Puebla for Panoramic City Views [Cable Car Guide]
Guerrero: Pozas Azules de Atzala, Taxco (Visitor’s Guide)
Central Oaxaca: San José del Pacifico, Oaxaca (Complete Travel Guide)
Coastal Oaxaca: Playa Bacocho, Puerto Escondido (Oaxaca Beach Guide)
Coastal Oaxaca: Lagunas de Chacahua, Oaxaca (Ultimate Travel Guide)
And much more, check out all Mexico Travel Guides here!
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