How to Spend a Perfect 48 Hours in San Miguel de Allende

San Miguel de Allende isn't exactly the easiest city to get to as plane travel typically requires a layover, and it's an hour-and-a-half drive from the nearest airport. However, once you arrive in this vibrant town, you'll be able to walk just about everywhere.

We're beginning our journey at Hotel Amparo, the widely acclaimed boutique property founded by embroidery queen and shop owner Mariana Barran Goodall. Celebrate your arrival with a locally inspired cocktail or bottle of wine at the hotel's colorful and highly regarded Bar Margaret before venturing out for the evening.

It's a short walk to The Restaurant, one of San Miguel Allende's most iconic dining destinations. This 17th century manse-turned-restaurant is helmed by Donnie Masterson, whose resume includes stints at Tavern on the Green and The Hay Adams Hotel. The Restaurant offers world-class comfort food with ingredients sourced from local farmers, ranchers, and cheesemakers, plus, a stellar wine list.

Just around the corner lies the enchanting Rosewood San Miguel de Allende. Its rooftop tapas bar, Luna, offers spectacular views of this incredible city. Cap off the evening with cocktails and brie cheese cake or Oaxacan chocolate fondant while soaking in the city skyline.

As much as you'll want to spend a lazy Saturday in Hotel Amparo's courtyard, there's a lot of ground to cover, and it's time to get exploring! Pop into Lavanda Café's Blue Door Center location for a fantastic cup of coffee and cozy breakfast to power a day of shopping and sight-seeing. Be sure to scope out the incredible markets to peruse after getting your caffeine fix that are along your route.

The three-block Mercado de Artesanías and nearby Ignacio Ramírez Market are sure to keep you busy, but it's worth continuing your shopping excursion with a stop at Fábrica La Aurora, a textile factory that has been transformed into the city's cultural center for all things art and design. You'll find art galleries, home decor shops, jewelers, and more. Make sure to check out the various workshop offerings that range from watercolor realism to textile arts.

After a busy morning on your feet, you've certainly earned your guacamole and garden views offered at Casa de Sierra Nevada, A Belmond Hotel's Restaurante de Parque. This breathtaking estate comprising 17th and 18th century buildings is filled with antiques and vintage finds and will be your second home for the night, so take some time to explore the property before the day's final events.

San Miguel de Allende's top attraction, La Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, is just around the corner. It's also on your way to Jardín Allende, a lush garden square that's filled with charming shops and cafes to wander through before making your way to the tasting room at Casa Dragones to experience the beloved tequila brand in its hometown.

Enjoy your final meal at Marsala, one of the city's best brunch spots with food as beautiful as the interiors. You'll also find a hefty dose of Mediterranean flair. Make an art detour on your way back to the hotel and discover Galería Casa Diana and Galería Nudo for many a a colorful, collected, and Instagram-able moment before saying your goodbyes to San Miguel.

While you've still just scratched the surface of this city's unique arts, culture, and culinary communities, this trip is sure to leave you with plenty of inspiration for your next decorating, artistic, and kitchen endeavors. Plus, you'll have collected an array of beautiful items that bring San Miguel's vibrant, creative twist on joie de vivre into your own home for years to come.