If you’re going to hit a milestone birthday, you might as well do it surrounded by cobblestone charm, jaw-dropping architecture, and margaritas that might have been stronger than our grasp on the Spanish language.
To celebrate our dear friend’s fabulous 40th, three couples packed their bags and headed south to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico—a colonial town so picturesque it could be a postcard. Scratch that—it is a postcard, complete with colorful doors, bougainvillea-draped balconies, and more photogenic door knockers than an HGTV special.
Our AirBNB: Where Open-Air Dreams Come True
While the luggage was lost for the day, we soon forgot about it as we arrived in San Miguel. We stayed in a dreamy AirBNB nestled in the heart of the city, complete with rooftop views that made every golden hour feel like a music video. Picture sipping coffee (or something stronger) while the sun melts into a canvas of terra-cotta rooftops. Yes, it was as magical as it sounds.
First Stop: Tene Kitchen & Margaritas All Around
Like any responsible adult group trip, our first stop was straight to Tene Kitchen for tacos and margaritas. The drinks were strong, the guac was endless, and the laughter came easy. The views were breathtaking. (Pro tip: If you can’t remember how many margs you had, you’re probably doing it right.) This is the first taste of the food and culture and it did not disappoint.
Knock, Knock. Who’s There? The Best Doors Ever.
San Miguel is basically the Beyoncé of door design. Every block was an Instagram moment—wooden doors carved with ornate patterns, bold colors, and doorknockers that ranged from elegant to oddly whimsical. If you think we didn’t stop to pose with at least 17 of them… you’d be very wrong. The doorknockers in San Miguel were unique as they were useful! Here is what I learned about them!
San Miguel’s historic homes date back to the 17th and 18th centuries, when Spanish colonial architecture flourished. Door knockers (called aldabas in Spanish) were handmade by skilled blacksmiths and artisans. Each piece was forged with meticulous detail, making every knocker a one-of-a-kind creation.
These aren’t just pretty—they tell stories. Common motifs include:
- Lions – Strength and protection
- Hands holding balls – A Moorish symbol of hospitality
- Horses or horse heads – Wealth, travel, or status
- Angels or religious icons – Faith and spiritual guardianship
Each design often reflected the homeowner’s values, beliefs, or profession.
San Miguel is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a renowned artist haven. The creative spirit of the city extends even to its doors. Artisans treat knockers as tiny sculptures, combining form and function in unexpected ways. It’s not unusual to see quirky, abstract, or playful designs today, blending tradition with modern artistry.
Historically, homes didn’t have street numbers. Instead, doors were differentiated by their color, carvings, and knockers. A more elaborate or ornate door knocker often signaled a wealthier household or a person of importance inside.
These intricate knockers, often patinated by time, are a favorite subject for artists and photographers. They add character and charm to San Miguel’s already picturesque streets.
So, next time you walk through San Miguel de Allende, keep your eyes on the doors—you’re not just looking at metal on wood, you’re seeing history, heritage, and handmade artistry in action.
Culture, Crafts, and That Pottery Life
We wandered into Trinitate Talleres de Artes y Oficios, where hand-crafted pottery made us contemplate checking a suitcase just for ceramics. Beautiful, earthy pieces lined the space—and yes, we may have picked up a few “souvenirs” that now live happily on our kitchen counters. We wandered into a gallery of photographers’s art and were stunned by the beauty that these artist were able to create and capture with their lenses.
Singing in the Streets
One of the highlights? Strolling past a crew of mariachis on their way to a gig and impulsively paying them to perform a song right in the street. Talk about main-character energy. The city buzzes with spontaneous joy like that—music echoing off stone walls, strangers dancing, and vendors selling everything from roasted corn to handmade jewelry.
Dinner at Luna Rooftop: Sunset & Sophistication
Dinner at Luna Rooftop was as dreamy as it sounds. With candlelight, city views, and a menu that had us swooning over everything from seafood to sips, it was a chef’s kiss kind of night.
Churches, History & “Oh Wait, It Moved Again?”
We toured the city’s iconic churches—including the original San Miguel church, which has apparently had more addresses than most of us. Over the years, the church community moved multiple times, finally settling on the now-famous pink Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel that looks like a Gothic castle got lost and ended up in Mexico. The bells, the arches, the sheer drama of it all – 10/10 would recommend. My husband and I attended the Sunday service and even though we don’t speak Spanish, we enjoyed the experience.
Wash Tubs & Open-Air Markets
Ever seen a traditional laundry square? We did! In a plaza surrounded by lush greenery were stone wash tubs still in use. San Miguel preserves these beautiful old traditions, blending past and present in a way that just feels right.
Meanwhile, the markets were an explosion of color—vendors in wide-brimmed hats (including a guy wearing at least 50 stacked on his head) selling art, textiles, and snacks galore.
Tequila Tasting: I Observed, They Imbibed
While the rest of the crew dove into a tequila tasting like true adventurers, I stuck with my lime soda and took on the very important role of videographer/documentarian and trusted that it tasted good! The birthday boy really enjoyed this experience! (Also: tequila and I have history, and we’re no longer on speaking terms.)
Final Stop: Los Milagros – Dinner with a View
We wrapped up our trip with dinner at Los Milagros, where the city lights twinkled below like confetti. It was the perfect ending to a perfect trip—full of joy, wonder, and slightly overstuffed luggage. The quesadillas were on fire!
Things We Missed (But Marked for Next Time):
- Bullfighting at Plaza de Toros (we were too late but the arena looked amazing)
- More margaritas (somehow, we think we could have fit one more in)
San Miguel, you were a dream.
Cheers to cobblestones, culture, and celebrating with friends who feel like family. Now, excuse us while we go look at real estate and pretend we’re moving there next spring.
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