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GuanajuatovsSan Miguel de Allende

Both Guanajuato and San Miguel de Allende are incredible destinations. Guanajuato excels in colorful houses and underground tunnels, while San Miguel de Allende stands out for colonial architecture and art scene.

At a glance

GuanajuatoSan Miguel de Allende
Daily budget (mid-range)€110€110
Hotel per night (mid-range)€65€65
Best monthsJan, Feb, NovOctober to April
Summer / winter24°C / 16°C25°C / 18°C
LanguageSpanishSpanish
CurrencyMexican Peso (MXN)Mexican Peso (MXN)

How they compare

  • Culture & History
    GuanajuatoSan Miguel de Allende
  • Food & Dining
    GuanajuatoSan Miguel de Allende
  • Nightlife
    GuanajuatoSan Miguel de Allende

Top tours and experiences in San Miguel de Allende

The tours and tickets travellers book most, with ratings and reviews from Viator.

Immersive Cañada de La Virgen Pyramid Tour

Immersive Cañada de La Virgen Pyramid Tour

4.8803 reviews4h 30m
Historical and Cultural Walking Tour of San Miguel de Allende

Historical and Cultural Walking Tour of San Miguel de Allende

4.9769 reviews2h
Tacos and Tequila Walking Tour with Taste of Miguel

Tacos and Tequila Walking Tour with Taste of Miguel

4.9655 reviews3h 30m
Original Downtown Food Tour with Taste of San Miguel

Original Downtown Food Tour with Taste of San Miguel

4.9646 reviews3h 30m
All things to do in San Miguel de Allende →

Tours and prices from Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Prices change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.

Is Guanajuato or San Miguel de Allende cheaper?

For a mid-range traveller, Guanajuato and San Miguel de Allende cost about the same per day.

Mid-rangeGuanajuatoSan Miguel de Allende
Accommodation (per night)€65€65
Food and drinks (per day)€25€25
Sightseeing and activities (per day)€20€20
Total per day€110€110

Estimates exclude flights and long-distance transport.

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Top Attractions in Guanajuato

  • 1Callejón del Beso
  • 2Underground Tunnels
  • 3Alhóndiga de Granaditas
  • 4Teatro Juárez
  • 5Mummy Museum
  • 6El Pípila Viewpoint

Top Attractions in San Miguel de Allende

  • 1Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel
  • 2El Jardín (Main Square)
  • 3Fábrica La Aurora (Art Center)
  • 4Hot Springs
  • 5Rooftop Bars
  • 6Art Galleries

Guanajuato is Popular With

photographers
students
culture lovers
couples

San Miguel de Allende is Popular With

retirees
artists
couples
foodies

Hidden Gems

Discover lesser-known attractions in each city

Hidden Gems in Guanajuato

  • 1

    Museo del Pueblo de Guanajuato

    A superb art museum housed in a 17th-century mansion, featuring a collection of colonial-era religious art, modern Mexican works, and a beautiful courtyard.

  • 2

    Presa de la Olla & Parque Florencio Antillón

    A serene reservoir and park on the city's edge, popular with locals for picnics, paddle boating, and Sunday strolls.

Hidden Gems in San Miguel de Allende

  • 1

    El Charco del Ingenio

    A massive, breathtaking botanical garden and nature reserve located in a canyon just outside the city.

  • 2

    Casa de la Cuesta

    A stunning, family-run textile museum and shop in a beautiful old house.

Neighborhoods to Explore

Discover the best areas to visit in each city

Top Areas in Guanajuato

  • Centro Histórico

    The historic heart and UNESCO core of the city, a dense, pedestrian-friendly maze of plazas, churches, and markets.

  • Pastita

    A quieter, more residential neighborhood clinging to the hillside, offering stunning elevated views back towards the centro.

Top Areas in San Miguel de Allende

  • Centro Histórico

    The historic heart and soul of San Miguel, a UNESCO-protected maze of cobblestone streets, stunning colonial architecture, and bustling plazas.

  • Guadalupe

    An up-and-coming, artsy neighborhood northeast of the Centro, famous for its stunning murals that cover entire buildings.

Budget Comparison

Compare the cost of traveling in each city

Budget in Guanajuato

Daily Budget$80-150 USD for comfortable hotels, sit-down restaurant meals, taxi rides, and paid museum entries.
Cost Level
budget

Budget in San Miguel de Allende

Daily Budget$100-200 USD per person for nice B&Bs, restaurant meals, tours, and taxis.
Cost Level
budget

Where to stay in Guanajuato

Hotels close to the centre of Guanajuato, from budget to luxury. Prices are typical nightly rates at our last check.

El Mesón de los PoetasMid-range

El Mesón de los Poetas

0.3 km from the centre

€58 / night

Check availability
Hotel Real de LeyendasMid-range

Hotel Real de Leyendas

0.3 km from the centre

€46 / night

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Edelmira Hotel BoutiqueUpscale

Edelmira Hotel Boutique

0.6 km from the centre

€161 / night

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Hotel Posada Santa FeUpscale

Hotel Posada Santa Fe

0.6 km from the centre

€74 / night

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Hotel prices come from Traveloka, last checked on February 4, 2026, and change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book through our links, at no extra cost to you.

Where to stay in San Miguel de Allende

Hotels close to the centre of San Miguel de Allende, from budget to luxury. Prices are typical nightly rates at our last check.

Hotel del Portal San Miguel de AllendeMid-range

Hotel del Portal San Miguel de Allende

0.1 km from the centre

€88 / night

Check availability
Villa Limon Hotel BoutiqueMid-range

Villa Limon Hotel Boutique

0.2 km from the centre

€105 / night

Check availability
Hotel Boutique Hacienda GuadalupeUpscale

Hotel Boutique Hacienda Guadalupe

0.1 km from the centre

€160 / night

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Clandestino Hotel & Spa Pila SecaUpscale

Clandestino Hotel & Spa Pila Seca

0.3 km from the centre

€134 / night

Check availability

Hotel prices come from Traveloka, last checked on February 4, 2026, and change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book through our links, at no extra cost to you.

Getting There

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