Top 10 Things To Do

#1 If San Miguel de Allende has an iconic building it's the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel. The neo-Gothic pink and orange glory was built in the 19th century. If you're lucky, you'll wander by when the church is hosting a colorful local fiesta.

 # 2 Visit the Other Face of Mexico Gallery in the charming Casa de la Cuesta B&B, where a private collection of 500 colorful masks is on display. Visitors will need to call ahead to make an appointment.

 # 3 Commandeer a wrought iron bench at El Jardín, the town's central square, or zócalo. Throughout the day you'll see a veritable parade of San Miguelenses – everyone from school kids rushing past to retirees catching up on the latest gossip. Around sundown mariachis wander by to play a tune.

 # 4 For a look at how the locals shop, head over to the Mercado El Nigromante, where stands overflow with produce, including exotic herbs and fruits such as sour passion fruit. Bring your appetite and sample regional cuisine at the little market eateries.

 # 5 Prepare for an evening on the town by catching the sunset from the Luna Rooftop Tapas Bar at ultra-luxe Rosewood San Miguel de Allende. Enjoy a Mexican take on tapas complimented by a tamarind margarita while watching the city light up for the night.

 # 6 Catch a performance at the Teatro Ángela Peralta, an elegant and intimate theater built in 1873. The theater is named after opera singer Ángela Peralta, popularly known as "The Mexican Nightingale." Productions at the theater range from classical music and dance to spirited folkloric nights.

 # 7 Stretch your legs at El Charco del Ingenio, a 170-acre garden reserve brimming over with varieties of cacti. The place made such an impression on the Dalai Lama he included it as one of five zones of peace in Mexico. Twice a month the reserve offers a temazcal experience – a Maya sweat lodge purifying therapy complete with shaman.Off the map above

 # 8 Regional cuisine will satisfy even the most voracious sweet tooth. A good place to start is San Augustin Chocolates & Churros. There are also surprises to be had from ice cream vendors throughout the city, where adventurous eaters might find ice cream flavors like tequila, shrimp or even pork rind.

 # 9 San Miguel de Allende has a rich tradition of being a haven for artists. Fábrica La Aurora – originally a textile factory – now houses over 40 artist studios, galleries, shops and restaurants. Time your visit on the first Friday of the month and you can meet the artists over free wine and cheese. The truly inspired can transition from art lover to art creator by signing up for one of the facility's workshops.

 # 10 Although La Gruta is a 20-minute ride out of San Miguel de Allende, true fans of hot springs will be more than willing to make the trip. Travelers can bliss out for a whole day, taking a dip in the springs, enjoying a massage or lounging around one of the pools. There's even a 130-foot tunnel leading into a spooky-cool cavern pool. Off the map above