San Miguel de Allende Photo Spots

Nestled in the state of Guanajuato, just a short flight from Mexico City, San Miguel de Allende is a postcard-perfect city brimming with history, colonial architecture, and the best of what Mexican culture has to offer. The charming cobblestone streets that wind through El Centro, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, host some of the most beautiful places in Central Mexico and are a magnet for creative photoshoots. From the neo-Gothic churches to street art-filled districts, it’s no surprise that “SMA,” as locals call it, is often considered a traveller’s favourite. 🇲🇽 We easily connect people with trusted photographers for fun photoshoots and have captured over four million memories worldwide. The magic of Flytographer is both the experience and the photos. Explore the city with a fun, talented photographer and get wall-worthy photos to relive your trip, forever. Today, we asked our local photographers to share all the best places to take photos in San Miguel de Allende. 📸

TDLR

1. Find an idyllic square and stunning vistas near Lavaderos del Chorro.
2. Behold the neo-Gothic grandeur of Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel.
3. Marvel at more stunning architecture at the Torre del Reloj.
4. Immerse yourself in the vibrant vibes of Jardín Allende.
5. Unravel the city’s intriguing past at Museo Histórico Casa de Allende.

Photo: Armando in San Miguel de Allende for Flytographer. Cristina and partner capture memories in San Miguel de Allende with an engagement photoshoot at Jardín Allende & Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel.

1. Lavaderos del Chorro

Through shaded cobblestone streets, you arrive at Lavaderos del Chorro, a colonial chapel with a striking pumpkin-orange facade. “Lavaderos” translates from Spanish as “washing spot,” and just in front of the church, there’s a charming small square featuring 18th-century washing basins, where people used to launder clothes. 🧽 This picturesque site is a hit with street artists and simply perfect for photoshoots.

A 10-minute walk from the chapel is one of the best pleaces to take photos in San Miguel de Allende: El Mirador, a lookout point offering an impressive panoramic view of the city. From there, you can admire the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel from above. Another fantastic photo spot just a stone’s throw away from Lavaderos del Chorro is Parque Benito Juárez, a serene park filled with beautiful sculptures and fountains. ⛲️

Extra tip: The local Rosewood Hotel sits close to the park, boasting an old hacienda style. While staying at the hotel may come with a hefty price tag, you can still enjoy its beauty by having a drink at its 1826 Tequila Bar or dining at the rooftop restaurant with more unobstructed views of San Miguel. Salud! 🥂

Photo: Carolin in San Miguel de Allende for Flytographer. Abby and family capture memories in San Miguel de Allende with a family photoshoot at Lavaderos del Chorro.

2. Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel

It’s no wonder that Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel is San Miguel’s most famous landmark, a must-visit for both first-time visitors and regulars. This neo-Gothic church is in a lovely pinkish tone and boasts intricate towering spires that, to some, make it look like a sandcastle and to others, a wedding cake. 🎂 In any case, it’s a pretty unique backdrop for photos, and all the better because the colour changes through the day as it reflects the sun. While you’re at it, take a peek inside to admire the stunning interior brick walls adorned with touches of silver and gold. ✨

San Miguel de Allende is home to several other beautiful churches, such as Templo de San Francisco, with its “Churrigueresque” style, and the Church of Our Lady of Health, boasting an extravagant and unusual facade — all absolutely worth a visit! 😉

Photo: Carolin in San Miguel de Allende for Flytographer. Sheron and partner capture memories in San Miguel de Allende with a pre-wedding trip photoshoot at Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel.

3. Torre del Reloj

Right by Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, there’s another imposing structure. Also rosy-toned, Torre del Reloj is a centenary clock tower that dominates the city skyline, mixing Spanish Colonial and Baroque styles. The tower not only offers a gorgeous background for photos but is one of the many reasons San Miguel de Allende is one of the top travel destinations for architecture lovers.

Both the tower and the church make for a great starting point for a walking tour through the city centre. Make sure to stop by Calle Aldama, which is, by the way, considered one of the most beautiful streets in the world. Make this your perfect shot moment: standing in the middle of the road, you’ll be framed by the spires of the Parroquia and the colourful facades of colonial houses that line the street. 😍

While in the area, don’t miss a visit to Centro Cultural Ignacio Ramírez, an old convent turned cultural centre that’s known for its large murals painted by celebrated Mexican artists, and Mercado de Artesanías, a vibrant artisan market filled with more art, souvenirs, and crafts. 🛍️

4. Jardín Allende

Known as El Jardín or Jardín Allende, this spot is San Miguel’s main square. Besides being surrounded by Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel, Torre del Reloj, and other beautiful buildings, the square is the social beating heart of the city. That’s where you’ll see tourists, expats, and locals mingling, listening to mariachi bands and taking part in lively fiestas like the Day of the Dead and many others. Needless to say, the square boasts that quintessential Mexican allure everyone loves and doubles as one of the loveliest places to take photos in San Miguel de Allende. 👌

If you prefer people-watching from a restaurant or cafe, Jardín Allende is surrounded by great options — there’s nothing like trying some authentic tacos and enjoying a refreshing drink as you soak in all the lovely vibes of this spot. 🌮

Photo: Carolin in San Miguel de Allende for Flytographer. Carolina and partner capture memories in San Miguel de Allende with an engagement photoshoot at Jardín Allende.

5. Museo Histórico Casa de Allende

Close to El Jardín, the Museo Histórico Casa de Allende is housed in a historical 18th-century building, once the home of Ignacio Allende, the leader of Mexico’s independence movement. Today, the museum comprises two floors exhibiting furnishings and paintings recounting San Miguel’s turbulent history. Beyond its historical value, the museum is great for photos, among other reasons because of its exuberant Baroque exterior with Neoclassical accents. 👍

Extra Fly tip: Another historical building that’s a great stop for unique photos is Fabrica la Aurora, a textile mill turned into a cultural centre filled with photogenic corners. Nearby is Guadalupe, a district where almost every street features Instagrammable murals. 

Capturing Memories in San Miguel de Allende

There’s so much more to do when you visit San Miguel de Allende — this place is full of surprises. For more photo ops, try visiting El Charco del Ingenio, San Miguel’s botanical garden that boasts, in particular, a stunning cacti garden. 🌵

And what about a day trip? San Miguel de Allende is just a short drive from Cañada de la Virgen, an archaeological site where you can see the ruins of a pre-Columbian pyramid; and from Querétaro, a quaint city known for its well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture and majestic stone aqueduct.

Planning a trip to Mexico? Check out our ultimate Mexico travel guide and connect with our local Flytographers to capture your wonderful memories in this fascinating country. ❤️