Mexico : Safety by City
- Acapulco
- Aguascalientes
- Cabo San Lucas
- Cancun
- Chichen Itza
- Chihuahua
- Cozumel
- Cuernavaca
- Culiacan
- Durango
- Ensenada
- Guadalajara
- Guanajuato
- Hermosillo
- Huatulco
- Isla Holbox
- Isla Mujeres
- Ixtapa
- Juarez
- Leon
- Los Cabos
- Manzanillo
- Matamoros
- Merida
- Mexicali
- Mexico City
- Monterrey
- Morelia
- Nogales
- Nuevo Laredo
- Oaxaca
- Piedras Negras
- Playa del Carmen
- Puebla
- Puerto Morelos
- Puerto Vallarta
- Queretaro City
- Reynosa
- Saltillo
- San Luis Potosi
- San Miguel de Allende
- Sayulita
- Tijuana
- Tulum
- Valladolid
- Veracruz
- Zacatecas
- Zamora
- Zapopan
- Zihuatanejo
Tucked into the highlands of central Mexico, San Miguel de Allende is one of those places that instantly feels cinematic.
Located in the state of Guanajuato, about four hours northwest of Mexico City, this colonial gem sits at over 6,000 feet above sea level.
Its pastel facades, cobblestone streets, and the pink spires of the Parroquia rising over the main square have made it a favorite among artists, retirees, and curious travelers from around the world.
It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its preserved architecture and vibrant expat community.
But Mexico’s broader reputation for crime often raises an important question.
Is San Miguel de Allende actually safe to visit? After researching crime data, speaking with travelers, and spending time there myself, here is my honest and detailed breakdown.
Warnings & Dangers in San Miguel de Allende
OVERALL RISK: LOW
San Miguel de Allende is widely considered one of the safer destinations in central Mexico. While the state of Guanajuato has experienced cartel-related violence in certain industrial cities, San Miguel remains largely insulated from that activity. Violent crime against tourists is uncommon, and most visits are trouble-free when basic precautions are taken.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
Transportation risks are relatively low. Official taxis and ride-sharing services operate in the area, and drivers are generally professional. Roads in the historic center are narrow and uneven, so walking requires attention. Long-distance buses connecting to other cities are modern and widely used by both locals and tourists.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
Like most popular tourist destinations, pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas, especially around the main plaza and during festivals. While it is not rampant, I always recommend using anti-theft bags and keeping valuables discreet. Opportunistic theft is more common than violent crime.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
San Miguel de Allende is not in a hurricane zone and is less seismically active than Mexico’s Pacific coast. Minor earthquakes can be felt occasionally, but serious natural disasters are rare. The main environmental concern is seasonal heavy rainfall during summer, which can cause temporary flooding on steep streets.
MUGGING RISK: LOW
Muggings are not common in tourist heavy zones, especially during daylight. However, like in many cities, poorly lit or isolated streets at night can present a higher risk. Staying in central, well-populated areas significantly reduces the chances of encountering trouble.
TERRORISM RISK: LOW
There is no significant history of terrorism targeting tourists in San Miguel de Allende. The city’s main security concerns are localized criminal issues rather than politically motivated violence.
SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
Common travel scams in Mexico can occur here, including inflated taxi fares or overly persistent street vendors. Timeshare-related pitches sometimes target visitors. None are particularly sophisticated, but awareness is key. If something feels off, it probably is.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Many solo female travelers, including friends of mine, report feeling comfortable in San Miguel. The city has a strong international presence and visible police patrols in the center. Still, women should avoid walking alone late at night in quiet areas and use reputable transportation options.
TAP WATER RISK: HIGH
Tap water is not considered safe for drinking. Locals and expats use bottled or purified water for drinking and brushing teeth. Most hotels provide filtered water, but I personally stick to sealed bottled water to avoid stomach issues.
Safest Places to Visit in San Miguel de Allende
The historic center is by far the safest and most enjoyable area for visitors.
Around the iconic Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, you will find lively plazas, street musicians, art galleries, and outdoor cafes.
The area is well patrolled and filled with both tourists and locals, creating a vibrant and secure atmosphere.
El Jardín, the main square, is a perfect place to relax during the day.
Families gather, couples stroll, and vendors sell snacks and handicrafts.
I have spent hours there, people watching without ever feeling uneasy.
Upscale neighborhoods like Balcones and Guadiana are also considered safe.
These areas are home to many expats and offer quiet residential streets with beautiful hillside views.
Art lovers should explore the Fabrica La Aurora arts complex, a former textile factory turned into galleries and studios.
It feels safe, organized, and welcoming.
In general, areas with strong tourism infrastructure, visible police presence, and steady foot traffic tend to be the safest.
Staying within or near the historic center makes a noticeable difference in overall comfort.
Places to Avoid in San Miguel de Allende
While San Miguel is safer than many larger Mexican cities, it is not immune to crime.
Some outer neighborhoods on the city’s periphery experience higher rates of petty crime and occasional violence.
These are typically residential areas far from tourist routes and not places visitors would accidentally wander into.
After dark, poorly lit streets outside the central district can feel isolated.
The charming cobblestone layout becomes trickier at night, and uneven sidewalks increase the risk of falls as well as vulnerability.
I avoid walking alone in quieter, uphill neighborhoods late at night.
Travelers should also be cautious at bus terminals and on the outskirts of town, where lighting and security are more limited.
While serious incidents are rare, opportunistic theft can happen in transitional spaces.
The key takeaway is not that San Miguel has “no dangerous areas,” but that most risk is concentrated outside the main tourist zones.
Smart planning, central accommodation, and common sense go a long way.
Safety Tips for Traveling to San Miguel de Allende
- Stay in the historic center. Choose accommodations within walking distance of El Jardín. You will benefit from lighting, foot traffic, and quicker access to help if needed.
- Avoid flashing valuables. Keep cameras, phones, and jewelry discreet. Use crossbody bags or anti-theft backpacks.
- Use official taxis or ride apps.Avoid accepting rides from strangers. Confirm fares before departure if using traditional taxis.
- Do not drink tap water. Stick to bottled or filtered water, including for brushing your teeth.
- Be cautious at night. Enjoy the nightlife, but return to your hotel via well-lit streets or taxi if it is late.
- Keep copies of important documents. Carry digital and paper copies of your passport and travel insurance.
- Limit cash carrying. Use ATMs inside banks or reputable establishments and withdraw only what you need.
- Learn basic Spanish phrases. Even simple greetings and questions can help you navigate situations more confidently.
- Monitor local news. Stay informed about regional developments in Guanajuato state, even if they do not directly affect San Miguel.
- Purchase travel insurance. Medical care is good in private clinics, but insurance provides peace of mind in case of emergencies.
So... How Safe Is San Miguel de Allende Really?
When I evaluate safety, I look at both statistics and on-the-ground experience.
Guanajuato state has reported high homicide rates in recent years due to cartel conflicts, particularly in cities like Celaya and Irapuato.
However, those incidents are generally targeted and not directed at tourists.
San Miguel de Allende consistently ranks as one of Mexico’s top destinations for American and Canadian retirees.
That long-term expat presence says a lot.
The city relies heavily on tourism and has strong incentives to maintain visible security in its central areas.
Petty crime exists, and you should not let your guard down completely.
But compared to many large urban centers across Latin America, San Miguel feels controlled, organized, and welcoming.
If you stay aware and make thoughtful choices, the risk level is manageable and, in my opinion, relatively low for travelers.
How Does San Miguel de Allende Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| San Miguel de Allende |
80 |
| Mexico City |
55 |
| Ixtapa |
70 |
| Leon |
68 |
| Cabo San Lucas |
72 |
| Tijuana |
38 |
| Juarez |
28 |
 Aalborg | 95 |
 Virginia City | 79 |
| Alpine | 83 |
 Puno | 45 |
| New York City | 67 |
| Sundance | 80 |
Useful Information
Visas
Many travelers from the United States, Canada, the UK, and the EU can enter Mexico visa-free for up to 180 days for tourism. You will receive a tourist permit upon arrival. There is typically no separate fee beyond your airfare, but always verify entry requirements before departure.
Currency
Mexico uses the Mexican Peso. While some businesses in tourist areas accept US dollars, the exchange rate is rarely favorable. I recommend withdrawing pesos from bank ATMs or using credit cards with no foreign transaction fees for the best rates.
Weather
San Miguel enjoys a mild, spring-like climate most of the year due to its elevation. Days are warm and sunny, while evenings can be cool. Pack light layers, comfortable walking shoes, and a light jacket for nighttime.
Airports
The closest major airport is Del Bajío International Airport near León, about 1.5 hours away. Another option is Querétaro Intercontinental Airport. From either airport, you can take a shuttle, private transfer, or bus to San Miguel.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is strongly recommended. It can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost belongings. Private healthcare in Mexico is good, but can be expensive without coverage. For peace of mind, I never travel internationally without it.
San Miguel de Allende Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C |
21 | 23 | 27 | 29 | 31 | 28 | 26 | 26 | 25 | 25 | 23 | 21 |
| Low °C |
5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 |
| High °F |
70 | 73 | 81 | 84 | 88 | 82 | 79 | 79 | 77 | 77 | 73 | 70 |
| Low °F |
41 | 45 | 48 | 52 | 55 | 57 | 55 | 55 | 55 | 50 | 45 | 41 |
Prison City/They Hate Americans
SMA sucks!!! There are police everywhere, and before corona they put 118 cameras up on the street. They treat people like prisoners…and the locals hate foreigners and will tell you to go back to your country.
You can NOT enjoy any cafes because they take your identifaication , they scan your forhead like you are a product on the shelf, an tell you to put on non organic chemicals on your sacred body….. There is a strong strong presences of Ex-CIA/assasins, and some MI6 here. Also, SMA has a strong history of witch craft and it is still strongly practices here. one foreign woman wrote a book on being attacked here by it and how the family separated her and her mexican husband and basically made her husband crazy. Shoppoign sucks because they watch you with camreas and ect………. Did I mention that they hate foreigners! The organic market charges higher prices for produce than they do in ERuope and CAnada.
What a crock. It is beautiful, and has good food.
Absolutely untrue. SMA is a magic, creative and friendly place to live/visit.
It's just fine; Ignore the crazy lady
Amen! I can’t believe you can’t flag comments here. That person needs to be in a psychiatric institution, not trolling the internet with their inane comments. Article is accurate. Facts. Not some totally schizophrenic idiot that can recognize CIA agents. And I’ll bet has never accomplished anything tangible. I’m really fed up with these crazies spewing their scree all over the internet.
Ignore ‘Shelly’
‘Witchcraft’ ‘CIA’ and ‘they watch you with cameras’ are kind of a tinfoil hat tip-off. 😂😂😂
Qanon devotee apparently
Crazy
I hope that first poster is seeing a psychologist.
Nuts
Cray cray! Boo! And they have ghosts too.
😂😂😂 absolutely false info….. This review comes from an overly paranoid person who shouldn’t travel outside her front door. Please disregard EVERYTHING Shelly says about SMA, she obviously hasn’t a clue what she’s talking about! Shame on you Shelly for spouting such stupidity.
Had a great safe time in SMA with friends. Recommend it. Friendly, colorful, historial, architectural beauties, full of artists and art galleries, delicious food, and modern amenities easy to obtain. Great value for the dollar. Lots of American expatriates living there for good reasons.
Russell Shields, California
insane comments.
I don’t agree
This person must be on another planet…, they DO NOT HATE FOREIGNERS… I’m guessing this person is rude and entitled so best to stay away,yes. They only want kind people to visit. It’s the most beautiful city in the world.
Omg!!! Shelly you are CRAZY!!!! SMA love must of the Americans who come to visit and appreciate our culture. We won’t miss lunatics like you!! Please don’t come back
Get an education and learn to spell.
This review of SMA is a total lie. I have a home in SMA and have found it safe and certainly safer then my old home town of Los Angeles where the homeless are a nightmare. Many of the expats have charities that benefit the local people especially the children, so, why would they hate us??
Seems to me like your the one with the issues not San Miguel if you like it then don’t go. I thought that locals hate foreigners if they make a living off them. But Mexicans hate complaining period so ya in you don’t like to corporate with their rules go home simple. Stop being annoying so else where. You are in Mexico and you must Obey their covid protocols period.
you sound like you need a hug
What a skewed view. I have no commercial, business, otherwise attachments in San Miguel. Such a response to foreigners would only be because one is rude, imperious, ethnocentric, pejorative, and monolingual. This is a welcoming and kind city to the adaptable, kind, humble and curious, appreciative and appropriately generous.
You sound like a Karen.
ha!!
Totally untrue. This person who is spewing this nonsense has a private agenda. We are happy Shelly is going elsewhere. Adios.
Been there. Had a wonderful experience.
I have lived in San Miguel for 12 years, and this review is ridiculous. Terrorists…CIA, M16..where? San Miguel is a haven for artists.
The reviewer must have listened to someone who thrives on rumors. This is a magnificent city, and we who live here feel blessed. I don’t know what acid trip Shelly was on, but it was not based in San Miguel.
SMA
My cousin has lived there for years and thinks for the most part it is quite safe. She wouldn’t live here alone, if she didn’t love it.
My questions are: what airport do we fly in to and then how safe is it to actually travel TO the city?
Lovely
We have been going to SMG for about 15 years .. we have never had ANY TROUBLE.. we sometimes go twice a year.. we’re not going this year because of the virus.. but as soon as we can we will arrange a trip.. we have made friends and look forward to seeing them each time.. we don’t stay out late at night.. and we get a private driver to and from the airport…we always stay very near the Jardin in walking distance from the hotel..
Driver?
Can you advise where to ca to get a trusted driver
?
wonderful except I think Summer when it’s green and has spectacular thundershowers is the best . high 82 each day, cooler at night. and great hot springs!
Bajio Go is a great transport used by many every day.
Just Go!
SMA is quite safe. It is a beautiful magical place full of lovely people.
Cartel activity and 100+ murders in 2020
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico (Administrative unit: Guanajuato) – last known population is ≈ 72 400 (year 2014). This was 0.058% of total Mexico population. If population growth rate would be same as in period 2010-2014 (+0.91%/year), San Miguel de Allende population in 2020 would be: 76 465*. Current homicide (reported) is on track to be over 120 in 2020. This is a murder rate of 1 in 520 citizens of San Miguel . Kidnapping is on the rise as are all violent crimes though very few are reported or disclosed in crime figures. Let me put it in perspective. If SMA was included in US crime statistics of the cities with the most homicides per capita San Miguel De Allende would be number 1 on the list beating the top US city (St Louise MO) for homicide rate per capita by almost double. For those thinking of retiring I advise you not to believe all that city officials are saying about low crime numbers. How many of you would consider retiring to a small town in the USA with that is twice as violent as the most dangerous city in the USA. Not many takers I would guess.
Study the videos and internet commentary and local English paper re safety risks
Thank you. Other video blogs indicate the strong police presence and military guard tower outside the mall, and advise no movement after dark. I’ll retire to southern Italy, Puglia, instead…where the housing is actually cheaper than SMA, and Europe is fully accessible. Yes, it’s a magical city for a weekend, but likely to get riskier with time.
High Murder Rates in San Miguel De Allende
The local government try to hide the extremely high rate of violent crime in San Miguel De Allende. Cartel infiltration has happened and extortion and murder are a common occurrence. SMDA is now twice as dangerous as the most dangerous city in the USA. On track for 120+ murders in 2020. You have a 1in 500 chance of being murdered here. Armed robbery and home invasions resulting in murder is on the rise.
Incorrect info
Ummm population is almost 600,000… what planet are you on?
Felicia, wrong city. Try again.
Take the bad with the good
I was in SMA in the winter of 2015. I really loved it, as I do all of Mexico. This was truly a magical place, as is all of Mexico. My first visit there was over 50 years ago and I was charmed. BUT. Nowadays one can sense the tension in the air, and hear the gringo denial. I made friends with Mexicans who told me dark things that were happening. One artist had his horse show while she was grazing. Just for no known reason. He said many local people were being kidnapped and often killed, and the stories are covered up, never reported in the newspapers, but talked about among Mexicans, quietly. Another man told me about cartels extorting almost all the businesses, to the extent that it he said it would make sense to have a cartel mayor! Another called his homeland “pinche pais” after a priest got shot to death near his house. As for witchcraft, sure, if one is sensitive you will feel it. I did around one of the biggest churches. (Although the churches I went to for mass seemed OK.) Sorry. It kind of breaks my heart to see such a beautiful people get so darkened. If you think the good outweighs the bad, then so be it. But be real.
Serial Rapist
In 1975 when I attended the Instituto Allende, there was a serial rapist on the loose. In 2006, he was finally arrested and put behind bars with help from the FBI. My visit to the police in 1975 was met with laughter and a refusal to take a report. Hopefully, times have changed. It is a beautiful city.
The most dangerous thing is San Miguel is that you will die of boredom. If you’re a tourist with some very basic street smarts you’ll be totally fine here.
San Miguel es un lugar amigable , magico, eapiritual y con mucho arte, la gente es muy servicial. Como en todos Los lugares del mundo hay lugares que es mejor evitar;creo que personas como Shelly si son un peligro para San Miguel. Por favor Shelly no vuelvas a San Miguel We won’t miss you !!! no queremos gente que no aprecia la riqueza de nuestra cultura.
Patrolling soldiers
February 2020: walking a few streets back to our Centro rental home from a dinner also in Centro, ( 9 pm – yes it was dark) , we encountered a patrolling army truck with three soldiers with automatic weapons held in the “ready” position. One of the soldiers crouched behind a mounted machine gun. Highly unusual and disconcerting. Other than that, the dinner was great.
Lovely place to visit or make your home
I have lived in San Miguel for 12 years and have never been a victim of crime. The negative comments here reflect absolute ignorance and illogical fear based on hearsay and misinformation..
Does anyone know what’s happening now in SMA during this July 2021? Also can anyone advise on where and how to get Covid-19 testing? Do the hotels there offer it? Where does a tourist get the test?
Beautiful town & kind people
I have been visiting San Miguel de Allende for nearly 30 years. The people are kind, welcoming, and helpful. I never experienced anyone hating me as a visitor (like a previous post reported). In all the 20+ times I’ve been there, sometimes for a month at a time, I had just one incident of any crime, when a ring I left in my room was pilfered (I should have used the available safe; many people I know have experienced similar losses in hotels throughout the US). It is a beautiful city, with wonderful culture, and amazing people.
Fact check/research
I would ask folks to be aware and not be willfully ignorant.
“The town of Celaya is a defacto hell-hole. It is called the “The most Violent City in the World” by the Rio Times. Do you know how far it is from SMA? 35 miles.”
“Current SMA homicide (reported) is on track to be over 120 in 2020. That is 120 per 100,000. The murder rate in the US is 5.
SMA murder rate is twice that of the highest murder rate city in the US.
(ss John Aston on Sep 03, 2020:, below)
“According to the San Miguel Times last July, “70 murders [occurred] in less than 10 months in San Miguel de Allende’, which translates to about 90/yr, or about the 120 rate as per 100,000 (as per KL on Mar 28, 2020:)
For all crimes, property, and violence, in the US, only 25% are solved. I suspect it is way lower in Mexico and SMA, as with the crimes reported rate, as well.
Criminals, generally, like to be unseen, by witnesses, during their activity. So, it is of no surprise that many folks have not seen it. That would be the norm.
Stay safe, don’t be ignorant. Stay informed.
Just thinking about your quoted murder rates for San Miguel; have you checked the Chicago murder rates recently? Just saying…
Chicago has about 20 to 30 murders per 100,000 and Chicago has about 3.8 million people living there with 500 to 700 murders a year that means if San miguel had 3.8 million people people living there they would have had like 4200 people mustered that year so yes it’s still more dangerous per capita or by how many residents the city has so this city is technically like 6-7 times more dangerous then Chicago and it would actually be the most violent place in the world then just because someone who lives here doesn’t see it happen doesn’t mean it does not happen you think the rich millionaires who live in the suburbs of north Chicago or down town Chicago see crimes for real let alone murders they’re focused on them selves they’ll be lucky if they see the pettiest crimes
SMA - Great place but not perfect
Visited SMA at least 8 times 2 weeks each time in the Centro district. The locals treated us with respect and we found most to have a great sense of humor. We never witnessed a crime nor heard of crime problems from the many full time Gringos. Yes, there are police presence and sometimes armed military vehicles patrolling the streets. No problems with taxis or restaurant service. Overall a safe and beautiful place to visit or live.
Moved but returned
Several years ago my wife and I decided to move from Sausalito to SMA. It looked beautiful so we went for a visit stayed for a couple of weeks and knew it was for us. We bought a house in Balcones, moved all the household possessions, pictures, art, etc. and rented out our house in Sausalito. We applied for and became temporary residents and had plans to become permanent residents. Loved the food, the people, the vibe. Although nothing ever happened to us we began to feel an unsafe vibe as cartels visited. We returned to Sausalito because basically, we had decided to retire in SMA for financial reasons. The dollar did after all go farther. However, people in our neighborhood were putting triple locks on their doors, motion detectors, even electric barbed wire. We found ourselves sort of buying into that and we didn’t want to stay only for the money. We made friends, tell people about our experiences and if we had to do over, we would. Just sorry it didn’t work out. At least for us.
Strolling through those colorful streets felt like being in a painting, and I never expected to find such unique artisan shops just around every corner!
Did you really just suggest that exploring a city filled with narrow streets and artisan shops isn’t a workout?
Wandering those narrow streets really felt like stepping into a living painting, especially with all the beautiful artisans at work around every corner.
Strolling through those narrow streets was such a treat, especially with all the vibrant arts and handmade crafts everywhere you look.
Stumbling through those colorful streets was like stepping into a painting, especially with all the artists showcasing their work everywhere you turn!
It’s amazing how a place can feel both charming and like a tourist trap at the same time; you can’t swing a cat without hitting a guy selling handcrafted masks or baroque architecture.