San Miguel de Allende, Mexico—one of the top tourist destinations in the world—is a magic mix of history, culture, art, architecture and beauty.

It is a Colonial City, designated a National Historic Monument in 1926. And little has changed since then. City officials hope the city will be named a World Heritage Site this fall.

Visitors can spend days just walking the cobblestone streets to see colorful houses and 18th Century mansions. The churches, some dating back three centuries. The fiestas that happen so frequently that you might wish the fireworks at dawn would stop. Restaurants, bars, gardens, galleries—San Miguel de Allende has them all.

In the center of San Miguel is the public square, called the jardin, or garden. Mexicans and tourists alike spend time just sitting and watching each other, children playing, vendors selling fruit and hotdogs and other items. The newspaper vendor’s deep voice calling our for you to buy a paper. (Yes, you can get an English language paper most days.) On weekends you can hire a Mariachi band to play your favorite songs or buy ice cream at a horse drawn buggy.

From the jardin you can see La Parroquia, the massive parish church built in the 1700s. To the left of the Parroquia, as you face it, is the tourism office (pick up a map).

San Miguel has its quiet side, as well. Beautiful hotels, with surrounding gardens. Some are five star! Public gardens, like Parque Benito Juarez. Sidewalk and roof top restaurants catching the breeze. The Biblioteca, or library, is open to visitors Monday through Saturday. And at least half a dozen churches are open for you to explore. On Sundays, the Biblioteca offers House and Garden Tours.

The Instituto Allende includes galleries, restaurants, and some great views of the city. If you’re staying long, sign up for some art or language classes. The Bellas Artes, a former convent, has a gallery, a restaurant, and offers music and art classes.

There are classes in everything from writing to cooking. Many evenings there are concerts, plays, art openings, lectures, movies in the Biblioteca, or a foreign movie or music festival. There is the historic theater, the Teatro Angela Peralta. Even a bullring (posters advertising the events appear on lamp posts around town).

And, don’t miss Tuesday Market. You’ll find literally everything for sale from fresh honey to live birds, chicken and fish to churros and sweets, blenders to screwdrivers, extension cords to lipstick, and the freshest fruits and vegetables available.

Because more than 95 percent of Mexicans are Catholic, there is only one protestant religion with its own church building. The Episcopalians, or Anglicans, welcome people of all religions for services and special events at Saint Paul’s Church, on Calzada del Cardo. Unitarians, meeting weekly in Hotel Aldea, have consistently large attendance and interesting speakers.

The weather? It is like spring, all year around. In winter, there may be a very rare frost at night, but days are still warm and sunny and in the 70s. If it rains, it is only for a short time, generally in the afternoon, so go into a nearby store and shop for a while. The altitude is 6,300 feet.

To find out what is going on, spend about $150 pesos (about $15 USDollars) and buy Archie Dean’s book, “The Insiders Guide to San Miguel.” There’s a new edition every year and it is a complete listing of restaurants, hotels, shops, bakeries, B&Bs, spas, travel agents—everything you’ll ever need to find. Or, buy “Falling in Love with San Miguel” by Carol Schmidt and Norma Hair. Read their forums to find out how to enjoy living in San Miguel.

Now, a few helpful tips. Many businesses close for siesta from 2 to 4 p.m. In San Miguel, women do not wear shorts in public, so pack some lightweight slacks or skirts instead. Comfortable shoes are a must. Taxis cost the equivalent of about $2 USDollars where ever you go in El Centro. The best way to get money is at an ATM.

Most important—relax. You are “On Mexican Time,” as Tony Cohen’s book about San Miguel reminds us. Life is a little slower, more relaxing in San Miguel.

San Miguel is magical, historical, cultural, beautiful, tranquil. The weather is perfect year around. There is always something to do, something to see. It deserves its reputation as a top tourist destination. It will captivate you.