São Miguel's most alluring attraction is Sete Cidades, a 15 square mile (40 sq-km) volcanic crater containing two lakes, one deep blue, and the other emerald green. The island also features a tropical garden at Terra Nostra Park, where it is possible to bathe in therapeutic spring water, as well as the only tea plantation in Europe, sited at Gorreana. There are a number of marked hiking trails around the island, and dolphin and whale watching trips are popular activities.

Portuguese is the official language, but English is widely spoken and understood.

Portugal is a member of the European Union and its official currency is the Euro (EUR), which is divided into 100 cents. There are numerous banks, bureaux de change and ATMs available in main cities and tourist destinations. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change and automatic currency exchange machines. Banking hours are generally 8.30am to 3pm Monday to Friday. Major credit cards are widely accepted, as are travellers cheques.

Avid partiers will find São Miguel's nightlife lacking.

The nightlife in São Miguel is low-key and café-based, but there are a few lively bars in Ponta Delgada and Ribeira Grande that stay open quite late. Bom Bom Bilhares in Ponta Delgada has live music and pool tables.

There are a number of good restaurants, centred mostly in the towns of Ponta Delgada and Ribeira Grande. O Gato Mia in Ribeira Grande is famous for its local Portuguese fare, as is Restaurante Sao Pedro in Ponta Delgada. Rotas has excellent vegetarian cuisine, and Pizzaria Ponta is popular with expats.

São Miguel has a three-level shopping mall, Sol Mar, with several movie theatres in addition to shops. Popular São Miguel souvenirs include edibles like local cheese and tea.

Local time is GMT (GMT +1 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October).