Santa Fe Tourism

Santa Fe found its roots during the early 17th century and is the second-oldest city in the United States of America. Owing to its incredible history and a rather iconic culture and art life which proudly displays the city’s Spanish roots, today Santa Fe is a flood of art galleries, museums, exquisite Opera, sports and historic buildings which add to its tourism appeal.

The early settlement of indigenous population is what truly makes the city’s history shine. The indigenous tribes stayed at Pueblo villages numbering to around a thousand. The Plaza which still makes up for the center of Santa Fe city is where Native Americans built a cluster of houses and even today, you can breathe the essence of their homes. A walk through the Plaza to experience a rich part of history so brilliantly refurbished with modern cafes and shops, is like seeing the soul of Santa Fe.

Nestled at the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo, Santa Fe is loved for its natural trails and beautiful views. The Classic Pueblo architecture which is the highlight of the city offers the perfect backdrop for absorbing its spirit and if you love to walk, you will love how much the city has to offer.

Art is like second skin to Santa Fe and from traditional to modern and contemporary, the city celebrates everything from sculptures, jewelry, paintings, handmade crafts and ethnic wear and everyday art objects. If you are an art enthusiast, you will love to shop at one of its many markets and galleries to find additions for your art collection back home or simply to buy gifts and souvenirs.

In spite of the wonderful melange surrounded all around, Santa Fe still manages to offer a rare peak into the Native American Culture of New Mexico, its history and a modern pulse which completes the experience.

Today, the capital city of New Mexico is perfect to get familiar with the southwest.

Santa Fe tourism has always been a hot-boiler, what with its wide variety of things to do and see. Located at an altitude, Santa Fe experiences pleasant climate all through the year. Owing to a rich Mexican history, history lovers are in for a fabulous time. You are in Mexico, so it is a given that you are constantly going to be surrounded by food; lip-smacking food to be precise! Expect a lot of chili, fiery stuff and the patent tequila to wash everything down. Speaking of actual attractions, you have the Santa Fe Opera House that hosts some spell-binding opera sessions. The Museum of International Folk Art, a one of its kind specialty museum. The New Mexico History Museum that throws light on the existence of the state. And for some spiritual respite you can visit the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. There is a lot more! 

Essential travel information and Santa Fe tips for your visit

General Info:

  • Time Zone: UTC- 7.00 hours
  • Currency: Nuevo peso (New Peso, N$)
  • Tourist Traps: When buying Native American art objects, do make sure they don’t have tags that say they are made in Asian countries.
  • Languages: Spanish and English.

Electricity and Internet:

  • Voltage is 110-120 Volts around New Mexico. If your appliance is compatible in America and Canada, it will work fine in New Mexico.
  • High Speed internet is available for free at almost all hotels around Santa Fe.

Security:

  • Medical, Fire, Police emergency: 911
  • Animal Services: +1 (505) 955-2701
  • Non-Emergency Dispatch: +1 (505) 428-3710

Off-beaten Path:

  • Visit the Pueblos (old and new Native American communities open to public) and absorb their culture with good food, songs and dance)
  • Explore the Bandelier Park-Loop trail hike

Tipping:

  • The general tipping rate for Taxi drivers and Waiters at restaurants is around 15- 20 % (minimum N$ 2 for Taxi drivers).
  • Bellman can be tipped around N$ 2 per bag or so at luxury hotels.
  • Tipping a N$ 2 for per drink at sophisticated places is considered okay.

Customs:

  • The cross signs you see while entering the city (along the highway) are to honor the people who have died and whose procession rested at the said place.
  • When at the Pueblos, be vary if the locals are okay with you taking pictures or shooting videos. 

Santa Fe Trip Planner

Plan your customized day by day trip plan for Santa Fe. Choose from various experinces categories as adventure, romantic and family and kids friendly for your trip using using Santa Fe trip planner.

The best tours and activities in the city, guided by experts to give you a local insight to the best of Santa Fe