đŸš¶Walking Atlas

Santa Fe walking tour & city guide

Adobe streets and art in the high desert.

Video by City Wander on YouTube. All rights belong to the creator. Like or comment on YouTube ↗

Santa Fe, the capital of New Mexico, is the oldest state capital in the United States, founded by the Spanish in 1610. Its earth-toned adobe buildings, art galleries and blend of Native American, Hispanic and Anglo cultures make it one of the most distinctive cities in the country.

The Plaza

The historic Plaza is the heart of Santa Fe. On one side, the Palace of the Governors, the oldest continuously used public building in the US, has a portal where Native American artisans sell jewelry and pottery. The Cathedral Basilica of St Francis of Assisi and the Loretto Chapel, with its 'miraculous' spiral staircase, are nearby.

Art and culture

Canyon Road is lined with more than a hundred galleries in old adobe houses. The Georgia O'Keeffe Museum honors the famous painter who lived in New Mexico. Meow Wolf's House of Eternal Return is an immersive art experience.

Visiting tips

At 2,100 meters, Santa Fe is high and dry, so drink water and wear sunscreen. Summer brings the famous Indian Market and Spanish Market. In winter, the city glows with farolitos, paper lanterns.

Top sights in Santa Fe

  1. 1

    Santa Fe Plaza

    The historic heart of the city.

  2. 2

    Palace of the Governors

    The oldest public building in the US.

  3. 3

    Canyon Road

    A street of art galleries.

  4. 4

    Loretto Chapel

    A chapel with a miraculous staircase.

  5. 5

    Georgia O'Keeffe Museum

    Works by the famous painter.

  6. 6

    Meow Wolf

    An immersive art experience.

Food markets & where to eat in Santa Fe

  1. The Plaza

    Restaurants around the square.

  2. Santa Fe Farmers' Market

    A market in the Railyard district.

  3. Canyon Road

    Cafés among the galleries.

Food to try in Santa Fe

  1. Red or green chile

    Order 'Christmas' to have both.

  2. Enchiladas

    Stacked New Mexican style.

  3. Sopaipillas

    Fried pastry with honey.

  4. Frito pie

    A local snack born in Santa Fe.

Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.

Plan your trip to Santa Fe

Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.

Some links may be affiliate links: if you book through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

More cities in United States

New York City walking tour▶ 6 videos

New York City

The city that never sleeps, block by block.

Los Angeles walking tour▶ 6 videos

Los Angeles

Hollywood glamour, palm-lined boulevards and Pacific beaches.

Las Vegas walking tour▶ 6 videos

Las Vegas

A neon oasis in the desert that never sleeps.

San Francisco walking tour▶ 6 videos

San Francisco

Steep hills, cable cars and the Golden Gate.

Miami walking tour▶ 5 videos

Miami

Art deco, Latin rhythms and turquoise beaches.

Chicago walking tour▶ 6 videos

Chicago

Skyscrapers, lakefront and deep-dish pizza.

Washington, D.C. walking tour▶ 6 videos

Washington, D.C.

Monuments, free museums and the seat of American power.

Boston walking tour▶ 6 videos

Boston

Revolutionary history, brick sidewalks and a European feel.

New Orleans walking tour▶ 5 videos

New Orleans

Jazz, Creole cooking and wrought-iron balconies.

Seattle walking tour▶ 6 videos

Seattle

Coffee, the Space Needle and mountains on the horizon.

San Diego walking tour▶ 6 videos

San Diego

Year-round sunshine, beaches and a laid-back coastal vibe.

Nashville walking tour▶ 6 videos

Nashville

Music City: honky-tonks, neon and live music every night.

Honolulu walking tour▶ 6 videos

Honolulu

Waikiki surf, Diamond Head and the spirit of aloha.

Philadelphia walking tour▶ 6 videos

Philadelphia

The birthplace of America.

San Antonio walking tour▶ 6 videos

San Antonio

The River Walk, the Alamo and Tex-Mex flavor.

Denver walking tour▶ 6 videos

Denver

The Mile High City at the foot of the Rockies.

Charleston walking tour▶ 6 videos

Charleston

Pastel houses, cobblestones and Lowcountry cooking.

Savannah walking tour▶ 6 videos

Savannah

Oak-shaded squares and Southern charm.

Portland walking tour▶ 6 videos

Portland

Rose gardens, food carts and a famous bookstore.

Sedona walking tour▶ 6 videos

Sedona

A desert town among glowing red rocks.

Salt Lake City walking tour▶ 6 videos

Salt Lake City

A mountain city near the Great Salt Lake.

Juneau walking tour▶ 6 videos

Juneau

Alaska's capital between glaciers and the sea.