The Santa Fe Farmers’ Market is one of the city’s most beloved gathering spots, offering visitors an authentic taste of Northern New Mexico’s culture and community. Founded in 1968 with just a handful of local growers, it has grown into one of the largest and most recognized farmers’ markets in the Southwest. Its mission remains rooted in sustainability and supporting local agriculture, with vendors selling only products they have grown or made themselves-an uncommon standard that guarantees authenticity. For visitors, this means every basket of chile, loaf of bread, or handmade jar of jam comes directly from the people who produced it.

Held year-round in the Santa Fe Railyard District, the market creates a lively atmosphere that blends tradition with modern community spirit. Saturdays are the main event, drawing crowds of locals and travelers alike who come to browse seasonal produce, fresh flowers, artisanal cheeses, and handmade crafts. On Tuesdays, a smaller but equally vibrant market keeps the energy going during the week. Live music, cooking demonstrations, and a mix of Spanish and English chatter add to the festive feel, creating an experience that’s as social as it is culinary.

Beyond the stalls of fresh food, the Farmers’ Market reflects Santa Fe’s creative spirit. Many vendors showcase regional specialties like blue cornmeal, honey infused with local blossoms, and fiery red and green chiles that embody the flavors of New Mexico. Visitors will also find natural body products, jewelry, and pottery, turning the market into a cultural showcase as well as a food destination. Whether you’re picking up picnic supplies or simply enjoying the lively setting, the Santa Fe Farmers’ Market offers a memorable glimpse into the city’s unique mix of heritage, flavor, and community.

Since 1997, this museum, just a skip northwest of the Santa Fe Plaza, has been paying homage to the artist who's practically part of New Mexico's DNA. O'Keeffe, the rebel of the New York art scene, often credited as the "Mother of American modernism", fell in love with the Land of Enchantment back in the roaring '20s and eventually settled in Abiquiu full-time in 1949 after her husband's demise.

Sure, a lot of O'Keeffe's greatest hits-those sensual, almost abstract flower blossoms-are hanging out in other big-name museums, but don't let that dampen your spirits. The exhibits here give you the backstage pass into O'Keeffe's world, showcasing not just her the works she has kept but also the odds and ends her foundation has been stockpiling since she passed in 1986. And sometimes, they toss in some side acts-her contemporaries or those whose work she influenced or admired.

If you're up for it, they've also got tours you can join in on. The Walk & Talk tour is pretty popular, and there's a deep dive into O'Keeffe's studio at Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu if you're inspired to learn more. Oh, and heads up, they're planning to move to a new spot on Grant Avenue in 2025. It's going to have a community garden and an increased focus on stewardship, so keep those calendars marked!

Famed for both its striking facade and its impressive contents, the New Mexico Museum of Art showcases work by New Mexican artists. Built in 1917, it's an exquisite example of Pueblo Revival architecture, originally designed as the New Mexico pavilion for a world expo in San Diego, California, two years earlier. The curvaceous stucco building features elements from iconic pueblo mission churches-the bell towers, for example, mimic those at San Felipe.

Inside, you'll find Gerald Cassidy's oil painting "Cui Bono?"-on display since the museum's opening in 1917-which questions the benefits of pueblo tourism and remains relevant today. Also, don't miss the excellent collection of Awa Tsireh's meticulous watercolors of ceremonial dances at San Ildefonso Pueblo, along with works by other local American Indian artists.

Before you leave, check out the adjacent Saint Francis Auditorium. The walls are adorned with Art Nouveau murals by three artists, depicting the life of Santa Fe's patron saint. It's unique to see this secular style-typically reserved for languorous ladies in flowing togas-used to depict scenes like the apotheosis of Saint Francis and Santa Clara's renunciation, and the effect is truly beautiful.

The Palace of the Governors, the former seat of Santa Fe's governance, is the oldest continuously occupied edifice in the United States erected by European settlers. This unassuming yet historically profound structure, constructed in 1610, has been the backdrop for several key events in the city's history. In 1693, Diego de Vargas valiantly battled Indian rebels within its walls when he reclaimed the city; ill-fated Mexican governor Albino Pérez met a grim fate, being beheaded in his office in 1837, and later, Governor Lew Wallace penned "Ben-Hur" (considered the most influential Christian book of the 19th century) here in the 1870s.

Inside, you'll find some of the most exquisite items in the state's collection, including trinkets and photographic prints from the 19th century alongside the stunning 18th-century Segesser hide paintings: two grand panels crafted from buffalo skin, depicting rare scenes of Spanish colonial battles. These works, along with the room they're in-decorated with 1909 murals-are truly worth the price of admission. In a couple of restored, furnished rooms, you can compare the living conditions of the Mexican leadership around 1845 to the relative comfort the U.S. governor enjoyed in 1893.

The Palace is part of the New Mexico History Museum complex, which also includes the newer building at the rear. There, you'll find more exhibits documenting the region's rich history.

When Santa Fe was established around 1609, its layout followed Spanish laws for town planning in the colonies, resulting in a central plaza fronted by the Palace of the Governors ("Casas Reales") on its north side. This charming square, with its shady radial walkways, remains the city's social hub, surrounded by blocks rich with history. Throughout the year, it hosts many excellent arts, music, and cultural festivals, such as the Fiestas de Santa Fe, usually held during the second week of September.

One of the most iconic sights in Santa Fe is along the north side under the portal of the Palace of the Governors: Native American Indians from all over New Mexico selling their crafts, a tradition since the 1930s. Over 500 vendors, who must pass a strict application process that evaluates their technical skills, are licensed to sell here. Each morning, the 69 spots, each 12 bricks wide, are allocated by lottery. You'll find a variety of items, from silver bracelets to pottery to "heishi" (shell bead) necklaces to freshly harvested piñon nuts. It's a fantastic opportunity to buy directly from skilled artisans and learn about the work involved in each piece.

The controversial Soldiers' Monument, known locally as "the obelisk", had occupied the center of the plaza since 1867 and was dedicated to those who died in "battles with savage Indians in the territory of New Mexico". It was pulled down by demonstrators in 2020.

Santa Fe's majestic Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi, at the end of East San Francisco Street, is a testament to the vision of Bishop Jean-Baptiste Lamy, who oversaw its construction over a span of 15 years in the late 19th century. Known for his determination to "elevate" the city to European standards, Lamy's ambitious project resulted in this grandiose cathedral, towering over the landscape.

Lamy's disdain for the local religious customs, including the cult of the Virgin of Guadalupe and the Penitente brotherhood's practices, drove him to build a cathedral that surpassed the aesthetics and standards of the existing adobe structures. The original tiny adobe church dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi, standing for 170 years, served as the framework for the new stone cathedral, constructed in Romanesque Revival style. However, due to financial constraints, Lamy's dream of domed towers atop the facade remained unfulfilled.

Inside, visitors are greeted by Gothic-inspired architecture, flooded with light from glowing stained-glass windows. A striking gilt altar screen, installed in 1987 for the building's centennial dedication, showcases primarily New World saints, including Kateri Tekakwitha, a 17th-century Mohawk woman canonized in 2012. Adjacent to the main altar stands the salvaged adobe chapel dedicated to La Conquistadora, a revered Native American statue with a storied history dating back to the 17th century.

As you make your grand exit, take a moment to appreciate the great cast-bronze doors, each panel telling a tale of New Mexico's Catholic history. These doors offer glimpses into the cathedral's past, including scenes of Italian stoneworkers constructing the edifice and families fleeing during the 1680 Pueblo Revolt-a rare depiction sympathetic to the Spanish perspective.

Doodlet’s is more than a gift shop-it’s a local institution that has been delighting visitors and residents since 1955. Known for its whimsical charm, the shop occupies a historic adobe building just off the Santa Fe Plaza, making it a convenient stop while exploring the heart of the city. From the moment you step inside, the atmosphere feels both playful and nostalgic, filled with treasures that range from practical to delightfully quirky.

The store’s eclectic selection has earned it a reputation as a “toy store for grownups.” Shelves are packed with folk art, handmade crafts, books, cards, puzzles, and curiosities that you won’t easily find elsewhere. Local artists are well represented, so the shop is also a good place to pick up a piece of Santa Fe’s creative spirit to bring home. For younger visitors, the toy section offers a colorful escape, while adults are often drawn to the offbeat and humorous items that make browsing an adventure in itself.

Over the decades, Doodlet’s has remained a favorite stop for those looking to avoid mass-produced souvenirs in favor of something more personal and imaginative. Whether you’re searching for a thoughtful gift, a playful keepsake, or simply want to enjoy the shop’s quirky displays, Doodlet’s embodies the creative and unconventional character that makes Santa Fe such a distinctive destination.

Loretto Chapel, the first Gothic-style building west of the Mississippi, was constructed alongside the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi for the Sisters of Loretto, New Mexico's pioneering nuns. Originally named the Chapel of Our Lady of Light, this project kicked off in 1873 with the aim of mirroring the grandeur of Sainte-Chapelle in Paris, France. The Chapel's materials, including stones from quarries 200 miles south, and the expertise of French architects and Italian stonemasons were shared with the Cathedral Basilica. With its spires, buttresses, and imported harmonium and stained-glass windows from France, Loretto exudes architectural splendor.

But what truly draws the eye is the exquisite spiral staircase, dubbed the "Miraculous Stairs", leading to the choir loft. Crafted entirely from wood, this marvel winds gracefully without any central support pole, defying gravity like it's no big deal. Legend has it that in 1878, a mysterious carpenter, seemingly guided by the Sisters of Loretto's spiritual call, silently toiled for six months flat to create this masterpiece. And then, like a true mystery man, he vanished into thin air, leaving behind nothing but whispers of his craftiness. These fascinating tales, along with other historical nuggets, are shared on a looped recording inside the chapel.

Back in 1610, some Franciscan friars got busy and put up what's now the oldest church in the States. This was Santa Fe's first church, and those Spanish missionaries were smart enough to plonk it down across the river where the native folks were hanging out. They were all about spreading the good word, so they whipped up this mission before even sorting out their own church closer to the Plaza.

Now, this place has seen its fair share of facelifts, so it's tough to say what's original and what's not. It's made of adobe with walls about five feet thick, and they threw in some stone buttresses in 1887 to keep everything from going sideways. The original church was likely a bit smaller, but it's been spruced up despite being set on fire during the Pueblo Revolt, and keeps standing on the same old foundations.

But enough about the exterior-let's dive into some juicy bits. The interior snug and whitewashed, with a restored late-18th-century altar screen that's seen its fair share of adventures. Covered in layers of house paint for years, it is the handiwork of an anonymous Mexican artist and acts like a giant picture frame, stuffed with oil paintings and bultos (fancy term for those painted wooden saint statues). And if you peek beneath your feet, you'll catch a glimpse of the church's original foundations-talk about history underfoot!

Tucked away at the back, San Miguel's old bell supposedly hails from Spain way back in 1356 – or so the engraving claims. Historians aren't buying it: They reckon it's more likely a sneaky defect that made an 8 look like a 3. Anyway, it made its way to the New World and landed here in the early 1800s, and it still hums like a charm, even with just a little tap.

To get a real feel for how folks lived back in the day, swing by 215 East De Vargas Street in Santa Fe – home to what's claimed to be the oldest house in the U.S. Inside, it's like stepping into a cave, complete with a cozy corner fireplace straight out of Spain. The first floor is original, while the upper floor was reconstructed in the 1920s. Most of the structure is built from adobe brick, which was a Spanish colonial technology, while a few lower wall sections are puddled adobe characteristic of pre-Spanish pueblo dwellings.

The exact birth date of this house is a bit of a mystery, but it's got ties to the Barrio de Analco across the river from the Plaza, where the working-class folks of old Santa Fe lived. Some archaeologists even think bits of this home might have been kicking around before the Spanish showed up, possibly from the late 1700s.

Regardless of the true age, years of calling it the "Oldest House" have become engrained in local lore and evidence from the property proves that the wooden vigas (or ceiling beams) were cut between 1740 and 1767, so this place definitely has some history to it. Plus, it's a key player in the Barrio De Analco Historic District, rubbing shoulders with six other old-timers from way back when.

Tip:
For a bit of contrast, check out the Eldorado Hotel over on 309 West San Francisco Street, to see how flexible the idea of mud construction can be. It's a recent expression of the Santa Fe style, or Spanish-Pueblo Revival style, which has been in vogue since the 1920s. Like most newer buildings in Santa Fe, however, the Eldorado is not real adobe; it simply wears an adobe-style stucco veneer.

The Santa Fe Botanical Garden offers a peaceful escape where art, culture, and the natural beauty of New Mexico come together. Located on Museum Hill, the garden highlights the resilience and variety of plants adapted to the Southwest’s climate. Opened to the public in 2013, it was designed not only as a place of recreation but also as an educational resource, helping visitors better understand the region’s ecology and the traditional relationships people have had with the land.

The garden is divided into several sections, each with a distinct focus. The Ojos y Manos: Eyes and Hands exhibit connects plants to cultural practices, showing how indigenous communities and early settlers relied on them for food, medicine, and craft. A separate section, the Orchard Gardens, features fruit trees and colorful perennials arranged along graceful stone pathways. Sculptures placed throughout the grounds add an artistic dimension, blending seamlessly with the landscape and offering new perspectives on the surrounding desert scenery.

Visitors can also enjoy the sweeping views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, which form a dramatic backdrop to the gardens. Seasonal events, art installations, and educational programs for both children and adults make it a lively destination throughout the year. Benches and shaded spots provide moments of quiet reflection, while well-marked paths invite leisurely walks among native grasses, wildflowers, and shrubs.

For travelers, the Santa Fe Botanical Garden is more than a showcase of plants-it is a celebration of the deep connection between culture, history, and the natural world. It offers an inspiring pause in a city known for its rich artistic and architectural heritage.

Canyon Road Contemporary Art stands at the heart of one of the city’s most famous artistic corridors. Founded in 1986, the gallery has built a reputation for showcasing contemporary works that span a variety of mediums, from painting and sculpture to glass, ceramics, and mixed media. Its mission is to present art that sparks conversation and connection, offering visitors a window into both established and emerging voices in the contemporary art world. The space itself blends Santa Fe’s historic adobe charm with a modern sensibility, making the setting as much a part of the experience as the art on display.

What makes Canyon Road Contemporary Art particularly engaging is its focus on diversity and experimentation. Visitors will find pieces that highlight bold use of color, innovative techniques, and themes ranging from the abstract to the deeply personal. The gallery works closely with artists from across the United States and beyond, ensuring a dynamic rotation of exhibits that keeps the experience fresh with each visit. Whether your interest lies in large-scale sculpture, vibrant paintings, or intricate glasswork, the variety ensures something memorable for every visitor.

The gallery is also part of a larger cultural ecosystem. Located along Canyon Road, it neighbors dozens of other galleries, studios, and cultural landmarks, making it easy to pair a visit with a stroll through Santa Fe’s celebrated art district. Canyon Road Contemporary Art contributes to the vibrant atmosphere that makes this area world-renowned, offering travelers the chance to see how contemporary creativity continues to thrive in a city long known for its artistic traditions.

The Museum of International Folk Art is one of the city’s most distinctive cultural landmarks, showcasing a world of creativity under one roof. Established in 1953 by philanthropist Florence Dibell Bartlett, the museum was founded on the belief that “the art of the craftsman is a bond between the peoples of the world.” Today, it holds the world’s largest collection of international folk art, with more than 160,000 objects representing traditions from over 100 countries.

The centerpiece of the museum is the Alexander Girard Wing, where a vibrant display of more than 10,000 pieces creates an immersive journey through global cultures. From hand-carved Mexican masks to miniature villages, textiles, toys, and ceremonial figures, the exhibit presents folk art as both everyday expression and cultural heritage. The colorful arrangement reflects Girard’s vision of folk art as a celebration of imagination, community, and human connection.

Beyond the permanent displays, the museum hosts rotating exhibitions that highlight specific regions, traditions, or themes, giving visitors fresh perspectives on how folk art shapes identity and storytelling across the world. Workshops, performances, and family programs further enrich the experience, making it an inviting space for all ages.

For visitors to Santa Fe, the Museum of International Folk Art offers more than just a collection-it is a vibrant reminder of how creativity ties communities together across borders and generations. It invites exploration, reflection, and a deeper appreciation of cultural traditions both familiar and new.

Tip:
Don't miss the gift shop, which stocks smaller versions of some of the items in the galleries.