Are you thinking about visiting Santa Fe, New Mexico? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Santa Fe worth visiting?
Yes, it's worth visiting this historic town for two to five days because of the many great activities. Santa Fe is located in the Sangre de Cristo foothills and it has a long running history as a Spanish colony and the state capital of New Mexico. It is filled with Pueblo-style architecture and has a charming old town. The city also has its own local cuisine and many interesting museums. It's often mentioned as one of the best places to visit in major publications, such as in Conde Nast Traveler's Best Places to Go in 2024.
Sante Fe, New Mexico, USA
Reasons to Visit Santa Fe
Food
There are many local restaurants that use regional ingredients and offer great flavors. There are also cafes and bistros where you can enjoy breakfast or brunch. Local dishes include sopaipillas made with Native American fry bread, slow-cooked beans, and anything made with red and green chili peppers.
Historical Sights
As the 2nd oldest city in the United States, the old town historic district is filled with charm. The Pueblo-style buildings are brightly colored and there are churches throughout.
Shopping
There are many unique shops and art galleries that feature local artists and craftsmen.
Skiing
There are a few good ski resorts not far from Santa Fe. Popular options include Taos Ski Valley, Ski Santa Fe, Pajarito Mountain Ski Area, and Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort.
Museums
Head to the Museum of New Mexico Complex, which has four museums that give a great overview of the history of the area. Also make sure you visit the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi and the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum.
Music
The town has an eclectic music scene that includes a mix of the blues, country, Latin American music, and bluegrass.
Hiking
Because it's located right by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, there are many beautiful hikes right outside of town. Popular trails include the Picacho Peak Trail and the Nambe Lake Trail. Bandelier National also has many places to hike.
Authenticity
Santa Fe has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.
Things to Consider Before Visiting Santa Fe
Nightlife: Most people don't associate Santa Fe with a lively nightlife scene. While most of the town quiets down at night, the city has a few areas that stay active late into the night. Live music is popular and diverse. It often includes different genres such as the blues, country, salsa or bluegrass.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Santa Fe might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Santa Fe here or see if Santa Fe is expensive here.
Related
What is Santa Fe most famous for?
Santa Fe is most famous for its strong arts scene, its Pueblo-style architecture, and its unique local cuisine. People visit this impressive historic town for its great food, historical sights, and shopping. Also, it's known for skiing, museums, music, and hiking. It is often described as artsy, cultural, historic, and charming.
What is the most famous sight in Santa Fe?
The most popular sight in Santa Fe is The Museum of New Mexico Complex. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Santa Fe on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for The Museum of New Mexico Complex and other attractions here.
How touristy is Santa Fe? Is it a popular historic town to visit?
Santa Fe is more popular with local tourists than with international visitors. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Private Canyon Road Arts District Tour: $138
- Our Lady of Guadalupe Walking Tour in Santa Fe: $70
- Welcome to Private 2.5 hr Introductory Walking Tour: $175
- Santa Fe Art and History Small Group Bike Tour: $125
- The best of Santa Fe walking tour: $209
- Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour of Historic Santa Fe: $15
- Explore Santa Fe's Old Town & the Museum of Art: Private Tour: $195
- 2 Hour Pottery Experience (Wheel or Hand-Building): $160
How long should I spend in Santa Fe?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Santa Fe is two to five days. Since Santa Fe has activities such as dining, historical sights, and shopping, many visit for up to five days.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Santa Fe?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Santa Fe?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Santa Fe?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.