Location: Downtown
Top Things to do in Downtown
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10 Sights & Landmarks in Downtown That You Shouldn't Miss
Venture into the unspoiled beauty of 7,000-foot Rocky Mountain vistas, marvel at the contrast of ancient native culture mixed with modern arts, feast on legendary cuisine and relax in rustic sophistication. A visit to Santa Fe, Travel & Leisure's #1 Cultural Getaway, feels a lot like a visit to Europe. The Spanish Colonial charm of this historic destination has been enchanting travelers for over 400 years. And Santa Fe shows no signs of slowing down.
Restaurants in Santa Fe
1. Keshi
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 282 reviews
Dear Keshi Friends and Family, Out of an abundance of caution, we at Keshi have made the difficult decision to temporarily halt walk in store service until further notice due to the Covid-19 Health Emergency. Our website will continue operations as usual. The gallery also open for email or telephone orders as well as private Zoom shopping appointments. Established in 1981 as a co-op for Zuni arts and crafts, Keshi has always maintained personal relationships with individual carvers, jewelers, and potters. We continue to buy directly from the Zuni people. Our reasonable prices and complete authenticity reflect this. We host one of the largest selections of Zuni fetishes in the world and we feel honored to be involved with these kind and generous people. We welcome you to call or visit Keshi and experience a Zuni connection for yourself. Elahkwa (thank you in Zuni)
Reviewed By Senioronabudget - Kent, United States
The quality of the native art is excellent. Many of the pieces are actually museum quality as examples of navajo, hopi, and zuni items, especially the pottery and fetishes.
2. Santa Fe Plaza
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,097 reviews
Listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, the Plaza is the heart and soul of the city. The gathering spot for residents and tourists alike is surrounded by city landmarks, shops and restaurants.
Reviewed By jh453
My 20-something daughters and I spent an enjoyable hour in and around the charming Plaza on a gorgeous Spring day. There is something there for every budget and many time constraints and tastes. You can sit on one of the plentiful benches, on the grass, or at one of the metal tables and relax and people watch for free. You can spend a little or a lot of money at the stores that flank the Plaza or at the sidewalk vendors who sell mostly silver jewelry (most of it, apoarently, made by local Native Americans in tribal styles). You can eat in one of the nearby restaurants. The day we were there, there was just one food truck in one corner of the Plaza, selling only fajitas and tamales. I wish I knew the name, because their food was excellent- smoky, delicious, generous, and a great bargain, with fajitas at $5 and tamales at $2 or $2.50 each. I hope that truck is a regular and that my description is enough to let you find it and enjoy a tasty (and economical) lunch. I noticed that all the tables were wheelchair-accessible.
3. Cross of the Martyrs
4. The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,902 reviews
This cathedral was built in 1886, and is known for its beautiful Romanesque architecture.
Reviewed By 674sharons - Atlanta, United States
It is a beautiful church, with its inspirational stained glass windows, grand arches and baptismal. Then there was the docent, Mary, who made our visit very special, by giving us a personal tour that was educational, explaining about La Conquistadora, learning the history of how it became a Basilica, the history of the relics, the history of the stained glass windows especially the story of La Conquistadora, how she is cared for, the celebrations that are around her. There was so much more. It was a sacred visit and we felt so connected to the cathedral and the holy spirit residing here. Thank you for a supernatural experience. If you can join a tour of the cathedral it is well worth the time spent.
5. Loretto Chapel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,035 reviews
This chapel contains a mysterious spiral staircase built without nails, dowels or any visible support.
Reviewed By StevenP3559 - Pueblo, United States
This small chapel is known by people world round for its "miraculous stairway" that winds to the choir loft above the church's nave. It is a beautiful little chapel and well worth a visit while in downtown Santa Fe.
6. San Miguel Chapel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 878 reviews
Constructed in 1610 by the Tlaxcalan Indians of Mexico, who came to New Mexico as servants of the Spanish, this is the oldest church still in use in the country.
Reviewed By KLE2013 - Centreville, United States
An outstanding example of preserved Adobe architecture, San Miguel Chapel is considered to be the oldest church structure in the United States. The chapel is thought to have been built around 1610 and rebuilt and restored multiple times over the centuries. The wooden altar screen dates from 1798 and its painting of various Saints date back to the mid 18th century. Around the walls of the sanctuary are 14 stations of the cross carved of pine. Just beyond the communion rail is a bit of the original dirt floor and sanctuary steps. On the afternoon of our visit a pianist and violinist were rehearsing for a concert and the chapel was filled with beautiful music. Admission was a mere $1.00
7. Barrio de Analco
8. Sena Plaza
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By Rumples - Tucson, United States
I like to visit this plaza off East Palace Avenue whenever I want to take a break from the activity in the Downtown historic area. A garden with thick greenery, colorful flowers and a big old tree greet me, and benches offer an invitation to rest. This large former hacienda courtyard has such a different atmosphere from “the” Plaza, where crowds often gather and music can become rather loud. But the two are quite close to each other, so it’s easy to sample each rather quickly. On my most recent visit in August, I looked in some of the shops that ring the courtyard. Merchandise included shoes, jewelry, locally handwoven designs, and pretty cotton clothing for women. The eastern end holds La Casa Sena restaurant, where customers sit outside in nice weather. It was mid-afternoon, however, with just a few people at tables. But I have seen waiting lines form here closer to Noon. Eventually, I sat on a bench and simply enjoyed the nice summer day. I saw only a handful of passersby.
9. New Mexico History Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,435 reviews
The New Mexico History Museum is a statewide educational resource, local landmark, and destination for anyone who wants to understand the diverse experiences of the people of New Mexico, the dynamics that have shaped our state, and the relationships that connect our region with the rest of the world. The New Mexico History Museum offers a welcoming place for exploration of multifaceted views on history, dialog that bridges social and cultural divides, and reflection on the conditions needed for a more resilient, just, and sustainable future. The New Mexico History Museum highlights include the historic Palace of the Governors built in 1610, the Fray Angelico Chavez Library (1907), the Palace of the Governors Photo Archives and the Pete V. Domenici Building (2009) which houses three levels of gallery exhibits .
10. Santa Fe University of Art and Design
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
Santa Fe University of Art and Design is a destination for the arts community and students from around the world. The campus includes The Screen, which showcases the finest in world, art, and independent cinema, and the Greer Garson Theatre Center, which has two theatres for performances by students and professionals that are open to the public. It also includes Garson Studios, where movies including No Country for Old Men and City Slickers were filmed.
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