Free Santa Fe Travel Guide & Mobile App

Plan your Santa Fe trip with Evendo. Get free guides to top attractions, restaurants, hotels, and bars. Web access or download the mobile app.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play Download the Free PDF guide
Santa Fe
Santa Fe photo 2
Santa Fe photo 3
All photos

Discover Santa Fe, New Mexico: A vibrant city with a rich history, stunning art scene, and breathtaking landscapes, offering a unique blend of culture and adventure.

Santa Fe, the capital of New Mexico, is a city that captures the heart and imagination of every visitor. Nestled in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Santa Fe is renowned for its rich history, vibrant arts scene, and stunning architecture. The city’s unique blend of Native American, Spanish, and Anglo cultures creates an unforgettable atmosphere that is both warm and inviting.
Read more about Santa Fe
Santa Fe's historic downtown is a treasure trove of attractions. The Plaza, a central gathering place since the city’s founding in 1610, is surrounded by charming shops, galleries, and restaurants. Nearby, the San Miguel Mission and the Palace of the Governors offer a glimpse into the city’s past. Art enthusiasts will find paradise in the numerous galleries lining Canyon Road and the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, which celebrates the life and work of one of America’s most iconic artists.
Outdoor lovers will also find much to enjoy in Santa Fe. The city’s high desert climate provides ample opportunities for hiking, skiing, and exploring the surrounding wilderness. The Santa Fe National Forest offers miles of trails, while the nearby Bandelier National Monument showcases ancient cliff dwellings and petroglyphs. For those looking to relax, the city’s numerous spas and hot springs offer the perfect retreat.
Santa Fe is also known for its vibrant culinary scene. From traditional New Mexican cuisine to innovative farm-to-table dining, the city’s restaurants are sure to delight. Be sure to try local favorites such as green chile stew, enchiladas, and sopapillas. With its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and welcoming community, Santa Fe is a destination that promises to enchant and inspire.

When is the best time to visit Santa Fe?

Best: May–June, September · 24–29°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January913
February1112
March1516
April1915
May (best)2420
June (best)2925
July3170
August3060
September (best)2635
October2025
November1218
December918

Getting to and around Santa Fe

How to get there

Santa Fe is served by the Santa Fe Regional Airport (SAF), which has direct flights from cities like Dallas, Denver, and Phoenix. Alternatively, the Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) is about 60 miles away and offers more flight options. From Albuquerque, you can rent a car, take a shuttle service, or use the New Mexico Rail Runner Express train to reach Santa Fe.

Transportation

Once in Santa Fe, you can get around using various modes of transportation. The city's public bus service, Santa Fe Trails, covers most areas and is quite affordable. Taxis, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft, and bike rentals are also available. For a scenic tour, consider the Santa Fe Pick-Up, a free shuttle service that operates in the downtown area. If you prefer to drive, car rentals are readily available.

Best attractions in Santa Fe

Santa Fe, known for its rich history and vibrant arts scene, offers visitors a unique blend of Native American, Spanish, and Anglo cultures. Explore the historic Plaza, lined with adobe buildings and home to the Palace of the Governors, the oldest public building in the United States. Visit the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum to see the works of this iconic artist, and take a stroll through Canyon Road, lined with art galleries and studios. Discover the beauty of the surrounding landscape with a hike in the nearby Sangre de Cristo Mountains or a visit to the stunning Bandelier National Monument. Indulge in delicious Southwestern cuisine at local restaurants and enjoy the lively music and dance performances that take place throughout the city. Whether you're a history buff, art enthusiast, or outdoor adventurer, Santa Fe has something for everyone.

Show more attractions

Best landmarks in Santa Fe

Santa Fe offers visitors a rich tapestry of history and culture, with landmarks such as the historic Plaza, the Palace of the Governors, and the Loretto Chapel with its miraculous staircase. Explore the art galleries on Canyon Road, marvel at the adobe architecture throughout the city, and immerse yourself in the vibrant local arts scene. Don't miss the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, the immersive Meow Wolf experience, and the stunning views from the top of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Whether you're a history buff, art lover, or outdoor enthusiast, Santa Fe has something for everyone to discover and enjoy.

Show more landmarks

Explore Santa Fe on the map

Plan your Santa Fe trip on one map. See where the top attractions, landmarks, restaurants, bars and hotels are, find what's near where you're staying, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Neighbourhoods in Santa Fe

Best restaurants in Santa Fe

Santa Fe offers a vibrant dining scene that combines traditional Southwestern flavors with modern twists, creating a unique culinary experience for visitors. From cozy adobe cafes serving up green chile stew and biscochitos to upscale restaurants offering fusion cuisine with local ingredients, there is something for every palate in this historic city. Don't miss out on trying the local specialties like sopapillas, posole, and carne adovada, and be sure to sample the wide variety of margaritas and craft beers available throughout the city. Whether you're looking for a casual meal or a fine dining experience, Santa Fe's restaurants are sure to delight and satisfy any food lover.

Show more restaurants

Best bars in Santa Fe

Santa Fe's nightlife scene offers a unique blend of Southwestern charm and vibrant energy. Visitors can explore a variety of bars and nightclubs, from cozy adobe-style lounges serving craft cocktails to lively dance clubs with live music and DJs. Whether you're looking to sip margaritas under the stars at a rooftop bar, sample local beers at a hip brewery, or dance the night away in a historic plaza, Santa Fe has something for everyone. Don't miss the chance to experience the city's rich cultural heritage and lively nightlife scene after dark.

Show more bars

Best nightclubs in Santa Fe

Santa Fe's nightlife scene offers a unique blend of Southwestern charm and vibrant energy. Visitors can explore a variety of bars and nightclubs, from cozy adobe-style lounges serving craft cocktails to lively dance clubs with live music and DJs. Whether you're looking to sip margaritas under the stars at a rooftop bar, sample local beers at a hip brewery, or dance the night away in a historic plaza, Santa Fe has something for everyone. Don't miss the chance to experience the city's rich cultural heritage and lively nightlife scene after dark.

Show more nightclubs

Best shops in Santa Fe

Santa Fe offers a unique shopping experience with its historic adobe buildings, charming boutiques, and vibrant art galleries. Visitors can explore the traditional Native American crafts at the Palace of the Governors, shop for handmade jewelry and pottery at the Santa Fe Plaza, and discover contemporary art pieces at the Canyon Road galleries. The city is known for its Southwestern style and eclectic mix of shops, making it a must-visit destination for those looking for one-of-a-kind treasures and authentic local goods.

Show more shops

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Santa Fe, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

By clicking Create account, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Santa Fe essentials

Currency and Payment
The official currency is the US Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most businesses, including restaurants, shops, and hotels. ATMs are plentiful, especially in downtown Santa Fe, and offer convenient access to cash. It's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets that may not accept cards.
Safety
Santa Fe is generally a safe city for tourists, but it's always wise to take standard precautions. Be cautious in areas like the Southside and some parts of Midtown at night, as these neighborhoods can have higher crime rates. Always keep an eye on your belongings and avoid poorly lit areas after dark. The downtown area, where most tourist attractions are located, is generally safe and well-patrolled.
Emergency Situations
In case of emergency, dial 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance. Santa Fe has several hospitals and urgent care facilities, including the Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues. It is also advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.
Do's and Don'ts
Fashion: Do dress in layers, as weather can change quickly. Casual wear is generally acceptable, but upscale restaurants may require smarter attire. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially when visiting religious sites like churches and missions. Remove hats and keep noise levels low. Public Transport: Do be courteous to fellow passengers and give up your seat for the elderly or disabled. Don't play loud music or talk loudly on your phone. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'hello' or 'good morning.' A handshake is also acceptable. Eating & Drinking: Do try local cuisine and be open to new flavors. Don't forget to tip, as it is customary in the United States. A tip of 15-20% is standard in restaurants.
Local Tips
To experience Santa Fe like a local, visit the Farmers' Market on Saturdays at the Railyard for fresh produce and local crafts. Take a stroll down Canyon Road to explore art galleries and studios. Engage with locals who are often friendly and willing to share insights about the city's rich history and culture. Don't miss the opportunity to attend local festivals and events, such as the Santa Fe Indian Market and the Santa Fe Opera.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHola[oh-lah]
GoodbyeAdiós[ah-dyohs]
YesSí[see]
NoNo[noh]
Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada[pohr fah-bor/deh nah-dah]
Thank youGracias[grah-syahs]
Excuse me/SorryPerdón/Lo siento[pehr-dohn/loh syen-toh]
How are you?¿Cómo estás?[koh-moh ehs-tahs]
Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?[byen. ee too]
Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?[ah-blahs een-glehs]
I don't understandNo entiendo[noh ehn-tyen-doh]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor[may goo-stah-ree-ah behr ehl meh-noo, por fah-bor]
I don't eat meatNo como carne[noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
Cheers!¡Salud![sah-loohd]
I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor[may goo-stah-ree-ah pah-gahr, por fah-bor]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!¡Ayuda![ah-yoo-dah]
Go away!¡Vete![veh-teh]
Call the Police!¡Llama a la policía![yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico![yah-mah ah oon meh-dee-koh]
I'm lostEstoy perdido[ehs-toy pehr-dee-doh]
I'm illEstoy enfermo[ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...[may goo-stah-ree-ah kohm-prahr]
I'm just lookingSólo estoy mirando[soh-loh ehs-toy meer-ahn-doh]
How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?[kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
That's too expensiveEso es demasiado caro[eh-soh ehs deh-mah-syah-doh kah-roh]
Can you lower the price?¿Puedes bajar el precio?[pweh-dehs bah-har ehl pree-syoh]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?¿Qué hora es?[keh oh-rah ehs]
It's one o'clockEs la una[ehs lah oo-nah]
Half past (10)Media (10)[meh-dyah (deez)]
MorningMañana[mah-nyah-nah]
AfternoonTarde[tahr-deh]
EveningNoche[noh-cheh]
YesterdayAyer[ah-yehr]
TodayHoy[oy]
TomorrowMañana[mah-nyah-nah]
1Uno[oo-noh]
2Dos[dohs]
3Tres[trehs]
4Cuatro[kwah-troh]
5Cinco[seen-koh]
6Seis[says]
7Siete[syeh-teh]
8Ocho[oh-choh]
9Nueve[nweh-veh]
10Diez[dyehs]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?[dohn-deh ehs-tah]
What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?[kwal ehs lah dee-rehk-seeohn]
Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?[pweh-dehs moh-strahr-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?[kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-ssee-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ...)[oon boh-leh-toh (ah)]

History of Santa Fe

Founding of Santa Fe

Santa Fe, meaning 'Holy Faith' in Spanish, was officially founded in 1610 by Spanish colonists led by Don Pedro de Peralta. As the oldest capital city in the United States, Santa Fe's origins date back even earlier to Pueblo settlements. The area was initially inhabited by the Tewa people, who built a thriving community long before European settlers arrived.

Santa Fe Trail

In the early 19th century, the Santa Fe Trail became a crucial commercial route connecting Missouri to Santa Fe. Established in 1821 by William Becknell, the trail facilitated the exchange of goods, culture, and ideas between the United States and Mexico. It played an essential role in the westward expansion and economic development of the region.

Pueblo Revolt of 1680

The Pueblo Revolt of 1680 was a significant uprising of the indigenous Pueblo people against Spanish colonizers. Led by a Tewa religious leader named Popé, the revolt successfully expelled the Spanish from the region for 12 years. This event is a powerful testament to the resilience and resistance of the Pueblo communities.

Mexican-American War and the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

The Mexican-American War, which lasted from 1846 to 1848, had a profound impact on Santa Fe. Following the U.S. victory, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed, ceding much of the present-day Southwestern United States, including Santa Fe, to American control. This marked the beginning of a new era for the city under U.S. governance.

Statehood and the New Mexico State Capitol

New Mexico became the 47th state of the United States on January 6, 1912. As the state capital, Santa Fe saw the construction of the New Mexico State Capitol, also known as the Roundhouse, which is unique for its circular design and Pueblo Revival architecture. It symbolizes the rich cultural heritage and political significance of the city.

Santa Fe Indian Market

The Santa Fe Indian Market, established in 1922, is one of the most prestigious Native American art markets in the world. Held annually in August, it showcases the work of over 1,000 Native American artists from various tribes. The market not only celebrates indigenous art and culture but also serves as a vital economic and cultural event for the community.

Canyon Road Art District

Canyon Road in Santa Fe is renowned for its vibrant art scene, featuring over 100 galleries, studios, and boutiques. This historic road has become a mecca for art lovers, offering a diverse array of contemporary and traditional works. The district reflects the city's long-standing appreciation for artistic expression and its role as a cultural hub.

The Santa Fe Opera

Founded in 1956 by John Crosby, the Santa Fe Opera is an internationally acclaimed opera company known for its innovative productions and stunning open-air theater. Nestled in the scenic Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the opera attracts audiences from around the world and has become a cornerstone of Santa Fe's cultural landscape.

Santa Fe in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

0 / 0

Cities near Santa Fe

The closest cities to Santa Fe, if you have time for more than one stop.

Explore more

New Mexico
More of the region

Explore more of New Mexico

Discover the enchanting blend of rich history, diverse cultures, and stunning landscapes in New Mexico, the Land of Enchantment, where adventure and relaxation await.

Explore New Mexico
The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Santa Fe, New Mexico

Discover the best of Santa Fe with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more. Plan your perfect trip!

  • Comprehensive information on top attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, and restaurants
  • Rich set of information including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Planning a trip to Santa Fe? Evendo is your ultimate, free travel guide app. Explore top attractions, book hotels and tours, and experience the city like a local.

  • History of Santa Fe and travel essentials
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience
  • Easy navigation through the app and the city
  • Near me feature to discover what's around you
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases

Welcome to Santa Fe, the city of rich history and vibrant culture! Planning your trip has never been easier with Evendo, the ultimate travel guide app that puts the best of Santa Fe at your fingertips.

Explore famous landmarks like the historic Santa Fe Plaza, the awe-inspiring Loretto Chapel, and the artistic Canyon Road. Hungry? Discover top-rated restaurants such as The Shed, Café Pasqual's, and La Plazuela.

With detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, and restaurants, Evendo ensures you won't miss a thing. Each location comes with images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details, making it easy to plan and organize your trip.

Evendo also allows you to book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app, saving you time and hassle. With features like the history of Santa Fe, travel essentials, and curated local tips, you'll experience the city like a true local.

Download Evendo today and start your Santa Fe adventure!

Get the latest from Evendo

Hand-picked travel deals, new destination guides and trip ideas, straight to your inbox.