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New Mexico (NM)
Santa Fe
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Santa Fe Plaza

Santa Fe Plaza: Address, Phone Number, Santa Fe Plaza Reviews: 4.5/5

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Santa Fe Plaza

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Santa Fe Plaza
4.5
3,175
#17 of 296 things to do in Santa Fe
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
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About
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.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Downtown
Best nearby
Restaurants
309 within 3 miles
Sazón
1,242
0.1 mi$$$$ • Mexican • Latin • Vegetarian Friendly
Sassella
275
0.3 mi$$$$ • Italian • Tuscan • Sicilian
El Callejon Taqueria and Grill
431
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Mexican • Southwestern • Vegetarian Friendly
TIA Sophia's
1,482
0.2 mi$ • Mexican • Southwestern • Vegetarian Friendly
Cafe Pasqual's
4,091
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Mexican • American • Southwestern
Palacio Cafe
1,279
0.1 mi$ • Mexican • American • Southwestern
Coyote Cafe & Rooftop Cantina
1,879
0.2 mi$$$$ • Mexican • Southwestern • Bar
Market Steer Steakhouse
151
0.1 mi$$$$ • American • Steakhouse • Gluten Free Options
La Plazuela
2,674
202 ft$$ - $$$ • Mexican • Southwestern • Vegetarian Friendly
The Plaza Cafe
1,898
331 ft$$ - $$$ • American • Southwestern • Vegetarian Friendly
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Attractions
279 within 6 miles
Santa Fe Mountain Bike Tours
44 ftBiking Trails
Boone Gallery
1
93 ftArt Galleries
Things Finer
11
126 ftAntique Shops
Shiprock
2
139 ftArt Galleries • Antique Shops
Galisteo Basin Preserve
6
150 ftNature & Wildlife Areas • Scenic Walking Areas
Owings-Dewey Fine Art
5
171 ftArt Galleries
The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi
3,961
507 ftChurches & Cathedrals
Loretto Chapel
5,137
0.1 miHistoric Sites • Religious Sites
Palace of the Governors
1,003
281 ftSpeciality Museums
New Mexico Museum of Art
594
500 ftArt Museums
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
3,175 reviews
Excellent
1,803
Very good
996
Average
302
Poor
60
Terrible
14
BruinDan
Fullerton, CA2,360 contributions
Your visit to Santa Fe should begin here!
Located in downtown Santa Fe, the Santa Fe Plaza is a National Historic Landmark that serves as the area’s center gathering place. It consists of a central park lined with grass, trees, benches, a monument and a performing arts stage. The plaza is known for its lively atmosphere, the Native American artisans who sell their creations beneath the portal of the Palace of the Governors, and the traditional adobe buildings that house many surrounding attractions, such as the New Mexico Museum of Art, the Palace of the Governors (the oldest public building in the U.S.), and the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi. The plaza is surrounded by many restaurants, hotels and dozens of retailers offering products that range from local souvenirs to high-end jewelry and apparel.

Many guidebooks and articles recommend that you make a point to stop by the Santa Fe Plaza because it serves as a great jumping off point for exploring Santa Fe’s top attractions, many of which spool out from the plaza (for example, Canyon Road and the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum). My wife and I would agree. We took the 6 or 7 block walk from our hotel to the Plaza on a chilly (38° F/3.3° C) early March morning. Because of the early hour and the temperature, there were very few artisans or tourists out yet so we were able to stroll about freely, taking in the lovely sites and snapping photos at our leisure; when businesses began to open, we were able to visit and explore them minus the crowds. It was a wonderful experience and gave us a sense of the history and uniqueness of the city. We would highly recommend the Plaza to any visitor to Santa Fe.
Written March 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
on_the_go_98765
Tucson17,485 contributions
In October, they celebrate Indigenous People's Weekend (instead of Columbus Day)
Our week-long stay at Otra Vez was only a couple of blocks away from the Plaza and we were fortunate to be there for the end of the Indian ceremonial dances and presentations. It's not as hectic a time of year as the Indian Festival is and this was an opportunity for the original people to demonstrate their heritage.

We were really looking forward to a vendor's stand selling the Indian Fry Bread like they do when the summer festival is in full swing but there was only one lone little food cart selling tacos and other similar fare. We actually did get to see some of the authentic dances instead.

The two performing groups were made up of young people dressed in ritual clothing accompanied by drums and chanting done by the elders. Typically, two elders and a group of 5 dancers would perform in front of the gazebo.

Weather can take a rapid turn for the worst this time of year and it did. Rain put an end to the demonstrations immediately. Northern New Mexico can get like that (and it does).

For us, we admired the outfits worn by the performers/dancers but wondered what the significance of the animal pelt hanging from the back of the male dancers' waists signified. Had it not been raining so hard, we most certainly would have asked! The young ladies wore beautiful dresses with scarves draped off their shoulders.

Keeping the culture and the stories alive is such a valuable cultural gift that we were glad they shared with us all.
Written October 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
katyflower
Midland, TX371 contributions
Beautiful.
Couples
The Santa Fe plaza is always fun whether you are shopping or people watching. The native Americans who set up at the Governors building are certified genuine and that’s always good to
Know. Most of the artists are right there showing there wares. Musicians come play and natives in full regalia showed up on Saturday. Always surprises.
Written October 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Linette J
27 contributions
Fun, but parking and rest room issues really dampened the experience
A very pretty place with food trucks, artists selling wares, places to sit and lots of shopping all around. A great way to spend a few hours (and a few hundred dollars) There are lots of food and shopping options from modest to very expensive.

My one beef is that there are NO public restrooms available. You have to go into one of the hotels, or beg for mercy. In a place that is 100% tourist supported this is a ridiculous situation. There should be restrooms provided for the people shopping or eating open air on the plaza.

Also had an issue with two hour parking. We had to repeatedly walk all the way back to our vehicle to feed the meter, which can be quite a hike as well as a problem when you are dining several blocks away.

For the amount of money the average visitor drops in this area, these inconveniences make no sense. They either want to support the tourists who support them or they don't. Sine many of the tourists spending big dollars there are seniors, these are two very real issues.
Written October 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Janet S
Mountain Brook, AL158 contributions
Quiet during Covid
Couples
The historic Santa Fe Plaza is the heart of this old city and is usually bustling with activities. It is the most important place you must visit on order to get the feel for this 400 year old city. During a normal year there are free evening concerts in the summer, art festivals , the annual Indian Market and more. Currently you can relax beneath the old trees, enjoy the shade and take in the interesting architecture all around. You can get takeout at the Plaza Diner and eat at one of the many tables that have been placed on the closed streets around 3 sides of the Plaza. The fajita stand is still running on the corner, too. The stores around the Plaza are some of the more expensive in the area, but you can find plenty of other options around the corner or hidden within the old storefronts where the inside has been converted into a modern multi-level shopping area with dozens of shops.
Written July 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
M J
Austin, TX7,967 contributions
Nice place to shop, eat & stay
My husband and I spent some time at the Santa Fe Plaza every time we go the Santa Fe. We arrived on a Sunday afternoon around 4 pm and spent about an hour there. There were many people at the plaza but fewer than usual. Six Indians were dancing in the plaza and had a hat on the ground for donations. Three of the Indians were children probably ages 7-10 and they were so cute. There are interesting shops, restaurants and hotels around the plaza and for a few blocks away.
Written August 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jeana P
Raleigh648 contributions
A fun area for a walk-about
Couples
We were fortunate to be in Santa Fe during an artist festival. Several shops had artists creating their works that you could watch. The Plaza is a nice area to stroll around and window shop - or actually spend money on mostly expensive items for sale. Besides shops there are also restaurants and art galleries. We came to The Plaza on two separate occasions and both times there were musicians busking - very talented. There are benches in the central grassy area for resting and/or people watching. We enjoyed The Plaza!
Written October 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
TravelinSuz
Chandler, AZ943 contributions
Santa Fe’s community living room
I’ve been here several times in the last 25 years. I’m delighted to find this time that it’s pedestrian only. So it’s like a big living room or front yard. Mix of locals and visitors, families picnicking or walking their dog, visitors shopping and soaking up the city’s vibe. Whom ever decided to close off the cars was a genius! I love this place now.
Written July 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
BHUANG69
New Providence, NJ1,248 contributions
Vibrant
Came here on a Saturday afternoon in August. The place is vibrant. People from all walks of life come here just to enjoy life and the city. There are music playing, artists performing and vendors selling their crafts. Not to be missed. The shops around it are wonderful.
Written August 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jake
Daegu, South Korea9 contributions
Lots to do
Friends
It's the vibrant heart of Santa Fe. Vendors, buskers, artists, music, food carts, shops, people watching. You can spend minutes or hours. Make sure you visit the vendors outside the Palace of the Governors. Ask them about their art and you will learn a lot and have a great appreciation for the skill involved.
Written June 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Santa Fe Plaza
We recommend booking Santa Fe Plaza tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 13 Santa Fe Plaza tours on Tripadvisor