Local time Santa Fe

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Santa Fe Travel Guide

About Santa Fe

Colourful Santa Fe is a meeting point of ancient and modern America, blending the earthy spirituality of native Pueblo Indians with the picturesque landmarks of a colonial Spanish past.

Often called the ‘City Different’, Santa Fe’s laid-back Southwest ambience is invigorated by the creative vibe of the many artists and filmmakers who call it home.

The city has a huge arts and dining scene that far surpasses its small stature. More than 250 galleries are packed into the centre, particularly along Canyon Road, where top international artists show off their work in quaint adobe buildings. The revamped warehouses of the Railyard district offer an edgier creative world, while impressive contemporary works by Native American artists find their place too.

Don’t forget your camera because fanning out from the historic central Plaza are streets filled with striking images: sand-coloured Pueblo Revival buildings that contrast sharply with the piercing blue sky, while strings of red-chillies dangle in the breeze. Elsewhere, charming old adobe homes sport brightly painted doors and window frames.

Tradition is hip too - from fashion to décor. Think handmade leather boots, and fabulous silver and turquoise jewellery crafted by Pueblo artisans. Beautiful pottery, stonework, weavings and carvings are found everywhere.

Even better, eating in Santa Fe is simply awesome. Its distinct cuisine is built on generations-old recipes that blend Native and Hispanic foods. Try local specialities such as green and red chilli dishes, salsas and blue corn tortillas, as well as innovative dishes from top chefs.

Explore the city’s outstanding museums, browse in its boutique shops or relax in its inviting spas. At night, check out the live music in lively bars and restaurants. There’s also a busy schedule of festivals celebrating everything from chillies to wine to music as well as a world-class summer opera programme.

Basking in sunshine year-round and surrounded by a stunning mountain landscape, Santa Fe is a favourite American destination, and no wonder - it’s a city of timeless beauty and endless fun.

Key facts

Latitude:
35.679988
Longitude:
-105.962228
A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

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Featured Hotels

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El Rey Inn

This renovated motor court motel offers exceptional comfort and southwestern style in rooms and suites. It has a swimming pool, patios and gardens within its grounds.

Inn and Spa at Loretto

Sharing grounds with the fabled Loretto Chapel, this 134-room hotel in Santa Fe exudes luxury. It features a fabulous spa, and hosts an Artists-in-Residence programme.

La Posada de Santa Fe Resort and Spa

Spreading over six landscaped acres near the Plaza, this elegant boutique resort hotel in Santa Fe offers 157 rooms in casitas (small houses), a spa and a sophisticated bar and restaurant in the Staab House . Try for rooms with fireplaces and patios, located above the spa.

Las Palomas

A collection of 53 studios and casitas in a historic adobe compound three blocks from the Plaza provide guests with one or two bedrooms, living rooms, fireplaces and mini-kitchens.

Santa Fe Sage Inn

The former Santa Fe Budget Inn has been updated to an attractive facility, but still represents very good value for money. The motel has 154 rooms, swimming pool, computer dataports, in-room coffee and a good downtown location.

Ten Thousand Waves

This Asian-themed spa and bathhouse offers serene lodging in Zen-inspiring casitas or an Airstream trailer restyled as a sleeping car. Amenities vary from basic to more elaborate, with living room, fireplace, TV and balcony.