The Santa Fe Plaza, found right in the heart of the charming city of Santa Fe, New Mexico, is a National Historic Landmark full of historic monuments, art galleries of all mediums, businesses, and some of the best restaurants in the state. It is easy to spend an entire day wandering around the plaza exploring all it has to offer.

The Santa Fe Plaza is composed of a Central Park surrounded by traditional Spanish American colonial architecture. The plaza is a gathering place for many events and festivals, markets, and celebrations.

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The Santa Fe Indian Market happens every year at the end of August. More than 150,000 people from around the world attend the market every year to see and purchase authentic work completed by more than 1,000 Native American tribes throughout the country. The art market features pottery, sculptures, basketry, jewelry, and many other types of art.

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The Plaza is also surrounded by some incredible art studios and galleries where you can find everything from giant abstract metal sculptures, to landscape paintings, and everything in between.

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The restaurants surrounding the Santa Fe Plaza are also incredible. The Shed, Cafe Pasqual’s, and La Plazuela are some of our favorites, but you are sure to find plenty we haven’t discovered yet if you explore.

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The Santa Fe Plaza is also home to the Palace of the Governors, which is the oldest public building in the United States. You can also explore the New Mexico Museum of Art and the famed Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi here.

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During the holidays, the plaza is absolutely breathtaking. Decorated with lights and luminary (paper lanterns), the plaza turns into a winter wonderland.

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The Santa Fe Plaza is one of those city centers that makes you wish all cities had a similar center. The plaza has served as a gathering place for generations and offers a great chance to explore some of New Mexico’s culture.

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Address: Santa Fe Plaza, 63 Lincoln Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87501, USA

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Gennady Zakharin/Google Local

Mark Simmers/Google Local

Melissa Angel/Google Local

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Emily L/Google Local

The Santa Fe Plaza is one of those city centers that makes you wish all cities had a similar center. The plaza has served as a gathering place for generations and offers a great chance to explore some of New Mexico’s culture.