What would you do and see if you only had one day in Santa Fe? I get this question a lot! Since there is so much to see, do and taste in The City Different, to condense in to a day is no easy task! However, here as a great example of how to pack in Santa Fe in a single day. But, I’ll warn you—you’ll want to stay longer!

One Day in The City Different

First, you have to get here ! But once you have, let me say: Welcome to The City Different! Take a deep breath and drink a big glasswater it is time to acclimate to our 7,200-foot elevation. Now that you are settled and in Santa Fe relaxed frame of mind, it is time to explore our Dining options. How about New Mexican, Italian farm to table or some down home diner suprises? In Santa Fe there is never a shortage of culinary surprises so reserve the ideal place for you and your companions to celebrate your Santa Fe adventure?

Morning: After a hearty breakfast, perhaps the Blue Corn Piñon Pancakes with blueberries at The Burrito Company just off the Plaza, treat yourself to Santa Fe's renowned Art, starting with Canyon Road, a mile-long stretch of world-famous galleries and boutiques. You'll explore contemporary and traditional galleries filled with a stunning range of works by local, national and international artists. There’s also an excellent Teahouse to enjoy. Can’t get enough unique beauty and culture? Downtown has the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, New Mexico Museum Of Art, and The New Mexico History Museum & Palace Of The Governors. Up on Museum Hill, there’s five more including The Museum Of International Folk Art and Museum Of Indian Arts And Culture. You could also opt to take our free, self-guided walking tours of literary landmarks, New Deal art legacies and so much more all found in Free Walking Tours.

Pencil in the green chile relleno burrito on your "must eat" list! (Photo courtesy of Pencil in the green chile relleno burrito on your "must eat" list! (Photo courtesy of

Afternoon: Enjoy a traditional New Mexican lunch served in one of Santa Fe's local-favorite downtown restaurants like The Shed, or perhaps Tomasita’s at the new and award-winning Railyard District with its upscale galleries, art spaces, restaurants, shopping and a park. To walk off your meal there's nothing like Santa Fe Shopping, where you'll find one-of-a-kind treasures to take home or purchase as gifts. Try the Portal outside the Palace Of The Governors on the Plaza side for totally authentic indigenous art—always sold directly by the artists themselves. From downtown or The Railyard, you’re a short walk or drive to the New Mexico state capital “The Roundhouse,” the only round state capital in the U.S. This beautiful building features The Governor’s Gallery, Capitol Art Collection, and The Clay Buchanan Memorial Gardens. Take a coffee or sweets break at one of Santa Fe's charming cafes, which you can discover in our Coffee Lover's Tour or The Chocolate Trail.

Uncover treasures at Santa Fe's boutiques. Uncover treasures at Santa Fe's boutiques.

Evening: Make time to watch one of our majestic sunsets from the top of the Cross of The Martyrs, an outdoor park on the northeast side of Paseo de Peralta or if an adult beverage needs to accompany the sunset try the rooftop at La Fonda. Then head out to dine in style at a world-class restaurant where the food too is often a work of art.

Take in one of Santa Fe's most panoramic views at the Cross of the Martyrs. (Photo courtesy of Macfand) Take in one of Santa Fe's most panoramic views at the Cross of the Martyrs. (Photo courtesy of Macfand)

Do make sure to get acquainted with the Santa Fe calendar on http://www.santafe.org/ so you know all that’s available for your evening. For a nightcap, check out some of the city’s incomparable mixologists at our large variety of traditional and new watering holes and stroll the quiet, beautiful adobe streets.

Do it Different, Your Way

There is no one way to spend a day in Santa Fe— this has just been one simple suggestion. People from all over the world come to The City Different and experience it in unique and different ways. So, we would love to hear your favorite way to see Santa Fe. Share with us your ideal Santa Fe itinerary in the comments below! Still want to learn more or ready to plan your getaway? Request a free visitor guide here.