Santa Fe Plaza, Santa Fe (must see)

When Santa Fe was established around 1609, its layout followed Spanish laws for town planning in the colonies, resulting in a central plaza fronted by the Palace of the Governors ("Casas Reales") on its north side. This charming square, with its shady radial walkways, remains the city's social hub, surrounded by blocks rich with history. Throughout the year, it hosts many excellent arts, music, and cultural festivals, such as the Fiestas de Santa Fe, usually held during the second week of September.

One of the most iconic sights in Santa Fe is along the north side under the portal of the Palace of the Governors: Native American Indians from all over New Mexico selling their crafts, a tradition since the 1930s. Over 500 vendors, who must pass a strict application process that evaluates their technical skills, are licensed to sell here. Each morning, the 69 spots, each 12 bricks wide, are allocated by lottery. You'll find a variety of items, from silver bracelets to pottery to "heishi" (shell bead) necklaces to freshly harvested piñon nuts. It's a fantastic opportunity to buy directly from skilled artisans and learn about the work involved in each piece.

The controversial Soldiers' Monument, known locally as "the obelisk", had occupied the center of the plaza since 1867 and was dedicated to those who died in "battles with savage Indians in the territory of New Mexico". It was pulled down by demonstrators in 2020.