Things to do in Santa Fe

The winding narrow streets and alleyways of downtown Santa Fe are filled with unbelievably cute adobe homes, galleries, shops and restaurants. The Plaza sits at the hub of this maze-like jumble of twisting roads, a square with grass and benches that are shaded by trees. This is the heart and soul of Santa Fe, and is the single greatest attraction within the city.

Visitors will likely spend much of their stay wandering or lingering around the Plaza, absorbing the pace of life that continues to fascinate people from around the globe. Yet this capital city also has an abundance of excellent museums, unique cultural events and architectural wonders, which will leave you wanting more.

Georgia OKeefe Museum

If theres one artist wholly connected to New Mexico, it is Georgia OKeefe. Her eye for the surreal shapes and colours of northern New Mexico has made her famous around the globe. At this museum, the only one in America dedicated solely to one womans work, visitors can marvel at the largest collection of her art in the world: 117 oil paintings, watercolours, pastels and drawings. Phone: +1 505 946 1000.

Museum of Fine Arts

This impressive museum, located across from the Palace of the Governors, contains the most comprehensive collection of regional New Mexican art in the country. Its permanent collection includes more than 20,000 works by all of the Taos masters, the 1920s group of Santa Fe artists known as los Cincos Pintores and the states finest contemporary artists. To understand New Mexican painting, this is the place to go. The museum also has a fantastic collection of photographs by Ansel Adams, Elliot Porter and Edward Weston, which sheds even more light on the stunning scenery which abounds in this part of America. Phone: +1 505 476 5072.

Museum of Indian Arts and Culture

The highlight of this incredible Native American museum is its interactive exhibit called Here, Now and Always, which leads visitors through a vast timeline of the areas wonderful history with the help of more than 70,000 pieces of art and crafts. Every aspect of Native American life is covered here including music, creation stories and day-to-day living in a modern multimedia environment. Regular demonstrations are given by tribal artisans as well as occasional music and dance performances. A trip to this museum will open your eyes to the people who have always called Santa Fe home. Phone: +1 505 476 1250.

Museum of Spanish Colonial Art

The third great cultural influence in Santa Fe was the Spanish, who tried to colonise the area long before other Europeans arrived. Their legacy can be seen all over New Mexico and is virtually inseparable from the Native American and Anglo components. This museum celebrates the unique and intricate colonial artwork which flourished during their period of influence. More than 3,000 devotional and decorative works of art are exhibited alongside everyday household objects, providing a comprehensive view of the early Spanish settlers in this area. Phone: +1 505 982 2226.

Palace of the Governors

Originally built in 1610, the palace has been in continuous public use longer than anything else in America. Besides being a beautiful building, this is an excellent place to come to learn more about the 400-year-old history of New Mexico. Out front is the famous covered sidewalk, where Native Americans sit every day on their blankets and sell their handmade jewellery, pottery and weavings. The palace is an integral part of Santa Fe life and cannot be missed. Phone: +1 505 476 5100.

The Plaza

The heart and soul of Santa Fe has had a role in much of the regions history since it was first laid out in 1607 by Governor Don Pedro de Peralta. This tree-lined square sits at the centre of downtown Santa Fe and is the hub for all activity in the city. Most of the galleries, shops, restaurants and bars are here, along with the best museums, classiest hotels and quirkiest locals.

This is where life happens in Santa Fe, and visitors will naturally end up spending most of their vacation wandering around the area. The list of sights runs from the oldest church in America, St Francis Cathedral, to the Native American craftsmen who sell their wares every day under the covered awning of the Palace of the Governors. This is Santa Fe in a nutshell.