Discover Santa Fe: A Budget-Friendly Travel Guide
Compact and low-key, Santa Fe is entirely doable on a tight budget. Not only are some of the top sights of New Mexico’s artsy capital free to enjoy, but opting for these spots over the high-priced tourist attractions will allow you to see the city like a local.
From dancing at outdoor evening concerts to tackling rewarding forest hikes, here’s our guide to visiting “the Fe” for free.
Santa Fe Plaza
With its various museums, churches, galleries, and shops, Santa Fe Plaza is undeniably the heart of New Mexico’s capital. For those seeking to enjoy the city at no cost, the free concert series that occurs in the plaza during summer is a must.
On Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays at 6pm, join visitors and locals of every age to dance like nobody’s watching. These events bring everyone together to enjoy live music by various bands.
Afterward, cool down with a stroll around the 400-year-old plaza neighborhood at night. Nothing is more beautiful than the evening lights outlining the pueblo-style buildings against a clear, inky sky.
Art Stalls Under the Portal
This mini-adventure costs as little or as much as you want. Under the “portal” (a covered walkway along the south side of the Palace of The Governors), Native American artists sell handmade jewelry and art almost every day of the year.
Before the creation of formal markets, the Palace of The Governors’ portal served as a market for produce, game, pottery, and basketry. Today, various artists, regulated by the Portal Committee, promote authenticity and traditional materials.
Saint Francis Cathedral
The Cathedral Basilica de Saint Francis of Assisi, also known as Saint Francis Cathedral, is a prominent Santa Fe landmark overlooking the city’s Plaza. Rich in history and culture, this Roman Catholic Church is open to visitors Tuesday to Friday from 9:30am to 4:00pm, and Saturday from 9:30am to 3:00pm.
This Romanesque cathedral was built in 1869 by Archbishop Jean Baptiste Lamy and stands in contrast to the surrounding adobe buildings. Behind the altar, you’ll discover vibrant Spanish art in the retablo style, a folk art popular among Spanish churches.
Window Shopping at Jackalope
Home goods store Jackalope has been decorating homes and gardens in Santa Fe for decades. Expect six and a half acres of colorful, eclectic folk art and import items of every variety—it’s fun just to wander and window shop.
Within this multi-building compound, you’ll find a building full of rugs and furniture, another filled with Talavera pottery and Mexican art, and yet another filled with strands of gemstone beads. Also on the property is Prairie Dog Glass, where you can witness the magical art of glassblowing in action.
Cross of the Martyrs
New Mexico is legendary for its sunsets, and Santa Fe is especially noteworthy for captivating skyscapes. The hilltop Cross of the Martyrs is the best spot in the city to take in a sunset or full moonrise.
The hike to the cross isn’t too strenuous, but keep in mind the 7000ft elevation. The walk has handrails and plenty of places to stop, take photos, and rest.
Santa Fe National Forest
Located just outside of town, the Espanola District of the Santa Fe National Forest offers a quick escape into alpine woodland, lakes, and rocky peaks, with the Sangre de Cristo Mountains providing a stunning backdrop.
No matter how deep into the forest you choose to drive, there are many places to picnic, hike, or just take in the cool mountain air. If visiting in late summer or early fall, the aspen trees will be turning golden. The Aspen Vista Hiking Trail is the best place to enjoy this seasonal change.
Art Galleries of Canyon Road
Santa Fe is known for its vibrant art scene, particularly along Canyon Road, where over 100 fine art galleries showcase everything from sculpture gardens to contemporary art.
Visitors can enjoy Friday evening art openings, often accompanied by free cheese and wine, allowing for mingling with artists and Santa Fe locals alike.
Tour the Santa Fe Spirits Distillery
Amid the craft beer boom, New Mexico is seeing an increase in craft distilleries. The award-winning Santa Fe Spirits distillery offers tours at 3pm and 5pm on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
From grain to barrel, you’ll learn how their whiskey, vodka, brandy, and gin are made. The tour concludes in the tasting room, offering a chance to participate in a guided tasting session of their products.
