Top Rated Attracties in Santa Fe

When visiting Santa Fe, a stop at the Meow Wolf is an absolute necessity. The space functions as an interactive museum/art exhibit/fun house that is perfect for all ages. Meow Wolf also features renowned Game of Thrones author George R.R. Martin's House of Eternal Return. The 20,000 square feet (1858 square meter) space allows visitors to choose their own adventure while walking, climbing, crawling and creeping through the Victorian Selig house. Here, both adults and children choose appropriately aged adventures through this fantastical place. The entire complex in which artists create their work is always buzzing with activity, from galleries and installations to workshops and live music and performances. Overall, it's one of the best kept secrets in Santa Fe.

Bishop Jean Lamy commissioned this Gothic Revival-style chapel, which was completed in the 1880s. The stained glass window was made in Paris, France, and delivered to Santa Fe in a covered wagon. The most outstanding feature of the chapel is the famous Miraculous Staircase. The circular staircase winds its way from the floor of the chapel to the choir loft above. The Loretto Chapel is no longer a place of worship and is now a private museum with a gift shop on the premises.

The Museum of International Folk Art features artists who represent traditions from Hispanic and Latino cultures. The museum opened to the public in 1953 and was the brainchild of Florence Dibell Bartlett, who was a folk art collector. The exhaustive collection is unique and is believed to be one of the world's largest collections of folk art. Over 130,000 artifacts form the basis for exhibitions in four distinct wings: Bartlett, Girard, Hispanic Heritage and Neutrogena. The Museum of Spanish Colonial Arts, Museum of International Folk Art, and Museum of Indian Arts & Culture are all on Museum Hill. Additionally, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Palace of the Governors are worth a visit as well.

Commissioned by Archbishop Jean Baptiste Lamy in the year 1869, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi exemplifies Romanesque Revival architecture like few structures in the world. One of Santa Fe's most recognizable structures thanks to its handsome design, ornate rose window, captivating main facade, and stunning New-Mexican embellishments. This local landmark houses many religious relics, including the chalice used by Lamy and the oldest Madonna in the United States. Its interiors are as impressive as its exteriors, with exquisite, stained glass windows sourced all the way from France being one of its most eye-catching features. The Blessed Sacrament Chapel, San Damiano Crucifix, and the primary nave are few of the church's other remarkable sights.

Since 1957, the Santa Fe Opera has been a summer oasis for internationally-acclaimed operatic talents and opera enthusiasts. The Opera's magnificent mountain backdrop and amazing construction have always been major draws. Santa Fe Opera's performance offerings encompass dance, theater, opera, choral and chamber music, all performed under its iconic open roof. The opera house has seen performances of all the most famous operas, beginning with Puccini's Madame Butterfly on the opera house's opening night, and also including La Traviata, Carmen and The Marriage of Figaro, among many others. The Santa Fe Opera has even commissioned 10 original operas since its inception. Catching a performance at the Santa Fe Opera should be on every opera lover's bucket list.

Known as the Plaza, this historic area is marked by a central park lined with huge shade trees and benches. The Santa Fe Plaza is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. Many of the buildings surrounding the park stand just as they did during colonial Spanish times. Aside from the numerous shops, hotels, and restaurants, you will also see a number of famous landmarks. Be sure to visit The Palace of the Governors, St. Francis Cathedral, and Loretto Chapel. The Spanish Market and the Santa Fe Indian Market are held here.