5 of The Best Walking Tours in Santa Fe in 2023
Abby and Sam PriceAre you looking for the best walking tours in Santa Fe?
Searching the internet for the best walking tours in Santa Fe? Look no further!
We pride ourselves on finding the best activities and excursions to embark on when visiting a new city.
Santa Fe quickly became one of our favorite cities out West after we visited the area during our Denver to Santa Fe road trip.
We fell in love with the state of New Mexico quickly and love it for its diversity, delicious food, endless things to see, and countless outdoor recreational activities.
One of the best ways to experience the charming city of Santa Fe is by embarking on a walking tour so that you can gain more knowledge on the history behind Santa Fe and stop by some of its historic landmarks, famous shops and restaurants, and get to know the area from a local tour guide!
This list of the best Santa Fe walking tours are all top rated options with unique features and stops along the way.
Keep reading down below to discover which Santa Fe walking tour is best for you!
Trekking Price’s contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you.
Short on time and not able to read all about the best walking tours in Santa Fe? The #1 best walking tour in Santa Fe is the Half-Day Santa Fe Food and History Walking Tour! This tour has 5/5 star reviews from over 190 Viator and Tripadvisor reviews and is the perfect option for those looking to learn more about the city and indulge in some of Santa Fe’s delicious cuisine.
Best Walking Tours in Santa Fe
1. Half-Day Santa Fe Food and History Walking Tour
Get ready to spend an incredible 4 hours learning all about the history behind Santa Fe, indulging in delicious bites to eat, and walking by some of Santa Fe’s most famous landmarks.
As you learn about the history of the city and take in the views of famous landmarks throughout the area, you will also stop by several wine and food establishments so that you can taste local flavors and dishes.
This Half-Day Santa Fe Food and History Walking Tour is the perfect combination for those that are history enthusiasts and those that would like to experience the local cuisine.
⏰ Total Duration of the Tour: About 4 Hours
📍 Meeting Location: 62 Lincoln Ave, Santa Fe, NM 27501
“This tour was a highlight of my trip to New Mexico. Lauren was a knowledgeable guide in both the history and food scene in Santa Fe. She was very personable and engaging with all the members of our group. She took us to amazing restaurants that I’m sure I wouldn’t have found on my own. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this tour to anyone who enjoys food, history, and fun! – Mary (see more reviews)
👉🏼 Check rates and availability for the Half-Day Santa Fe Food and History Walking Tour here!
2. Santa Fe Architectural Walking Tour
The Santa Fe Architectural Walking Tour is one of the best walking tours in Santa Fe and perfect for those that admire building structures, designs, and unique architecture features.
On this tour you will learn about the three main styles of Santa Fe architecture and grasp an understanding of each approach.
This tour ends with a champagne tasting at one of Santa Fe’s oldest hotels which makes for the perfect ending to such a marvelous and informational tour.
⏰ Total Duration of the Tour: About 3 hours
📍 Meeting Location: 211 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, NM 27501
“Our tour with Ed was absolutely amazing. It was a total of 3 hours of tour that included a complimentary local wine tasting at the end. Our tour guide Ed was extremely knowledgeable as well as both about New Mexican Architecture and history. We got to learn so much from him. Both my husband and I loved this tour. Can’t recommend this tour enough.” – Rohosen (see more reviews)
👉🏼 Click here to learn more about rates and availability of this Santa Fe Architectural Walking Tour!
3. Ultimate Santa Fe History Walking Tour
Are you ready to learn all about Santa Fe’s architecture, history, and culture as you walk through the Santa Fe Plaza and admire some of the famous landmarks throughout the city?
This tour does an excellent job at guiding you throughout the city to some of the most famous attractions but also to some of Santa Fe’s hidden gems.
Your tour guide will not only teach you the history behind Santa Fe but will also provide some local tips and tricks on the best restaurants and best activities to embark on in the area!
This Ultimate Santa Fe History Walking Tour is the perfect tour for those looking to get to know the city more and learn some local pointers along the way.
⏰ Total Duration of the Tour: About 2 hours and 30 minutes
📍Meeting Location: 107 Washington Ave, Santa Fe, NM 27501
“This tour did an excellent job of telling about the essence of the culture and history of Santa Fe presented in a friendly and personal way. An excellent tour!” – Jayne (see more reviews)
👉🏼 Check out the rates and availability for this Ultimate Santa Fe History Walking Tour here!
4. A Walking Tour of Santa Fe’s Most Beautiful and Historic Sites
For those looking to know all about Santa Fe including the history behind the charming city, hidden gems and off the beaten path places to explore, as well as where to eat, drink, and shop like a local… A Walking Tour of Santa Fe’s Most Beautiful and Historic Sites tour is for you!
Your local guide will take you throughout Santa Fe and teach you about interesting facts and stories that make the city come to life.
This tour is only 2 hours in length making it the perfect option for those looking to get to know the area more but still want the rest of the day to explore!
⏰ Total Duration of the Tour: About 2 hours
📍 Meeting Location: 100 E San Francisco Street, Santa Fe, NM 27501
“The guide was very witty and knowledgeable and made this not very familiar city feel like home. Will gladly check other tours from this company!!” – Vaiva (see more reviews)
👉🏼 Click here to learn more about rates and availability for A Walking Tour of Santa Fe’s Most Beautiful and Historic Sites!
5. Canyon Road Arts District Tour
Walk through the Canyon Road Arts District with your local tour guide as you learn about local artists, various galleries, and about the history behind this fascinating district.
This famous district is known for being home to over 80 art galleries, each one unique and exciting. As you walk with your guide you will be able to go into a handful of these galleries and learn about their intriguing pieces.
This Canyon Road Arts District Tour is the perfect tour for those looking to immerse themselves into the Santa Fe culture and artwork and learn about this cities phenomenal art history.
⏰ Total Duration of the Tour: About 2 hours
📍 Meeting Location: 513 Canyon Road, Santa Fe, NM 87501
“Great guide – very knowledgeable and friendly! Our guide shared meaningful information and area history. So glad we did this tour otherwise we may have missed out on an important part of Santa Fe’s art & history. Highly recommend!” – Carolan (see more reviews)
👉🏼 Check out rates and availability for the Canyon Road Arts District Tour here!
Is Santa Fe Worth Visiting?
Santa Fe is definitely worth visiting! Between its rich history, delicious New Mexican cuisine, outstanding architecture, and incredible culture, Santa Fe must be on your bucket list of places to visit.
How to Get to Santa Fe
The easiest way to get to Santa Fe if you live nearby is definitely driving your own vehicle. We loved our road trip from Denver to Santa Fe!
However, for those that do not live nearby, the easiest way to get to Santa Fe is by flying into Santa Fe Airport or Albuquerque International Airport and then renting a vehicle!
Be sure to grab our favorite travel insurance from SafetyWing if you do plan on renting a vehicle in the area.
Where to Stay in Santa Fe
There are countless options to pick from when choosing where to stay in Santa Fe! Check out our three favorites below to help make your decision a little bit easier.
- Budget-friendly: Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza – Santa Fe is not typically known for being overly budget-friendly so this hotel is not super inexpensive. However, it is an excellent option for those looking to spend a little less on accommodations but still want to stay in a phenomenal area right near the Santa Fe Plaza!
- Mid-Range: La Fonda on the Plaza – This is the perfect mid-range hotel for your next Santa Fe getaway! The hotel has a beautiful aesthetic both on the interior and exterior and the location could not be more perfect right in the Plaza near countless restaurants and bars.
- Luxury: Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi – For those looking for a luxurious place to stay right in the heart of Santa Fe, look no further. This high end hotel is right near some of the best restaurants and shopping that Santa Fe has to offer. Plus, the hotel itself is outstanding with fabulous amenities such as a spa, fitness center, and restaurants.
Best Time to Visit Santa Fe
Santa Fe is truly a remarkable place to visit year round. However, we recommend visiting the Santa Fe area during the autumn months so that you can check out the nearby Hot Air Balloon Fiesta!
Another excellent time to visit Santa Fe to avoid some of the crowds that come during the summertime and around the hot air balloon festival is to visit the area during the winter months.
If you plan a trip in the winter, be sure to check out the best places to ski in New Mexico so that you can not only explore Santa Fe but get in some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the United States as well!
FAQs About The Best Walking Tours in Santa Fe
Where can I walk around Santa Fe?
We recommend walking around the Santa Fe Plaza and the Santa Fe Railyard to experience the art, culture, history, and cuisine behind this marvelous city.
Is downtown Santa Fe walkable?
The Santa Fe Plaza is very walkable! Be sure to wear your favorite walking shoes so that you can explore all of the different restaurants, bars, and shops that The Plaza has to offer.
What is the best way to get around Santa Fe?
The best way to get around Santa Fe is by renting a vehicle so that you can explore the various districts within Santa Fe without relying on public transportation.
Besides renting a vehicle and exploring the various areas by car, be sure to book one of the best walking tours in Santa Fe so that you can learn about the city’s famous landmarks and even some of its hidden gems!
What is the popular street in Santa Fe?
The Santa Fe Plaza and the Santa Fe Railyard are two of the most popular areas in Santa Fe.
Be sure to check out our post on 72 hours in Santa Fe for the ultimate guide on how to spend 3 fantastic days exploring all that Santa Fe has to offer!
Final Thoughts On The Best Walking Tours in Santa Fe
Santa Fe has so much to offer and experience such as their unique culture, intriguing architecture, delicious food, and rich history. Going on one of the best walking tours in Santa Fe is the perfect way to learn more about this charming city from a locals perspective!
If you are searching for the best option, we recommend the Half-Day Santa Fe Food and History Walking Tour so that you can experience both the scrumptious cuisine that Santa Fe has to offer and learn more about the deep history behind this delightful city.
