the plaza

The Plaza is the epicenter of old Santa Fe and is always full of people--locals and tourists. There are musicians, food kiosks, clowns, poseurs, craftspeople and cops making up the scene. The square is ringed with shops, museums and government offices---mostly in a variety of antique architectural styles.You can't avoid the place and it's worth a minute to sit down on a bench and take in the scene before you move on to something more upscale or businesslike.

This place is fantastic if you like to shop - everything is within easy walking distance. You can find just about anything here, in all price ranges. The reason why the rating is less than excellent is because the area needs to be policed better - the shopkeepers themselves should be aware that there is a particular individual outside their shops, ranting and raving, and asking for money. VERY annoying and behavior is threatening to people just simply trying to get by. BE AWARE - people are literally crossing the street to avoid this man - and the shops are losing foot business by the minute. Would strongly suggest you all report him to police, and get together and figure out a way to remove him from The Plaza.

I was expecting a bit more than what is here. A monument and park benches. Surrounding the Plaza on all four sides however are shops, museums and restaurants. It is easy to walk the historic downtown area.

Wonderful to just walk around and check out the sites. The shopping was amazing. If you are in the mood for spending money on boots, southwestern art or furniture, you must go through all the shops on the plaza.

You can spend hours strolling along the streets in this area, window shopping and people-watching. There are lots of galleries, jewelry shops and restaurants.

The Plaza is a must see! The Native Americans display their beatiful jewelry and there are many beutiful shops to enjoy around the Plaza, as well. I like to shop in Shalako which has old Indian pawn as well as new jewelry. I am a snob when it comes to buying Turquoise jewelry. I am very picky about the quality of the stone and whether or not it is authentic. Some of the places sell cheap knock offs using beads from China and plastic in place of nice turquoise stones. Not so at Shalako.

This used to be a great retail area for arts and artist. It appears the largest parts of the best real estate have been taken over by the same ownership. Goods are Chinese copies and are essentially the same in all the stores. You will need to spend a lot of time to find the old Santa Fe plaza shopping of just a few years ago. What used to be a great place to spend some pre-Christmas shopping time has turned into a middle eastern bazzar, complete with everything but camel dung.Avoid

As the heart of old town the plaza usually has something going on. In front of the palace of the governors are always a plethora of native artisans selling their wares, they have an abundance of silver and jewelry for sale in many different styles. I like to sit in the sun and just watch for a while.

Easy to get to and navigate. The La Fonda hotel has a good restaurant and bar. The wait staff was right their to see to your every need.

There is often live music here all summer long. Locals dance in the street there. Great shops around the plaza for Native America Jewelry, clothes and masks. The Pubelo Indians sit on blankets and sell their art here as they have done for 500 years.

The Plaza is the oldest area of Santa Fe (at more than 400 years), and local legislation prohibits any new construction within its boundaries. The old adobe buildings are occupied today with hotels, restaurants, art galleries, jewelry shops, clothing stores, mini-malls, even a 'Five and Dime'. You can find everything from exquisite treasures to cheap T-shirts and postcards. In addition to the shops, you'll find a gathering of varying local artists displaying their wares for sale on mats or blankets on the covered sidewalk in front of the Palace of the Governors. Some do accept credit/debit cards, but you might find yourself in need of cash. All welcome questions and discussion about their particular art, much of which is handmade and one-of-a-kind.Occasional throughout the year, the city hosts concerts and cultural events in the plaza.While strolling the perimeter, we encountered a musician playing an accordian and, later, two playing saxaphones - playing their hearts out for tips. We also encountered several people with cardboard signs, asking for alms. The Plaza is the heartbeat of Santa Fe. You'll probably want to spend a couple of hours exploring and enjoying the ambiance.

Even during a very cold spell in January, it was fun walking around the Plaza. Make sure you see the native American artisans showing their wares on the Plaza.

Be prepared to find lots of bums and odd people preaching, singing, yelling, fighting with those who are preaching, peddling odd things, or otherwise degrading the atmosphere.

Of course you have to go to the Plaza when you are in Santa Fe. Don't think of it like a farmer's market or something like that you might be used to. This is a small section of town where people bring their handmade goods to sell. You can barter with them if you like as well. Take cash though because many of them don't take credit cards.

After shopping the galleries, shop the locals. Most of the jewelry displayed is made and sold by the artists themselves. Great opportunity to meet the artists and stock up on silver and turquoise jewelry.