There's a moment in Santa Fe when you realize time moves differently here. It might hit you while sipping coffee under a cottonwood tree, or while watching an elderly artisan weave baskets by hand in the middle of a busy plaza.

The city isn't trying to impress you—it's inviting you to breathe, walk, and look around. If you're the kind of traveler who prefers slow discovery over packed itineraries, Santa Fe rewards that in spades.

This guide isn't about checking off landmarks. It's about how to experience Santa Fe by not rushing through it—with two simple destinations and one mindset change that can turn your entire visit around.

1. Wander with intention through Santa Fe Plaza

Every city has its center—but few are as alive and layered as the Santa Fe Plaza. This is the beating heart of the city, both historically and socially. It's not big (you can walk across it in two minutes), but try taking an hour instead. Sit on a shaded bench. Watch a violinist play for a small group of kids. Browse silver jewelry laid out on blankets by Pueblo artists under the Palace of the Governors.

This isn't a polished shopping district—it's a gathering place.

• Location: Between Lincoln Ave. and San Francisco St., downtown

• Cost: Free to wander

• Best time to visit: Morning for calm; weekends for street musicians and craft markets

• Local tip: Look for Native artists with city-issued permits—they're usually under the long portico. Many are open to explaining how each piece is made, and a conversation can be worth more than any souvenir.

To experience authentic Santa Fe, skip the chain stores and explore its unique local shops. Your first stop should be Collected Works Bookstore, a beloved local institution that also serves good espresso in a cozy back corner.

Just a few blocks away, immerse yourself in the wonderfully eclectic Doodlet's (also known as Doodlet's Gift & Art), packed with unique Southwestern-inspired gifts. The area is also full of other locally owned shops selling everything from handmade paper to blue corn soap.

2. Spend a morning at the Santa Fe Farmers Market

You haven't really seen how a city eats, lives, and talks until you've been to its farmers market. Santa Fe Farmers Market, located in the Railyard District, is where the real flavor of the city shows up.

It's not just fruits and veggies (though the late-summer peaches and green chile are worth the trip alone). You'll also find:

• Locally harvested lavender

• Tamales wrapped in corn husks, still steaming

• Fresh sourdough loaves

• Jewelry, pottery, and soaps crafted by artists who live nearby

But more than what's for sale, this market is about energy. Street musicians, kids dancing, couples tasting jam off wooden spoons—it's chaotic in the best way.

• Open: Saturdays year-round, 8 a.m.–1 p.m.; Tuesdays (May–Nov), 8 a.m.–1 p.m.

• Location: 1607 Paseo de Peralta, inside the Railyard Park

• Getting there: 5–10 minute drive from the Plaza; there's plenty of parking, but it fills by 9 a.m.

• Tip: Bring cash, a reusable tote, and come hungry. Some of the best food isn't listed anywhere—just follow the lines.

After you've browsed, take your finds to a nearby bench or lawn in the Railyard Park. No one's in a hurry here. That's kind of the point.

3. The “slow travel” shift that changes everything

Most people plan for what to see. Few people think about how to see it.

Santa Fe rewards the kind of traveler who ditches the checklist. It's a place where a casual chat with a gallery owner, or a walk that turns into a conversation with a local gardener, can become the best part of your day.

Try this:

1. Don't overplan. Pick one main stop per morning or afternoon.

2. Walk without maps. Let your senses—not your schedule—guide you.

3. Talk to strangers. Ask the artist about their process. Ask a barista what they love most about living here.

The city is small enough to explore fully, but rich enough that you'll never see it all. And that's OK. The magic often hides in what you didn't expect to find.

Getting around

Downtown Santa Fe is made for walking. Most spots (Plaza, galleries, markets) are within a 15–20 minute stroll of each other. If you're staying nearby, skip the car.

That said, if you're staying further out, use the Santa Fe Pick-Up Shuttle, a free and frequent service that loops between key neighborhoods, including the Railyard, Museum Hill, and Canyon Road.

When to visit

Fall (late September through October) is a dream. You get crisp mornings, warm afternoons, and golden trees lining every street. Saturdays in the Plaza during fall also tend to have more live music and special pop-up markets.

Spring (April–May) brings smaller crowds and blooming desert flowers. Summer can be busy, but early mornings are quiet and cool.

There's something quietly profound about slowing down in a city that's not in a rush. In Santa Fe, that's not laziness—it's tradition. So take the long way around the block. Sit a little longer in the sun. Smile at the old man selling handwoven rugs, even if you don't plan to buy. You came to Santa Fe for something. Maybe this is how you'll actually find it.