Santa Fe Self-Guided Plaza Walking Tour

You want a tour of the Plaza? We have a self-guided one. It’s focused on the early Greek community—the bakers and pool sharks—but that’s just the context for seeing the city's real ghosts.

Explore the Santa Fe Plaza and downtown at your own pace with a self-guided walking tour. Start at La Fonda on the Plaza, choose a 1–2 hour route or extend to nearby streets, and discover the city’s hidden Greek storefronts and stories. Perfect for families and accessible sidewalks throughout.

Start at La Fonda on the Plaza.

THE PLAZA’S BEST KEPT SECRETS

The Plaza you haven’t seen yet. 🥂

 

Beyond the world-class boutiques and galleries lies the original Santa Fe—48 elite storefronts that built this city’s foundation, now hidden in plain sight.

 

We’ve mapped the "Invisible City" so you can know the story behind the shop---the real ghosts of Santa Fe’s past. 🏛️

 

The hunt is on.  Get the guide below and see the Plaza like a true insider. 🗺️

 

  • How to Hunt the Invisible City:
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  • Grab the Map: Pick up Finding the First Greeks of Santa Fe (2022) to unlock 48 hidden locations.
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  • Spot the Secrets: Use the book to find historic Greek storefronts hiding behind today’s boutiques.
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  • Share the Ghost: Take a photo of the "Now" vs. the "Then" and tag @SantaFePlazaTours to be featured!
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THEN — 84 E. San Francisco St.

Seligman Bros. Co. 1915 department store

NOW — Kenny’s On The Plaza (Fine Jewelry)

Modern jewelry storefront exterior

THEN — 82 E. San Francisco St.

Capital Pharmacy 1920s soda fountain

NOW — Maya Gallery (Fine Art & Sculpture)

Modern art gallery facade

THEN — 80 E. San Francisco St.

Southwest Arts & Crafts (Julius Gans)

NOW — Maverick’s of Santa Fe (Luxury Western Wear)

Western wear boutique exterior

Santa Fe Walking Tour FAQ

How long is the tour?

Option 1 (1–2 hours): Chapters 1–2 along the Plaza, with optional context in Chapters 3–4.
Option 2 (~1 extra hour): Chapters 5–8 along West San Francisco St, Galisteo St, and Don Gaspar Ave.
Option 3 (extended): Chapters 9–10 for a wider excursion.

Where do I start? Start at La Fonda on the Plaza.

Is it family-friendly and accessible? Yes—family-friendly and on accessible sidewalks throughout.

How do I take the tour? The step-by-step route and sites are inside the book Finding the First Greeks of Santa Fe (2022). For deeper context, visit the New Mexico History Museum and explore the insider history at Fairview Cemetery’s website (History section).

Insider's tip:

For classic New Mexican fare, locals often choose Atrisco Cafe & Bar at the DeVargas Center. Tomasitas and Tia Sophias are also Maryol-family restaurants. Heading south of downtown? Plaza Cafe Southside is another local favorite.

NO GUIDE. NO CROWDS. JUST THE BOOK.

Grab a copy at a local bookstore or have it shipped to your door. Start the walk with a coffee; end whenever you're full.

Finding the First Greeks of Santa Fe book cover