Santa Fe, United States

• Santa Fe is the capital of New Mexico, a small high-desert city at about 7,200 feet (2,200 m). It's known for adobe buildings, art galleries, Native American and Spanish colonial history, and New Mexican food. The Plaza, Canyon Road and the Railyard are all walkable from each other, and the city is an easy one to visit alone.
• Eating alone is normal here. Most restaurants have bar seating or a patio, cafes are full of people reading and working, and gallery and shop staff are used to people browsing by themselves. Locals tend to be chatty, and a polite 'no thank you' is enough to end unwanted attention.
• Violent crime against visitors is uncommon in the tourist core, and the Plaza, Canyon Road and Railyard stay calm into the evening. Petty theft, car break-ins and some panhandling do happen. A few areas away from the center, including parts of Cerrillos Road and the Santa Fe River and rail trails, are best avoided after dark. Nights are quiet, with many restaurants closing by 9 or 10 PM and few late bars.
• Altitude and dry air cause the most trouble for visitors. Headaches, tiredness and dehydration are common for the first day or two, so drink plenty of water, go easy on alcohol and wear sunscreen. A car helps for day trips to Taos, Bandelier, Ghost Ranch and the Turquoise Trail, but you don't need one to get around the center.

English is spoken everywhere, and Spanish is widely spoken too, a result of the region's long Hispanic history. Dial 911 for police, fire or ambulance and ask for an interpreter if you need one. For non-urgent police matters in the city, use the Santa Fe Police non-emergency line.

• Dress is casual and practical. Jeans, boots and layers are standard, and even upscale restaurants rarely expect more than smart casual. Bring a warm layer for evenings in any season, a hat and sunscreen for the strong sun at altitude, and comfortable flat shoes for the uneven streets.
• Take the altitude seriously for the first 24-48 hours. Drink water constantly, go light on alcohol when you arrive (it hits harder at 7,200 feet), and rest if you get dizzy or have a headache. Lip balm and moisturizer help with the dry air.
• Many Native American artisans sell jewelry and crafts under the portal of the Palace of the Governors on the Plaza. It's fine to ask about materials and the artist, and to decline politely. Photography of people and pueblo ceremonies is restricted, so ask first.
• Green or red chile is the state's signature flavor. Ask for 'Christmas' to get both, or ask for the sauce on the side if you don't handle heat well. Tipping is expected: 18-20% in restaurants and bars, and a few dollars for hotel and tour staff. Menu prices don't include tax or tip.
• Pueblo lands near Santa Fe are sovereign communities with their own rules about visiting, photography and events. Check the pueblo's official site before going, and treat dances and ceremonies as religious events, not performances.
• Santa Fe goes to bed early. Many restaurants close by 9-10 PM and late-night options are limited, so make dinner reservations in peak season and plan the evening around that.

The first hour after landing is when you're tired, carrying everything, and easiest to take advantage of. Three things to sort before you fly:

• Your ride from the airport. A driver who meets you in arrivals, at a price fixed before you fly — no haggling at the taxi rank.

  Book an airport pickup

• Data the moment you land. Maps, ride apps and a way to call for help as soon as you switch your phone on. An eSIM installs at home.

  Get a good eSIM

• The emergency number. Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Ambulance): 911. Save it in your phone, not just on this page.

  All emergency contacts

• The Plaza, Canyon Road, the Railyard and the main museums are all within walking distance of each other, though the altitude makes even short uphill walks tiring at first. Sidewalks in the historic center are narrow and uneven in places, and some side streets are poorly lit, so stick to main routes after dark.
• The free Santa Fe Pick-Up shuttle connects the Plaza, Canyon Road, the Railyard and Museum Hill. It only runs from daytime to early evening, so check the timetable. Santa Fe Trails city buses cover the rest of the city, with limited evening service.
• Uber, Lyft and local taxis operate, but there are fewer cars than in a big city, especially late at night and in bad weather. Book ahead for early flights or late dinners. The simplest way to avoid a dark walk home is to stay within walking distance of where you plan to eat.
• From Albuquerque's airport, shared shuttles and private transfers take about 75-90 minutes to reach Santa Fe. The Rail Runner Express commuter train also runs between Albuquerque and the Santa Fe Depot, with a free bus link between the airport and the train. You only need a rental car for trips outside the city. Don't leave bags visible in a parked car, as break-ins happen.

Explore Santa Fe with local guides and curated experiences.