Soak up Santa Fe's Global Vibe

VIBE: Kunsthalle in Berlin

Cruise the minimalistic Site Santa Fe, a former beer warehouse loosely modeled after a German Kunsthalle, or exhibition space. You'll quickly surmise that this is an arena for bold, new art.

Worldly Touch: Santa Fe, one of the largest art markets in the world, has 250 art galleries and 16 museums.

VIBE: Mediterranean Sip and Stroll

A leisurely late-afternoon walk is de rigueur in Europe's sunniest countries — it's called la passeggiata in Italy, el paseo in Spain. Santa Fe's Eastside neighborhood is perfect for your own wander; you'll feel like you've been transported to a village in Andalusia, Spain. Especially picturesque: the side streets off Acequia Madre, such as Camino Manzano and San Antonio Street. For an intermezzo, seek out the lounge at La Casa Sena. Pair the nachitos and duck confit with Bieler Père et Fils "Sabine" rosé.

Worldly Touch: La Casa Sena carries wines from around the globe, including Chile, France, New Zealand and South Africa.

VIBE: Alpine Summer Festival in Italian

The folds of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, aspens shouldering up against spruce and fir, and the bare cap of 12,622-foot Santa Fe Baldy rising above — this is the setting for the Santa Fe Opera. Join in on the opera tailgate party by calling Angel Food Catering (505-983-2433), which will deliver dinner to you there. The open-air opera house, with its cantilevered roof, allows stargazing. And each seat has a translation system. 17053 US 84/285; 800-280-4654.

Worldly Touch: Ten world premieres have happened here.

Our 7 Favorite Sleeps in Santa Fe

Don Gaspar Inn: Situated in a historic neighborhood, the B&B feels like a private escape. 10 rooms and suites, including breakfast; 888-986-8664. –Erika Ehmsen

El Paradero Bed and Breakfast Inn: A friendly B&B that's full of folk art. 15 rooms, including breakfast; 866-558-0918. — Matthew Jaffe

El Rey Inn: Not walking distance from the Plaza, but a good value for Santa Fe. 86 rooms, including breakfast; 800-521-1349. –Lawrence W. Cheek

The Inn of the Five Graces: Far East and Old West mingle in vibrant silks, dark wood, and vintage tiles. 24 rooms, including breakfast; 505-992-0957. –E.E.

Inn on the Alameda: Quiet luxury inn, east of the Plaza. 71 rooms, including breakfast; 800-785-2449. –L.W.C.

La Fonda: The grande dame of the city's luxury hotels. Not cheap, but atmospheric, high-style, and home to the most vividly decorated hotel restaurant in the city: La Plazuela ($$$), which serves gourmet twists on New Mexican standards. 167 rooms; 800-523-5002. –Gretchen Reynolds

Pueblo Bonito Bed and Breakfast Inn: An easy three blocks' walk from the Plaza. Most rooms are in adobe casitas and all have private entrances and kiva fireplaces. Luxurious but relaxed. 18 rooms, including breakfast; 800-461-4599. –G.R.