35 Cities That Feel Like a Different Country Without Leaving the U.S.

15. Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe, the oldest capital city in the U.S., is a cultural crossroads where Native American, Mexican, and Spanish influences blend seamlessly into one of the most distinctive cities in America. From its adobe architecture and artisan markets to its centuries-old traditions and vibrant art scene, Santa Fe offers an experience that feels closer to Mexico or Spain than the United States. The city’s historic adobe-style buildings, with their thick, earthen walls and wooden vigas (beams), are a direct reflection of its Pueblo and Spanish heritage. The iconic Palace of the Governors, built in 1610, is the oldest public building in the U.S. and once served as the seat of the Spanish government in New Mexico. Today, its shady portico is home to the Native American Artisans Program, where indigenous artists sell handmade turquoise jewelry, pottery, and woven textiles, just as they have for generations.