The central plaza of Taos has been the heart of the community since the Spanish colonial period, and it retains its traditional layout — a square surrounded by portales (covered walkways) with shops, galleries, and restaurants beneath. The American flag flies from a pole in the centre around the clock, one of only a handful of places in the country with this distinction.
The plaza is best explored on foot. Art galleries occupy most of the surrounding buildings, ranging from serious contemporary art to tourist-oriented southwestern kitsch — it's worth peeking into several before buying anything. The benches under the trees are a good place to watch the mix of Pueblo members, ranchers, artists, and visitors who converge here.