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The largest city in New Mexico, Albuquerque, is located along the Rio Grande River in a high desert environment with the Sandia Mountains defining the eastern edge of the city. Albuquerque’s claim to fame, the International Balloon Fiesta, attracts visitors from around the world that come to marvel at the colorful balloons as they fill the desert sky. Though the balloons are indeed a sight to see, there is so much more to love about this diverse and unpretentious city! Whether you come to enjoy the balloon fiesta or are just passing through, I highly recommend taking the time to explore all that Albuquerque has to offer.
With Americana vibes along Historic Route 66, a magnificent blend of Spanish and Native American influences, and countless mountain and river trails to explore, it won’t take long to fall in love with this southwest city! Here are the 14 best things to do in Albuquerque, New Mexico!
Petroglyph National Monument
Petroglyph National Monument is home to over 25,000 petroglyphs etched into volcanic rock. The petroglyphs were carved by Ancestral Pueblo peoples and early Spanish settlers, and some date back as far as 1300. There are several trails that wind through lava-scarred landscapes past countless petroglyphs. The Boca Negra Canyon trail is one of the most popular due to the facilities offered at the trailhead, while the Piedras Marcadas Canyon trail has the most petroglyphs. The Boca Negra Canyon trail charges a parking fee at the trailhead ($2 on weekends and $1 on weekdays), and there is no charge for all other trailheads in the park. Regardless of which trail you opt to explore, you are certain to be immersed in the history of this unique destination!
Old Town Albuquerque
Old Town is the site where the Spanish originally settled in 1706 and has been shaped by Spanish, Mexican, and Native American cultures ever since. Chocked full of art galleries, souvenir shops, museums, and restaurants, Albuquerque’s Old Town is the perfect place to spend an afternoon wandering around. Some of Albuquerque’s most popular attractions are housed in Old Town, including the Rattlesnake Museum and Indian Pueblo Cultural Center.
For some gorgeous backdrops, head to Old Town’s colorful and adobe-filled, Poco a Poco Plaza and visit San Felipe de Neri Church. Built in 1793, San Felipe de Neri Church, is the oldest surviving structure in the city and lines the north side of Old Town Plaza.
Wherever you choose to spend the day in Old Town, you are sure to get some serious Southwest vibes as you pass countless old adobe buildings and Native American artworks!
Pro Tip: After exploring Old Town, visit the nearby, Golden Crown Panaderia and grab a loaf of the original New Mexico green chile bread …you can thank us later ๐
Nob Hill
Albuquerque’s historic Nob Hill neighborhood centers on a stretch of the iconic Route 66. This vibrant and eclectic district is full of trendy restaurants and bars, quirky clothing and antique stores offering vintage treasures, and nostalgic neon signs giving you a glimpse into what Route 66 may have been like in its heyday.
Head to Central Avenue to enjoy the glow of neon lights and experience the local shops, art galleries and brewpubs that dot the street. Watch a movie at the retro, Guild Cinema, Albuquerque’s only independent art cinema, or stop in and play a board game at Empire Board Game Library which has over 850 different games for you to choose from!
Once you’ve explored all that Nob Hill has to offer, head to the nearby, Route 66 Diner to enjoy a milkshake with some serious Americana vibes! Be sure to snap a photo in front of the iconic mural across the street from the diner. Or, if you’re looking for some late night fare after exploring the bars and breweries of Nob Hill, then head to Frontier Restaurant for some cheap and oh so delicious food and don’t leave without getting a Frontier sweet roll! Seriously though, even if you don’t intend to enjoy a meal at Frontier, do yourself a favor and stop in to get a sweet roll to go, trust us, you won’t regret it! Seriously though, it’s been two years since we lived in Albuquerque and we still can’t get the craving to go away ๐
Sandia Peak
The rugged, Sandia Mountains, frame Albuquerque’s skyline. Sitting at 10,378 feet, the crest of the Sandia Mountain Range, Sandia Peak, offers a superb view of the sprawling city and its surrounding areas. Take a ride on Sandia Peak Tramway to the summit where an unforgettable panoramic view awaits you! Sandia Peak Tramway offers a stunning ride along a 2.7-mile suspended cable, making it the longest tramway in the United States. Once reaching the summit, visitors can take in the sight from the observation deck or over dinner at Ten 3 Restaurant. Adventurous souls can continue exploring on one of the several hiking trails that start at the summit or, in the winter, enjoy some downhill skiing at Sandia Peak Ski Resort.
If you prefer to hike to the summit, you can make the 7-mile trek along La Luz Trail to the top of Sandia Peak and then take the tramway back down.
Sawmill Market
Sawmill Market is to Albuquerque as Pike Place is to Seattle. Located in a transformed-historic lumberyard building, this trendy food hall houses several local merchants serving up New Mexican culinary traditions, trending foods, and unique retail. Enjoy a traveling meal, or grab a drink at the brewpub or cocktail bar and enjoy them in “The Yard”, an outdoor dining and gathering space located in the middle of the market.
Enjoy Craft Beers
Albuquerque has a bustling craft beer scene with many award-winning breweries located throughout the city. The city was even listed as one of America’s best beercation spots in Beer & Brewing Magazine and made the “Top 10 Beer Destinations” list on Travelocity. With a unique blend of Spanish, Mexican, and Native American influences, it’s easy to see why Albuquerque’s beer scene has exploded in recent years.
To sample many breweries in a single stop, head to Albuquerque’s bustling Brewery District or taste your way through some of the city’s best breweries on a bike tour with Routes Rentals & Tours. Don’t miss local favorites, Bosque Brewing Co., Tractor Brewing, Bow and Arrow Brewing Co., and our personal favorite, Marble Brewing where you can enjoy a craft beer from the rooftop overlooking the Sandia Mountains!
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is Albuquerque’s claim to fame and is an iconic event to witness! Each year, during the first few days of October, thousands of people from around the world flock to Albuquerque to experience the festival. Over the course of nine days, several hundred hot air balloons rise above the high desert environment to take in views of Albuquerque like nowhere else! The main event, Mass Ascension, is a launch of all of the participating balloons at 7:00 AM and is the most spectacular display of colors, shapes, and designs as the balloons fill the desert sky! In addition to hot air ballooning, festival goers can expect musical performances, fireworks, chainsaw wood carving and more.
Balloon Fiesta has played an integral part in Albuquerque becoming a popular destination for hot air ballooning year-round. Even if you aren’t able to visit Albuquerque during the festival in October, you can still partake in the hot air ballooning culture that manifests throughout the city. The Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum offers a great selection of ballooning history and exhibits that can be enjoyed year-round. However, there truly is no better way to experience hot air ballooning in Albuquerque than to actually take flight! You can book a flight with Rainbow Ryders or Fly Albuquerque year-round to experience the beauty of this city from above!
ABQ BioPark and Tingley Beach
Encompassing an aquarium, botanical gardens, zoo, and Tingley Beach, ABQ BioPark has no shortage of places to spend the day exploring! Walk through the lush botanical garden, taking you through many different climates and plant species. Then, head to the aquarium to discover the local species of the Rio Grande and the saltwater marshes of the Gulf of Mexico (You even get a close up look at sharks!). The zoo is the highlight for many – housing exotic birds, large cats, primates, polar bears, elephants, and more! You can purchase tickets online for the aquarium, botanical garden, and zoo.
If you’re trying to save money during your visit, you don’t have to spend a dime visiting Tingley Beach. Tingley Beach is a series of vibrantly blue ponds that are perfect for a picnic or afternoon fishing!
Rio Grande Nature Center
For a bit of nature in the heart of the city, head to the Rio Grande Nature Center, located on the east bank of the Rio Grande River. Rio Grande Nature Center features outdoor exhibits including gardens, ponds, and wetlands and includes two miles of trails winding through the bosque, getting you up close to the sandy banks of the Rio Grande. The park offers excellent bird watching throughout the year, allowing visitors to observe 250 species of birds, including New Mexico’s state bird, the roadrunner.
Red, Green, or Christmas?
Albuquerque cuisine is best known for its blend of Native American and Spanish flavors, utilizing their signature ingredient, red and green chiles. The chile is such a popular ingredient, that the chile is New Mexico’s state vegetable. Determine your answer to the frequently asked question, “Red, green, or Christmas?” Christmas refers to ordering a dish with both red and green chiles together. Enjoy the exquisite flavors of New Mexican cuisine at Cocina Azul, Mary and Tito’s Cafe, Sadie’s of New Mexico, Church Street Cafe, El Pinto, or Tomasita’s.
Elena Gallegos Open Space
Set in the foothills of the Sandia Mountains, Elena Gallegos Open Space is a community-focused recreation area that has 640-acres to explore! A network of sandy trails spread throughout the area offering easy access to nature for city residents to walk, hike, and bike. The trails range in difficulty, with many offering a casual stroll, while some lead deeper into Cibola National Forest. Situated at about 6,500 feet in elevation, the trails overlook the city as the Sandia Mountains soar overhead.
Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm
Those seeking a relaxing getaway shouldn’t miss Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm. This gorgeous inn is set among 25 acres of lavender fields and lush gardens. A luxurious stay on the farm brings the opportunity to slow down and unwind, whether that includes treating yourself at the spa or taking advantage of the yoga and meditation classes. Spend a warm summer afternoon lounging by the saltwater pool, borrow a bike from the inn and explore the Paseo del Bosque Trail, or get involved in the lavender harvest. At the end of a day spent relaxing or adventuring, be sure to enjoy a farm-to-table culinary experience at the inn restaurant, Campo.
On Thursday evenings during the summer, you can wind down the day with a cocktail by the silos as you listen to live music from local musicians.
Explora!
Explora! Science Center, is a unique place of discovery that is best described as a science adventure playground. Explora! features interactive exhibits designed to make science and learning fun! From building a dam made of legos to creating the biggest soap bubble you can, there is no shortage of unique experiments to conduct. While the museum is typically catered towards children, they occasionally host Adult Night, where those that are 18+ can enjoy the museum kid-free with live music and alcohol to accompany the experience!
Turquoise Museum
Turquoise is a gemstone that is synonymous with the Southwest, as this earthy gem can be found throughout the region. The Turquoise Museum is home to a substantial collection of these beautiful blue-green treasures, and can even be seen dangling from the ceiling inside. Museum visitors can learn about the history, science, and cultural significance of this precious gem. Located inside of the magnificent Gertrude Zachary Castle, the scenic exterior is reason enough for some to pay a visit!
Note: We have not personally visited the Turquoise Museum, but feel it is worthy of a mention as it is a popular attraction in Albuquerque.
Have more time to spend in New Mexico? Check out these nearby attractions!
