Find Out 10 Of The Best And Most Unmissable Things To Do In Albuquerque

If Albuquerque in New Mexico were to be a movie actor, he would be great and would have won several awards. You know why? Albuquerque is the setting of blockbuster movies like Disney’s “High School Musical,” “No Country for Old Men,” and “Whiskey Tango Foxtrot,” to name a few. And why not? Albuquerque is a fantastic city to explore. So much things to do in Albuquerque. 

From exciting outdoor adventures to relaxed dinners under picturesque sunsets, Albuquerque is known as a laid-back city embedded in diverse cultures that span several years. Native American, Hispanic, and American influences mingle and coexist to create a city that celebrates not just creativity, but also diversity in its food, art, music, and architecture. Albuquerque will draw you in like a magnet. It’s time to get to know some of the best things to do in Albuquerque. 

10 Of The Best Things To Do In Albuquerque

Grab your notepads as you get to know some of the best things to do in Albuquerque!

1. Tread Through History At The Old Town

We love old towns! So the first on this list of the best things to do in Albuquerque is discovering its old town. Established as far back as the early 18th century by Spanish colonists, Albuquerque’s Old Town is the city’s cultural and historic heart. 

Centuries-old adobe buildings are home to restaurants and shops edging the tree-shaded plaza. Native American jewelers and potters sell their craft directly to interested buyers here. The 300-year-old San Felipe de Neri church welcomes travelers to view its Spanish folk-art altar, alongside other impressive sights. Every weekend throughout the year, the town turns into an event space where folk dancing and music, along with other events, take place. Bring your feet to Albuquerque’s Old Town!

2. Commune With The Outdoors And Relax At ABQ BioPark 

If there’s a pronounced outdoor space in Albuquerque, that has to be ABQ BioPark. There are so many things to do in Albuquerque while you are here. 

Situated along the Rio Grande, one of the principal rivers in southwestern United States, and just southeast of Old Town, the ABQ BioPark is the perfect venue for relaxing with the outdoor scenes unfolding before you. 

In this park, there are four different attractions: an aquarium, a botanic garden, a zoo, and Tingley Beach. The aquarium features a giant shark tank, while the zoo showcases species like kangaroos, snow leopards, and polar bears, among others. 

Meanwhile, if you fancy plants, visit the botanic garden, which also features several exotic plants on meticulously manicured grounds and along serene walking paths. At Tingley Beach, you can enjoy fishing. 

There are so many things to do in Albuquerque, right? Even gastronomic delights! You may also want to get to know the best Mexican food in Albuquerque. 

3. The Sandia Peak Tramway Is Unlike Any Other Tramway You’ve Encountered

What’s the first thing that will come to your mind when you think of a tram? Yes, that mode of transport that plies on land. But take the Sandia Peak Tramway here in Albuquerque differently. Instead of moving on land, it is actually the longest aerial tramway in North America. Yes, it plies high above the air. 

This ride brings passengers almost three miles along a cable suspended between the eastern portion of Albuquerque and the summit of Sandia Peak.

You can just sit back and enjoy the jaw-dropping views of the surroundings during your ride. You’ll get off at the Sandia Peak Tramway summit where there are more vistas to get your eyes glued on. Soak in some breathtaking panoramas of the Rio Grande Valley and beyond. On a clearer day, if you’re lucky, you can even see up to 11,000 square miles!

If you are feeling a little bit energetic and think that the tramway ride is kinda, well, boring, you can instead hike to the summit during warmer months, or schuss the ski slopes during the winter season. This is one of the things to do in Albuquerque that you should not miss.

4. Or, Drift Away Aboard A Hot Air Balloon Here In The Ballooning Capital Of The World

Or, you can ride a hot air balloon. Albuquerque is known as the “ballooning capital of the world,” so hot air balloon rides here are simply the best. It is hailed as such because it offers ideal weather conditions for hot air ballooning. The wind conditions and air temperature here are perfect. Both these factors contribute to such a great hot air balloon experience in this city in New Mexico.

So, drift away! Tourists can experience the peaceful thrill of riding a hot air balloon any time of year as several companies offer the rides. Balloonists meet at the launch site before dawn as fans and flames inflate the balloon envelopes, preparing them. Once set, balloons will gently lift off, offering 360-degree views of the city, Rio Grande, and Sandia Mountains. After the ride, you will also be offered with a traditional champagne toast, completing the experience. This October, you might also want to take part in the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. 

Enjoying this “things to do in Albuquerque” guide? How about knowing the best photography spots in Santa Fe, not too far from Albuquerque? Good idea? Click this link for the story. 

5. Celebrate Albuquerque’s Native American Heritage

Native American culture is stronger in Albuquerque than in many other parts of the country. The story of this heritage began with the presence of Native Americans, which were the original settlers of New Mexico, thousands of years ago. Thus, it is just right that there are venues in New Mexico’s most populous city to celebrate this heritage, such as the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. There are so many things to do in Albuquerque while you’re here. 

At the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Native American cultures, art, traditions, and histories of each of the Pueblos are imparted through artifacts, interactive video kiosks, and video interviews with Tribal elders. Learn more about this heritage here. And, during the weekend, Pueblo dance demonstrations are performed in the venue’s courtyard. 

Plus, there’s also the Indian Pueblo Kitchen where you can enjoy lunch and dinner made with both traditional Pueblo and contemporary recipes. Then, you can shop for souvenirs to take home at the Shumakolowa Native Arts gallery, such as pottery, jewelry, and other artworks crafted by Pueblo artisans. Your trip to Albuquerque won’t be complete without visiting this place.

6. Forest Bathe In The Bosque

Ever tried forest bathing? If not, you’ll be able to try this in Albuquerque. You know of the Rio Grande that flows north to south through the middle of the city. But did you know that this river system also features the largest continuous cottonwood forest all across America? This forest, known locally as the bosque (Spanish for ‘woods”) is home to migrating sandhill cranes, bald eagles, Mexican free-tailed bats, and porcupines, along with other animals. 

There are also hiking trails that wend through the towering cottonwoods. During the fall season, they turn honey yellow. You can also visit the Rio Grande Nature Center State Park which has observation stands that offer views of the wetlands, habitat for turtles and birds. There are also exhibits that discuss the ecology of the Rio Grande that flows from the Rocky Mountains to the Gulf of Mexico. Be sure to include this on your things to do in Albuquerque list. 

7. Satiate Your Hunger With Some Local Food

Of course, a gastronomic treat! One of the best places for foodies is Albuquerque in New Mexico. If you are looking for things to do in Albuquerque where you get to try the local favorites, read on. 

The city’s culinary scene reflects influences from various cultures: Native American, Spanish, Mexican, and Anglo traditions. Albuquerque’s cuisine is heavily influenced by its staple products, namely chilies and corn. So the best chile dishes are here. 

Some of the favorite restaurants here are Sadie’s, El Modelo, and Duran’s, which all serve classic New Mexico food like chiles rellenos, stuffed sopapillas, enchiladas, carne adovada, and more. The locals love them, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t. 

The United States is grand. Aside from knowing the things to do in Albuquerque, go ahead and explore other cities in the country like Denver. We got a guide here for you. 

8. Zoom Into The Powerful And Fearsome Atomic Weapons: It’s Everything Nuclear At The National Museum Of Nuclear Science & History

Atomic weapons are powerful and fearsome, but here in Albuquerque, they are a part of tourism. One of the most interesting things to do in Albuquerque is heading to the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History.

The city has very close ties to the birth of the Atomic Age, as it is situated between Los Alamos to the north, where scientists devised the first atomic weapons, and the Trinity Site to the south, where they tested the world’s first nuclear bomb. So, it is just apt that there’s a museum to present such a significant part of Albuquerque’s history.

The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History dates back to 1969, tracking nuclear developments from the pioneers of this field up to the latest developments in nuclear power and medicine. 

Once you’re here, you will learn about the decision to drop the world’s first atomic bomb as you also explore the bomb’s presence in pop culture. Outside, there is a nine-acre Heritage Park that keeps a collection of rare and historically significant aircraft and missiles. Museums are usually about paintings and sculptures, but this museum is quite unique. 

9. Experience New Mexico’s Oldest Ghost Walk

Looking for more quirky things to do in Albuquerque? You might want to take this tour, New Mexico’s oldest ghost walk. As the name implies, things can’t get any scarier here. 

Here, you’ll go on a haunted tour of Albuquerque’s Old Town (yes, there’s more to this town than what you learned earlier) and learn about the many ghosts that treated this town as their home. Folklore, legends, history, and ghost stories come to life as you join this adventure taking you through over 300 years of Albuquerque’s haunted history. You will visit historic buildings and dark alleys that became witness to battles, murders, hangings, and more. If the usual sightseeing tours are becoming dull for you, you better try this.

10. Discover New Mexico’s Turquoise Trail

If you happen to find yourself in Albuquerque, many tourists recommend that you also explore New Mexico’s Turquoise Trail. Named for the rich turquoise deposits found throughout this area, the trail carves through wild rock outcroppings and juniper-dotted hills, not to mention a couple of interesting towns. You can embark on this trail from the north, just outside Santa Fe, or from the south, just east of Albuquerque. 

Worried about getting lost along the way? You can instead sign up for tours along this trail, such as this. Traversing New Mexico’s Turquoise Trail is better with the company of a guide knowledgeable about the trail’s rich history and people, from the indigenous Pueblos to the settlers today. Plus, it is also a private tour, so you won’t get stressed out. Be sure to tick this off your things to do in Albuquerque itinerary. 

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How Much Budget To Prepare To Enjoy The Things To Do In Albuquerque

Albuquerque is the ultimate getaway destination. There are just lots of things to do in Albuquerque. You are definitely missing a lot if you do not have the budget, right? So before you pack your bags and fly to this New Mexico city, know the details about the budget you should prepare. 

According to previous travelers who have been here in Albuquerque, you should get ready to spend around $135 daily throughout your vacation in this city. Past tourists have spent $41 on meals for a day and $37 on local transportation. For hotels, the average price for a couple is $138. 

Thus, a trip to Albuquerque for two people for a week costs $1,885 on average.

Let Your Perspective Change In Albuquerque

Albuquerque is the beating heart of New Mexico, the Land of Enchantment. This city is a fascinating melting pot steeped in Native American and Spanish cultures. 

Whether you are looking to treat your family to the ultimate getaway here, or try your guts in an outdoor adventure, there are plenty of spaces to visit in Albuquerque, from family-friendly attractions to sightseeing tours. There’s something for everyone. 

You can ride a hot air balloon flying over the city, mountain bike in the Sandia foothills, kayak the waters of the legendary Rio Grande, or stroll through the Old Town. With so many things to do in Albuquerque, a trip for a few days is not enough.