The Top 10 Things to Do In Albuquerque
The largest city in the state of New Mexico, Albuquerque is a bustling metropolis that blends distinctive Hispanic, Native, and southwestern cultures in a city with an urban ambiance and historic charm. Sometimes overlooked in favor of neighboring Santa Fe and Taos to the north, Albuquerque has plenty to offer as a tourist destination in its own right. With its many museums, unique architecture, and plenty of places to eat, drink, shop, and explore, Albuquerque is full of things to keep you busy. Here are our top picks for things to do in ABQ!
1. Ride the Sandia Peak Tramway
The second-longest tramway in the world, the Sandia Peak Tramway ascends over 4,000 feet up Sandia Peak, offering spectacular views of the surrounding landscape and the city of Albuquerque. The Sandia Mountains lie immediately to the east of Albuquerque and are only a short drive away.
While the tramway ride itself is only about 15 minutes in one direction, there’s plenty to do once you’re there. There are restaurants at both the top and bottom of the tramway to grab a bite to eat or drink at, and during the winter you can hit the slopes at the Sandia Peak Ski Area. There are also a variety of nearby hiking trails to stretch your legs on, and you’re welcome to hike to the top of the peak and then take the tram down (or vice versa!)
2. Explore the Albuquerque BioPark
Albuquerque’s popular BioPark actually includes four different destinations in one: the Biopark Zoo, Botanic Garden, Aquarium, and Tingley Beach.
The BioPark Zoo offers visitors a glimpse of a wide variety of different wild animals, from lions and elephants to gorillas and kangaroos, hippos and zebras to wolves and crocodiles.
The BioPark Botanic Garden contains over a mile and half of paths, gardens, and greenhouses, from the Butterfly Pavillion to the Desert Conservatory and everything in between.
The BioPark Aquarium is a great place to spend an afternoon, and offers interactive exhibits for the whole family as well as a diverse assortment of fish, sharks, jellyfish, otters, and more.
After viewing the wildlife, you can enjoy the great outdoors at Tingley Beach, where there are opportunities for fishing, boating, hiking, and picnicking on the banks of the Rio Grande.
3. Visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
Owned and operated by the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is dedicated to all things related to Pueblo Indian Culture, and is one of the best spots in Albuquerque to learn about Native art, history, food, and more. The center offers permanent and rotating exhibits, classes, guided tours, and performances. You can also shop for textiles, pottery, jewelry, and more at Shumakolowa Native Arts, and grab a bite to eat at Pueblo Harvest, which serves authentic Pueblo-inspired cuisine.
4. Experience the Petroglyph National Monument
Petroglyphs are rock carvings chiseled directly into a stone surface, and often represent powerful symbols with religious and cultural significance. The Petroglyph National Monument offers one of the largest petroglyph sites in North America, with an estimated 25,000 images carved into stone over a period of hundreds of years. The majority of the petroglyphs in the area were carved by native Pueblo people from 1300 to 1700 AD.
Petroglyph National Monument offers a unique opportunity to experience petroglyphs in their natural environment, as well as a variety of nearby hiking trails and an informative visitor’s center. There’s no direct access to trails from the visitor’s center, however, so be sure to take this into consideration when planning your visit.
5. Hike Some of the Best Trails in New Mexico
The state of New Mexico is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, with miles upon miles of stunning trails in a wide variety of different natural environments, from dry high desert landscapes to mountain meadows, steep hikes up the sides of mountains and lush river valleys. Luckily, many of these beautiful trails are within just a short drive of Albuquerque!
La Luz Trail is an 8-mile out-and-back trail that summits Sandia Peak and connects up with the Sandia Peak Tramway. It offers great views of the surrounding area and spectacular wildflowers in the spring and summer. This trail is strenuous, so be sure to place yourself and bring plenty of water.
Paseo Del Bosque Trail is a multi-use trail that runs along the Rio Grande. This trail offers 16 miles of shady, cottonwood lined paths perfect for running, biking, and strolling. The trail is easily accessible from several different points throughout the city, and also passes through the Rio Grande Nature Center and the Albuquerque BioPark.
The Rio Grande Nature Center State Park runs along the banks of the Rio Grande, and offers great opportunities for bird-watching and casual hiking. The park includes over 250 acres of woods, meadows, and wetlands, and includes beginner-friendly trails like the 1-mile Riverwalk Trail Loop and the .8 mile Bosque Loop Trail.
The Bear Canyon Arroyo Open Space offers several different hiking trails, including the Bear Canyon Open Space Loop, a 2.5-mile trail that’s perfect for a casual afternoon hike. The trail is situated near a residential area on the western side of the city.
If you’re looking to explore the Sandias but want a gentler hike than the popular La Luz Trail, Tree Spring Trail might be more your speed. The 4-mile out-and-back trail leads hikers features wildflowers in the spring and summer and is shaded for most of its duration.
6. Discover Albuquerque’s Old Town
Albuquerque’s Old Town is a historic neighborhood full of culture and charm, and is a stop you won’t want to miss if you’re visiting Albuquerque for the first time. There are a variety of places to shop, eat, and explore in Old Town, including historic sites and museums. If you’re interested in a complete Old Town experience, you can also take a guided food tour that will introduce you to local cuisine, culture, landmarks, and more.
7. Check Out Albuquerque’s Craft Beer Scene
New Mexico has a surprisingly robust craft beer scene, with many independent breweries located in and around Albuquerque. After a day spent hiking, museum-going, or sight-seeing, and you can sit back and relax with these thoughtfully crafted, locally-inspired brews.
Founded in 2008, Marble Brewery is a mainstay in the local craft beer community. They have three different locations in town, including taprooms downtown, on the westside, and in the NE heights. For a classic, Belgian-inspired wheat ale, try their award-winning Double White.
Founded in 1999 and located in Albuquerque since 2014, Tractor Brewing Company is another local staple. They have five different locations, including four in Albuquerque and one in nearby Los Lunas. They offer creative takes on traditional brews, including concoctions like Thai Basil Mint Cider and Nitro Milk Stout.
La Cumbre Brewing Company is perhaps best known for its award-winning Elevated IPA, a bold, hoppy beer beloved of locals and visitors alike. They have two taprooms in Albuquerque, and their beer is served in bars and restaurants around the state.
Bosque Brewing is a microbrewery based in New Mexico with taprooms in Albuquerque, Bernalillo, and Las Cruces. In operation since 2012, popular brews include the summery, fruit-forward Elephants on Parade and their classic Bosque IPA.
8. Visit the San Felipe de Neri Church
San Felipe de Neri Church is a historic church located in Old Town Albuquerque. Built in 1793, it’s one of the oldest buildings in the city, and has been in continuous use for over two centuries. Reflecting Albuquerque’s diverse and historic background, the church incorporates a variety of different architectural styles, including adobe walls, vigas, and Victorian and Gothic additions. The church also has an attached museum and gift shop.
9. Explore Albuquerque’s Unique Museums
Albuquerque is home to a wide variety of museums, including ones that focus on art, history, anthropology, and even rattlesnakes! The unique culture, history, and environment of New Mexico make each of these museums a unique experience that you won’t want to miss!
Located in Old Town, the Albuquerque Museum is one of the most visited museums in the city. They feature exhibits on historic and contemporary art, Albuquerque history, and more. There’s also a sculpture garden, classes for families with children, and guided tours of the museum.
The New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science is another popular museum that’s fun for the whole family. Permanent exhibits include installations focusing on dinosaurs, fossils, astronomy, and more.
If you’re looking for an attraction that’s a little more off the beaten path, the American International Rattlesnake Museum is located in Old Town and is home to over 34 different varieties of rattlesnakes.
Located on the campus of the University of New Mexico, the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology explores human culture, archeology, and evolution. The museum includes exhibits on human ancestors, the people of the southwest, and a range of anthropology-related temporary installations.
The Turquoise Museum is an entire institution devoted to the study and appreciation of turquoise. The museum is a family-run operation and has exhibits on turquoise jewelry, mining, and more.
The University of New Mexico Art Museum is located on the UNM campus and features permanent collections of modern and contemporary art, as well as historic European and Spanish Colonial pieces.
10. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride
One of Albuquerque’s busiest tourist seasons is during the International Balloon Fiesta, which draws thousands of visitors from all over the world each October. While hot air balloons may fill the sky during the Fiesta, visitors to Albuquerque can actually book hot air balloon rides all year long. Companies like World Balloon and Rainbow Ryders offer year-round scenic balloon rides in the Albuquerque area, complete with a champagne toast and, depending on the time of your flight, spectacular sunrise or sunset views of the city and surrounding landscape. These balloon rides offer a unique opportunity to take to the skies and see Albuquerque from a new vantage point.
With all these attractions and more, there’s never a dull day to be had in Albuquerque. Whether you’re visiting for a few days, a few weeks, or are new to the area, be sure to soak up the New Mexican sunshine and take in all that this amazing city has to offer!
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