Albuquerque is jam-packed with exciting things to do.
If you want an easy way to keep track of all the iconic, unique things to do in Albuquerque, check out the Albuquerque Bucket List passport. It’s free and easy to use. Check off items as you complete your bucket list.
Hot Air Ballooning
Albuquerque is known as the Hot Air Ballooning Capital of the World, and you would be remiss to not take advantage of the beautiful weather and year-round ballooning. Take a ride over the city with one of the many hot air ballooning companies in Albuquerque, including Rainbow Ryders and World Balloon.
Every year during the first full week of October, the skies are filled with hundreds of hot air balloons during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®. Spend the morning walking among hot air balloons as they inflate and launch. It’s an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Route 66
Albuquerque has the longest continuous urban stretch of Route 66, and is the only place where Route 66 crosses over itself. Find classic diners, motels and neon signs all along Route 66, known as Central Avenue, in Albuquerque. The 66 Diner offers classic ’50s charm, slinging burgers, fries and milkshakes. Spend the night at a refurbished motel like El Vado, Imperial Inn or Monterey Motel. These locations offer modern amenities with the charm of an original Route 66 motel.
Stop at the intersection of Central Avenue and 4th Street to stand on the corner of Route 66 and Route 66. The original Mother Road ran north to south along 4th Street in Albuquerque. By 1937, Route 66 had been straightened out, and ran east to west through Albuquerque along what is now known as Central Avenue.
Outdoor Adventures
Albuquerque boasts 310 days of sunshine a year and four distinct seasons, so the city is the perfect place to explore the great outdoors. Hiking options range from hitting the trails in the Sandia Mountains to walking through history at the Petroglyph National Monument. Explore the 16-mile Paseo del Bosque Trail, where walkers, runners, cyclists, skaters and even horseback riders can enjoy nature.
Albuquerque has great trails for road and mountain cycling. For a more leisurely ride, head to Routes Bicycle Tours & Rentals, where you can rent a bike for a day or hop on a fun biking tour around the city.
For a uniquely Albuquerque experience, catch a ride on the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway. This 2.7-mile ride will take you to the peak of the Sandia Mountains. It’s an incredible way to see the city, with a panoramic view of more than 11,000 square miles. Stop to dine at the restaurant TEN 3 located at the peak.
Let someone else take the lead with New Mexico Jeep Tours. See the quiet remote wilderness of the high desert in the comfort of a jeep. MST Adventures offers year-round outdoor activities, including guided stand-up paddleboard excursions down the Rio Grande.
Culture
Albuquerque is a culturally diverse city. With Native American, Hispanic and Latino influences, there are countless traditions and customs that have become a part of daily Albuquerque life. To learn more about the 19 Pueblos in New Mexico, visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. View different exhibits and watch cultural dances. Order some food at the Indian Pueblo Kitchen to get a taste of Indigenous cuisine. The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center also has a gift shop that sells authentic Native American goods.
The National Hispanic Cultural Center provides an overview of the Hispanic heritage in Albuquerque and in New Mexico. Browse art exhibits, catch a show and tour the Torreón, where the Mundos de Mestizaje fresco is located. Albuquerque is the Flamenco Capital of North America, and you can see a performance at Tablao Flamenco or Casa Flamenca.
Cultural events happen year-round in Albuquerque. The Gathering of Nations Pow Wow takes place in April, and is the largest pow wow in North America. Festival Flamenco de Alburquerque happens each June with dancers from around the world being featured. In July, Mariachi Spectacular de Albuquerque showcases the beauty and passion of mariachi music.
Cuisine
New Mexico has one of the most unique regional cuisines. It is based on native ingredients, including the “three sisters” of corn, beans and squash. Mexican, Native American and Spanish flavors mingle together to create a one-of-a-kind cuisine. Chile is the most recognizable element of many of these dishes. Chile comes in two types: red and green. Red is typically a smooth sauce, while green is typically a chunky sauce with visible chopped chile. When visiting New Mexican restaurants, you’ll be asked “red or green?” If you want both types of chile, ask for Christmas. Don’t forget: it’s always okay to ask for chile on the side if you’re worried about spice level! Some great New Mexican restaurants include El Pinto, Sadie’s and Church Street Cafe.
In addition to New Mexican food, Albuquerque restaurants serve food from around the world. Check out other restaurants in Albuquerque’s food scene to find your perfect bite to eat.
Beer and Wine
Albuquerque has an award-winning beer and wine scene. The craft beer scene has exploded in Albuquerque, with dozens of breweries scattered around the city. Stop by Canteen Brewhouse, one of the oldest in the city. La Cumbre Brewing Company and Marble Brewery have also become staples in the Albuquerque beer community. For a local brewery that also serves delicious food, try Rio Bravo Brewing Company or Steel Bender Brewyard.
A number of wineries in New Mexico produce exceptional, award-winning wines. Casa Rondeña has been making wine for almost 30 years. Try some of its wines in the tasting room located on a gorgeous vineyard in the North Valley. Noisy Water Winery and Sheehan Winery both have tasting rooms at Plaza Don Luis in Old Town Albuquerque. VARA Winery & Distillery is an urban winery and distillery that goes back to the roots of New Mexican winemaking.
Museums
Albuquerque is full of museums showcasing unique aspects of the city. The Albuquerque Museum showcases traditional and contemporary art along with exhibits about Albuquerque’s history. The American International Rattlesnake Museum houses the largest collection of rattlesnake species in the world. Learn more about the history of hot air ballooning in the city at the Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum. Explora is a hands-on museum with exhibits on different science, technology, engineering, art and math topics. The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History delves into the story of the atomic age and how nuclear technology is being used now. See dinosaur fossils and learn about Albuquerque in the past at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science. Tinkertown Museum is located in the Sandia Mountains. Visitors can explore dozens of rooms filled with hand-carved miniature wood figures. Learn about New Mexico’s state gem turquoise at the Turquoise Museum.
Family Fun
If you’re looking for something to keep the whole family entertained, Albuquerque has you covered. The ABQ BioPark includes the aquarium, botanic garden, zoo and Tingley Beach. Learn about local plants and animals, or visit the fishing lakes at Tingley Beach. The Hinkle Fun Center will bring out your competitive side with mini golf, go-karts, arcade games and more. Pick your own sunflowers, green chile and more at Big Jim Farms. Immerse yourself in virtual reality games at Electric Playhouse. Escape in Time offers escape rooms of varying difficulty to put your mind to work. Play archery dodgeball at Zahr Archery.
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