Every traveler is unique, from foodies who crave exciting new flavors to thrill-seekers eager to take on an outdoor challenge to roadtrippers who bring the whole family along. What’s your Albuquerque aesthetic? Take our quiz to find out.
Learn more about each Albuquerque aesthetic below.
Outdoor Adventurer
With its cottonwood-lined Rio Grande, soaring Sandia Mountains and near-constant blue skies, Albuquerque celebrates outdoor recreation year-round. Here, you can kayak or paddle board on a river in the middle of the city or bike hundreds of miles of easily accessible dirt, gravel and paved trails. Lace up your hiking boots and explore an ancient volcanic lava field that is home to one of the largest petroglyph sites in North America, or trek trails that criss-cross the high-desert foothills as you climb into a fragrant pine forest. For gentler outdoor adventures, soar high above the city in a hot air balloon or ride the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway for a spectacular view of the city from a vantage point 10,300 feet above sea level. In the winter, our temperate weather means you can ski or snowboard at Sandia Peak Ski Area in the morning and then play a round of golf in the afternoon. And at the end of a full day of outdoor adventure, there’s no better way to wind down than by enjoying a craft beer on the patio of the city’s award-winning breweries and listening to live music.
Cultural Connoisseur
Albuquerque’s rich and diverse culture is reflected in its distinctive art and architecture, impressive museums and cultural centers, and authentic culinary flavors. Learn about Native American heritage at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and taste traditional Native American cuisine at Indian Pueblo Kitchen. Explore Hispanic influences at the National Hispanic Cultural Center and then take in a flamenco show to discover why Albuquerque is known as the flamenco capital of North America. Visit Museum Row then stroll the streets of Old Town, where Albuquerque was founded in 1706, for art galleries, local shops, restaurants and more. Be sure to visit San Felipe de Neri Church, just north of Old Town Plaza. Constructed of traditional adobe brick, it is the oldest building in Albuquerque. Spend the afternoon sipping on a glass of wine from a local winery and then visit a New Mexican restaurant to answer our state question: “Red or green?” Your choice will determine which type of chile will top your meal. If you want to try both, answer like a local and say “Christmas.”
Family Excursionist
Albuquerque offers family fun for people of all ages. The ABQ BioPark system, which encompasses hundreds of acres of attractions, offers a full day of excitement. See penguins, elephants, big cats and more at the ABQ BioPark Zoo, then visit the sharks, rays and tropical fish at the ABQ BioPark Aquarium. Kids will feel like they’ve entered a storybook when they explore the Children’s Fantasy Garden or Butterfly Pavilion at the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden. They’ll also have fun learning about agriculture and farm life at the Botanic Garden’s Rio Grande Heritage Farm or at Big Jim Farms, where the family can pick sunflowers, green chile and other produce during the fall harvest season. Tingley Beach is a perfect spot for a picnic during the warmer months, and the fishing ponds there are free of charge. For indoor fun with an educational twist, head to Explora – a hands-on science and technology museum – or visit the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History. And for s-s-slithering thrills, discover the world’s largest collection of living rattlesnakes at the Albuquerque International Rattlesnake Museum in Old Town. It’s another of the many experiences you can have only in Albuquerque.
Fabulous Foodie
Let your tastebuds lead the way in your exploration of Albuquerque. The city is known for its unique cuisine, focusing on chile. Try both varieties - red and green. Native American cuisine plays a large role as well. Visit the Indian Pueblo Kitchen at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center to taste Indigenous cuisine from the 19 Pueblos in New Mexico. Try one of the food halls in Albuquerque like Sawmill Market or 505 Central Food Hall, to sample a wide range of flavors in one place. Albuquerque is also well known for its beer and wine scene. Try one of the dozens of breweries across the city that serves award-winning craft beer. New Mexico is the oldest wine-growing region in the United States, with the first vines planted here in 1629. Today, wineries in Albuquerque serve locally produced wine in beautiful settings across the city.