Explore Old Town Albuquerque

The Cultural Heart of the City

For two centuries, Old Town Albuquerque was known simply as “Alburquerque” (with the added “r”), established in 1702. The plaza was home to generations of original Hispanic settler families who farmed and traded with the nearby Pueblos. San Felipe de Neri Church, built in 1706 and rebuilt in 1793, is one of the oldest buildings in the city. When New Mexico became a U.S. territory in the 1800s, Old Towners maintained their traditions, foods and agriculture as settlers from the East moved to the eastern parts of Albuquerque, up and away from the flood-prone Rio Grande. Old Town remained an autonomous political entity until 1949, when it was annexed by the city to become a preserved historic district. Since then, the Old Town Plaza remains a beloved site for Albuquerqueans.

Women in Old Town (1965)

Glenn Hood, Two women stand next to a convertible in front of San Felipe de Neri Church, ca. 1965, gelatin silver print. Albuquerque Museum, gift of Beryl Hood. PA1994.050.258

Every April, the Plaza attracts crowds of people from all over to celebrate Albuquerque’s birthday with mariachis, food stands, face painting and more. Old Town thrives as a historic district with upscale restaurants, curio shops, coffee and seasonal events such as Dia de Los Muertos. Each Dec. 24, thousands of luminarias (also known as farolitos; lanterns made of a brown paper bag filled with sand and a votive candle) line the rooftops, walls and walkways of Old Town, part of a centuries-old tradition to guide the way to church on Christmas Eve.

The Plaza is a prime location for a quiet afternoon stroll in the sunshine. Wine and dine at Sheehan Wine Tasting Room and Antiquity in Albuquerque’s romantic Old Town Plaza. For more Albuquerque art and culture, visit the Albuquerque Museum right around the corner from Plaza Vieja.

Shoppers in Old Town (1971)

Jim Kubié, Shoppers in Old Town, c. 1971. Albuquerque Museum, gift of Jim Kubié. PA2020.030.082

A little beyond the Old Town Plaza is the El Vado Motel, Albuquerque’s first Route 66 motor court circa 1937, built just a year after the Route paved through Central Avenue. There’s plenty to explore on El Vado’s historic grounds as a guest or a visitor, from specialty boutiques to their very own El Vado Taproom. The Monterey Motel next door is a sister property of El Vado, built in 1946 and now equipped with the glitzy Momo Lounge, a craft cocktail bar that mixes only with local spirits.

Then

Now