In my opinion, Albuquerque is one of the most underrated cities in one of the most underrated states.
The setting of Breaking Bad, Albuquerque doesn’t have the shiniest rep. However, there are so many beautiful and interesting places to visit, delicious things to eat, and fascinating things to learn in this city.
I’ve spent a couple months in and around Albuquerque in the past year and can say I always tout it as a hidden gem to friends and family.
That being said, and while pushing my spell-check to the limit, here are 11 great places to visit in Albuquerque.
Looking for more New Mexico inspiration? Check out our full list of Places to Visit in New Mexico.
Sandia Peak Tramway
Have you ever wondered to yourself “Where is the country’s longest single span tramway?” Well, the answer is Albuquerque.
Take the 15 minute ride to the Sandia Crest and enjoy an incredible view from 10,378 ft up. From here, you’ll be looking out on 11,000 square miles of New Mexico glory. It’s one of the most popular things to in Albuquerque for good reason.
If just the view alone is not enough, you add to it with a delicious handcrafted cocktail. Yes, there’s a restaurant and bar called TEN 3 that feels on top of the world.
This is a quick way to elevate your day as one of the most beautiful experiences ABQ has to offer.
Sandia Peak Tramway by Stephanie Klepacki on UnSplash
Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
One of the coolest things about spending time in New Mexico is learning about the native Pueblo history and culture.
With an extensive history in New Mexico, there are endless amounts of galleries with traditional pottery, artwork, and artifacts on display.
If you’re looking for a crash course, look no further than the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque. Numerous events, exhibits, and programs, housed all in one place provides a perfect introduction to this fascinating culture.
You can even find a piece of traditional Pueblo culture to take home with you at the in-house shop. The store is owned and operated by the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico and features artwork that blends traditional techniques with contemporary styles.
After that, treat your tastebuds to an indigenous meal at the Indian Pueblo Kitchen. You deserve it.
Traditional Pueblo Native American Performance by Daniel Hayes (IG: indecisive_travels)
Petroglyph National Monument
Now that you’ve peaked your interest at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, you may want to find remnants of past Native American societies in the wild. A great place to start is Petroglyph National Monument. Hands down one of the most interesting places to visit in Albuquerque.
One of the largest petroglyph sites in North America, Petroglyph National Monument is 17 miles of preserved designs and symbols carved onto volcanic rocks. The images were put there by Native Americans and Spanish settlers 400-700 years ago and provide a fascinating insight into how they expressed themselves.
I loved walking these grounds and enjoying the view from atop the volcanic rocks. While I’m embarrassed I can only muster a stick figure with modern instruments, Petroglyph National Monument is well worth it.
Petroglyph National Monument by Daniel Hayes (IG: indecisive_travels)
Old Town
Albuquerque is a modern city. However, you can find a section of it seemingly taken from the past aptly named Old Town. Founded in 1706, you can stroll ten blocks of shops and restaurants housed in historic adobe buildings. The historic plaza is always buzzing with vendors and performances like traditional Native American dances.
It’s easy to take in the scene with excellent bars, breweries, and restaurants, with lovely patios and balconies. Perfect for gazing at the Pueblo-Spanish architecture and, of course, people watching. Visit High Noon Restaurant and Saloon and be sure to ask about the ghosts!
All of this capped off by the magnificent San Felipe de Neri church overlooking everything. A stop in Old Town is a must for any visiting Albuquerque.
San Felipe de Neri Church in Old Town by Daniel Hayes (IG: indecisive_travels)
ABQ BioPark
Part aquarium, part zoo, and part botanic garden, ABQ BioPark is one of the best family-friendly places to visit in Albuquerque.
During our visit, we particularly enjoyed the botanic garden. It was a perfectly hot day that we spent strolling through the gardens and green houses with ice cold drink in hand.
We met a particularly high level of Zen in the beautiful Japanese Garden before ruining it for ourselves in the BUGarium (cute). Who doesn’t love tarantulas, giant spiders, cockroaches, and naked mole rats?
Before you leave, you can have a beer at the food hall and check out the giant fish tank that features sharks. It’s very calming.
ABQ BioPark by Daniel Hayes (IG: indecisive_travels)
La Luz Trail
For those who like to punish themselves in the great outdoors, the La Luz Trail is for you. It’s an 8-9 mile doozy climbing from 7,000 ft in elevation to 10,378 ft and isn’t for the faint of heart. If you’re up for it, there’s a spectacular panoramic view of the surrounding area from the top.
The best part? You can reward yourself with a drink or snack at TEN 3 and take the tram back down to the bottom. For hikers and lovers of nature, exploring the La Luz Trail is beautiful way to spend a day in Albuquerque.
Sandia Mountains view by Daniel Hayes (IG: indecisive_travels)
Elena Gallegos Open Space
I admit, La Luz Trail is a tough ask for lots of folks not typically hiking. So, if you don’t want to hike 8-9 miles, but want to experience the nature surrounding the Sandia’s and Albuquerque, visit Elena Gallegos Open Space.
There are dozens of trails leading up, around, and away from the Sandia Mountains with all different levels of difficulty. You can take trails deep into the Cibola National Forest space that La Luz Trail exists in, without the same pain.
If you don’t want to hike at all, I get it. There are also numerous picnic spots with grills so you can grill n’ chill and watch that magnificent Sandia sunset.
View of Sandia Mountains by Daniel Hayes (IG: indecisive_travels)
Sawmill Market
Markets are the best, especially for someone like me who is especially indecisive. Too many times have I fell victim to order-regret at a restaurant. That’s what makes Sawmill Market a great place to visit in Albuquerque. If you can order ten meals at once, you can’t miss right?
Walk through the dozens of vendors tasting delicious treats like burgers, ice cream, waffles, beer, wine, and more. Take whatever you order out into the lovely and lively courtyard and if you’re there at the right time you may be able to listen to some live music. It’s a fun way to enjoy an array of local flavors and fun ambiance under those blue New Mexico skies.
Sawmill Market by Daniel Hayes (IG: indecisive_travels)
Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm
My wife and I always have to come back to Los Poblanos when in Albuquerque. It’s a restaurant, a bar, a lavender farm, a spa, lodging, and shopping all in one serene location beneath the beautiful Sandia Mountains shadows.
Come here and walk the grounds, say hi to the alpacas, and shop the farm shop for high quality and natural goods. Then, you can even play some of the yard games put out by the staff.
However, before you go you have to have a cocktail and a meal on the patio made with ingredients grown on site. Be sure to try one of the lavender cocktails – it’s a lavender farm, after all, so it’d be impolite not to.
Takes lots of pictures because it is one of the most idyllic locations in the Albuquerque area.
Lost Poblano by Daniel Hayes (IG: indecisive_travels)
Nob Hill
A visit to Albuquerque’s Nob Hill neighborhood is a great way to get a pulse of the city. That’s because it’s one of the trendiest neighborhoods in Albuquerque.
You’ll find historic buildings committed to the Route 66 retro style of the mid-century when they were constructed filled with quirky boutiques, cocktail bars, and excellent restaurants.
This is where you want to go to find a unique piece no-one else has from a locally owned vintage shop. After that, marvel at it over a craft cocktail at Happy Accidents. Then, finish the night over a delicious meal at one of the many vibrant restaurants. Nob Hill is perfect for a night out on the town when visiting Albuquerque.
Nob Hill by Daniel Hayes (IG: indecisive_travels)
Albuquerque Museum of Art & History
On the edge of Old Town is the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History. One of the best places to get the history of Albuquerque and arts of the Southwest, you’ll find 400 years of history for the region at this museum.
The Albuquerque Museum features a heavy rotation of exhibits, educational programs, and traveling exhibits to keep things fresh.
As a result, it’s one of the most interesting places to visit in Albuquerque and is great for people of all ages. You’ll leave here with a totally different viewpoint of the city and appreciate it even more for what it preserves today.
Albuquerque Museum by Daniel Hayes (IG: indecisive_travels)
Did we miss any of your favorite places in Albuquerque, New Mexico?
Let us know in the comments if there are any more places in Albuquerque that you would add to our list!
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