10 Best Things To Do In Albuquerque, New Mexico

Albuquerque, the largest city in New Mexico, is rich in diverse attractions that showcase the blend of Native American and Spanish cultural influences deeply woven into the tapestry of its history. This vibrant city is a treasure trove of centuries-old adobe buildings, stunning natural landscapes, and some of the best culinary traditions in the Southwest. From the historic San Felipe de Neri Church in Old Town to the panoramic vistas of Sandia Peak Tramway, Albuquerque has something to capture every visitor’s imagination.

Exploring the Historic Old Town

Experience the rich heritage of Albuquerque Old Town.

Albuquerque’s Old Town provides a time-defying escape to New Mexico’s rich history. Stretching back nearly five centuries, the Old Town echoes the city’s heritage through its Latino and Native American influences. It’s a part of the city that offers an intriguing blend of past and present, with narrow, winding brick paths that take you through the historic heart of Albuquerque.

Here, you’ll find century-old adobe houses that ooze character and charm. Surrounded by vibrant gardens and bubbling fountains, these houses embody the essence of New Mexico’s architectural past – earthy textures, rustic details, and rich colors that reflect centuries of distinctive craftsmanship and design.

Galleries and shops are sprinkled throughout the Old Town, with each turn revealing a new opportunity to dive deeper into the city’s artistic and cultural heritage. From Native American pottery to unique handcrafted jewelry, these shops and galleries offer a glimpse into Albuquerque’s creative spirit. Many of these places are housed in old buildings that stand as beautiful testimonies to the area’s history, merging the past and present in a vibrantly unique way.

But it’s not just about embracing the past – eateries throughout Old Town also showcase contemporary takes on traditional New Mexican cuisine. From sizzling green chile cheeseburgers to fluffy sopaipillas drizzled in honey, these local establishments encourage you to savor southwestern flavors in unforgettable settings.

No tour of the Old Town would be complete without paying a visit to San Felipe de Neri Church. This Spanish colonial church has held steadfast since 1793, making it one of the oldest surviving buildings in the city of Albuquerque. Step inside and marvel at its beautiful altar and cherished religious art, a blend of Native American and Spanish influences. And while the church’s interior is remarkable, the exterior is just as impressive, with its thick adobe walls and twin bell towers overlooking the town plaza.

In the heart of Albuquerque, a walk through the Old Town isn’t just a step back in time, but a celebration of the city’s unique blend of cultures, histories, and traditions. It’s a place where Native American, Spanish, and Western influences come together in a remarkable fusion that can be seen, tasted, and experienced around every corner.

Riding the Sandia Peak Tramway

Experience the Sandia Peak Tramway

Glide majestically above Albuquerque’s deep canyons and dramatic terrain on the Sandia Peak Tramway, one of North America’s longest aerial tram rides. Covering a distance of 2.7 miles, the tramway provides an immersive viewing platform to truly appreciate the area’s varied landscape. It’s not just a journey – it’s a dynamic visual feast filled with panoramic vistas and transformative hues.

From Desert to Mountain Peaks

Departing from the outskirts of Albuquerque, the tramway climbs through the rugged beauty of the high desert. As it ascends, the terrain transforms from rugged desert to lush greenery of the Sandia Mountains, offering a captivating juxtaposition of two beautiful extremes of New Mexico’s natural wonders.

Unforgettable Views

Look out across the city and the surrounding region from a unique vantage point. Thousands of feet above sea level, the sight of raptor birds soaring in the clear blue sky against the backdrop of Albuquerque’s urban sprawl and the vast desert beyond will leave you inspired. The colossal Sandia Mountains make up the formidable eastern boundary of Albuquerque, creating an astonishing spectacle throughout the trip.

The Magic of the Sunset Ride

However, it’s when the sun begins to set that the Sandia Peak Tramway truly comes into its own. As the day fades, the Sandia Mountains live up to their namesake (“Sandia” translates to “watermelon” in Spanish) and spectacularly blush a pale pink. Experience the awe-inspiring moments as the last rays of the sun reflect off the boundless landscape. The sunset ride is a bewitching spectacle that you won’t easily forget.

In summary, the Sandia Peak Tramway takes you on an incredible journey that wraps adventure, beauty, peace, and awe-inspiring views into one unforgettable experience. It’s an exceptional chance to see Albuquerque as you’ve never seen it before.

Visiting ABQ Biopark

Immerse yourself in the natural wonders of Albuquerque at the ABQ Biopark, a comprehensive environmental museum teeming with intriguing exhibits.

The facility is divided into four distinct sections: an aquarium, botanic garden, zoo, and Tingley Beach, each offering unique opportunities to learn about different species and ecosystems.

Unleash your inner marine biologist at the ABQ Biopark Aquarium.

Here, you’ll come face to face with a variety of sea life, ranging from brightly colored tropical fish to curious, playful sea lions.

The aquarium believes in blending fun with education, providing informational displays alongside each exhibit to help visitors learn about the creatures they’re seeing and their habitats.

Delve into a green oasis at the ABQ Biopark Botanic Garden.

The garden sprawls over 36 acres and is home to an array of plant species, each one more fascinating than the last.

Key attractions include the captivating Japanese Garden, where meticulously pruned bonsai trees stand proud, and the Children’s Fantasy Garden, where colossal veggies and insects make kids feel like they’ve stepped into a fairytale.

Roaring lions, towering giraffes, and charging elephants await at the ABQ Biopark Zoo.

Home to over 200 species from around the world, the zoo provides an amazing learning experience about different global habitats.

From the African Safari to the Australian Outback, you’ll feel like a world traveler without even leaving Albuquerque.

Cap off your day of exploring at Tingley Beach, the fourth element of the ABQ Biopark.

Located right in the heart of Albuquerque, Tingley Beach offers several ponds for fishing and boating, picnic areas, and walking trails, making it the perfect spot for a relaxing end to an adventurous day.

With such a wealth of experiences on offer, expect to spend the whole day exploring the leafy expanses and enchanting exhibits of the ABQ Biopark.

Whether you’re a parent seeking to cultivate a love of nature in your child, a couple looking for a unique date experience, or a solo traveler thirsty for knowledge, there’s something for everyone at ABQ Biopark.

Ultimately, the magic of Albuquerque unfolds through the myriad experiences it offers. Whether walking the historical byways of the Old Town, marveling at the sunset hues from Sandia Peak, or immersing oneself in the diverse habitats of ABQ Biopark, each moment in this vibrant city leaves one enriched and entranced. It is a testament to Albuquerque’s dynamic cultural heritage and natural beauty that it continues to captivate and inspire thousands of visitors each year.