Night view of the famous Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta event

Things to do in  Albuquerque

The sky’s the limit

At the heart of New Mexico lies this high desert city bordered by the towering Sandia Mountains and the slow flow of the Rio Grande River. Much like Santa Fe—the smaller, artsy capital city to the north—Albuquerque is characterized by its penchant for chile-infused foods, adobe architecture, and a unique culture founded on a mix of Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo traditions. Things to do in Albuquerque include hiking, hot-air balloon rides, and exploring the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Petroglyph National Monument, and Old Town.

Learn more

Top 2 attractions in Albuquerque

#1

Old Town Albuquerque

star-51,069
The narrow colonial streets of Old Town Albuquerque are filled with colorful shops, curbside craft stands, and the rich aromas of Southwest cooking. You can explore the winding alleyways, shop for souvenirs, and discover the history and culture surrounding Old Town Plaza and the city’s oldest church—18th-century San Felipe de Neri Church.More
Tours & Tickets
#2

Turquoise Museum

star-5166
Boasting some of the “rarest and most collectible pieces of turquoise and turquoise jewelry in the world,” the Turquoise Museum offers a deep dive into New Mexico’s state gemstone in the elevated setting of an enormous castle mansion. The private museum is the only one of its kind on the subject, offering a highly personable, interactive, and well-curated experience.More
Tours & Tickets

Explore Albuquerque by interest

Top activities in Albuquerque

Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise

Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise

star-5
1003
From
$209.00
The Ghost Tour of Old Town - New Mexico's oldest Ghost Walk - Since 2001

The Ghost Tour of Old Town - New Mexico's oldest Ghost Walk - Since 2001

star-5
633
From
$34.55
Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunset

Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunset

star-5
41
From
$250.00
Guided Bicycle Nature Tour of Albuquerque - Daily

Guided Bicycle Nature Tour of Albuquerque - Daily

star-5
79
From
$125.00
The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show - Albuquerque, NM
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out

The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show - Albuquerque, NM

star-4.5
23
From
$79.00
12pm - Public High Noon History, Legends & Lore Tour - Guided Old Town Stroll

12pm - Public High Noon History, Legends & Lore Tour - Guided Old Town Stroll

star-5
150
From
$34.55
Turquoise Museum Visit

Turquoise Museum Visit

star-4.5
151
From
$21.00
PRIVATE History, Legends and Lore Guided Old Town Stroll - 10am or 2pm

PRIVATE History, Legends and Lore Guided Old Town Stroll - 10am or 2pm

star-5
32
From
$40.49
Private Departure Transfer To Albuquerque Airport ABQ

Private Departure Transfer To Albuquerque Airport ABQ

From
$40.20
New Mexico Flavors Tour Of Old Town Albuquerque

New Mexico Flavors Tour Of Old Town Albuquerque

star-4.5
12
From
$179.72
Albuquerque Scavenger Hunt Adventure

Albuquerque Scavenger Hunt Adventure

star-4
5
From
$20.52
Private Arrival Transfer from Albuquerque Airport (ABQ)

Private Arrival Transfer from Albuquerque Airport (ABQ)

star-4.5
2
From
$40.20
Mezcla de Culturas Walking Tour of ABQ's Historic Old Town and Sawmill District

Mezcla de Culturas Walking Tour of ABQ's Historic Old Town and Sawmill District

star-5
13
From
$82.00
Albuquerque Airport (ABQ) to Albuquerque - Arrival Private Transfer

Albuquerque Airport (ABQ) to Albuquerque - Arrival Private Transfer

star-5
1
From
$39.24
Albuquerque Bar Hunt: Albuquerque Ales and 'Tails

Albuquerque Bar Hunt: Albuquerque Ales and 'Tails

star-1
1
From
$12.31
Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Albuquerque by Zombie Scavengers

Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Albuquerque by Zombie Scavengers

star-5
1
From
$20.00
per group
Fun City Scavenger Hunt in Albuquerque by Wacky Walks

Fun City Scavenger Hunt in Albuquerque by Wacky Walks

star-3.5
5
From
$10.00
Albuquerque City Scavenger Hunt by Crazy Dash

Albuquerque City Scavenger Hunt by Crazy Dash

From
$10.00
Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Albuquerque by Operation City Quest

Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Albuquerque by Operation City Quest

From
$10.00
Quirky Burque Scavenger Hunt
Special Offer

Quirky Burque Scavenger Hunt

star-4.5
4
From
$21.60
$27.00  $5.40 savings
See all Albuquerque tours

All about Albuquerque

When to visit

The fall season, roughly from late August to late November, is an ideal time to visit Albuquerque. Not only are the temperatures pleasant, but you can smell chile roasting in the air, catch fall colors in the mountains, and witness the spectacular International Balloon Fiesta. However, with snowy winters that attract skiers and sunny days with low humidity in the summer, the natural beauty of Albuquerque is enjoyable any time of the year.

Getting around

While it is typical to rent a car to get around the city, it isn’t required. The average drive time to most places within Albuquerque is 20 minutes, and ride shares, taxis, and city buses are plentiful. In fact, a current pilot program for ABQ Ride offers free rides throughout town. For a day trip up to Santa Fe without a car, the Rail Runner commuter train is affordable, easy, and fun.

Traveler tips

Whether a veteran or newbie of New Mexican cuisine, a great place to start is the Frontier Restaurant—a classic half-century-old diner with homemade tortillas, green chile stew, breakfast burritos, and the famous Frontier Sweet Roll. Other restaurant picks for an authentic experience include El Pinto, Duran Central Pharmacy, and Satellite Coffee—a local hangout for food, community, and coffee with several locations around town.

Local Currency
US Dollar ($)
Time Zone
MDT (UTC -7)
Country Code
+1
Language(s)
English
Attractions
2
Tours
52
Reviews
2,639
EN
d9974e32-c309-446d-80a4-2057ff09a2d0
geo_hub

People Also Ask

How do I spend a day in Albuquerque?

A trifecta of culture, the outdoors, and New Mexican cuisine makes for a great Albuquerque trip. Start with breakfast at Satellite Coffee or the Frontier Restaurant, then consider a hike in the Sandia Mountains or Bosque. Later, explore Old Town, drive down Route 66, and visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center.

...More
Is Albuquerque worth a visit?

Yes. Albuquerque is one of America’s most unique cities. Through its adobe architecture, Pueblo pottery, and regional cuisine based on beans, meat, and chile, the city is a showcase for Native American and Hispanic legacies. Here you can experience under-recognized aspects of American culture in a desert landscape that is truly special.

...More
What is Albuquerque known for?

Before Breaking Bad came onto the scene, Albuquerque was best known for its unique culture, including the International Balloon Fiesta, ancient petroglyphs, and an Old Town made of adobe. The city is bisected by Route 66 and edged by the Sandia Mountains, which can be scaled using the world’s longest tramway.

...More
What do locals do in Albuquerque?

The interests of the residents of Albuquerque are as diverse as the city itself, but a few things are a source of contentment and pride: the Sandia Mountains, unique arts and cultural events, and New Mexican food. Outdoor adventures—including skiing, hiking, and biking—are especially popular when paired with locally brewed beer.

...More
Is it better to stay in Albuquerque or Santa Fe?

Generally, Santa Fe is more geared toward tourism than Albuquerque. The city is easily navigable by foot, has a high concentration of tourist attractions, and exudes Old World charm. However, Albuquerque is still worth visiting for places like its historic Old Town and experiences like riding on the world’s longest tramway.

...More
What is the nicest part of Albuquerque?

Nice areas exist throughout the city of Albuquerque. These include the Nob Hill neighborhood, adjacent to the University of New Mexico campus, as well as the less dense North Valley and Bosque neighborhoods, just off the Rio Grande River. Although somewhat bland, the Northeast Heights neighborhoods are also generally safe, affluent, and quiet.

...More
Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What are the top things to do in Albuquerque?
A:
The top things to do in Albuquerque are:
Q:
What are the top activities in Albuquerque?
A:
Q:
What are the top things to do near Albuquerque?
A:
Check out things to do near Albuquerque:

More Tours in Albuquerque