I’ve seen Albuquerque described as a desolate wasteland with little to no tourism attraction. I’m a little bit suspicious of any such description, as a result of honestly, I believe there’s one thing fascinating about any vacation spot you go to that’s removed from residence.
That mentioned, Albuquerque is one of the lesser-visited locations in New Mexico, particularly in contrast to Santa Fe.
Skipping Albuquerque is likely to be a mistake, although, if you need to get a style of New Mexican artwork, delicacies, and nature. To provide you a little bit hit of journey inspo, here’s a record of issues to do there, the place to eat, and the place to keep:
Best Things to Do in Albuquerque
1. Go to the Breaking Dangerous filming places
Should you’re fan of the standard TV sequence Breaking Dangerous or its spinoff Higher Name Saul, you gained’t need to cross up the alternative to go to some filming places from each. From the quintessential underwear scene to Combo’s nook, it’s a blast to plot out and discover every of these neat spots.
Take a look at the video above to discover out the place the filming places are. Should you would somewhat do a tour as a substitute of discovering the places by yourself, you’ll be able to trip round in a Winnebago RV on this Breaking Dangerous tour.
2. Take a sizzling air balloon trip
Albuquerque is known for its sizzling air balloons and even has a pageant, the Worldwide Balloon Fiesta, each October. Should you can’t make that, think about taking a hot-air balloon trip over Albuquerque with Rainbow Ryders. The trip itself is a thrill, and the views of the metropolis and surrounding mountains are beautiful.
3. Discover the ABQ BioPark Botanic Backyard
The ABQ BioPark Botanic Backyard is a whimsical and pleasant place that you simply gained’t need to miss. There are over 1.5 miles of paths to discover, with just a few completely different conservatories, a butterfly pavilion, a pond, and even a Japanese backyard. There are additionally frequent occasions with native artisans who reveal conventional embroidery, rug making, quilting, and extra.
4. See Albuquerque’s Spanish affect at San Felipe de Neri
A go to to the San Felipe de Neri Parish church ought to undoubtedly be in your record of issues to do in Albuquerque. The parish began in 1706, so it boasts over 300 years of historical past. Though a lot of the church itself had to be restored, some of its unique buildings stay.
In the present day the church nonetheless capabilities, internet hosting common mass and different spiritual occasions, however you’ll be able to go to the on-site museum anytime throughout opening hours and even request a tour.
5. See a present at the historic KiMo Theatre
The KiMo Theatre is just not solely an essential landmark in Albuquerque, but it surely’s additionally an superior place to spend a night watching a present. It is a hub for artwork, stay performances, and music in the metropolis.
The model of the constructing is Pueblo Deco, a short-lived architectural model native to the Southwest that has each Native American and Spanish affect. The surface has quintessential New Mexican ornaments; the inside has lavish particulars carved into practically each floor. All through the theater, you’ll discover Native American motifs distinctive to this half of the nation. It’s undoubtedly price testing even if you happen to aren’t planning on seeing a present there.
6. Get 360° views on the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway
Rising up to the crest of the Sandia Mountains over 10,000 ft excessive, the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway takes you to the best possible panoramic view of Albuquerque and the surrounding space. The trip itself solely takes about 15 minutes, and is further particular at sundown, when a golden glow appears to flip the mountains fiery crimson. (That’s really how the mountains bought their identify, as sandia is watermelon in Spanish.)
The tramway brings you to the prime of the crest, the place you’ll be able to take your time exploring the mountaineering trails there earlier than heading again down. This leads me to the subsequent level on the record…
7. Go for a hike in the Sandia Mountains
From Sandia Peak, you’ll be able to entry just a few completely different nature trails. These differ in size, with the shortest one being simply 0.Three miles and the longest 7.5 miles (one-way). The paths in the Sandia Mountains are half of the Cibola Nationwide Forest; you could find a superb path information to the forest right here.
Make certain to carry loads of water, snacks, and solar safety when hitting the trails right here, as there could also be lengthy stretches with no shade. This holds particularly in the summertime, when temperatures soar typically over 100 levels, ensure that to plan your trek accordingly.
8. Snowshoe by the Cibola Nationwide Forest
Should you plan to go to Albuquerque throughout the winter months, think about heading to the Cibola Nationwide Forest to go snowshoeing. This tour will take you on an journey by the powdery forest to study the wildlife of the space. You’ll have the opportunity to get a sneak peak of the adventurous backcountry simply minutes away from Albuquerque.
9. Take a category, have a meal, or keep the evening at Los Poblanos Historic Inn and Natural Farm
Masking 25 acres and together with a working lavender farm, Los Poblanos Historic Inn and Natural Farm is a wonderful place to spend a day in Albuquerque. Not solely is it a spectacular place to keep, however there’s a world-class restaurant on-site that serves what they name “fine-dining field-to-table” delicacies.
Los Poblanos hosts lessons and workshops as properly, which is maybe the most fascinating factor to do right here. From yoga lessons in a yurt to gardening workshops and pop-up artisan lessons, you’ll discover a neat array of choices right here.
10. Step again in time at the Petroglyph Nationwide Monument
Defending one of the largest petroglyph websites in the nation, the Petroglyph Nationwide Monument has symbols and designs carved into volcanic rock that date again 400-700 years. There are numerous canyons which you could hike to on the trails; every has a singular assortment of petroglyphs that supply an interesting glimpse into the previous.
11. Study the metropolis’s previous at the Albuquerque Museum
The Albuquerque Museum, one of the metropolis’s greatest, blends artwork, historical past, and tradition in one immersive house. Right here you could find an outside sculpture backyard, a number of galleries with works by native artists, and historic artifacts scattered all through. Should you’ve come to study Albuquerque’s story, that is the place to discover it.
12. Take a strolling tour by Outdated City
You gained’t need to miss a stroll by Albuquerque’s Outdated City to see a centuries-old combine of Native American and Spanish cultures, mirrored in the space’s structure, decorations, artwork, and meals. This strolling tour will present detailed explanations of every of the district’s most outstanding landmarks, in addition to a cease at the revitalized Sawmill Market, the place you’ll be able to attempt native meals and drinks.
You might discover Outdated City by yourself, however a guided tour is unquestionably price it if you happen to’re in the space’s fascinating historical past.
13. Take a look at the Turquoise Museum
From uncooked turquoise rocks to elegant jewellery, you’ll get to see the full spectrum of makes use of for this gorgeous gemstone at the Turquoise Museum in Albuquerque. Turquoise has a wealth of cultural significance to the area, in addition to different areas of the world, all of which you’ll be able to study right here. The museum has interactive reveals and guided excursions by which you’ll be able to totally immerse your self in all the things turquoise. Get your tickets right here.
14. Paddle alongside the Rio Grande
The Rio Grande is the fourth longest river in North America, and it runs by Albuquerque. A well-liked exercise in the calm, shallow elements of the river is paddleboarding, which is a enjoyable and energetic means to take in the surroundings and catch a glimpse of wildlife. You’ll be able to paddleboard with a information on this tour.
This half of the Rio Grande additionally has the nation’s longest steady cottonwood forest, which makes floating down it much more scenic.
15. Drive the Turquoise Path
Planning to hit up each Albuquerque and Santa Fe throughout your New Mexico street journey? Undoubtedly don’t miss out on the beautiful Turquoise Path, which runs between the two cities. Winding by the hills and quite a few creative communities, this drive captures the magnificence and attraction of New Mexico fully.
The place to Eat
Breakfast at Bristol Doughnut Firm
This quirky restaurant serves mouthwatering doughnuts out of a double-decker bus. Bristol Doughnut Firm prides itself on having some of the tastiest treats in city, so seize a espresso and a doughnut to get pleasure from earlier than an extended day exploring Albuquerque.
Lunch at Grove Cafe & Market
When it comes to stylish brunch and lunch spots, that is about as cool because it will get in Albuquerque. The Grove Cafe & Market is in one of the metropolis’s hippest neighborhoods, Edo, and combines nice meals and an informal environment completely. That is one of the greatest locations in city to get regionally grown meals with quintessentially New Mexican flavors, served up with a contemporary twist.
Dinner at Farm & Desk
As the identify suggests, Farm & Desk specializes in regionally grown vegetables and fruit. The menu adjustments in accordance to the season, with fastidiously crafted plates coming in and out of the rotation. The restaurant is on 9 acres of farmland, on which you may also discover, drop in on a yoga or meditation class, and even take part in a neighborhood mission. How’s that for a full-circle eating expertise?
The place to Keep
Whilst you can go to Los Poblanos for the day only for a category or a meal, staying the evening there’s a actual deal with if you happen to can swing it. There are 45 visitor suites on the property, all with an opulent really feel. Some have patios that overlook the lavender fields, including an additional stage of whimsy.
Should you’re on the lookout for one thing extra reasonably priced, my funds decide for Albuquerque is that this conventional adobe residence and backyard. There are additionally extra fascinating choices, like this conventional tipi you’ll be able to hire on Airbnb.
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Now that you’ve got loads of concepts for issues to do in Albuquerque, you’ll be able to see that this southwestern metropolis is a lot greater than meets the eye — or somewhat, what’s portrayed on TV. Certain, it might be a little bit tough round the edges, however that nearly provides to its attraction.
Which merchandise on this record are you most wanting ahead to attempting?
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