A Complete Guide to Visiting Albuquerque

Albuquerque isn’t a city that I would’ve ever thought that I’d visit so often, but seeing as my sister moved to the city in 2018, it’s been a staple in my travel plans each and every year now.  And I’m glad it is.  My first trip to Albuquerque was in 2020, and I had a truly hard time understanding why she was staying.  The city isn’t particularly beautiful.  There’s a lot of crime.  And so on.  However, each year I come to love Albuquerque more and more uncovering hidden gems, finding the best local food joints, and seeing it through the lens of a local.  The city is a bit like Austin – weird and quirky.  (That’s why Albuquerque is also referred to as Albu-QUIRK-y amongst locals).  And now that I’ve visited the city several times, I can say that Albuquerque should be a place everyone visit at least once.  From the unique New Mexican food, to the street art, here’s your complete guide to visiting Albuquerque, New Mexico.

 

If you’re visiting Albuquerque, don’t miss…

• How to Spend the Weekend in Albuquerque

 

How to Get to Albuquerque

Albuquerque has an international airport, Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), located just 15 minutes from downtown Albuquerque.

To get from the airport to the city you can rely on Uber, Lyft, or rent a car from the airport.  (I do suggest having a car to get around Albuquerque).

My favorite resources for finding flights…

• This search engine
• Skyscanner

 

How to Get Around Albuquerque

While Uber and Lyft are both reliable resources for getting around Albuquerque, I highly recommend renting a car to explore the city.  Albuquerque is not a walkable city and the public transportation is lacking.  If you want to see a large portion of the city, a car will be necessary.

 

 

Where to Stay in Albuquerque

There are many great places to stay in Albuquerque for any type of budget.  If you have a bit more money to spend and you want a complete experience, I highly recommend staying at Los Poblanos, a historic inn, built in the 1930s, and set among 25 acres of lavender fields, gardens, and massive cottonwood trees.  Not only is the one of Albuquerque’s gems, but it’s also one of my favorite hotels I’ve ever stayed in.  Here you’ll find an incredible spa, farm shop, bicycle rentals, and restaurant – Campo.

If Los Poblanos isn’t up your alley, I also recommend Hotel Chaco and El Vado Motel.

 

The Best Bars & Restaurants in Albuquerque

One of my favorite things about Albuquerque and what was a big surprise to me, is how unique and tasty the food scene is.  New Mexico has its own flavor profile, and it’s unlike any other state I’ve visited.  With red and green chiles as the star of the show, don’t expect Mexican food, or Tex-Mex.  This food is uniquely New Mexican.

 

CAMPO AT LOS POBLANOS – Dinner

Campo is located at the historic inn, Los Poblanos.  An organic farm on-site provides ingredients for Campo, the establishment’s restaurant.  What’s more farm to table than that?  Their menu changes with the seasons and their cocktail bar have a variety of fresh, local ingredients and small-batch spirits.  I recommend going before sunset so you can take everything the property has to offer and don’t forget to make a reservation!  You’ll need one if you want to eat in the dining room, as it’s reservation only.

 

CASA RODENA WINERY – Winery

Casa Rodeña Winery is the premier winery in Albuquerque.  And before you knock it, wine  experts here say that the climate in New Mexico closely resembles the climate in Spain which has fabulous wine.  At Casa Rodeña, the tasting room is open from noon to 7 pm and a tasting is only $10!  The grapes are grown on-site making it a beautiful haven tucked away in the city.

 

DURAN CENTRAL PHARMACY – Breakfast

This is one of the more unique places I’ve been in Albuquerque for breakfast.  It’s one of the first commercial establishments in Albuquerque just west of downtown on Route 66.  Like its name says, it is a pharmacy, but it’s more than that.  It’s also a gift shop with a constantly rotating inventory (a really fun place to shop for friends and family) and its original soda fountain is now a restaurant.  Think of that old school 1940’s diner feel.  All their food is made in-house including their incredible hand-rolled tortillas.  My go-to is huevos rancheros with Christmas.  You won’t leave hungry.

 

OUTPOST 1706 – Brewery

Located in Old Town Albuquerque, Outpost 1706 is a beer and wine garden that’s perfect for a stop after shopping around in Old Town.  It has a beautiful patio for nice days, and also a cozy indoor space when the weather isn’t so nice.

By the way, if you want to explore Albuquerque’s beer scene, book a curated craft beer experience here!

 

SAWMILL MARKET – Food Hall

Perhaps one of the newest additions to Albuquerque is the one that I am most impressed with myself – Sawmill Market.  Sawmill Market is a big warehouse that has multiple bars and restaurants where you can choose from multiple different vendors in one place.  From sushi to Mexican food, there’s truly something for everyone at Sawmill.

Pro tip:  Don’t miss the Botanic Bar where you can grab a cocktail and walk around while deciding what restaurant to eat at!

 

TEN 3 – Dinner

Of all of the unique things to do in Albuquerque, this is close to the top of the list.  Ten 3 is a bit of a trek because it’s 10,300 feet above sea level at the top of the Sandia Peak and you have to take the tram to get there.  Floor to ceiling windows in the elegant dining room gives way to panoramic views of the Rio Grande Valley and beyond.  And hey, if you want to see Santa Fe you can from the bar.  Seriously, the east-facing casual dining room and full bar offer views of the Sandia ski area and Santa Fe off in the distance.  Their food is delicious, and their drinks are top-notch, but its location makes it an experience you won’t get anywhere else.  So, how do you get there?  You’re going to need to go to the Sandia Peak Tramway.  A round-trip ticket for adults is $25.  Have a reservation?  Get there about an hour early.  The tram takes 15 minutes up and down and you can always have a drink in the bar before your reservation.  If Ten 3 has a full reservation book there will be someone at the bottom of the tram to check you in.

 

THE SHOP BREAKFAST AND LUNCH – Brunch

If you’re visiting Albuquerque, this is an absolute must.  This little breakfast “shop” is east on Route 66 near the university.  This is an order at the counter then find your table place… and the line can get pretty long.  But remember, you’re not in a huge city, so “long” is relative.  I would wait here for 20+ hours for my chilaquiles.  Say it with me, tortilla chips simmered with slow-roasted pork shoulder in homemade red chile with pickled onion, queso fresco, sour cream, avocado, and over-easy eggs.  It’s a delightful mouthful.  I’ve never tasted anything here I didn’t like including a spaghetti squash hoecake with pork belly, poached eggs, and maple bacon syrup or duck confit hash.  Don’t know what in the world I’m talking about?  It doesn’t matter, just dig in.

 

TOWN & RANCH – Cocktails

Town & Ranch is a unique cocktail lounge that also doubles as a boutique store.  Town & Ranch is owned by Los Poblanos, so you know that you’re in for a treat.  If you’re in town on a Tuesday, make sure to stop by for Tasting Tuesdays where you can taste different beverages – and on the second Tuesday of every month you can sample New Mexico spirits with guests across the state.  And on Wednesdays Town & Ranch offers Wine Wednesday where you can try New Mexico wines at a discounted price.

 

The Best Things to See and Do in Albuquerque

 

DAY TRIP TO SANTA FE

Located only an hour northeast of Albuquerque, you’ll come across this peaceful oasis in the desert – Santa Fe.  Santa Fe is a fun and vibrant city known for its historic architecture, rich Native American culture, and its art.  (Ps don’t miss your chance to learn about the history of New Mexico at the New Mexico History Museum!).

 

If you want to visit Santa Fe, don’t miss…

• How to Spend One Day in Santa Fe

 

HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE AT SUNRISE

One of the things that Albuquerque is most famous for is its Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta held every year in early October.  Albuquerque has a strange weather phenomenon where the hot air balloons move in a square, which is why the city is famously known for their hot air balloon rides.  Whether or not you’re visiting during the fiesta, you can experience this phenomenon (and see Albuquerque from above), on your own hot air balloon ride!

 

OLD TOWN ALBUQUERQUE

Spending the afternoon in Old Town Albuquerque is one of my favorite ways to spend the afternoon!  This little area has a charming plaza where you can find boutique stores, eateries, and even the beer and wine garden – Outpost 1706 – mentioned above.  Here you’ll also be able to appreciate Southwestern art, and century-old adobe style houses.

 

SHOPPING

Albuquerque has some of the cutest boutique stores found throughout the city.  Some of my favorites include Luna and Luz, And Stuff Retail Collective, Duran’s Pharmacy, and Spur Line Supply Co.

 

STREET ART/MURALS

Street art and murals are a big part of the culture in Albuquerque.  “Muros” translates from Spanish to “walls”; so the “walls of Albuquerque bring people together”.  Below you’ll find my favorite street art/murals and where to find them…

• Desert Bloom – South Broadway Cultural Center
• Greetings from BURQUE – Little Bear Coffee
• In the Garden of Sharing – Albuquerque Foundation Building, East Side
• Stay Gold – 4th & Gold SW
• Wall O Signs – 66 Diner
• Well Behaved… – High and Dry Brewing

For more murals around Albuquerque, check out MurosABQ.

 

IF YOU WANT TO LEARN ABOUT THE HISTORY OF ALBUQUERQUE, BOOK A GUIDED HISTORY TOUR!

 

How Many Days Should You Spend in Albuquerque/The Best Time to Visit Albuquerque

To see Albuquerque, I would recommend spending 2-3 days.  This will give you ample time to check out the restaurant scene, scope out some of the street art, and do some shopping.

As for the best time to visit, Albuquerque experiences hot summers and mild winters.  I don’t think there’s a bad time to visit the city, but perhaps my favorite time would be early October for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.  Keep in mind, this is also the busiest time of the year for Albuquerque, and prices are higher.

 

New Mexico Essentials – What You Need & Need to Know About Visiting New Mexico

 

I genuinely hope that everyone gets a chance to experience the magic of Albuquerque at least once.  It’s a truly underrated city that I think will continue to grow and grow.

 

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For more information on things to see and do in Albuquerque, make sure to check out my Instagram page/highlight reel by searching “#ppinnewmexico” or under my highlights for “New Mexico”; alternatively, head to my TikTok and search for the saved “New Mexico” highlight

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