I’ve seen Albuquerque described as a desolate wasteland with little to no tourism attraction. I’m just a little suspicious of any such description, as a result of in truth, I believe there’s one thing fascinating about any vacation spot you go to that’s removed from dwelling.
That stated, Albuquerque is likely one of the lesser-visited places in New Mexico, particularly in comparison with Santa Fe.
Skipping Albuquerque is likely to be a mistake, although, if you wish to get a style of New Mexican artwork, delicacies, and nature. To offer you just a little hit of journey inspo, here’s a checklist of issues to do there, the place to eat, and the place to remain:
Greatest Issues to Do in Albuquerque
1. Go to the Breaking Dangerous filming areas
If you happen to’re fan of the favored TV sequence Breaking Dangerous or its spinoff Higher Name Saul, you received’t need to go up the chance to go to some filming areas from each. From the quintessential underwear scene to Combo’s nook, it’s a blast to plot out and discover every of those neat spots.
Take a look at the video above to seek out out the place the filming areas are. If you happen to would slightly do a tour as an alternative of discovering the areas by yourself, you may experience round in a Winnebago RV on this Breaking Bad tour.
2. Take a sizzling air balloon experience
Albuquerque is legendary for its sizzling air balloons and even has a pageant, the International Balloon Fiesta, each October. If you happen to can’t make that, take into account taking a hot-air balloon ride over Albuquerque with Rainbow Ryders. The experience itself is a thrill, and the views of town and surrounding mountains are beautiful.
3. Discover the ABQ BioPark Botanic Backyard
The ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden is a whimsical and pleasant place that you simply received’t need to miss. There are over 1.5 miles of paths to discover, with a number of totally 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 positively be in your checklist 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 needed to be restored, a few of its authentic buildings stay.
Right now the church nonetheless capabilities, internet hosting common mass and different spiritual occasions, however you may go to the on-site museum anytime throughout opening hours and even request a tour.
5. See a present on the historic KiMo Theatre
The KiMo Theatre just isn’t solely an vital landmark in Albuquerque, nevertheless it’s additionally an superior place to spend a night watching a present. This can be a hub for artwork, stay performances, and music within the metropolis.
The fashion of the constructing is Pueblo Deco, a short-lived architectural fashion native to the Southwest that has each Native American and Spanish affect. The skin has quintessential New Mexican ornaments; the within has lavish particulars carved into almost each floor. All through the theater, you’ll discover Native American motifs distinctive to this a part of the nation. It’s positively price testing even in the event you aren’t planning on seeing a present there.
6. Get 360° views on the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway
Rising as much as the crest of the Sandia Mountains over 10,000 toes excessive, the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway takes you to the best possible panoramic view of Albuquerque and the encircling space. The experience itself solely takes about quarter-hour, and is additional particular at sundown, when a golden glow appears to show the mountains fiery purple. (That’s really how the mountains received their identify, as sandia is watermelon in Spanish.)
The tramway brings you to the highest of the crest, the place you may take your time exploring the mountain climbing trails there earlier than heading again down. This leads me to the subsequent level on the checklist…
7. Go for a hike within the Sandia Mountains
From Sandia Peak, you may entry a number of totally different nature trails. These fluctuate in size, with the shortest one being simply 0.3 miles and the longest 7.5 miles (one-way). The paths within the Sandia Mountains are a part of the Cibola Nationwide Forest; you could find a wonderful trail guide to the forest here.
Make sure that to convey loads of water, snacks, and solar safety when hitting the paths right here, as there could also be lengthy stretches with no shade. This holds particularly within the summertime, when temperatures soar generally over 100 levels, make sure that to plan your trek accordingly.
8. Snowshoe by way of the Cibola Nationwide Forest
If you happen to plan to go to Albuquerque in the course of the winter months, take into account heading to the Cibola Nationwide Forest to go snowshoeing. This tour will take you on an journey by way of the powdery forest to be taught concerning the natural world of the realm. You’ll have the ability 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 Organic Farm is an exquisite place to spend a day in Albuquerque. Not solely is it a spectacular place to remain, however there’s a world-class restaurant on-site that serves what they name “fine-dining field-to-table” delicacies.
Los Poblanos hosts courses and workshops as properly, which is probably probably the most fascinating factor to do right here. From yoga courses in a yurt to gardening workshops and pop-up artisan courses, you’ll discover a neat array of choices right here.
10. Step again in time on the Petroglyph Nationwide Monument
Defending one of many largest petroglyph websites within the nation, the Petroglyph National Monument has symbols and designs carved into volcanic rock that date again 400-700 years. There are numerous canyons you could hike to on the paths; every has a novel assortment of petroglyphs that supply an enchanting glimpse into the previous.
11. Study concerning the metropolis’s previous on the Albuquerque Museum
The Albuquerque Museum, one of many metropolis’s finest, blends artwork, historical past, and tradition in a single 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. If you happen to’ve come to find out about Albuquerque’s story, that is the place to seek out it.
12. Take a strolling tour by way of Previous City
You received’t need to miss a stroll by way of Albuquerque’s Previous City to see a centuries-old mixture of Native American and Spanish cultures, mirrored within the space’s structure, decorations, artwork, and meals. This walking tour will present detailed explanations of every of the district’s most distinguished landmarks, in addition to a cease on the revitalized Sawmill Market, the place you may strive native meals and drinks.
You can discover Previous City by yourself, however a guided tour is unquestionably price it in the event you’re within 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 complete spectrum of makes use of for this beautiful gemstone on 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 find out about right here. The museum has interactive displays and guided excursions by way of which you’ll absolutely immerse your self in the whole lot turquoise. Get your tickets here.
14. Paddle alongside the Rio Grande
The Rio Grande is the fourth longest river in North America, and it runs by way of Albuquerque. A well-liked exercise within the calm, shallow components of the river is paddleboarding, which is a enjoyable and lively means to absorb the surroundings and catch a glimpse of wildlife. You may paddleboard with a guide on this tour.
This a part 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 road trip? Positively don’t miss out on the beautiful Turquoise Path, which runs between the 2 cities. Winding by way of the hills and quite a few inventive communities, this drive captures the wonder and appeal 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 Company prides itself on having a number of the tastiest treats on the town, so seize a espresso and a doughnut to get pleasure from earlier than an extended day exploring Albuquerque.
Lunch at Grove Cafe & Market
In the case of fashionable brunch and lunch spots, that is about as cool because it will get in Albuquerque. The Grove Cafe & Market is in one of many metropolis’s hippest neighborhoods, Edo, and combines wonderful meals and an informal environment completely. This is likely one of the finest locations on the town to get domestically grown meals with quintessentially New Mexican flavors, served up with a contemporary twist.
Dinner at Farm & Desk
Because the identify suggests, Farm & Table makes a speciality of domestically grown vegetables and fruit. The menu adjustments in accordance with the season, with fastidiously crafted plates coming out and in 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 group undertaking. 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 in the event you can swing it. There are 45 guest suites on the property, all with an expensive really feel. Some have patios that overlook the lavender fields, including an additional degree of caprice.
If you happen to’re in search of one thing extra reasonably priced, my price range decide for Albuquerque is that this traditional adobe home and garden. There are additionally extra fascinating choices, like this traditional tipi you can rent on Airbnb.
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Now that you’ve loads of concepts for issues to do in Albuquerque, you may see that this southwestern metropolis is a lot greater than meets the attention — or slightly, what’s portrayed on TV. Positive, it might be just a little tough across the edges, however that nearly provides to its appeal.
Which merchandise on this checklist are you most trying ahead to attempting?
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