Being New Mexico’s largest metropolis, Albuquerque has so much going for it! With oodles of historical past, beautiful cafes and a few gorgeous pure spots simply exterior town itself, it’s the sort of place that’s wonderful for a metropolis break. In truth, there’s a heap of one of the best issues to do in Albuquerque which can be excellent to incorporate as a part of a wider journey to discover New Mexico’s finest spots.
We completely liked our highway journey by way of New Mexico and had one of the best time exploring the state! From taking a gander in any respect the aliens in Roswell to visiting Flagstaff and the nice outdoor, it’s the sort of state that’s bought a bit one thing for each kind of traveller.
That is precisely why I needed to share some completely epic locations to go to in Albuquerque that you just actually shouldn’t miss.
Have a look, under, at one of the best issues to do in Albuquerque. Have a good time!
1.) Albuquerque Worldwide Balloon Fiesta
Happening yearly, the International Balloon Fiesta is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Albuquerque in case you’re visiting in early October. You see, it’s the most important scorching air balloon pageant in North America (if not, the world) with tons of of balloons taking to the skies above town.
Through the 9-day pageant, you’ll be capable to experience the balloons, see essentially the most wonderful firework shows and watch the mass ascension (which is unbelievable).
Although don’t fret in case you’re not visiting in October, you may nonetheless get your ballon repair by heading to the Albuquerque Balloon Museum. Inside you may be taught all the pieces there’s to find out about ballooning, from its historical past to its growth as a modern-day sport. There’s even a balloon flight simulator that you could fly and check your balloon flying prowess.
Although, if in any respect potential, attempt to schedule your journey across the annual Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, you gained’t be disillusioned!
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2.) Petroglyph Nationwide Monument
Round a 15-minute drive from the centre of Albuquerque, the Petroglyph Nationwide Monument is the long-lasting website of New Mexico’s well-known petroglyphs that you just actually can’t miss.
Created by carving designs into the rock partitions of Albuquerque’s West Mesa, a volcanic escarpment on town’s west aspect, the centuries-old petroglyphs might be explored by climbing up the paths that criss-cross this nationwide park.
Although, be warned, that a number of the trails might be fairly lengthy. Ensure to do your analysis and select the precise path (and depth) that’s excellent for you; we liked the Rinconada Canyon Path.
Oh, and pack a number of water and sunblock; there’s little shade!
With round 15,000 prehistoric petroglyphs to see, you’re gonna be spoilt for alternative!
3.) Sandia Peak
For a number of the finest views throughout the area, head up Sandia Peak!
After all, there are many routes (just like the Sandia Man Cave Path and the Domingo Baca Canyon Path) to see some epic views of the area however the tramway is our whole favorite.
With none arduous climbs, the Sandia Peak Tramway will take you up over ten thousand toes searching over Albuquerque and past. The views are gorgeous.
Additionally, in case you’re one thing of a winter sports activities lover, then make sure that to go to when the ski runs on Sandia Peak are open. Plus, they’ve a rental service so that you don’t must cart all of your ski gear to Albuquerque!
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4.) American Worldwide Rattlesnake Museum
Positioned in Albuquerque’s Previous City, the Rattlesnake Museum is an animal conservation museum devoted to educating the general public on, and elevating consciousness about, rattlesnakes within the US.
Not for everybody, this can be a extra quirky museum spot the place you may be taught extra about rattlesnakes and their habitats, the totally different species and the ecosystems they help.
Afterwards, make a journey over to The Candy Lady for his or her home made fudge that’s too scrumptious to overlook. With caramels, chocolate, liquorice, toffee and brittle, The Sweet Girl is an Albequeue gem!
5.) Albuquerque Museum
The most effective issues to do in Albuquerque, the Museum is a must-visit while exploring town. Housing hundreds of reveals, it focuses on the wealthy historical past of the American Southwest and the broader area round Albuquerque itself.
You would possibly even get to see a few of their exhibitions that includes artistic endeavors from the greats like; Frida Khalo and modernist artwork that’s so unbelievable to see.
Actually, you may simply spend a complete day right here so plan your timing properly. You gained’t need to rush a go to right here.
6.) Rio Grande Nature Centre
The Rio Grande Nature Middle is inside straightforward attain of downtown Albuquerque and completely straightforward to go to for a number of hours away from the streets.
As soon as right here, you’ll get to discover the park and be taught extra concerning the ecosystem and ecology of this actually particular place.
Now, though the park might sound fairly small (one thing like 40-acres), it’s bought a heap of trails that move by and are simply explored by foot or bike. As an illustration, the Paseo del Bosque Path is completely straightforward to leap on from the character centre that stretches for over fifteen miles.
Plus, it’s very easy to associate with a visit to the Petroglyph Nationwide Monument that’s only a stone’s throw away!
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in New Mexico
7.) Indian Pueblo Cultural Centre
Operated by New Mexico’s 19 Indian Pueblos, visiting the Indian Pueblo Cultural Centre is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Albuquerque.
Drop-in for the mural tour, find out about Pueblo Indian historical past in addition to New Mexico historical past, soak in Native American pottery and historical artwork, and watch conventional dance performances. It’s such a good way to be taught extra about Native American historical past and its significance.
Perched proper on the fringes of Previous City Albuquerque, it’s completely straightforward to go to.
8.) San Felipe de Neri Church
Presumably Alberquerue’s oldest (nonetheless standing) buildings, the San Felipe de Neri is a must-visit spot in case you’re within the centuries of historical past throughout the metropolis.
You see, the San Felipe de Neri was constructed again within the 1700s and was the primary Catholic Church erected within the metropolis.
To this present day, the church continues to be used to carry every day Mass, but in addition holds excursions to take a gander inside. It’s gorgeous to see and properly price exploring while within the Previous City.
9.) Taos Pueblo
Okay, so Taos Pueblo may not be inside Albuquerque however it’s properly price a day journey to this historic metropolis!
Nestled round 2.5-hours from downtown Albuquerque, Taos Pueblo is a delegated UNESCO World Heritage Website with over 1-millennia of historical past to see.
At this time, it’s a Native American neighborhood that’s nonetheless current and energetic in sustaining the historical past and tradition of Taos Pueblo and an amazing place to be taught extra concerning the huge and lengthy Native American historical past in New Mexico.
As soon as right here, you’ll want to wander across the metropolis, go to the impartial stalls and companies and be taught extra by way of the morning footraces. It’s unbelievable.
Afterwards, don’t neglect to take a gander to the San Francisco de Asis Church that’s stood for hundreds of years. It’s round a 15-minute drive from the Hlauuma and Hlaukwima Homes of Taos Pueblo and very easy to identify.
10.) Poco A Poco Plaza
Located proper within the coronary heart of Previous City Albuquerque, Poco A Poco Plaza is a superb little place for a gander while strolling the streets of the historic centre.
Right here, you’ll discover a mixture of galleries, cafes and little trinket spots which can be too good to overlook.
Plus, you may simply associate this up with a wider journey to the Pure Historical past Museum or the close by Explora Museum.
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14 Very Greatest Locations in New Mexico To Go to