Things to do in Albuquerque
At the heart of New Mexico
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.
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Old Town Albuquerque
Turquoise Museum
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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.