Things to do in Albuquerque, New Mexico

By Angel Butler, Outreach and Engagement Intern, NASBHC

Famous for its signature blue skies and Southwestern traditions, it’s no wonder people gravitate toward Albuquerque, New Mexico’s largest city. Albuquerque has the character of a metropolitan city with the friendliness of a small town.

• Public transportation in Albuquerque is a breeze. Visitors can use the D-RIDE, a bus whose route circulates between Downtown and Old Town Albuquerque for free. A must-see highlight of Old Town: The Man’s Hat Shop – with over 4,000 hats stacked ceiling high.
• If you’re in the mood for an excursion outside of Albuquerque, there is a shuttle and train to culturally-rich Santa Fe.
• New Mexico is known for its hot air balloon festivals, and you can venture up and away on a hot air balloon ride right from downtown Albuquerque. Balloons are launched daily and provide breathtaking sights of the city and New Mexico landscape. Feeling really adventurous? Follow up your balloon ride by exploring New Mexico through a Jeep tour.
• There’s no better way to start the morning than with a fresh cup of coffee, and we suggest trying the local coffee chain Satellite Coffee – rated “Best of the City” by Albuquerque Magazine. The International Rattlesnake Museum is not far, check out the largest collection of live rattlesnakes in the world!
• If history and art are more your thing, take a trolley to the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, then head over to Old Town to check out the work of more than 200 artists at the New Mexico Arts and Crafts Fair.
• Once you’ve worked up an appetite, get a taste of traditional Southwestern cuisine at the famous El Pinto Mexican Restaurant. Or grab a sandwich at the award winning Relish sandwich shop. Relax after lunch in the Rio Grande Botanic Gardens while listening to the Summer Concert series.
• For dinner you can reserve a table at the highly acclaimed St. Claire Winery and Bistro, or for a more laid-back experience, try a local favorite: The Green Chili Cheese Burger from the local chain Blake’s Lotta Burger.
• Finally, you can’t leave Albuquerque without having a hearty Southwestern breakfast. Range Café’s breakfast menu is sure to knock your socks off!