8 Best Things to do in Albuquerque, New Mexico

Planning a trip to Albuquerque and wondering what to do? We’ve got you covered!

Albuquerque is known for its hot-air balloon festival, delicious green and red chile, big desert landscapes, and the Rio Grande running right through the city. You can hike, cycle, take a ghost tour, see petroglyphs, eat your way through Old Town, and more! There’s a lot going on!

With so many options, it can be hard to know what’s actually worth your time. So, we’ve narrowed it down to eight of the best things to do in Albuquerque for your first visit. Let’s get right into it!

Albuquerque at a Glance 

Albuquerque is a large city and pretty spread out. Getting around some areas is pretty easy, but there are a few things we wished we knew before we visited.

Important tip: Don’t underestimate the altitude! Albuquerque sits more than 5,000 feet (around 1,520 meters) above sea level, and you may notice the difference even if you’re normally pretty active.

Beat the midday heat: Albuquerque has hot summers, and there’s not much shade on the trails. My suggestion is to save your hikes and bike rides for the morning or later in the afternoon when it’s a little cooler.

Albuquerque is more spread out than it looks: You can walk around Old Town, but you’ll need a car or rideshare to get to places like the Sandia Foothills and Petroglyph National Monument.

Use the free buses: ABQ RIDE buses are completely free, so you can save a few bucks while getting around Albuquerque. They won’t get you everywhere, but they’ll help you get to places along Central Avenue, including Old Town and Nob Hill.

How We Would Spend 3 Days in Albuquerque 

🎈 Day 1: Hot-Air Balloon Ride & Old Town
Start bright and early with an unforgettable sunrise hot-air balloon ride over the Rio Grande Valley, then spend the afternoon exploring Old Town and hearing Albuquerque’s legends and Old West stories on a guided walking tour.

🌵 Day 2: Petroglyphs, Biking & Route 66
Check out the ancient carvings at Petroglyph National Monument, then see a greener side of Albuquerque on a guided bike tour along the Rio Grande and through the Bosque. Finish the day wandering Central Avenue and checking out the neon signs and retro Route 66 vibes in Nob Hill.

🥾 Day 3: Sandia Foothills, Food & Ghosts
Spend the morning hiking through the beautiful Sandia Foothills, then come hungry for an Old Town food tour packed with New Mexican flavors. Stick around after dark to hear Albuquerque’s spookiest legends on an evening ghost tour!

Things to do in Albuquerque 

1. Discover the legends and stories that shaped Albuquerque 

Old Town is one of those places where you could easily wander around by yourself, but you’ll get SO much more out of it with a guide! This walking tour takes you beyond the colorful patios and historic buildings and digs into the stories, legends, and characters that shaped Albuquerque.

This one is just over an hour long, and it checks off the main sights of Old Town, including San Felipe de Neri Church, the little streets and hidden patios, plus some places we probably would have walked straight past on our own.

The guides really know their stuff and share fascinating stories and local legends along the way. They even bring along old photos and hold them up in the exact spots where they were taken, which is such a cool way to picture what Albuquerque looked like years ago.

The tour covers about a mile in total, but it’s not constant walking, so don’t worry. You’ll make short stops to sit and listen, and there are no hills or stairs either, so it works for wheelchairs, strollers, canes, scooters, and other mobility devices. Just wear comfortable shoes, bring water and sunscreen, and check the weather before you head out. You might need a poncho or umbrella because this tour runs rain or shine!

Overall, if you like history, especially stories about the Old West, this one is worth adding to your first day. It’s a great way to get to know Old Town before you head off to explore on your own. 

2. Take in Albuquerque from a hot air balloon at sunrise 

If you ask us to pick just one adrenaline-filled experience in Albuquerque, this hot-air balloon ride would be it. We’d do it again in a heartbeat! It does mean getting up VERY early, but once you see the Rio Grande Valley and the Sandia Mountains around you lighting up with the first rays of sun, you know it was all worth it. 

Depending on the wind, your pilot might take you over Albuquerque or even dip low enough to skim the Rio Grande. Now that’s fun! Our flight lasted around an hour, although the entire tour takes about three hours, including the ride to the launch site.

Watching the crew inflate the balloon before we took off was fascinating, and you can even lend a hand if you want to get involved. Please do—you’ll never forget it!

Once we were up in the air, our pilot, Kris, shared stories about ballooning and the landscape below, so it was nice to learn something new too. After a safe landing, we celebrated with mimosas and a light breakfast before heading back to the starting point. This is also a good time to take some amazing photos with the balloon in the background.

Of course, the route depends on the wind, so you never quite know where you’ll end up, but the scenery is beautiful no matter what. We absolutely loved it, and we’re clearly not alone—just read the hundreds of five-star reviews here!

3. Hear Albuquerque’s spookiest stories after dark 

If you’re into spooky stories, this ghost walking tour of Albuquerque Old Town is definitely worth keeping on your radar! And if you’ve already done the daytime tour, don’t worry about repeating it, as you’ll hear a completely different side of Old Town. It’s totally different after dark!

The guides share stories about the buildings and places you pass, but this time, the focus is on Old Town’s darker history, eerie legends, and the ghosts supposedly still hanging around. There are definitely some creepy tales!

The tour winds through Old Town after dark, passing places like the Covered Wagon, American International Rattlesnake Museum, Poco a Poco Plaza, and San Felipe de Neri Church. The church looks especially beautiful lit up at night! You’ll also wander down tucked-away alleys and past historic buildings that are easy to overlook during the day, which makes it feel like you’re discovering a whole new side of Old Town.

Groups are capped at 25 people, and don’t be surprised if you spot some serious ghost hunters! Locals sometimes bring their own paranormal investigation gear, but you don’t need to bring any equipment. The guide will show you how to look for signs of paranormal activity and provide ghost-hunting tools for you to try along the way.

Some guests have even captured strange-looking images on their cameras. Coincidence? Maybe. But you can read the five-star reviews here and decide for yourself!

4. See ancient carvings at the Petroglyph National Monument 

There’s SO much history around Albuquerque, but if you want to see something a little different that combines Indigenous history, archaeology, volcanic geology, and desert scenery, check out Petroglyph National Monument. You can see over 20,000 petroglyphs carved into the dark volcanic rocks, many of them by the ancestors of today’s Pueblo people. There are several trail areas, so you can pick one based on how much time and walking you want.

Boca Negra Canyon is a great option if you’re short on time or traveling with kids, as you can see a lot of petroglyphs without wandering for hours. Piedras Marcadas Canyon is around 1.5 miles (around 2.4 km) round trip and gives you a chance to see hundreds of petroglyphs. If you’re up for a longer and more rugged hike, try Rinconada Canyon. 

Just remember that there aren’t any petroglyph trails at the visitor center itself. You’ll need to drive to a separate trailhead. That said, entry is free, although some parking areas charge a small fee. 

Keep in mind that the trails are very exposed, so bring water, sunscreen, a hat, and sturdy shoes. And keep your eyes on the rocks—it’s easy to walk right past some of the carvings!

5. Ride the Bosque trails and see a greener side of the city 

If sitting on a sightseeing bus isn’t your thing, this guided bicycle nature tour is a fun alternative. You’ll cover over 20 stops, from Historic Old Town all the way out to the Rio Grande, and see a greener side of the city.

The route includes Old Town, Tingley Beach, the Rio Grande Nature Center, and the Rio Grande River Trail. But I liked that the ride wasn’t just about ticking off sights. We made little stops and detours, spotted wildlife, and even stopped at a restaurant that grows its own vegetables!

Our guide, Heidi, was absolutely outstanding! She knew a TON about Albuquerque’s history and nature and told us some pretty interesting stories that made the ride even better. The biking itself was also very easy and mostly flat, so we could really take our time.

One of my favorite moments was standing right in the middle of the dried-out Rio Grande with the Albuquerque volcanic field in the background. Definitely not something you get to do every day!

Bikes and trailers are available for kids, so it’s a fun activity for the entire family. Tandem bikes can also be arranged for travelers with disabilities.

I think this is a great way to spend a few hours outside and see the greener side of Albuquerque. Just be sure to bring water and sunscreen, although our guide had both with her too.

6. Hike the Sandia Foothills 

When you feel like you’ve seen enough of Albuquerque, the Sandia Foothills are a good place to get out of the city for a bit and enjoy the desert landscape without paying for the tram. The trails start right at the base of the mountains, and you’ll get huge views across the city as you climb.

Several trailheads are available, including Copper, Embudo Canyon, and Four Hills, so you can choose based on where you’re staying and how much you’re prepared to walk. You’ll be walking past cactus, juniper, arroyos, and rocky slopes. You might even spot mule deer, rabbits, coyotes, and birds too. Wildflowers can also pop up after wetter periods. 

The scenery feels very different from the Rio Grande and Bosque areas, which helps avoid overlap with the guided bicycle nature experience.

I recommend going early in the morning or later in the afternoon when it’s cooler, and the light across the mountains is softer. Just remember that Albuquerque is already at a high elevation, and if you’re coming from sea level, take it easy at first. The altitude change might hit you harder than you expect (speaking from experience). 

There isn’t much shade, so bring water, sunscreen, a hat, and sturdy shoes. Most importantly, pace yourself and enjoy the lovely scenery. 

7. Taste your way through Old Town Albuquerque 

We’re foodies and love history, so this food tour felt made for us! We already knew a bit about New Mexico’s food and the history behind it, but having a local guide take us around some of the best spots in Old Town was something else.

We visited during green chile season, so we tried lots of chile (not complaining). You’ll get to sample everything from spicy green chile to cucumber margaritas and even a local pudding for dessert. Definitely try the beef tips in red chile sauce. They were SO good!

I also liked that every restaurant had a different feel, so it didn’t get boring. Oh, and come hungry—the portions are generous!

You’ll also spend some time around Old Town Plaza learning about the city’s beginnings and checking out the architecture and those two historic howitzers sitting on the plaza. We passed San Felipe de Neri Church, built by Spanish settlers in 1706, and stopped at the Chapel of Our Lady of Guadalupe, just a few blocks from the plaza.

The tour took about three hours, and we walked just under a mile, so it fit easily into our day. We never felt rushed, which meant we could actually sit down and enjoy the food.

Overall, if you want to eat your way through Old Town and learn a bit more about Albuquerque at the same time, try this one.

8. Step into Albuquerque’s retro side along Central Avenue  

Route 66 runs right through Albuquerque, and it’s actually the longest continuous urban stretch in the country. That’s a big reason Nob Hill became the neighborhood it is today! Before the highway came through, Nob Hill was already growing, but things really picked up once Route 66 was moved onto Central Avenue in the late 1930s. Travelers started passing through, and motels, restaurants, gas stations, and shops popped up everywhere.

You can still see that history around Nob Hill today. Central Avenue is lined with old motels, vintage neon, murals, and mid-century storefronts, and the historic Nob Hill Shopping Center is one of the best examples. It opened in 1946 as New Mexico’s first drive-in shopping center, built with cars in mind but still designed so people could walk between the shops.

We recommend coming in the late afternoon and sticking around into the evening. Once the neon signs start lighting up, the area gets livelier, and that is when we like it most. You can walk around without spending anything, or stop for coffee, dinner, dessert, or some shopping.

Don’t miss this fun little stop! This is an easy and free activity to fit in, even after a busy day of sightseeing. 

Where to Stay in Albuquerque

Albuquerque is pretty spread out, so where you stay can make a huge difference to your trip. If it’s your first time here, I recommend Old Town, especially if you want to be close to the main sights. Plus, you’re surrounded by history! To help you decide, here are some of our favorite hotels for every budget. If you’re visiting during peak season, I’d book your spot early, as these tours can fill up quickly!

Hotel Chaco – $$$

Hotel Chaco is our top luxury choice here and definitely one of the more unusual places to stay in Albuquerque. Inspired by Chaco Canyon, it features amazing Native American artwork, wood, stone, and other unique details. The lobby is especially cool, with a big opening in the ceiling and fire-and-water features. 

Best of all, you’re close to Old Town and right across from Sawmill Market, so if you need a change from the hotel buffet, finding somewhere to eat is pretty easy. Although I wouldn’t trade the rooftop restaurant, you can eat outside and enjoy huge views of the Sandia Mountains. 

There’s also a pool and spa if you want some downtime between sightseeing. Prices typically start at around $270 USD per night. See current rates and book your Old Town luxury stay here! 

Casas de Suenos Old Town – $$

If you’re looking to cut costs but aren’t ready to trade location and comfort for price, Casas de Suenos Old Town is a fantastic choice. It’s also not your typical hotel. It’s actually made up of little casitas spread around its gardens and courtyards, and some come with fireplaces, kitchens, antique furnishings, or private patios. They are ideal if you prefer a little more privacy and space than a hotel room.

Location-wise, you’re only about three blocks from Old Town Plaza and a 10-minute walk from the Botanic Gardens & Zoo. The gourmet breakfast is not to be missed! It’s cooked to order and served in a former artist studio with a fireplace. Not bad, right? Artwork is everywhere, including murals and sculptures, so you’ll keep noticing little things as you walk around.

Prices typically range from $180 USD to $220+ USD per night, depending on the room and your travel dates. Check availability and book Casas de Suenos Old Town here!

Best Western Plus – $

Best Western Plus is a good pick if you want to stay close to Old Town without paying a fortune. You’re just a 10-minute walk from the shopping and dining, and when you’re done, you can come back and chill in the heated outdoor pool or relax in the hot tub.

There’s also a restaurant and bar if you don’t feel like heading back out after a long day. And if you’re driving, the free parking is a BIG bonus. The rooms aren’t fancy, but they’re comfortable and spacious enough. You’ll also find a fitness center if you want to work out, plus EV charging stations. So you get a lot without blowing your entire travel budget!

Prices start at around $120 USD per night, and breakfast is only $15 USD-a pretty good deal if you ask me! Check your dates and book your budget stay at Best Western Plus here!

Want more options? Check out a few more top-rated Albuquerque hotels here!

Thanks for Reading!

Albuquerque really surprised us! One minute you’re floating above the Rio Grande in a hot-air balloon, the next you’re hunting for petroglyphs, eating way too much green chile, or wandering past glowing neon signs along Route 66. Add in the Sandia Mountains and all of Old Town’s stories, and there’s never a dull moment! We hope this guide helps you plan an amazing trip and squeeze in a few of our favorite Albuquerque experiences while you’re there.

If you’re exploring more of the Southwest, don’t stop here! Check out our other USA travel guides for more of our favorite places, tours, and travel tips, or have a look at a few of the related blogs below. Happy travels!

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