Location: Albuquerque
Top Things to do in Albuquerque
10 Museums in Albuquerque That You Shouldn't Miss
Whether you're into history, culture, outdoor adventures or just in need of some new and unique scenery, Albuquerque offers exciting attractions for all ages and interests, anytime of the year. In the historic section of Old Town, ancient Indian and Spanish cultures come to life through old churches, quaint shops and piazzas, winding brick paths and adobe benches. Browsers can spend a whole day making their way through the more than 100 stores, boutiques and galleries that sell Southwestern goods as well as unique products from around the world. During the winter holiday season, Old Town is adorned with small lit candles and thousands come to stroll through the streets, listen to live music and celebrate. It is truly a sight to see. But the history doesn't stop there. The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and the Petroglyph National Monument offer a glimpse of old Indian customs and art. Families will find plenty to do at the Albuquerque Biological Park, which features a zoo, aquarium and botanic garden. Outdoor types will find ample opportunities for hiking, biking and golf. After working up an appetite, head to any number of fine restaurants that serve up a choice of hot or even hotter New Mexican cuisine. To top it all off, take a ride on the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway for spectacular views of all this vibrant city has to offer.
Restaurants in Albuquerque
1. Amapola Gallery
2. Onyx Expressions
3. Explora Science Center and Children's Museum of Albuquerque
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 810 reviews
(Holiday hours are at end of description). Explora is an innovative learning place, part science center, part children's museum, providing fun, truly hands-on activities in science, technology, engineering, art, and math for all ages, from toddlers to teens to adults. We have an early childhood learning area, including a special area for toddlers to explore. Children and adults enjoy not only our two main floors of exhibit activities, but outdoor decks with views, giant building blocks, playground patio, and gift shop filled with entertaining and educational items great for at-home or travel fun. We offer preschool, after-school, home school, and early childhood classes; winter, spring, and summer camps; teen & adult events. Near historic Old Town Albuquerque, Explora has free parking and is perfectly situated to walk to nearby park, shops, restaurants. We close Jan. 1, July 4, the week after labor day, Thanksgiving, & Dec. 25. We close at 2pm Dec. 24 & 31. Admission range $6-$10.
Reviewed By Allansha - New York City, United States
This is perhaps the best children’s museum I have ever seen. With special classes, activities to enthrall children and adults it is just a blessing for those who come. Parties and special events are held here and it has been expanded many times. Come and bring your children , grandchildren and yourself to appreciate ie
4. New Mexico Steam Locomotive and Railroad Historical Society
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 196 reviews
The volunteers of the New Mexico Steam Locomotive & Railroad Historical Society are completely restoring the 1944, 4-8-4 Santa Fe (AT&SF) Steam Locomotive No. 2926 to full running order. Seventeen + years in the restoration process and now under steam as of August 20, 2018 - this is not a museum. This is a working restoration operation staffed with skilled volunteer welders, pipe-fitters, mechanics and many other trades. Free tours are available to visitors on Wednesdays and Saturdays. You'll be issued a hard hat and a personal guide who will present a hands-on introduction to this very large locomotive, cab, and its tender! You may call ahead to see if the operation is closed due to adverse weather. Parking is free and donations are important to keep the restoration moving forward. Adults, children and groups are welcome for tours, 9AM - 2PM. Merchandise is available for purchase from the gift shop. Bring your camera. Visit our website to learn more! NMSL&RHS is a non-profit 501(c)3.
Reviewed By Specialstay
The 2926 is a steam engine and tender rebuilt with a great team of dedicated old rail enthusiasts. Their love of this old train and the thousands of people who come to watch the progress of reconstruction is evident to everyone who visits their site on Saturdays while they are open. History is alive on the rails of the 2926! Come see it for yourself and bring your children to experience hospitality while the volunteers rebuild a piece of equipment which helped build this country.
5. New Mexico Veterans' Memorial, Albuquerque
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 51 reviews
Reviewed By ChrisPE2014 - Teddington, United Kingdom
This is a hidden gem with a wonderful backdrop of the mountains. Beautifully laid out with some fine, thoughtful memorials including a wonderful work by artist Steve Borbas ('Holes in our Hearts', a memorial to New Mexicans lost in the Vietnam war). Talking to the veteran volunteers in the visitor centre was a real treat.
6. Santisima
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By regalosdelsol - Las Cruces, United States
My review comes from a different POV. I'm an artist and I work with Santisima. Exclusively and by choice. This is a gallery that not only has an amazing collection of original artwork in a variety of prices, but this gallery also treats their artists with respect and kindness. The owner is Johnny Salas and if he happens to be in the gallery when you're there, introduce yourselves and enjoy his vibrant and colorful personality. Johnny is a natural storyteller and will be happy to talk to you about his artists and their work. Then take the time to walk around the gallery. And walk around it again. And again. You will find artwork that cannot be found anywhere else. Santisima focuses on art that is expressive of our New Mexican heritage, including a sprinkling of Spanish inspired religious works and of course, Mexican inspired Dia de Los Muertos original works. If you are in Albuquerque, take the time to find this gallery and enjoy the burst of color and life that encompasses the cultures of Mexico and New Mexico. We are a multi-cultural state and Santisima is a wonderful reflection of all things New Mexico. Felicidades!
7. Chimney Butte Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By Airforcebrt - Belleville, United States
I love love love this shop! Prices are great,jewelry is spectacular! The best part is conversation with Eric the owner!
8. Aurora Borealis Glassworks
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By rikrax - Overland Park, United States
We spent an afternoon making a several glass paperweights at the studio on a Saturday. It was a lot of fun - I really like interactive activities like this, where you get to do something! The owner, Jeff Schmidt, was a good teacher and he makes sure you don't totally mess up your work. You have to try hard to let something go horribly wrong - or not pay attention at all. The studio is in his back yard, in a residential neighborhood. We were surprised about that. It's set up something like a garage so the large door opens to allow fresh air to circulate. Cooling down your glass pieces takes over night in a process called "annealing." Be prepared to come back the next day to pick up your piece and grind a flat spot on the bottom. Grinding our 5 pieces took about an hour.
9. Rattlesnake Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By TeamWard - Nottingham, United Kingdom
The Rattlesnake museum is a real treat easily located in Old Town with lots of Rattlesnakes in tanks plus a few other creatures some very interesting exhibits and well worth discovering.
10. American International Rattlesnake Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 426 reviews
This museum houses the world's largest collection of different species of live rattlesnakes and aims to correct common reptilian misconceptions.
Reviewed By maman823 - Albuquerque, United States
Quite a terrific immersion into the world of these amazing reptiles along with other exhibits of world known naturalists. Loved it. Certainly worth the admission
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