Location: Albuquerque
Top Things to do in Albuquerque
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Top 10 Points of Interest & Landmarks in Albuquerque, New Mexico (NM)
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. 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.
2. Wright's Indian Art
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
Wright's Indian Art brings handmade, one-of-a-kind Native American art straight from the artists to the public. The gallery is known for carrying the best of the best in quality and the artists we work with include a mix of veteran award winners and up and coming younger artists. With over 25 different tribal affiliations and over 15 forms of art represented, you will find no shortage of amazing pieces that you can connect with. Wright's is also home to the "Hangin'with the Masters" artist showcase series. This is a monthly event featuring Native American artists and their beautiful work. The artists sell their own work direct to the public during the event, and most events include a live demo, an educational lecture, a question and answer session, or other interactions that allow the public to get to know the artists in an intimate setting. Refreshments are provided and all shows are free to attend. We are the oldest continuously operating business in Albuquerque, open since 1907.
Reviewed By SantaFeNana - Albuquerque, United States
Tucked in an unassuming strip away from the tourist center of Albuquerque, this gallery - the direct descendant of a trading post, that has been in the same family for generations - has some of the best Native American art outside of a museum. The owners and employees are all knowledgeable and helpful, and also are respectful of your budget. They seem to be as interested in educating the public and in supporting the artisans whose works they display, as they are in making a sale. After you have gawked at the over-rated and sometimes over-priced galleries in Santa Fe, it is refreshing to visit Wright's in Albuquerque to find exactly the right pot, weaving, painting, piece of jewelry. or unique item for you. Whether this is your first authentic Indian art, or an addition to a collection, don't buy until you have checked out Wright's. As a former resident of Santa Fe, I can vouch for this hidden gem.
3. Trinity Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 178 reviews
The exact spot where the first atomic bomb was detonated.
Reviewed By bmrdoc1600
This visit is history! Read about the Manhatten Project, J. Robert Oppenheimer, the story of Los Alamos and the end of WWII. Then visit the Trinity Site! Standing at the spot where history was made is overwhelming. What happened here in 1945 touches each one of us today in so many ways! Ground Zero and the MCDonald ranch house where the core of the bomb was assembled is an experience not to be forgotten. Only two days a year is the site open for visitors as it is on the White Sands Missile Range, an active government installation run by the Army. The Trinity Site is remote, the open house well organized, and an experience. Most important: you cannot get there too early!!! The lines to enter the WS Missile range are long if you wait until mid-morning - it is very well attended. First Saturday’s in April and October are the only times the public can enter the site. See the Trinity web site for details.
4. La Jornada
5. Gutierrez Hubbell House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
The Gutierrez-Hubbell House is a cultural and agricultural learning center developed to document, research and preserve history, maintain open spaces, protect wildlife and teach agricultural heritage.
Reviewed By DwayneG_11 - Saint Louis, United States
First, we've seen lots of castles and mansions...but this was very different because of the Southwest style: single story, spread out. And the story of the people and culture there evoked a European feudal manor. Our docent asked how long we could spend, and when we said "all day" he was delighted to give us lots of history of the home and those who lived there. Turned out the home was in his family generations ago. He shared about how the wealthy landowners and those who worked for them had a symbiotic relationship, and about marriages through the years impacted the family.. Great stories! And FREE (donations for foundation accepted)
6. Madonna of the Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By TimDore - Marana, United States
The monument in Albuquerque is one of 12 monuments placed by the Daughters of the American Revolution in 1928 and 1929, and intended to portray the determined spirit of pioneer women who, often singlehandedly, helped tame the American West. The sites were selected to follow the National Old Trails Road, also known as the Ocean-to-Ocean Highway. Large parts of the road later became Highway 40 and Route 66. All 12 states the Highway passed through are represented. This memorial is only a few minutes from the Bataan Memorial Park which is also worth seeing. Highly recommend!
7. Occidental Life Building
8. Albuquerque Murals
9. Spaceship House
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 77 reviews
Reviewed By 588rogerm - San Antonio, United States
Two houses next to each other that seem to be totally out of place. As noted this is a drive by thing and take a few photos.
