Things to Do in Albuquerque

1. Albuquerque Museum of Art and History

Founded in 1967, the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History is world-renowned for being one of the leading institutions of art, history, and culture in the Southwest. The museum celebrates the diverse local culture, rich heritage, history and art through a variety of alluring and informative local, regional, national and international exhibitions.

The Museum also features live performances in its state-of-the-art amphitheater, educational workshops for visitors of all ages, as well as docent-guided tours through the Museum, its beautiful sculpture garden and the historic Old Town. The Albuquerque Museum of Art and History is one of the top Albuquerque points of interest. Don’t miss a visit to the exquisite Casa San Ysidro: The Gutiérrez-Minge House, which is also part of the museum, and a pristine example of Greek Revival architecture.

Address: Albuquerque Museum of Art and History, 2000 Mountain Road NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104, Phone: 505-243-7255

2. Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum

The Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum is a one-of-a-kind museum where high-flying adventures await as you journey through the history of “lighter-than-air flight.” Named after two Albuquerque natives, Ben Abruzzo and Maxie Anderson, famed for various ocean and continent crossings in balloons, the museum is dedicated to educating visitors about the history of balloon flight. The exhibits at the museum offer invaluable insights into the story of balloon flight, since the first flight in 1783.

You will learn about how balloon have been used for a variety of exploratory missions, experiments, sporting feats, and adventures. Displays combine historic artifacts with modern multi-media technology to create an exciting and educational environment in which to discover and learn, such as ‘How and Why Balloons Fly’, ‘Balloon Science’, ‘Recreational Ballooning’, and ‘Balloons in War’.

Address: Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum, 9201 Balloon Museum Dr. NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87113, Phone: 505-768-6020

3. Albuquerque Old Town

Located between Mountain Road and the Old Route 66 (now Central Avenue), Albuquerque Old Town is a historic district in Albuquerque that is home to a variety of beautiful old architecture, shops, cafés, restaurants, hotels, and churches. Spanning ten blocks, which are grouped around a central Plaza, Old Town is home to some beautiful examples of adobe architecture. Many of these buildings have been converted into small galleries, shops, and restaurants, offering public services while retaining the cultural identity of the area. If you are wondering what to do in Albuquerque NM today, this is a great area to explore.

The exquisite old San Felipe de Neri church, built in 1793, lies on the north side of the Plaza, while the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, the Albuquerque Museum, and the iExplora! Science Center and Children’s Museum are located to the east of the Old Town. Guided walking tours of Old Town are available on request. A wonderful time to visit the area is around Christmas when thousands of ‘luminarias’ light the sidewalks and streets. If you are looking for romantic things to do in Albuquerque today, the Old Town offers plenty to see and do.

4. New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science

The New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science documents the natural history of the earth from the birth of the Universe to New Mexico’s Ice Age through eight interactive display halls. Travel through the ages as you explore the galleries, beginning with ‘Origins’ and the ‘Dawn of the Dinosaurs’, followed by ‘Jurassic’s Super Giants’, ‘New Mexico’s Seacoast’, and the ‘Age of Volcanoes’, to ‘Evolving Grasslands’, ‘Cave Experience’, and finally, ‘New Mexico’s Ice Age’.

The museum is also home to a planetarium dedicated to astronomy and the study of space, and interesting exhibits such as ‘The History of the Personal Computer’, and ‘Rise of the Machines’, as well as the IMAX-sized Lockheed Martin DynaTheater.

Address: New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, 1801 Mountain Road NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87104, Phone: 505-841-2800

5. Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center displays and celebrates the culture and achievements of the Native American Pueblo people of New Mexico. The center features informative historical artifacts, objects, sculptures and artworks. The center also features an evolving exhibit that displays the work of living traditional and contemporary artists, as well as a mini-theater for educational presentations and workshops like the Pueblo Artist Workshop Series.

Summer sees the popular Pueblo House Summer Camp, which is an immersion-based experience featuring world-renowned Pueblo artists, chefs and storytellers. Artist demonstrations and traditional Indian dances are open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays.

Address: Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, 2401 12th ST NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87104, Phone: 505-843-7270

6. Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway

Located in the Sandia Foothills on the eastern edge of Albuquerque, the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway is North America's longest aerial tram, riding high above breathtaking terrain and offering spectacular views. Stretching from the northeast edge of the city to the crest of the magnificent Sandia Mountains, the tramway is a popular tourist attraction throughout the year.

The tram ride takes about 15 minutes to ascend the steep western side of the Sandia Mountains, with around four trips leaving every hour from the base and top departure stations. Once at the top, some recreational activities can be enjoyed, from hiking and backpacking, bird and wildlife watching in the summer and skiing in the winter.

Address: Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway, 30 Tramway Road NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87122, Phone: 505-856-7325

7. Explora

Explora is a family friendly science center near Old Town that offers an interactive way of learning math, science, and art through 250 fantastic hands-on exhibits and displays. Boasting over 250 displays, presentations and exhibits covering science, technology and art that require a ‘touch and feel’ approach, visitors are encouraged to explore, discover and learn through the art of touch.

Renowned exhibits include a high-wire bike, and an experiment bar – complete with white lab coats, a laminar fountain, and a fun arts and crafts area. The museum also features a modern performance theater, which hosts educational programs and presentations, an in-house exhibit workshop, and a gift store.

Address: Explora, 1701 Mountain Rd NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico, Phone: 505-224-8300

8. ABQ Trolley Co

Operated by Jesse Herron and Mike Silva, ABQ Trolley Co is a unique tour service that offers sightseeing trips around Albuquerque on a beautiful custom-made, open air trolley. Tours are led by Jesse and Mike who share their passion for Albuquerque’s history and heritage, as well as a wealth of interesting facts.

If you are wondering what to see in Albuquerque, ABQ Trolley Co. will let you visit some of the the best places in town. The 18-mile ‘Best of ABQ City Tour’ lasts around 85 minutes and visits Nob Hill, Old Town, Museum Row and the historic Route 66, as well as the Barelas Neighborhood and the National Hispanic Cultural Center, the Rio Grande Zoo and Botanic Gardens, Tingley Beach and more.

9. Albuquerque Biological Park

The Albuquerque Biological Park is a large environmental museum that is made up of four different facilities, namely the Albuquerque Aquarium, the Rio Grande Botanic Garden, the Rio Grande Zoo, and Tingley Beach. The Albuquerque Aquarium is a vast salt-water ocean tank, boasting diverse species of fish, sea mammals, and other creatures from a variety of habitats, including coral reefs, surf zones, shallow waters, and estuaries.

Covering 36 acres, the Rio Grande Botanic Garden features a magnificent glass conservatory, which houses plants from the Mediterranean and desert climate zones. Home to over 250 species of animals, ranging from elephants, tigers and giraffes, to polar bears, gorillas and snow leopards, the Rio Grande Zoo is spread over 64 miles of landscape, and offers a variety of habitats for the animals and birds to reside in. Tingley Beach is one of Albuquerque’s most popular recreational spots, with pristine picnic areas, a fishing & model boating lake, and a network of paths for walking, hiking, running and cycling. The Albuquerque Biological Park is one of the top family attractions in Albuquerque NM.

Address: Albuquerque Biological Park, 903 10th St SW, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102, Phone: 505-768-2000

10. History & Ghost Tours of Old Town

Get to know Albuquerque with an interesting and fun-filled Tours of Old Town adventure. The company specializes in engaging, entertaining, and informative outdoor walking tours, led by professional guides that share a wealth of interesting facts and historical trivia. Take a step back in time with the fascinating ‘History, Legends & Lore’ tour, brave dark alleys and mysterious avenues with the terrifying ‘Ghost Tours’ or venture across the Plaza by night with the ‘Moonlight Ghost Tour’.

These walking tours give you the chance to explore well-hidden architectural gems and often-missed sights, as well as the excellent museums and galleries scattered about the city. Several tours are offered daily, as well as special pre-arranged group tours.