Albuquerque Travel Guide

Albuquerque is the largest city in New Mexico and is known for its unique blend of Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo cultures, as well as its beautiful scenery and rich history. Whether you're interested in history, culture, nature, or just having fun, there is plenty to add to your Albuquerque travel guide.

Keep reading for my top 3 must-dos when visiting Albuquerque. And if you're planning a trip to Albuquerque, check out my Albuquerque travel guide.

Top 3 Things To Do When Visiting Albuquerque

Old Town

This historic district is home to many of Albuquerque's oldest buildings, including the San Felipe de Neri Church, which dates back to 1706. You'll also find plenty of shops, galleries, and restaurants to explore. Grab lunch at one of the nearby restaurants and be sure to add "Christmas" chile to your meal!

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

One of the top things Albuquerque is known for (and something that should be on everyone's USA travel bucket list) is its annual International Balloon Fiesta. Held in October, it is the largest hot-air balloon festival in the world. Visitors can watch hundreds of balloons take to the skies, as well as enjoy food, music, and other entertainment.

Sandia Peak Tramway

This aerial tramway takes you on a 15-minute ride up to the top of Sandia Peak, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains. There are also hikes up the mountain you can do if you are feeling adventurous. If you're feeling like a meal with a view, make a reservation at Ten 3 - named for the peak's elevation of 10,300 above sea level. There is also a separate bar/lounge area for quick bites, but there is typically a longer wait as they do not take reservations. Tram cars run every 15-30 minutes, and you can buy tickets ahead of time or at the ticket booth. If you plan to buy tickets at the ticket booth, be sure to check the website and make sure the tram is running that day, as sometimes the weather prevents the tram from running.

*Bonus: If you're a Breaking Bad fan, you can also take a guided tour of the filming locations. Or you can do what we did and go on your own self-guided tour!

Looking for more to add to your Albuquerque travel guide?

If you're traveling to Albuquerque, check out the ultimate Albuquerque travel guide. It includes recommendations for:

»Where to stay
»How to get around
»Top things to do
»Top places to eat & drink

*This post is not affiliated with any of the places mentioned.