Albuquerque or as the people call it, “The Duke City,” is a perfect mix of old and new. Imagine old adobe buildings right next to modern cafes, imagine mountain views next to super busy roads and the smell of roasted green chillies everywhere you go. The city is located right at the heart of New Mexico and it has the kind of things to offer that a first-time visitor won’t even expect. It’s Southwestern history to its unforgettable food scene and its world-famous hot air balloons, everything gives you a once in a life time kind of experience. If you’re planning a trip and want one more reason to go and book the bus, then this Albuquerque travel guide will give you more than enough reasons to go exploring Albuquerque.
Let’s Go Exploring Albuquerque
A Walk Through Albuquerque’s Historic Side
To start the journey exploring Albuquerque Old Town might be the best thing. The old town gives you a good idea of what you are in for here. It was founded back in the year 1706 but the town still has not lost its original charm. You will find Adobe-style buildings and hidden courtyards. The streets here are especially narrow and the local shops give the whole place a warm vibe. Many local artists come here to sell their handcrafted jewellery and pottery. The experience here feels timeless and special. You can easily walk through the old town listening to live Mexican music and eating tortillas.
What You Must Explore Nearby
- You can go to the San Felipe de Neri Church and see its beautiful architecture which is also holds a lot of history.
- You should also visit local art galleries and go souvenir shopping.
- There are some small museums showcasing New Mexican culture
- There are also some traditional Southwestern cafes around the plaza
Albuquerque’s Foods You Should Check Out
Food here is what I would call special. And to be fair that is one of the many reasons why people fall in love with this city. The food here is a well-balanced mixture of American, Mexican and Spanish cuisine. People here take green chillies very seriously. You can find them in anything and everything. And I mean it quite literally, you can find them in burritos, burgers, enchiladas and even breakfast dishes. Even though the flavours here are quite very bold but despite that the food feels comforting in a certain way.
Some Must-Try Foods In Albuquerque
- Green chile cheeseburgers
- Breakfast burritos
- Red and green chile enchiladas
- Sopapillas with honey
- Carne adovada
These are some of the best food items you can have in Albuquerque. If you want to experience the traditional Mexican food and Mexican street food then trying them on the old town streets is the best option. You can also go to Nob Hill to experience trendy cafes. Know more about this well-reputed neighbourhood on the Visit Albuquerque page.
The Magic of Albuquerque’s Hot Air Balloons
If you would ask “what Albuquerque is most famous for?” Then the answer will always be Hot air balloons. The city hosts a grand festival called the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta every single year. It is easily one of the largest balloon festivals in the whole world. Seeing hundreds of hot air balloons go up early in the morning is such a kind of experience that photos alone will never be able to explain fully. This experience stays in your memories for quite a long time. The early morning lights with the sound of the fire burner and the big colourful balloons going up together make such a blissful memory that it sticks around for a long time. Even if it’s not the festival time, Hot air balloon rides stay popular all the time.
Balloon Experiences Worth Trying
- Take a sunrise hot air balloon ride
- Go to the Balloon Fiesta photography spots and click
- Attend the evening balloon glow events
- You can also get a scenic aerial view of the desert landscape from up above
Ride the Sandia Peak Tramway
If you want some of the best views in Albuquerque then you should head to Sandia Peak Tramway. The Tarmway takes visitors up to the Mountains and also gives them a beautiful view all the way up. The best time to go for this activity would be around sunset. Because the setting sun and the changing sky colours make the whole view even more beautiful. While going to the mountain top, the temperature also drops significantly which gives a very different and refreshing effect. Especially because you were exploring the warm city all day.
What Visitors Love To Do Here
- All the visitors love the panoramic city and mountain views
- Sunset photography is a must
- Visitors also like to hike the trails near the summit
- Scenic dining experiences nearby
Explore Albuquerque’s Art and Culture
The people of Albuquerque have a love of creativity and culture and that reflects upon their art. The art that you can find in murals, galleries, marketplaces and cultural centres all throughout the city. The art here speaks the tone of Albuquerque’s local history and identity, it is not something made just to attract tourists. If you visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Centre here then you will see and get to understand the native Amarican culture and the traditions of New Mexico. You should visit these places if you have an interest in art and want to learn about their culture.
Best Places in Albuquerque For The Arts
- You should visit local art galleries in Old Town
- Go and see the street murals around downtown Albuquerque
- You can also visit the cultural museums and heritage centres
Best Time to Visit Albuquerque
Fall Season
This is easily the most popular season because of the Balloon Fiesta and cooler weather.
Spring Season
Blooming desert landscapes and mild temperatures make the spring season a great time for sightseeing.
Summer Season
Days can get hot but evenings stay pleasant, especially near the mountains.
Final Thoughts
Albuquerque is quite a unique place. A great mixture of old and new. Everything here is memorable and stays with you for quite a long time. There are a lot of fun things to do in Albuquerque like Drifting on a hot air balloon for the very first time is a once in a life time kind of experience. There are many different places worth visiting in Albuquerque. If you have not already made up your mind about visiting them all then let’s make it easier for you. If you are thinking about visiting Albuquerque with a group then BUSXOXO’s New Mexico charter bus services could be your best choice. It provides comfortable and affordable buses that can take you to your detention while you focus on the views.