Location: Albuquerque
Top Things to do in Albuquerque
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The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do 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. 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
2. 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.
3. Petroglyph National Monument
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,874 reviews
Up to 15,000 petroglyphs or prehistoric rock art images have been found on the West Mesa volcanic escarpment, located along a 17-mile canyon outside of Albuquerque.
Reviewed By jbushman2017 - Fresno, United States
Perfect for Covid times. This site is an archaeologists dream as there are few places where you can see so many petroglyph's in such a place as you will see here. Visitors drive to the visitor center (which is closed) to pick up a map that shows three places within the monument area where you can visit the petroglyphs. My wife and I picked up a map and then drove 10 minutes down a road to visit one of the sites. The site included three very small walking trails (all less than 500 meters) from which you could get up close to these amazing petroglyphs. Visiting is all free and it is only about 15 minutes from downtown by car. Do wear shoes and bring water. Please "like" this review if you find it helpful.
4. 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
5. Sandia Peak Tramway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,943 reviews
Ride to new heights on North America's longest aerial tram ride. Sandia Peak Tram takes visitors 2.7 miles or 10,378 ft up the Sandia Mountains. Breath in the fresh mountain air and enjoy breathtaking views of over 11,000 square miles of New Mexico.
Reviewed By kellysD6459NT - Winchester, United States
The tram is a little pricey but worth it. We arrived a little before sunset and there was a long line. It moved fairly quick although they could really use a better set up to purchase tickets. The tram operators were great giving a lot of info on the ride. There is a temperature difference from bottom to top so a jacket is a good idea. The sunset ride and the city lights from Albuquerque and Santa Fe are a beautiful sight from top!
6. Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,029 reviews
Re-opening April 8, 2021. See website and purchase tickets before visiting. https://indianpueblo.org/welcome IPCC was founded in 1976 and is jointly owned and operated by the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico. Located in the historic Albuquerque Indian School District just minutes from Downtown and Old Town Albuquerque, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is a world-class museum and cultural center created to be a place where we, Pueblo people, can tell our story. The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is the only place in North America to host traditional Native American dances every weekend year round and also offers an exciting schedule of cultural and community activities, including rotating museum exhibits, events with Native American artists, hands-on children’s programs & art festivals. Visitors can also experience the award-winning Native Sourced, Pueblo Inspired cuisine of Pueblo Harvest and shop at the Indian Pueblo Store, a trusted destination for authentic handcrafted Native American art.
Reviewed By rrpd - Rochester, United States
From an excellent full service restaurant, to a sampling of native American culture & arts, this makes for an excellent stop for families & individuals when traveling into the Albuquerque area.
7. The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,237 reviews
The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History is the New Mexico’s only congressionally chartered museum in its field and a Smithsonian affiliate. Visitors can explore how nuclear science continues to influence our world. The museum strives to present, through permanent and changing exhibits and displays, the diverse applications of nuclear energy in the past, present and future along with the stories of the field’s pioneers. Originally known as the National Atomic Museum, it was established in 1969 as an intriguing place to learn the story of the Atomic Age, from early research of nuclear development through today’s peaceful uses of nuclear technology.
Reviewed By RetiredTravelerTN - Nashville, United States
The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History has much to offer with good displays of science and history in areas devoted to various topics such as B-52s, Los Alamos, the cold war, nuclear medicine, and energy. Outside, planes and missiles are displayed. We appreciated the volunteer who offered to take our photo in front of one of the planes. Multiple videos are shown in the museum theater. Visitors to this museum may spend one to three hours depending on level of interest and personal schedule. Veteran, senior, and active military discounts are available.
8. 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.
9. San Felipe de Neri Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 792 reviews
Built in 1706 and rebuilt in 1793, this historic church has been providing services ever since.
Reviewed By Bellinghamster64 - Bellingham, United States
The grounds were well kept and facility was very nice, in adobe style. There was an impressive carving of the virgin Mary in a tree stump in one corner of the property. Their gift shop was excellent, with both religious and non-religious items at very reasonable prices, especially compared to the (tourist) shops in Old Town; it was a great place to purchase small gifts!
10. Albuquerque Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 616 reviews
The city's rich heritage is the focus at this museum, which features exhibits depicting the art, history and culture of the Southwest.
Reviewed By Mike5466
Very nice museum that requires about ½ day to see. Plan to be there around 11am if you want to take the Sculpture Garden or Old Town free docent-led tours (seasonal – April through November) and around 2pm if you want to do the Gallery free docent-led tour. Free 9am-5pm on the first Wednesday of the month, 5pm-8:30pm on third Thursday of the month, and 9am-1pm every Sunday. There are Family Art Workshops on Saturdays. The day I was there I saw anything from Highlights from the Palace of the Governors (Santa Fe) to New Mexican art, and from Albuquerque’s history to photographs and videos. Ever changing, well laid out, easy to maneuver. Love that outside has many fantastic sculptures. Also on location, a well-stocked museum store and Slate at the museum, a small restaurant with delicious food with outside seating available. Definitely worth a visit.
