Location: West Old Town
Top Things to do in West Old Town
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Things to do in Albuquerque, New Mexico (NM): The Best Nature & Parks
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. Albuquerque Biological Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 988 reviews
Park complex offering three main sections the whole family can enjoy: Albuquerque Aquarium, Rio Grande Botanic Garden and Rio Grande Zoo.
Reviewed By P3836SMmichaelb
It was a really nice visit. grand daughter 2 1/2 really liked the bugarium (sp?), trains and heritage farm. Butterfly house had closed for season the week before we went. Older married children liked the Japanese garden. I would like to go back and spend more time.
2. ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 780 reviews
Reviewed By AeneasAtSea - Salt Lake City, United States
Albuquerque Biopark Botanical Gardens are a real delight. Not only do they have the desert gardens you would expect, but some small beautiful formal gardens, a tropical conservatory, a rose garden, and a really amazing Japanese garden section which includes a Zen garden and a Japanese lake garden. How they manage to keep it flourishing in New Mexico heat and alkaline soil is a testament to their diligence and skill They also have large shaded lawn area, picnic areas scattered through the park, a model railroad garden, a butterfly house, a farm garden, and a wonderful kids garden with huge vegetable and "plant" structures that kids (and adults) can walk under, through, between, etc.--giant carrots, caves with giant roots and bugs, a giant pumpkin, etc. There is also a narrow-gauge railroad that travels through the park. All the gardens are incredibly inventive, beautifully designed and maintained, and thoroughly delightful. Kids will adore it and adults will love all the little garden paths and hidden spots. One of the best botanical gardens I've ever visited. And your ticket price includes entrance to the next-door aquarium. Highly recommended.
3. Albuquerque Bio-Park Bugarium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By Global_Travel_Tales - Manor, United States
We loved this place - such a unique, different experience! So Many Bugs, so little time. Very well laid out. This building is within the Botanical Garden, so a great chance to see both. They both happen to be right next to the Aquarium (connected via a large shared patio), so you can see a lot within the same general area. The Bugarium building has restrooms.
4. ABQ BioPark Aquarium
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 534 reviews
Reviewed By Owls47
Where else can you get so close to aquatic deep sea creatures here in the desert? This is a great aquarium for a city like Albuquerque. It supplements the zoo and has many kid friendly exhibits. My favorite is the jellyfish display.
