Location: Albuquerque
Top Things to do in Albuquerque
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What to do and see in Albuquerque, New Mexico (NM): The Best Free Things to do
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. 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.
2. New Mexico Veterans' Memorial, Albuquerque
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 51 reviews
Reviewed By ChrisPE2014 - Teddington, United Kingdom
This is a hidden gem with a wonderful backdrop of the mountains. Beautifully laid out with some fine, thoughtful memorials including a wonderful work by artist Steve Borbas ('Holes in our Hearts', a memorial to New Mexicans lost in the Vietnam war). Talking to the veteran volunteers in the visitor centre was a real treat.
3. Bow & Arrow Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 19 reviews
4. Bombs Away Beer Co.
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By WeebsF16 - Edgewood, United States
Bombs Away Brewery - built by a decorated USAF veteran (EOD hero) and his wife. Totally great atmosphere and some really good beer. John & Hillary (owners) are dedicated to making great quality beer amongst all the other great quality beer makers in ABQ. Their "Willie Pete Witt" is one of the best European Witt beers I have had that was not in Europe!! They do have some limited eats, but mainly it's just a great watering hole. Of note, they have a board for "Buy a Veteran a Beer" where folks can pre-buy military vets a free beer I will go back many, many times!!
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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!
8. University of New Mexico
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 166 reviews
With more than 30,000 students enrolled in its undergraduate and graduate courses, this is the largest university in the state of New Mexico.
Reviewed By MyheartliesinNM
Went in for a quick t-shirt purchase and ended up with so much more. The people were helpful and the items for purchase were abundant! Go check them out for your Lobo attire and memorabilia.
9. Cibola National Forest
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 183 reviews
A 1.5-million-acre park whose elaborate trail system includes La Luz Trail, which climbs over 3,300 feet in nine miles.
Reviewed By sentimentalnomad - Albuquerque, United States
We love the Cibola Forest bordering the Sandia Mountains! As one person reported, it’s “hiking galore!” There are so many wonderful hikes in this area. Must go at sunset on the “Watermelon” mountains! Hikes range from easy to hard, great for toddlers, true hikers, bikers, & climbers. A little something for everyone!
10. Volcano Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 78 reviews
Roads take you past the volcanos that loom around Albuquerque.
Reviewed By P3650RNelaines - Edgewood, United States
One of my favorite hiking spots, especially in the winter. Most trails are easy to walk and there are some informative exhibits posted in a couple of places. You can even hike up to the top of an extinct volcano. Even though the trails are easy, they are not suitable for open toe shoes like sandals. Wear good shoes. My favorite hike is from the parking area on Atrisco Vista (Day Use Area) to the rim of the park that overlooks Albuquerque. I continue along the rim and the total length of the hike is about 12 miles. Of course, this is one of the longest hikes. If you like hiking, this really is a good place to visit. Like most places in the SW, wear sunscreen as there is no shade & bring water. I like this place best in the winter as there are rattlesnakes.
