Location: Albuquerque
Top Things to do in Albuquerque
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What to do and see in Albuquerque, New Mexico (NM): The Best History Museums
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 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 665 reviews
Reviewed By sjasis - Allegany, United States
If you're interested in hot air balloons and the festival in Albuquerque every year, this is a great museum to visit. Get the history of hot air balloons/ballooning and enjoy the colorful displays. There is also a short 3-D movie of a hot air balloon ride that makes you feel like you are in the basket, and some interactive exhibits for youngest visitors. Great place to visit.
5. Turquoise Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 309 reviews
The Turquoise Museum and its collection of turquoise have been used as a source of information and pictures for over 22 years. Uncover the mystery of turquoise, delve into its’ rich history, learn about the different mines, specimens, and stories of colorful characters at The Turquoise Museum in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Authors of books, magazines, articles, and research papers have all used the museum as a source of information. Its rich repository of turquoise specimens from over one hundred mines, educations, and histories make it a must see in its’ travel exhibits and permanent location in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The museum is still privately owned and operated to this day. The Museum is closed Sundays, Holidays and Special days please call for before you come.
Reviewed By peterdan
The founder's son was on hand to explain every detail of the fabulous collection of turquoise from around the world. The gems there are thoughtfully set out in various settings and we spent two and a half hours fascinated by the location (originally home to a wealthy woman) and the vast variety of masks, jewelry and polished stones. Truly one of a kind and a must see.
6. Holocaust & Intolerance Museum of New Mexico
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 61 reviews
Reviewed By laurakE8893BQ
The museum gives a good overview of the Holocaust, covering the what, the why and the who. The best parts are the unique things, like the story of the flag Dr. Roy Shaffer found at a Nazi labor camp in Flossenbürg, Germany, and a 158-year-old dollhouse hidden away by a Christian family during World War II, while its German-Jewish family owners fled to New Mexico for safety from Hitler's regime. There is also a very good discussion of the Armenian and Rwandan genocide and slavery in the US. Don’t miss this place.
7. New Mexico Ski Museum
8. Special Collections Library
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
9. The WHEELS Museum, Inc
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1 reviews
