You’ve landed in Albuquerque, NM, with the goal of making the most of your one day in town – you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re exploring the city for vacation or trying to decide on renting an apartment in Albuquerque or even buying a home, ApartmentGuide can help you with planning the ideal day.
Here’s the structure: Below is a list of restaurants, destinations, and activities curated by Albuquerque locals. This will be your formula, and your results will be your ideal itinerary for one day in Albuquerque. Pick one or more things from each step, and you’ll be left with a focused itinerary to see what it’s like to live in Albuquerque.
When exploring Albuquerque, it’s vital to get acquainted with all the unique experiences offered in town. See below for a collection curated by locals. Pick one or choose a couple to explore during your day.
The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center: “This is an excellent place to enjoy Native American food, art, and culture. Native Americans were the first settlers in New Mexico and comprise an enormous amount of Albuquerque's and New Mexico's history. Visiting the Cultural Center is both educational and entertaining,” shares Paul Jew of Moji Cinema.
Old Town Albuquerque: “Stepping into Old Town is like walking through the pages of history, with its adobe buildings and charming plazas reflecting the city's cultural melting pot. This area is perfect for those who love to explore on foot, offering an array of shops, art galleries, and restaurants that showcase the best of New Mexican cuisine. Don't miss the opportunity to try authentic dishes like blue corn enchiladas or chile rellenos in one of the many local eateries,” recommends Ethan Johnson of EZJ Online, a local agency offering videography, SEO, and affiliate marketing services.
SWEAT Yoga Studio: “Visit Alquerque's premier hot yoga studio for an incredible physical and mental challenge. You don't have to be flexible to enjoy a hot yoga class. The facility provides an incredibly luxurious experience, the teachers are welcoming and talented facilitators of a myriad of different yoga classes, and the community is incredibly supportive. You will likely walk away having met some amazing people and feeling rejuvenated and revitalized from sweating out all the green and red chile from your first visit to Albuquerque,” says Ethan Johnson EZJ Online.
Creativity Warehouse: "Creativity Warehouse is an arts and crafts learning center that has classes for both kids and adults. You can make things in clay, glass, and other mediums as we are adding new classes all the time. Super fun and a great way to try the pottery wheel!" says Tommie Kuykendall, owner of Creativity Warehouse.
New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science: “The Natural History Museum creates lots of very interesting displays of ancient life around New Mexico. There are several other wonderful, well-done museums of various types around the city,” recommends Jane Butel, owner of Jane Butel’s Cooking School.
The Outpost Performance Space: “This unique and intimate music venue is located in Albuquerque's University District near historic Route 66. It offers an eclectic mix of performances ranging from jazz and experimental to international and folk & roots music. With over 100 performances a year, patrons can enjoy a mix of local, national, and international talent,” says Cherie Montoya of Farm & Table.
The Anderson Abruzzo International Balloon Museum: “The Anderson Abruzzo International Balloon Museum is definitely a must-see while visiting Albuquerque. It is fun for all ages with a lot of great interactive information about the history of hot air balloons and how we came to have the world's largest display of hot air balloons every year taking place in the large open space behind the museum,” adds Norma Hernandez of Suenos Coffee Co.
Historic Old Town Plaza: “The Old Town Plaza is a great spot that features a lot of local shops full of history, culture, and beautiful locally-made art pieces. It is also the home of the San Felipe church which features great historic architecture. Also located in Old Town is the Breaking Bad store that features a timeline of the filming that took place in Albuquerque in addition to great souvenirs for all things Breaking Bad,” says Norma Hernandez of Suenos Coffee Co.
Nuclear Museum: "I love the Nuclear Museum because it is detailed enough for the total nerd but dumbed down enough for those of us interested in history and how the world has changed. The aircraft outback are amazing as well," suggests Tommie Kuykendall.
The Telephone Museum: "My nephew was in town and we wanted to find something new to do. We ended up finding this museum. I had no idea it existed and it was so much fun. They have old rotary phones and there were kids there puzzled on how to use them. It was great to watch them try to figure it out. It was also cool to see the inner workings of the old switchboards," shares Tommie Kuykendall.
While you’re busy exploring Albuquerque, you have to make sure to carve out some time to explore the incredible restaurants this city has to offer. Read on for some recommendations from locals on the best places to eat.
The Frontier Restaurant: “The Frontier Restaurant is a must for anyone visiting or living in Albuquerque. They are a comfort-food-making machine located right across from the University of New Mexico, best known for its hot green chile sauce that you can ladle onto any meal you purchase, their house-made tortillas, Frontier rolls, and fresh squeezed orange juice. Their existence for over 50 years is a testament to their quick service, food quality, and reasonable prices,” recommends Paul Jew of Moji Cinema.
Farm & Table: “Our beautiful restaurant and farm is situated on 12 expansive acres in Albuquerque's picturesque North Valley. Guests can enjoy the best and freshest seasonal food and drink from local farmers, food artisans, brewers, and winemakers in an intimate indoor setting or dine al fresco on a west-facing patio enjoying the setting sun over the farm,” shares Cherie Montoya of Farm & Table.
Old Town Pizza Parlor: “For a great lunch while visiting Old Town Plaza, we recommend stopping by The Old Town Pizza Parlor to enjoy delicious handcrafted pizza made fresh to order. Inside, be transported back to your childhood with the vintage vibes. Very cozy spot with old pinball games, eclectic décor and great staff,” adds Norma Hernandez of Suenos Coffee Co.
Suenos Coffee Co: “To fuel your tour of Albuquerque stop by our coffee shop located in the downtown area to enjoy our popular coffee flights. With several flight flavor options to choose from, our locally roasted coffee can be enjoyed in a single regular-sized drink or in the form of a flight. Our flights consist of four 6 oz cups in different flavors to satisfy your need for caffeine without having to choose only one flavor. Our coffee also pairs great with one of our many pastries which are all baked fresh in house everyday,” shares Norma Hernandez of Suneos Coffee Co.
When in Albuquerque, you cannot miss exploring all that nature has to offer. Below are just a couple of ways to appreciate the beauty of New Mexico’s landscape.
Rio Grande River: “A bike ride on the Bosque alongside the Rio Grande River is a great way of getting exercise while taking in the natural beauty of the river. There are several places you can park near the Bosque, making it very convenient,” says Paul Jew of Moji Cinema.
Sandia Peak Tramway: “For breathtaking views of Albuquerque and the surrounding natural beauty, the Sandia Peak Tramway is unparalleled. As you ascend 10,378 feet to the peak, the panoramic views of the desert landscapes below are awe-inspiring. It's not just the destination but the journey up that makes this experience unforgettable. Whether you're an avid hiker looking to explore the trails at the top or simply want to enjoy a meal with a view at the summit, the tramway offers something for everyone,” recommends Ethan Johnson of EZJ Online,
Botanic Garden: “The Botanic Gardens are beautiful to walk through most any time of year and they are adjacent to the ABQ BioPark for another fun activity,” adds Jane Butel of Jane Butel’s Cooking School.
Sandia Foothills: “The Albuquerque Foothills, a system of easy, moderate and challenging hiking and biking trails, offer outdoor enthusiasts the best views of the area. Located on the Western base of the iconic Sandia mountains, this intricate network of trails can be enjoyed year-round,” says Cherie Montoya of Farm & Table.
Planning a trip can be stressful. So, if you want to take the guesswork out of where to go, then Israel Rivera of The Shop ABQ has you covered with a full pre-planned itinerary.
“First off, obviously start with breakfast at my award-winning restaurant, The Shop in historic Nob Hill. From there you can explore all Nob Hill has to offer, including shopping. Don't forget to stop by Little Bear Coffee to fuel up after shopping!
Next, you can check out the University of New Mexico and feed the ducks at the duck pond. You simply can't leave the area without going to the historic Frontier Restaurant. You'll fall in love with the vibe and the food while people-watching some of the most interesting folks in Albuquerque.
After that, catch a relaxing massage and soak in a private hot tub at Remedy Day Spa. This beautiful daily getaway is right up the street from the Frontier, and you'll forget about any stress you may have had in this peaceful local oasis. Chill here for a bit, but when you are ready for dinner you absolutely have to check out Mesa Provisions, the best new restaurant in Albuquerque, and one of my personal favorites! This one-day itinerary keeps you in the Nob Hill area but allows you to feel the heart of the Southwest through our food, culture, and people all day long! Have fun out there!”
Jeremy Steckler works at Redfin as a Content Marketing Coordinator. He has been cultivating a passion for writing his whole life and is recently diving into a love for producing local and lifestyle content. Jeremy lives in Seattle and loves spending time hiking, playing guitar, and acting in the local film scene. His ideal home would be a decommissioned lighthouse overlooking the water.