Things to Do in Albuquerque Museum, United States of America

Albuquerque, New Mexico's largest city, sits high in the Sonoran Desert at over 5,000 feet elevation, offering a unique blend of Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo cultures against a backdrop of stunning natural beauty. The city is famous for its distinctive adobe architecture, vibrant arts scene, and as the setting for the hit TV series Breaking Bad, but its true charm lies in its authentic Southwestern character and rich cultural heritage dating back over 300 years. Nestled between the Sandia Mountains to the east and five volcanic cones to the west, Albuquerque serves as a gateway to New Mexico's diverse landscapes and cultural attractions. The city's Old Town plaza, established in 1706, remains the historic heart where visitors can explore centuries-old adobe buildings, traditional crafts, and authentic New Mexican cuisine. With over 300 days of sunshine annually and a thriving balloon festival scene, Albuquerque offers year-round outdoor adventures and cultural experiences that showcase the American Southwest at its finest.

Top Things to Do in Albuquerque Museum

Hot Air Balloon Festival Experience

Albuquerque hosts the world's largest hot air balloon festival each October, featuring hundreds of colorful balloons ascending against the dramatic Sandia Mountains. Even outside festival season, balloon rides are available year-round, offering spectacular views of the Rio Grande Valley and surrounding high desert landscape. The early morning mass ascensions during the festival create one of the most photographed events in the world.

Booking Tip: Book balloon rides 2-3 months in advance for festival season ($200-300 per person). Year-round rides cost $150-250 and launch early morning when winds are calmest. Look for operators with excellent safety records and weather contingency policies.

Old Town Cultural Walking Tour

Explore Albuquerque's historic heart, founded in 1706, featuring the San Felipe de Neri Church, traditional adobe architecture, and artisan shops selling Native American jewelry, pottery, and textiles. The plaza and surrounding streets offer a glimpse into three centuries of Southwestern history and culture. Many buildings house galleries, restaurants, and museums showcasing local heritage.

Booking Tip: Self-guided tours are free with maps available at the visitor center. Guided tours cost $15-25 per person and provide deeper historical context. Visit weekday mornings for smaller crowds and better photo opportunities.

Sandia Peak Tramway Adventure

Take the world's longest aerial tramway 2.7 miles up to Sandia Peak, climbing from 6,559 to 10,378 feet elevation for panoramic views spanning 11,000 square miles. The 15-minute ride offers dramatic vistas of the Rio Grande Valley, and the summit provides hiking trails, dining, and spectacular sunset viewing opportunities. Winter brings skiing and snowboarding to the peak.

Booking Tip: Tickets cost $25-30 for adults, with discounts for seniors and children. Purchase online to avoid weekend crowds. Bring layers as temperatures drop significantly at the summit, even in summer.

Breaking Bad Filming Locations Tour

Discover iconic filming locations from the Emmy-winning series Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, including Walter White's house, Los Pollos Hermanos, and the car wash. These guided tours combine entertainment with Albuquerque sightseeing, visiting both famous scenes and lesser-known spots throughout the city. Many locations remain unchanged since filming, offering authentic photo opportunities for fans.

Booking Tip: Tours cost $65-85 per person for 3-4 hour experiences. Book with established operators who respect private property and provide interesting behind-the-scenes stories. Some tours include show memorabilia and props.

Petroglyph National Monument Hiking

Explore over 24,000 petroglyphs carved by Native Americans and Spanish settlers between 400-700 years ago along Albuquerque's West Mesa volcanic escarpment. The monument offers several hiking trails of varying difficulty, with the Boca Negra Canyon and Piedras Marcadas Canyon providing the most accessible rock art viewing. The contrast of ancient symbols against dramatic volcanic landscape creates unforgettable experiences.

Booking Tip: Entry is free but parking fills quickly on weekends. Bring water, sun protection, and sturdy shoes for rocky terrain. Early morning or late afternoon visits offer cooler temperatures and better lighting for photography.

Getting There

Albuquerque Sunport International Airport (ABQ) serves the city with direct flights from major US cities, located just 5 miles southeast of downtown. The airport offers convenient rental car services, ride-sharing options, and public transportation connections. For those driving, Albuquerque sits at the intersection of Interstate 25 (north-south) and Interstate 40 (east-west), making it easily accessible by car from anywhere in the Southwest. Amtrak's Southwest Chief provides daily service between Chicago and Los Angeles with a stop in downtown Albuquerque, offering a scenic alternative for travelers wanting to experience the American landscape.

Getting Around

Albuquerque is best explored by car, as attractions are spread across the metro area and public transportation has limited coverage. Rental cars are readily available at the airport and downtown locations, with most major attractions offering free parking. The city's ART (Albuquerque Rapid Transit) bus system connects key areas including Old Town, downtown, and the airport, while traditional city buses serve broader routes. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft operate throughout the city, and many hotels offer shuttle services to popular destinations. The downtown area and Old Town are walkable, but a vehicle is recommended for visiting attractions like Sandia Peak, Petroglyph National Monument, and balloon launch sites.

Where to Stay

Old Town Historic District

Downtown Albuquerque

Northeast Heights

Uptown/Journal Center

Foothills near Sandia Mountains

Airport Area

Food & Dining

Albuquerque's culinary scene celebrates authentic New Mexican cuisine, distinct from Mexican or Tex-Mex, featuring signature ingredients like Hatch green chile, blue corn, and sopapillas. The city offers everything from family-owned establishments serving traditional dishes like carne adovada and green chile cheeseburgers to upscale restaurants creating innovative Southwestern fusion cuisine. Old Town provides numerous dining options in historic settings, while the broader city features acclaimed spots like Sadie's of New Mexico for traditional fare and The Grove Cafe & Market for contemporary American cuisine. Don't miss trying a breakfast burrito smothered in green or red chile, and be sure to sample local craft breweries that incorporate regional ingredients into their beer recipes.

When to Visit

Albuquerque enjoys a high desert climate with over 310 days of sunshine annually, making it a year-round destination with distinct seasonal advantages. Fall (September-November) offers ideal weather with warm days, cool nights, and the famous International Balloon Fiesta in October, though this is also the busiest and most expensive time to visit. Spring (March-May) provides excellent weather, blooming desert plants, and fewer crowds, while summer brings hot days perfect for early morning activities and evening exploration. Winter (December-February) offers mild days, cold nights, and snow-capped mountain views, plus the best hotel rates and smallest crowds, though some high-elevation attractions may have limited access.

Insider Tips

Ask for your chile 'Christmas style' (both red and green) to experience New Mexico's signature flavors together

Visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center to understand the region's Native American heritage before exploring other attractions

Many locals recommend watching the sunset from the High Finance Restaurant atop Sandia Peak for unforgettable views and romantic dining

Things to Do in Albuquerque Museum