What You Need to Know About Old Town Albuquerque
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.
See Where the City Began
Old Town Albuquerque is where the city’s story began. Founded in 1706 by Spanish settlers from the nearby village of Bernalillo, it remains one of the most historic and charming places to visit in New Mexico. With its narrow streets, central plaza, and centuries-old adobe buildings, Old Town feels like stepping back in time while still offering the energy of a living, breathing community.
Locals, small businesses, and visitors mingle in this walkable neighborhood filled with museums, restaurants, and boutiques. It’s one of the best things to do in Albuquerque for travelers who want to experience the heart and soul of the city’s history. At the center of Old Town stands San Felipe de Neri Church, a cornerstone of Old Town life since 1793.
The current church was built after earlier versions were destroyed by fires and floods, and its enduring presence on the north side of Old Town Plaza makes it one of Albuquerque’s most recognizable landmarks. Visitors can attend daily Mass, offered in both English and Spanish, and admire the building’s striking architecture and peaceful courtyard. Just steps away, you’ll find shops selling local art, cafes serving traditional New Mexican cuisine, and shaded benches perfect for people-watching.
Discover the Historic Charm of Old Town
When the railroad arrived in 1881, tracks were built east of Old Town on higher ground, creating “New Town,” known today as Downtown Albuquerque. Old Town retained its historic charm, and its original name—La Villa de Alburquerque—eventually evolved into what we know today. Many of the district’s oldest structures are made of adobe and stucco, while later 19th-century buildings featured wooden clapboard façades typical of the American West.
By the 1920s and 1930s, as visitors began arriving by train, the area underwent the Pueblo Revival movement, blending traditional and modern styles with vigas, portals, and smooth stucco exteriors. This architectural transformation was led by Edward Buxton Cristy, the same architect who designed the Bottger Mansion Bed and Breakfast. Today, the Bottger Mansion stands as one of the only remaining Victorian-era homes in Old Town to retain its original design, offering guests an authentic stay surrounded by Albuquerque’s remarkable history and culture.
Best Things to Do In Old Town Albuquerque
Explore Old Town Plaza
The heart of Old Town since 1706, the plaza is surrounded by adobe buildings, shops, and museums. Street performers, artists, and musicians often add to the lively atmosphere, making it a perfect starting point for your visit.
Visit San Felipe de Neri Church
Built in 1793, this historic church is one of Albuquerque’s oldest surviving buildings. Visitors are welcome to admire its classic adobe architecture, step inside for quiet reflection, or attend daily Mass.
Browse Local Art Galleries and Boutiques
Old Town is filled with locally owned galleries and artisan shops featuring Native American jewelry, pottery, paintings, and handcrafted gifts. Each store offers a glimpse of Albuquerque’s creative and cultural spirit.
Discover the Albuquerque Museum
Just off the plaza, this museum showcases the art, history, and culture of New Mexico. Its rotating exhibits and sculpture garden make it one of the top Albuquerque attractions for art lovers.
Visit the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science
Located just a short walk from Old Town, this museum explores the state’s prehistoric past through dinosaur fossils, space exhibits, and interactive science displays that are fun for all ages.
Stop by the Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum
While not located directly in Old Town, this nearby attraction celebrates Albuquerque’s status as the Ballooning Capital of the World, making it a must-see for anyone visiting the city.
Enjoy Authentic New Mexican Cuisine
Old Town is home to some of the best Albuquerque Restaurants. Savor classic dishes like green chile stew, enchiladas, and sopapillas at local favorites such as High Noon Restaurant & Saloon and Ramona’s Mexican Cafe. Dining in Old Town is both flavorful and deeply rooted in New Mexico’s culinary heritage.
Take a Ghost or History Tour
Old Town’s centuries-old streets and storied past make it an ideal place for guided tours. From historical walks to ghost tours after dark, these experiences bring Albuquerque’s colorful history to life.
This is a title
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, dolor erat ac accumsan nulla, iaculis magna neque amet convallis. Id donec litora nullam praesent, orci velit morbi eget enim, dui amet nulla tempus mauris. Velit nulla eu volutpat, eget urna amet massa. Enim vestibulum nunc massa, erat vel vestibulum aenean, lacus elit mauris dolor eget, quam vestibulum ipsum non. Tenetur lacinia luctus phasellus, penatibus nunc mauris nulla, volutpat turpis sem ipsum iaculis, sed accumsan velit in ut.
It was Wonderful!
These folks are causing me to break with tradition. I rarely give five stars. But I have to here. My wife stayed a night at the Bottger to celebrate here birthday. And it was just wonderful. Everything a bed and breakfast should be. And we’ve stayed at a bunch.
First the ‘bed’ part. Bottger is a delightful updated old mansion. They’ve done a marvelous job restoring the place. Our room was quite nice. A surprise was that there were numerous outlets. Rare in older properties. The whole house was updated, well maintained and clean.
And the breakfast? Superb. The allure of a bed and breakfast is that it has a creative, scrumptious breakfast of the sort you’d never make for yourself. All too many BnBs have a run-of-the-mill breakfast. Not the Bottger. We delighted in their modified French toast, green chile sausage and mimosa. It was all terrific.