The Best Things to Do in Albuquerque, New Mexico
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Discover the Land of Enchantment With Us
Albuquerque, New Mexico, is a city that perfectly blends history, culture, and modern adventure. Set along the Rio Grande and framed by the Sandia Mountains, Albuquerque’s landscape is as diverse as its heritage. It’s one of the oldest cities in the United States, founded in 1706, and its character reflects a fascinating mix of Native American, Spanish, and Mexican influences. You can feel that history in every adobe building, local art gallery, and family-owned restaurant. With over 300 days of sunshine each year, there’s no shortage of spectacular things to do in Albuquerque, no matter the season.
Whether you’re here for a quick getaway or a longer journey through the Land of Enchantment, Albuquerque serves as the perfect home base for discovering northern New Mexico. From the charm of Santa Fe to the ancient ruins of Bandelier National Monument, countless destinations are just a short drive away. To experience it all in comfort and style, the Bottger Mansion Bed and Breakfast in Old Town Albuquerque offers the ideal retreat. With its unbeatable Old Town location and inviting atmosphere, our Bed and Breakfast is the perfect place to stay while exploring the best and most unique things to do in Albuquerque.
Whether you’re here for a quick getaway or a longer journey through the Land of Enchantment, Albuquerque serves as the perfect home base for discovering northern New Mexico. From the charm of Santa Fe to the ancient ruins of Bandelier National Monument, countless destinations are just a short drive away. To experience it all in comfort and style, the Bottger Mansion Bed and Breakfast in Old Town Albuquerque offers the ideal retreat. With its unbeatable Old Town location and inviting atmosphere, our Bed and Breakfast is the perfect place to stay while exploring the best and most unique things to do in Albuquerque.
A Playground for Adventures
Beyond its historical depth, Albuquerque is known for its thriving arts scene, inventive cuisine, and outdoor recreation. The city’s unique geography makes it a playground for adventure seekers, with endless opportunities for fun and adventure. From hot air ballooning over the Rio Grande Valley to hiking through ancient petroglyphs at Petroglyph National Monument, there’s no shortage of fun things to do in Albuquerque for adults. For those who prefer a slower pace, exploring top Albuquerque museums, boutique shops in Old Town, and world-class restaurants offers a full itinerary of fun things to do in Albuquerque for adults and couples alike.
Get Outdoors in Albuquerque
New Mexico is one of the best destinations in the Southwest for outdoor adventure, offering sunshine, wide-open landscapes, and a mix of experiences for every type of traveler. With its mild, dry climate, outdoor activities are available almost year-round, from casual recreation to thrilling exploration. Cyclists can enjoy the smooth, scenic stretches of the Paseo del Bosque Trail that wind along the Rio Grande, or take on more challenging rides into the foothills and mountain terrain. Hikers will find everything from easy birdwatching walks at the Rio Grande Nature Center to rugged climbs up the La Luz Trail on the face of the Sandia Mountains.
Adventure seekers can take to the skies on a breathtaking hot air ballooning ride, go horseback riding on quiet mountain trails, or soar above rugged landscape on the Sandia Peak Tramway for some of the best views in New Mexico. Petroglyph National Monument offers another unforgettable experience, where centuries-old carvings connect visitors to the region’s ancient past. Water lovers can kayak or paddleboard along the Rio Grande, enjoying the desert scenery from a completely different perspective.
Albuquerque’s natural beauty and diverse landscape make it one of the most exciting places to visit in New Mexico for both thrill seekers and those who simply want to unwind outdoors.
Top Things to Do in Albuquerque
Explore the ABQ BioPark
The ABQ BioPark is one of Albuquerque’s most fascinating attractions. It includes a zoo, an aquarium, a botanical garden, and Tingley Beach, all located along the Rio Grande near Old Town. Visitors can stroll through lush gardens, meet exotic animals, and explore marine life exhibits, all in one beautifully designed park.
The Botanical Garden is especially lovely during seasonal events like the River of Lights, which transforms the grounds into a glowing holiday wonderland. Whether you’re traveling with family or enjoying a romantic getaway, the BioPark is one of the best places to visit in New Mexico.
Hot Air Ballooning in Albuquerque
Of course, no visit to Albuquerque is complete without taking part in the city’s most iconic experience—a hot air balloon ride. As the ballooning capital of the world, Albuquerque offers year-round opportunities to glide quietly above the desert at sunrise, with panoramic views of the Rio Grande Valley and the Sandia Mountains glowing in the morning light. The annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, each October, transforms the sky into a sea of color and is one of the most breathtaking events in the world.
Albuquerque hot air ballooning is possible year-round, thanks to its perfect weather conditions and open skies. Turn to companies like Rainbow Ryders, which offer rides throughout the year for a peaceful adventure and an awe-inspiring way to see the Rio Grande Valley and Sandia Mountains from above. It’s truly one of the most unique things to do in Albuquerque and an experience you’ll never forget.
Explore Unique Albuquerque Museums
From fine art to local history, Albuquerque museums offer an incredible look into the region’s culture and creativity. Discover the heritage of Native American pueblos, Spanish colonial roots, Anglo frontier legacy, and modern science, offering visitors a deeper understanding of the region’s character and evolution. Exploring these cultural landmarks is one of the most enriching things to do in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and is perfect for travelers of all ages. And four of the most incredible of these museums in Albuquerque are within walking distance from our Bed and Breakfast!
The Best Albuquerque Museums To Add To Your Itinerary
African American Performing Arts Center and Exhibition Hall preserves, nurtures and supports the intellectual and cultural history of African Americans in New Mexico and the Southwest.
Albuquerque Museum of Art & History is a continually evolving display of art, artifacts, and photographs depicting the richness of New Mexico culture. The museum also offers special tours of Casa San Ysidro in Corrales, an Old Town walking tour, and a docent-guided tour of the outdoor sculpture garden.
The American International Rattlesnake Museum has the world’s largest collection of living rattlesnake species.
The Anderson-Abruzzo Hot Air Balloon Museum shows the history and science of hot air ballooning around the world.
Explora! This hands-on science museum is full of interactive exhibits that show how everything works: from light to sound, electricity to film, lightning to rainbows, with engaging exhibits using science, technology, and art.
The Holocaust & Intolerance Museum of New Mexico illustrates historical conflicts caused by prejudice. They include the Holocaust, the Armenian and Greek genocides, the inhumane treatment of Native Americans, and slavery in the United States.
At the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, get a great overview of the 19 pueblos in New Mexico, as well as the Apache and Navajo.
The Maxwell Museum of Anthropology at the University of New Mexico offers two permanent exhibitions: the People of the Southwest Exhibit and the Ancestors Exhibit, as well as several galleries of temporary exhibits.
The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History is an intriguing place to learn the story of the Atomic Age, from early development and the Cold War to today’s peaceful uses.
New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science allows you to follow the evolution of New Mexico’s landscape and creatures from dinosaurs through the ice age to the present, see the beginning of the personal computer revolution that included Bill Gates and Paul Allen and the birth of their little company, Micro-soft, in Albuquerque in 1975, and view several 3D films at the Dynatheater.
New Mexico Steam Locomotive and Railroad Historical Society highlights the rebuilding of a massive historic steam locomotive, the Baldwin 4-8-4 Steam Locomotive, AT&SF No. 2926, to operational status.
Tinkertown Museum is a folk art museum housing miniature wood-carved figures by Ross Wood, including an 1880s miniature animated western town & three-ring circus. Open April-October.
The Turquoise Museum exhibits display the geology and history of turquoise, maps of turquoise mines around the world, raw ore, and the process of turning it into finished stones. The gift shop has a large selection of turquoise jewelry!
Wheels Museum displays the history of transportation and its impact on New Mexico and the West and includes antique vehicles, model trains, an airplane, a fire truck, library, photos and gift shop.
Entertainment & Performing Arts
Tee off at Albuquerque Golf Courses
The mild climate means you can tee off year-round, often with views of the Sandia Mountains in the distance. Top course designers include Robert Trent Jones, Gary Panks, Ken Dye, Scott Miller, Red Lawrence, Ted Robinson–they’re all here, in one of the most diverse, affordable golf destinations in the nation. TravelGolf.com says: “New Mexico is the new Arizona—a wild, untamed, exciting, and diverse golf destination in a rugged and inspiring natural setting—and at even better prices than its more celebrated neighbor,” much less than what you’re used to paying in Arizona, California, Florida, Alabama, or the Carolinas!
Some of the Best Spots for Golfing in Albuquerque
- Sandia Golf Club
- Paa-Ko Ridge Golf Club
- Isleta Eagle Golf Club
- University of New Mexico Championship Course
Where to Go Shopping in Albuquerque
Whatever you’re looking for in Southwest style, you can probably find it while shopping in Old Town Albuquerque. A block from the Bottger Mansion of Old Town, the Plaza is surrounded by wonderful boutiques, specialty shops, galleries, and restaurants. Look for locally made and Native American jewelry, pottery, rugs and art, from traditional to contemporary. You can also find ceramics, puzzles, specialty olive oils, fantastic toys, fudge, candy, and coffee, vintage items and clothing, guidebooks, and children’s stories, as well as music by New Mexico artists.
Don’t miss the local markets, where you can pick up authentic New Mexican chile products and Native art directly from the creators. Here are some other wonderful shopping areas in Albuquerque, from local to upscale.
- Nob Hill has stores that range from antiques and collectibles to vintage clothing and thrift shops. Nob Hill dates from the Art Deco period of the mid-1930’s, with a nice mix of historic buildings and modern.
- For more upscale shops with national name recognition, try ABQ Uptown, with the Apple Store, Williams-Sonoma, Ann Taylor, Chico’s, Banana Republic, and many more.
- For an extremely large selection of Native American art, pottery, jewelry, music CDs, and crafts, visit Shuma Kolowa at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center.
- Downtown Albuquerque is the business office hub, but it has some great stores and galleries as well.
- Coronado Center Mall and Cottonwood Mall are more traditional shopping centers where you’ll find stores like Macy’s, Dillard’s, Kohl’s, and Gordman’s.
- Winrock Center is the city’s first town center offering a unique combination of retail, entertainment, office, health, and community services.
Go Deeper With These Albuquerque Tours
Exploring Albuquerque with a local guide is one of the most engaging ways to uncover the city’s stories and hidden gems. From walking tours through Old Town to ghost tours, bike adventures, and scenic photography tours, there are unique and engaging Albuquerque tours and experiences for every interest.
Foodies will love sampling local flavors on culinary tours in Albuquerque, while history buffs can dive into Albuquerque’s past through guided cultural experiences. These tours bring the city to life and reveal sides of Albuquerque most visitors miss. If you like to take tours and get the inside information or just get a good overview, these local tours are some of the best things to do in Albuquerque.
ABQ Trolley is the “best first thing to do in Albuquerque.” This unique trolley begins the trip a short walk from here and winds through neighborhoods along Central Avenue, formerly Route 66, downtown Albuquerque, the University of New Mexico, and Nob Hill.
Breaking Bad RV Tours is a must for fans of the show that put Albuquerque on the map. Visit many of the filming locations in a vintage RV exactly like the one on the show.
Duke City Pedaler. You can enjoy an easy bike ride and sample Albuquerque beers and pubs at the same time. You MUST see the Duke City Pedaler to believe it. Imagine a sort of bar… on wheels… with people sitting on both sides. It seats 14, so take your good friends along or make some new ones on the ride.
Historic Old Town Walking Tour. The Albuquerque Museum offers a docent-led tour of Old Town. Immerse yourself in our unique history and culture, stroll along the main streets and back alleys of Old Town to view historic buildings and architectural details, and learn what makes Albuquerque the vibrant multi-cultural city it is today.
New Mexico Jeep Tours are for the adventure traveler who wants to explore our history, culture, and land on a personal and private tour.
Old Town Ghost Tours tell you the local legends, lore, trivia, and history on this enchanting stroll through the Villa de Albuquerque.
Routes Bicycle Tours & Rentals. Choose from tours of Old Town, the Bosque woodlands by the Rio Grande River, urban art, gourmet foods tours, wineries, and breweries, or their bicycle tours in Santa Fe.
Visit the University of New Mexico
The Bottger Mansion is only three miles from the University of New Mexico (UNM) in Albuquerque, making it a convenient home for your visit to UNM, whether you’re a potential student, visiting parent, returning alumnus, or visitor interested in UNM’s many facilities and resources.
In addition to providing an excellent education in nearly every field of study to over 26,000 students, UNM is home to many facilities open to the public. It is located in the heart of Albuquerque along old Route 66—now Central Avenue—and displays the Pueblo Revival architectural style, echoing that of New Mexico’s Pueblo Indian villages. The beautifully landscaped grounds comprise the nationally recognized Campus Arboretum, an outstanding botanical experience in the midst of one of New Mexico’s great public open spaces.
Popejoy Hall at UNM is a premium performance venue for everything from top Broadway shows to ballet to Mariachi Christmas. Other places to visit on the UNM campus include the UNM Bookstore, two museums, three art galleries, and the famous duck pond in the center of campus.
For your convenience, here’s a map of UNM. UNM is easily accessible from the Bottger Mansion by using Rapid Ride, an express bus with stops in Old Town and at the university.
University museums:
Maxwell Museum of Anthropology: One of the nation’s finest anthropology museums, the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology offers exhibits and programs relating to cultures around the world, with a special emphasis on the cultural heritage of the Southwest.
Southwest Biology Museum houses collections of vertebrates, arthropods, plants, and genomic materials from the American Southwest, Central and South America, and from throughout the world.
University galleries:
The UNM Art Museum Gallery houses the most definitive collection of the works of Raymond Jonson (1891-1982), a modernist painter and member of the University faculty.
Tamarind Institute was founded in Los Angeles in 1960 as a means to “rescue” the dying art of lithography. Tamarind Institute continues its educational, research, and creative projects with partial funding from the university. Tamarind also depends heavily on revenue from contract printing and the sale of lithographs it publishes to cover the costs of its educational and artistic programs.
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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.