It can sometimes be hard to understand the culture of a city or town with tourist traps masquerading as authentic experiences. But not the city of Albuquerque, New Mexico. As the state’s largest city and one of the oldest cities in the United States, Albuquerque remains authentic to its rich history, heritage and colorful culture with Native American, Hispanic and Latino cultural influences as part of everyday life. Albuquerque is full of special experiences, whether you’re exploring the culinary scene, enjoying a hot air balloon ride, cruising down Route 66, or hiking in the Sandias, there’s much to discover in this southwest city. And for Denverites, it’s easy to visit with either a 7-hour road trip or a quick 1.5-hour direct flight from Denver to Albuquerque. So, buckle up and use our roadmap for visiting Albuquerque, New Mexico and its vibrant culture.
Get your kicks on Route 66
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Did you know that Albuquerque is home to the longest urban stretch of Route 66? That’s right, the iconic “Mother Road” that connected travelers from Chicago to Los Angeles across more than 2,400 miles, a large piece of it runs through the heart of Albuquerque. In 2026, Route 66 celebrates its Centennial and Albuquerque is gearing up to celebrate in a big way. A two-season-long commemoration and celebration begins this year with immersive art installations in partnership with Meow Wolf, augmented reality (A/R) experiences and a host of special events that will bring the iconic route to life.
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A drive down Route 66 reveals a unique blend of the old and the new in ABQ’s popular neighborhoods such as Nob Hill, downtown, the University area and Old Town. Route 66 feels much like Colfax Ave. in Denver— a long continuous street in the central part of town that holds much of the city’s history, local restaurants and bars.
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Nob Hill is where you’ll find much of ABQ’s grit and character, unpretentious watering holes and old roadside motels; revamped and ready for travelers. Check out The Imperial, a remodeled Route-66-era roadside motel built in the 60s that has held on to its retro vibes and preserved its heritage with modern details.
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Come for the Route 66 Summerfest in Nob Hill (on Central Avenue), occurring twice during the Route 66 Centennial Celebrations — July 2025 and July 2026. Another fun way to experience Route 66 is with a Route 66 Speakeasy Tour with ABQ Trolley Co. See where clandestine bars thrived in the shadows along Route 66, serving up jazz music and crafty cocktails. Aboard the trolley tour of tucked-away speakeasies, you’ll sample hand-crafted cocktails and bites from Founders Speakeasy and the eclectic Z Lounge at Hotel Zazz (another retro roadside motel) where a secret handshake and a golden banana grant you access to its hip speakeasy.
Soar to new heights at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
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For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, make plans to attend the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Taking flight every October, ABQ hosts one of the most popular events in the country for balloon enthusiasts and curious travelers. Whether you’re there to watch as hundreds of balloons ascend to new heights or take a ride yourself, the fiesta is a beloved tradition that the entire city and state get excited about. During the 9-day event, watch every morning as hundreds of balloons lift off (weather permitting) and float above the New Mexican landscape.
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Part of what makes this balloon rally so special is the ability for the spectators to come out on the field in “the box” to watch as the pilot and crew get ready for lift-off. Everyone is e a part of the action, even if you aren’t lifting off with the crew. But if you’d like to take flight in a balloon, you can pay $500 to ride in one of the balloons from Rainbow Flyer—the only commercial company that operates at the event. At the balloon fiesta park, be sure to also stop in at the Albuquerque International Balloon Museum to learn more about the world’s first flying machine since the first manned flight in 1783.
Petroglyph National Monument
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One of the most culturally unique sites in ABQ is the Petroglyph National Monument. Located just minutes from the main part of town, you’ll find a large concentration of 100s of petroglyphs that date as far back as 700 years. Well-marked trails through Boca Negra Canyon, Rinconada Canyon and Piedras Marcades Canyon reveal scenic views and hundreds of petroglyphs carved onto volcanic surfaces by Native American and Spanish settlers. Hike to the top where you’ll find yourself in somewhat familiar territory as you approach 5,280 feet in elevation, where you’ll gain views of the Sandia Mountains and Rio Grand Valley below.
Acoma Pueblo
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The state of New Mexico is home to 19 Native American Pueblos, from the most famous Taos Pueblo up north to the Acoma Pueblo down south near ABQ. One of the more incredible cultural sites you’ll see near town is the Acoma Pueblo. An hour west of Albuquerque, the Acoma Pueblo, also known as Sky City, rests at the top of a mesa and is the oldest continuously inhabited community in the U.S. Guided tours of this pueblo area are available and are the only way to see inside. Sign up for a tour of this historic pueblo and learn more about the 367-foot-tall sandstone mesa-top community.
Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
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Before you visit the Acoma Pueblo, be sure to stop in town at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. Considered the gateway to New Mexico’s 19 Native American Pueblos, the center is owned and operated by the state’s Native American tribes and showcases exhibits that highlight the Native American culture and heritage. Plan your time accordingly to witness cultural dances by local Native Americans and shop local artists and crafters selling their work.
Explore the new and old in historic Old Town
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At the center of it all is ABQ’s historic Old Town and Plaza Don Luis. Similar to the central plazas in Santa Fe and Taos, the Old Town Plaza dates back to the early 1700s as the town’s central square where celebrations and business took place. Today, the original town square still serves as a main gathering place for dining, entertainment and shopping.
You’ll find Old Town bustling with quiet patios, intimate pathways, gardens and low-slung balconies filled with more than 150 independent restaurants and boutique shops, plus local vendors selling authentic (be sure to ask for a certificate of authenticity) Native American jewelry, pottery, art and more.
Plaza Don Luis, nestled to the west of the historic San Felipe De Neri Church, is the hub of Old Town. Within the Plaza, you’ll find a few of the leaders in New Mexico’s burgeoning wine scene, Noisy Water Winery and Albuquerque’s own Sheehan Winery. Or stop in at the newest winery in Old Town at Viva Vino Wine Studio’s first storefront and tasting room. It’s the perfect place to sample from New Mexico’s rich wine culture that dates back 400 years and 50+ wineries.
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Nearby, be sure to stop at the Lapis Room art gallery. Connected to the Noisy Water Winery, the Lapis Room is one of the most fun and funky art galleries you’ll find in town. It has all the character and cultural flavor of New Mexico without the expensive price tags.
Nearby, your culture trip isn’t complete without a visit to one of the several museums that occupy Museum Row. Explore the permanent collection of ancient Native American artifacts up to modern masters like Georgia O’Keeffe at the Albuquerque Museum. If you’re more about wildlife, stop in at the American International Rattlesnake Museum. Or venture to the Turquoise Museum where 1,000s of authentic turquoise jewelry, pottery and other art forms are tucked away in the Gertrude Zachary Castle.
Find your food favorites
It’s no secret that to appreciate the culture of a place, you have to understand its culinary culture. New Mexico is home to some of the country’s favorite regional cuisines, so it’s no surprise that food is one of the things that people remember most about visiting Albuquerque. Incorporating Mexican, Native American and Spanish flavors, New Mexican cuisine is based on Native ingredients such as corn, beans, squash and chile peppers Even beyond the borders of New Mexican food, Albuquerque features cuisine from other countries that make dining one of the best reasons for visiting Albuquerque.
Sawmill Market
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The Sawmill Market, the state’s first artisanal food hall, occupies the large former warehouse of the Frank Paxton Lumber Co. Inside you’ll find a mix of Asian foods with sushi, noodle bowls and bao mi buns, Spanish tapas and paella, burgers and brats, sweets and treats, plus tacos and margaritas. And with live music in the outside courtyard, there’s no excuse not to grab a glass of wine or bottle of beer from local purveyors for a night out.
The Imperial food court
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Back at The Imperial hotel, you’ll find another version of a food hall. Four independent food concepts have set up shop inside the hotel’s mini food court. A tiny row of ethnic food choices, from Latin bites at Latin Flavor ABQ to Salvadorian food from La Cocina De Maria complement any craving you have.
Dining with a view
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Watch one of Albuquerque’s famous southwest sunsets and enjoy a taste of local flavors at one of the city’s rooftop hangouts. Check out rooftop views with food and cocktails at the Apothecary Rooftop Lounge at the historic Hotel Parq Central. Or local flavors from Chef Marc Quinones’s menu at Level 5 Rooftop Restaurant and Lounge located atop the boutique Hotel Chaco. And Ibiza Lounge at Hotel Andaluz.
Local favorites
For homemade New Mexican fare, try a fried bologna sandwich from My Mom’s restaurant. Another local crowd-pleaser is Mesa Provisions. Helmed by Chef Steve Riley, a 2024 James Beard finalist in the Best Chef: Southwest category, Mesa Provisions uses seasonal ingredients from New Mexico to create his ever-changing menus — for example, the Mesa Burger features Native American beef and topped with green chile. Other dining options locals couldn’t stop talking about include Happy Accident, Owl Cafe, Two Fools Tavern and M’Tucci’s.
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Or head to the Barelas Neighborhood for authentic New Mexican cuisine. As the oldest neighborhood in ABQ, dating back to the 1600s, the Barelas is a predominantly Hispanic neighborhood located along historic Route 66 where colorful remnants of the past are displayed at almost every corner along with modern murals. The Barelas Coffee House is the place where locals and tourists (if they know where to go) gather for breakfast and lunch. Classic breakfast burritos served with either red or green chili, or “Christmas style” with both is a classic choice. But you can’t go wrong with anything at this family-owned cafe.
Ride the longest aerial tramway in North America
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Situated in the Rio Grande Valley, the Sandia Mountains dominate the skyline surrounding ABQ along with its highest point, the Sandia Crest, reaching 10,378 feet in elevation. Becaues of its location, ABQ benefits from warmer lower elevation weather, coupled with snow-packed mountains in winter that are accessible with a 30-minute drive or tram ride.
While you can drive to the summit of the Sandia Crest or a scenic hike, some opt to ride the longest aerial tramway in North America—the Sandia Peak Tramway. A 10-minute tram ride to the top of Sandia Peak offers beautiful mountain vista views from either side and several hiking trails that make it easy to get out and explore the lone mountain.
Discover more things to do when visiting Albuquerque, New Mexico and start planning your trip today.
*all images by Jessica Hughes.