We hear a lot about various places in the United States that we absolutely must visit, but plenty of really great places don’t get the love and attention that they deserve. Albuquerque is one of these, and I thought that this would be the perfect opportunity to talk more about what has become one of my favourite places to visit when I’m in America. I hope you enjoy reading more about Albuquerque!
Sandia Peak Tramway
A Sandia Peak Tramway car ascending the mountain. Image via Wikimedia by W. Guy Finley
Taking the aerial tramway is one of the best things to do in Albuquerque and certainly one of my favourites. You ascend over 2.5 miles to the peak of the Sandia Mountains, which is a thrilling experience. These are truly some of the best views of the 10,000-plus miles of spectacular scenery, and there is nothing like viewing the thousands of glimmering lights from the city at nighttime. These mountains are also great for those looking to explore, with many options available for hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing.
ABQ BioPark
Enjoying the water on Tingley Beach in downtown Albuquerque, New Mexico, along the Rio Grande river. Image via Wikimedia via Asaavedra32
This is the ideal place to get outside for a relaxing day, and there is so much to do here. The park is home to an aquarium, botanic garden, zoo, and Tingley Beach. This is a fun place to visit, especially with a small train that connects each of the attractions. You could spend a few days in the park just exploring, but if you want to see the main event, then you absolutely should see the enormous shark tank at the aquarium! I recommend setting aside a few days and getting the pass that allows you to visit all of the attractions here. ABQ BioPark is well worth a visit.
Petroglyph National Monument
If you’re interested in history, this is an ideal place to visit. The monument lies on the west side of the Rio Grande River, and this park is home to over 20,000 images carved into the volcanic rock. The first settlers of New Mexico left these between 400 and 700 years ago. The park is one of the largest sites of its kind in North America.
There are a number of great hiking trails, so you can explore the area as well. These are well maintained, and the views are simply stunning. You can learn more about the park here.
Visit the Old Town
The Old Town of Albuquerque is actually the place where the original city was settled over 300 years ago in 1706. Don’t miss the Old Town’s beautiful cobblestone streets, adobe huts, restaurants, and galleries. Here you can also find the oldest building in Albuquerque, which is the Church of San Felipe de Neri. I love the atmosphere and the street performers in the Old Town.
Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
New Mexico is the traditional home of the Pueblo people, and the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center preserves the customs and culture of these people. The center aims to educate visitors about the Pueblo people and their culture, particularly through lectures, workshops, and cultural events. For an immersive experience, I recommend trying some traditional Pueblo food that’s available in a number of the local cafés, bakeries, and restaurants.
These are just a few of the things that you can do in Albuquerque, and there is so much more for you to enjoy. Although it’s in the middle of the desert, this is a truly fascinating part of the world. Feel free to comment on some of the things that you had a chance to do there. I am looking forward to reading about them.