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1. Of course you could do all of the following or just register to our cultural scavenger hunt!
2. Take a look at this map of the city to have a real idea on how it is built and organized.
3. Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
Albuquerque's high desert environment makes for one of the best spots in the world for hot air ballooning. Every October sees hundreds of balloons and tens of thousands of people coming to the city for the International Balloon Fiesta. For over a week, the cold morning skies fill with hot-air balloons from all over the world. Sunset finds the balloons inflated again for evening "balloon glows", where the burners are fired into the stationary envelopes to make them shine against the dark sky. Balloon rides and scores of other events round out the celebration. The balloons can be seen from almost anywhere in the city.
4. Albuquerque Museum of Art and History
This impressive institution offers visitors an in-depth look into Albuquerque's past. Located at the edge of Old Town, this museum hosts a spectacular collection of cultural items from the past 400 years. It is a place where the visitor not only gains a better understanding of Albuquerque's history but about European settlement in the entire southwest. Displaying suits of Spanish armor, historic woodcarvings and even art of the likes of Georgia O'Keeffe, the museum also hosts traveling and temporary exhibits. Get Google maps directions>
5. Old Town
Site of the original Spanish settlement, Old Town was shaped for centuries by both the Spanish and Mexican cultures as well as the Native Americans of the area. Centered on the large plaza, Albuquerque's Old Town retains a relaxing and charming Southwestern feel characterized by giant old cottonwood trees, cobblestone streets and adobe structures. Old Town is full tourist-friendly attractions like art galleries, souvenir shops, little museums and restaurants. It's the perfect place for an afternoon stroll and casual sightseeing.
Get Google maps directions>
6. Albuquerque Biological Park
Not far from Old Town, the new Bio Park is home to the Albuquerque Aquarium, the Rio Grande Botanical Gardens and the Rio Grande Zoo. With its expansion and upgrades of the past decade, the zoo has become a premiere destination hosting hundreds of species (many endangered) and one very awesome playground. The aquarium is perfect for the kids interested in sharks, while the botanical garden is a lush environment to discover butterflies and other insects. This is an excellent place for an all-day family outing. Get Google maps directions>
7. Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
For thousands of years, the numerous cultures of the Pueblo people called this area (now New Mexico) home. While dozens of pueblos disappeared with the coming of the Spanish, many remain vibrant. The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, located 2 mi north of Old Town, celebrates these living cultures and histories with an outstanding museum as well as cultural events, lectures, workshops and tours. Be sure to make time to attend at least one of the traditional dances.
Get Google maps directions>
8. KiMo Theatre
One of Albuquerque's best-known architectural landmarks, the KiMo Theatre was originally built in 1927. The somewhat gaudy Pueblo-Revival-Art Deco Style incorporates adobe architectural styles with the linear motifs and recessed spandrels more typical of classic Art Deco. Paintings and images of Native American cultures abound. Through the 1970s the theatre fell into neglect and was barely saved from the wrecking ball. A renovation completed in 2000 has allowed the theater to again become one of the city's premier venues. Oh, and it is reputed to be haunted!
Get Google maps directions>
9. Paseo del Bosque
Albuquerque isn't just a big city. It also hosts one of the most important environmental corridors in the Southwestern United States. Tracing the forested Rio Grande for 16 mi right through the center of town, the Paseo is a perfect walking and biking path. The route offers a break from the city as well as some great wildlife-viewing opportunities. The trail can be accessed via multiple points along the river. Get Google maps directions>
10. Rio Grande Nature Center State Park
The Rio Grande Nature Center State Park is located on the east bank of the Rio Grande at Candelaria Road in Albuquerque. Exhibits introduce the ecology, geology, and history of the Rio Grande Valley. It also offers a small hiking trail, access to Paseo del Bosque and a blind for great aquatic bird watching. Get Google maps directions>
11. Church of San Felipe de Neri
One of the anchors of Old Town, this large 300-year-old Catholic church features a rectory, convent, school, museum and some impressive historic religious artifacts. It is simply one of the most beautiful and peaceful buildings in the entire state.
Get Google maps directions>
12. Sandia Peak Tramway
While not as high as the Colorado Rockies, the Sandia Mountains framing the skyline to the east are no shrinking violets. At 10,378 ft the rugged summit of the range offers a superb view of sprawling Albuquerque. The tramway offers a rather stunning ride along a 3 mi suspended cable from the eastern edge of the city to the summit. You can literally see hundreds for miles around. Several restaurants, ski slopes and wilderness hiking trails greet the sightseeing visitor.
Get Google maps directions>
13. New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science
Likewise located near Old Town as well as near the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History, this institution focuses on the ancient geologic history of the area. Though displaying several life-size dinosaur skeletons and a few other items that will wow children, this museum is not particularly kid-oriented. Still, be sure to check out the IMAX and planetarium schedule for some pretty thrilling showings that the whole family will enjoy. Get Google maps directions>
14. Petroglyph National Monument
Albuquerque is full of history, but here is where you'll find the really old stuff. Located on the western edge of the city, this 7,236-acre national monument is home to nearly 25,000 ancient images hewed into the volcanic rock by some of the continent's earliest inhabitants. This is an outdoor museum, and most of the images are accessed via numerous hiking trails. The visitor's center offers excellent interpretive exhibits along with a wide-range of educational programs.
Get Google maps directions>
15. Explora! Science Center and Children's Museum
Described as "part science center, part children's museum, part free-choice school, part grandma's attic, part grandpa's garage, part laboratory, part neighborhood full of interesting people, and part of many people's lives….", Explora is a hands-on science center with many facets. Exhibits are created specifically to get visitors to make their own scientific discoveries. Explora also hosts numerous camps and events designed around science, education and fun. Get Google maps directions>
16. University of New Mexico
The sprawling forested campus of the University of New Mexico (UNM) is like one massive park located right in the center of the city. The state's flagship institution, UNM is a public research university founded in 1889. Famed architect John Gaw Meem designed many of the buildings on the central campus, which has a unique southwestern feel. Eight of the buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places. Get Google maps directions>
Adam is our Albuquerque local representative, we asked her what an ideal day of leisure in Albuquerque could look like, what would she suggest doing from early morning to late at night.
Here is what he suggests.Don't hesitate to contact Adam on Twitter @bigcitychase #Albuquerque #questionforAdam if you have questions for her, we may publish your conversation in this blog if he thinks it might be useful to other Albuquerque visitors.
Adam for Big City Chase Albuquerque :
"Hi, my name is Adam, I'm 29 and lived all my life here in Albuquerque, I'm a football coach and a DJ at night so I will be able to guide you through this city as much for great daytime activities then for the nightlife. Here is the leisure day I suggest so that you can enjoy the most your trip in Albuquerque :
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