From our experience, Albuquerque turned out to be a perfect place for a cultural, culinary, and scenic weekend. The annual Route 66 Summerfest is reason alone to plan your visit around mid-July, but this city offers so much more—hot air balloons, petroglyph hikes, speakeasies, and indigenous cuisine.
If you’re planning a short visit or a longer road trip, here are the best things to do in Albuquerque, including where to stay, what to eat, and what experiences not to miss, based on what we personally loved and recommend.
Where to Stay in Albuquerque
The Monterey Motel
This retro-chic hotel sits along Central Avenue—right on historic Route 66. With a laid-back vibe, colorful touches, and its own onsite speakeasy (Momo Lounge), it’s a great spot if you’re staying near the city center. The location is perfect for hopping between Nob Hill, Old Town Albuquerque, and downtown Albuquerque.
Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa
Set on Native Pueblo land, this resort is both a luxury escape and a cultural experience. You’ll get sweeping views of the Sandia Mountains, access to nature trails, and a spa that’s ideal for unwinding. Breakfast is free until 11 AM, and Santa Ana Cafe is a standout on-site option for relaxed dining with regional flavors and scenic patio views. For dinner, Corn Maiden restaurant delivers authentic New Mexican cuisine with dishes like blue corn bread made with local honey.
Hotel Zazz
A bright, bold, and proudly the only Meow Wolf–sponsored hotel in the world with a hidden speakeasy (enter by tapping a golden banana) and Zema Vinyl Lounge serving themed cocktails—this spot feels more like art than accommodation. It’s such a fun place if you’re exploring Albuquerque’s creative side.
El Vado Motel
A lovingly restored 1930s Route 66 classic, El Vado Motel blends vintage aesthetics with modern comfort. The neon sign out front invites you in, and the lobby’s taproom and patio give it a friendly, local feel. Perfect if you want design-forward decor and nostalgia rolled into one stay.
Coffee & Tea Spots Worth Sipping
Cutbow Coffee
This fish-themed café is a little different—and totally worth it. It’s consistently ranked as one of the best coffee shops in the United States, offering specialties like the Maria Elena espresso poured over house-made marshmallow. Try the Café Canela or a pot of New Mexico tea for a warm, aromatic experience.
Castle Coffee
Locally loved and independently run, Castle Coffee is a great place to pause between exploring downtown and historic Old Town. Their espresso drinks and baked goods are as inviting as their staff.
Flying Roadrunner Bakery
Located in Old Town, this bakery is worth a standalone mention. Their red chile croissants and pastries are so good, and the espresso drinks are on point. It’s a good place to start the day before heading out on the Paseo del Bosque Trail or exploring nearby museums.
Lost Cultures
A sober-friendly bar and tea shop serving mocktails like “Love Is Beautiful,” kombucha, and hibiscus teas. It’s eclectic, respectful, and feels intentionally thoughtful.
Routes Bicycle Tours: Coffee & Tea Ride
If you’re into a more active caffeine fix, hop on the Routes Bicycle Tours & Rentals. It offers a “Coffee & Tea Bike Tour” that lets you pedal through ABQ’s café culture along the scenic Paseo del Bosque Trail. This is a great way to see more of the city while sipping and sightseeing. A clear day is the best time to book.
Indigenous and Local Cuisine
Itality
Located just outside the city center, Itality is a Native woman–owned vegan restaurant with dishes that celebrate Indigenous heritage. Highlights include fry bread, blue corn waffles, and their nourishing Atole. The green chile–seasoned dishes reflect the bold spirit of authentic New Mexican food.
66 Diner
This Route 66 staple features neon signs, checkered floors, and a menu full of American classics with a New Mexican twist. The 66 Burger is a standout, stacked with green chile and perfectly messy in the best way. Their green chile cheeseburger and Tom’s Pink Cadillac milkshake (strawberry + Oreo) are also must-tries. It’s a great introduction to Albuquerque’s fusion of old-school Americana and local flair.
Indian Pueblo Kitchen
Situated inside the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, this restaurant delivers a flavorful in-depth look at Pueblo foodways. Order the Pueblo Benedict, try the Indian Taco, and don’t miss the famous Pueblo pies. It’s an essential stop for anyone wanting to taste New Mexico’s state cookie and beyond.
Santa Ana Cafe
Located at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa, Santa Ana Cafe blends Indigenous ingredients with southwestern fare. The menu rotates seasonally, but you’ll almost always find Pueblo specialties like blue corn griddle cakes or green chile corn chowder or stew. Dining here while overlooking the Rio Grande is a memorable part of the resort experience.
Corn Maiden Restaurant
As Tamaya’s signature fine-dining spot, Corn Maiden delivers a refined take on Indigenous and New Mexican flavors. Highlights include roasted corn bisque, house-made whipped ricotta with garden herbs and honey, and mains like mole braised duck enchiladas, buffalo tenderloin, or hay roasted chicken—all crafted from ingredients sourced on-site. With floor-to-ceiling windows and views across the high desert, the atmosphere matches the food: elegant, thoughtful, and deeply tied to local tradition.
Golden Crown Panaderia
This historic bakery is beloved for its green chile bread and artisan pizzas. Run by a local family, it’s a good place to grab unique baked goods and souvenirs you won’t find in a typical gift shop.
Outdoor Adventures & Natural Wonders
Sandia Peak Tramway
Hop on one of the longest aerial trams in North America and ascend over 10,000 feet to the crest of the Sandia Mountains. The views stretch across square miles of desert, forest, and city. It’s the best way to experience higher elevations without hiking, and if you time it for sunset, prepare to be awestruck.
Petroglyph National Monument
One of the largest petroglyph sites in North America, this national park is home to ancient volcanic rocks etched with sacred images. Hike Boca Negra Canyon or Piedras Marcadas Canyon to view hundreds of petroglyphs carved by Native Americans and Spanish settlers. These trails offer a peaceful escape and a great way to connect with the area’s natural and cultural history. Be sure to check official websites for trail updates, especially during inclement weather.
Old Town Albuquerque
This historic hub is where the city of Albuquerque began. Explore adobe buildings, boutique shops, and San Felipe de Neri Church—one of the oldest buildings in town. Nearby, Old Town Farms offers a bike-in café experience, while Flying Roadrunner Bakery crafts unique pastries like a red chile croissant. It’s a perfect place to slow down and take it all in. It’s also conveniently located near the ABQ BioPark and Tingley Beach.
Explore with Routes Bicycle Tours & Rentals
A fantastic way to explore Albuquerque’s open spaces. Rent bikes or join one of their themed tours. The Paseo del Bosque Trail is a local favorite, winding through nature, farms, and riverfront paths. It’s the best experience if you want outdoor activities without the usual crowds.
Old Town Farm
Also known as Bike In Coffee, this spot is exactly what it sounds like—ride in on your bike and your entrance fee is waived. If you’re in a car, it’s a $5 donation to a local nonprofit. We love a spot that supports the community and serves great coffee.
Arts, Culture & Heritage
Nob Hill
This part of town feels like a time capsule of mid-century Americana. Historic Route 66 runs through it, and you’ll find neon signs, vintage shops, and creative food trucks. It’s lively during the day and buzzing at night.
Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
This museum and cultural space showcases the history of New Mexico’s 19 Pueblos through exhibits, educational programs, and performances. Don’t miss the Buffalo Ram Dance or the artisan market. It’s a powerful reminder of the Native American culture that defines the region.
Casa Flamenca
This intimate performance venue brings flamenco to life with heartfelt storytelling and artistry. With roots in both Spain and Mexico City, flamenco here feels personal, passionate, and raw. A beautiful celebration of Spanish and Native American culture.
Albuquerque House
A funky house filled with colorful displays, all put together by the homeowner. It’s weird, wonderful, and photogenic in all the right ways. The exterior alone is a great photo op and shows off just how playful and imaginative New Mexico architecture can be. If you’re into the unexpected, this is for you.
Routes Bicycle Tours: Art & History Ride
Similar to the coffee tour but deeper. You’ll bike past murals, historic landmarks, and public art installations while your guide shares stories of Albuquerque’s creative side.
Hidden Speakeasies & Nightlife
Fat Frank’s
Located under Urban Hotdog Company, this 70s-inspired speakeasy requires a clothing donation to enter. Try the Holy Mole cocktail or the Verdant Reveries made with house-infused Chartreuse. Don’t skip the Elote Dog or Smash Burger—this place delivers good stuff in every bite.
Zema Vinyl Lounge at Hotel Zazz
This Meow Wolf–sponsored hotel bar feels like an immersive art exhibit. Tap the golden banana to enter, and you’re in a retro lounge that plays vinyl and screens Netflix dive-in movies by the pool. It’s also African woman–owned and one of the most creative nightlife spaces in Albuquerque.
Apothecary Lounge
Perched atop a building along Central Avenue, this rooftop bar offers panoramic views of the city and historic Route 66. Try the Lavender Sour, Peach Better Have My Money, or the Smoked Boul. On a clear day, the sunsets and skyline views are incredible.
Momo Lounge
A great spot for casual nightcaps, Momo Lounge surprised us with its laid-back yet stylish vibe. Great playlist, good drinks, and zero pretense. After long days exploring, this effortless lounge tucked inside the Monterey Motel was our favorite place to decompress.
Teddy Roe’s
Accessed through a back alley behind M’tucci’s Bar Roma. It’s low-lit, comfy, and full of jazz vibes, perfect for a quieter night out with whiskey and conversation. It’s Nob Hill’s best-kept secret.
Annual Event Spotlight: Route 66 Summerfest
Held every July, the Route 66 Summerfest is Albuquerque’s signature annual event and the best time to feel the city come alive. Nob Hill transforms into a pedestrian party with food trucks, live music, lowriders, and cultural performances like flamenco. The 2025 festival includes a drone light show and is completely free. Grab dinner from vendors or nearby favorites like M’Tucci’s, Central Bodega, or 3128 Social House. This annual event is family-friendly, vibrant, and pure ABQ energy.
Tips to Make the Most of Your Time in Albuquerque
- Start your day with really good coffee: We kept going back to places like Cutbow and Flying Roadrunner, not just for the drinks but the vibe. A great cup in a cozy café makes everything else better.
- Try green chile every chance you get: It’s not just a topping here—it’s a way of life. From the 66 Burger at 66 Diner to green chile bread at Golden Crown, trying it in different forms is half the fun.
- See the city from a bike seat: Routes Bicycle Tours & Rentals was such a fun way to explore. The Art & History Tour showed off Albuquerque’s creative side without us having to map it all out ourselves.
- Let your evenings be spontaneous: Some of our best memories came from unplanned stops at places like Momo Lounge or Teddy Roe’s. Albuquerque has a way of surprising you, so lean into that.
- Leave room for the quirky stuff: Spots like Albuquerque House, Nob Hill’s colorful murals, and the retro glow of El Vado Motel gave the trip so much character. These little detours were the parts we kept talking about long after. Don’t rush—some of the best finds happen when you’re just wandering.
Best Things To Do in Albuquerque: FAQs
Is there anything fun to do in Albuquerque?
Absolutely. From the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta to quirky speakeasies and hikes among volcanic rocks, Albuquerque offers a little of everything. It’s a city where you can ride the Sandia Peak Tramway in the morning, see flamenco at night, and eat green chile on just about everything in between.
How to spend a day in Albuquerque?
Start with breakfast at Indian Pueblo Kitchen, hike Petroglyph National Monument, grab lunch at Itality, and explore Old Town Albuquerque. In the evening, check out Fat Frank’s or Zema Lounge for creative cocktails, and catch the sunset from Apothecary Lounge. Albuquerque makes every moment count.
What is Albuquerque famous for?
The largest city in New Mexico is known for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, its stretch of historic Route 66, Native American culture, and breathtaking views of the Sandia Mountains. It’s also home to over a dozen museums, neon signs galore, and authentic new Mexican cuisine. It’s the perfect place for a short visit or your next big road trip.
Best Things To Do in Albuquerque: Final Thoughts
Albuquerque blends creativity, culture, and natural beauty in a way few cities do. You’ve got ancient petroglyphs and downtown speakeasies, Pueblo dishes and public art, all within reach of the Sandia Mountains and Rio Grande. Whether you’re planning for summer festivals, fall season hikes, or sunny days year-round, the best way to experience this city is to dive in boldly and curiously. Trust us, Albuquerque is a special place that will surprise you again and again.
Last Updated 1 hour ago by Jessica Serna | Published: August 16, 2025
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