New Mexico's beating heart, Albuquerque, is a cosmopolitan, historic city filled with endless adventures and possibilities. Duke City is no doubt a top tourist destination with its magnificent landscapes, abundant cultural attractions, and spicy cuisines. Albuquerque stays true to its Native American roots and Hispanic origins despite the urban development. Here are the fun things to do while in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Visit the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science
1801 Mountain Rd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104
(505) 841-2800
This treasure trove is situated near Albuquerque Museum and established to highlight the 12-billion-year history of the natural world in 1986. The museum houses numerous innovative and hands-on exhibits that traverse the remarkable natural history of New Mexico. Be amazed by the museum's life-size replica of dinosaur skeleton and fossils. Visitors can also experience the planetarium, 3D movie theater, and Hall of the Stars.
Enjoy a day at the ABQ BioPark
903 10th St SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
(505) 764-6200
ABQ BioPark does not only includes a zoo but also a botanical garden and an aquarium. As one of the best attractions of the city, the ABQ BioPark encompasses a huge outdoor environmental museum and Tingley Beach's recreation area which has beautiful ponds, picnic areas, and paths that visitors can truly enjoy. After exploring the botanic garden which is covered with desert flowers and plants, visitors can head to the aquarium. The aquarium mostly centers on local species that can be spotted in the Gulf of Mexico's saltwater marshes and the Rio Grande. ABQ BioPark's popular highlight is the zoo which includes everything from gorillas and elephants to polar bears and lions.
Explore the Old Town
Old Town, Albuquerque, NM 87104
(505) 221-6490
The city's most famous place to visit is the historic Old Town which is the original Spanish settlement location in the 1700s. With a total of ten blocks, the area boasts diverse appealing adobe buildings and has several interesting museums and historic landmarks to check out. Countless shops and art galleries are set around the central plaza of the Old Town selling artworks of Native Americans and Southwestern souvenirs. The cobblestone streets adobe some great bars and restaurants with skilled street performers that help creates the Old Town's lively atmosphere. Moreover, most of the best museums and tourist attractions in Albuquerque can be found around the Old Town.
Try the Sandia Peak Tramway
30 Tramway Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87122
(505) 856-1532
Dramatically rise above both the Rio Grande Valley and Albuquerque are the skyrocketing Sandia Mountains which rest on the city's northeastern edge. Visitors can take a memorable ride to reach the peak of the 3 163-meter-high mounts. The Sandia Peak Tramway ride is also known as America's longest aerial tram. The 15-minutes ride from the desert floor to the summit consists of divine views and gorgeous sunsets. A sky bar, souvenir shops, restaurants, and hiking trails can be found at the top. During winter, the place is also a superb skiing spot.
Visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
2401 12th St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104
(505) 843-7270
When in town, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is a must-visit. The cultural center promotes and preserves the rich culture, history, traditions, and art of the Pueblo people. Operated and owned by 19 Pueblos of New Mexico, the cultural center's innumerable events and exhibitions offer a fascinating realization of their past and present. The cultural center was established in 1976 and now inhabits a state-of-the-art site that includes a gift shop, an art gallery, and a museum that contains artifacts, informative exhibits on their culture and history, and exquisite artworks.