Steal This Itinerary for a Long Weekend in Albuquerque

We’ve been to Albuquerque, New Mexico, a few times now, spending a week there each time. It’s on our shortlist of favorite American cities.

If you don’t have as much time, don’t fret. A long weekend in Albuquerque is enough time to see the main attractions and dig into the quirky stuff underneath the surface.

This city is a little weird, but that’s why it’s wonderful. Maybe that’s even why it speaks to us. This Albuquerque itinerary will get into all the best things to do in Albuquerque, our favorite spots, and how to fit in some Breaking Bad intrigue.

Is Albuquerque worth visiting?

Albuquerque is worth visiting for its unique museums, local Pueblo cultural offerings, and food and craft beer scene. It’s also big into ballooning.

Albuquerque is considered by many to be the hot air ballooning capital of the world. That’s because it’s home to the world-famous Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

How many days do you need to spend in Albuquerque?

You need at least one full day in Albuquerque to see some of the highlights, but you may not fully appreciate the city unless you devote a few more days to exploring its quirks.

If you only have one day in Albuquerque, prioritize Old Town, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and Indian Pueblo Kitchen, and the Nob Hill neighborhood.

If the weather is right, the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway is a great way to get a bird’s eye view of the city.

How to Spend a Weekend in Albuquerque

You can spend a weekend in Albuquerque like this:

• Visit the quirky Telephone Museum of New Mexico in downtown Albuquerque.
• Wander the historic Old Town, starting at the San Felipe de Neri Church.
• Meet the dinosaurs at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science.
• Grab tamales at the Duran Central Pharmacy.
• Pick up some blue rock candy at The Candy Lady.
• Catch the best views from the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway.
• Walk the trails at Petroglyph National Monument.
• Learn about Pueblo traditions (and foods) at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center.
• Have fun at the Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum.
• Find your favorite eatery or bar in Nob Hill.

A Weekend in Albuquerque: Day 1

I assume you’ll get in on a Friday for a long weekend in Albuquerque. If you only have two full days in town, pick and choose based on your priorities. I’ll include enough here for three full days in Albuquerque. 

If you’re visiting mid-week, check on hours of operation for any eatery or Albuquerque attractions. Many of the museums alternate days they’re closed, particularly on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Otherwise, pick up this Albuquerque itinerary at whatever time works for you.

Stop 1: Downtown Albuquerque

The downtown area is a natural starting point for weekend getaways in Albuquerque. If it’s early, start with some coffee. Castle Coffee is a great option with delicious brews and a focus on community.

Humble Coffee Company is another option that specializes in espresso-focused pick-me-ups and breakfast burritos. If that just made your mouth water, the cafe operates out of 505 Central Food Hall, a great spot for a light (or heavier) lunch.

I have one last downtown Albuquerque suggestion in case your trip is timed just right. The Telephone Museum of New Mexico is one of those unique things to do in Albuquerque that you’ll only find in a city like this.

They have super limited hours, though. For Friday travelers, you can pop into this volunteer-run museum from 10am-1:30pm.

Note: You can also call ahead for private tours, but there is no guarantee on those.

Your reward for working to make this one happen is an exhibit space full of interactive features that will take you back to your youth if you’re of a certain age. The staff is also a delight.

Stop 2: Old Town Albuquerque

You’ll spend the rest of the day exploring Old Town Albuquerque, a part of town I really enjoyed because it reminded me of Old Town in San Diego.

It is much quieter in Albuquerque, though, and I’ve been to Albuquerque twice now to compare the noise levels.

That’s definitely not a bad thing. You’ll have many of the shops and cute little alleyways to yourself, especially if you arrive early enough on a Friday to avoid some of the weekenders. 

I’ll list what we did while in Old Town Albuquerque, but I’d highlight San Felipe de Neri Church and the Rattlesnake Museum & Gift Shop if you’re pressed for time. Breaking Bad fans won’t want to miss some of the highlights here, either.

Stop 3: San Felipe de Neri Church

The San Felipe de Neri Church is an icon of Albuquerque and the historic Old Town plaza, standing in this very spot since 1793.

While it’s very photogenic from the outside thanks to those Spanish Colonial vibes, you’ll be treated to the church’s stained-glass window game if you pop inside.

Don’t miss the ornate tree stump carving on the northwest corner of Plaza Street outside the church. This is Our Lady of Guadalupe, supposedly carved by one of the parishioners years ago.

Stop 4 Option 1: Albuquerque Museum 

There’s something for everyone in the Albuquerque Museum. You’ll see several art exhibits from New Mexican artists, a primer on Albuquerque history, and my favorite exhibit, a series of photos showcasing old-school methods for filters and retouching.

Don’t miss the sculpture garden outside even if you don’t pay the admission fee to check out the museum inside.

Stop 4 Option 2: New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science

If there are dinosaurs involved, we’re probably going to make it happen.

The New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science in Albuquerque is cheap and full of interactive stations and dino specimens that only existed in New Mexico.

The museum also offers 3D movies throughout the day for an extra two bucks a person.

Fun fact: We sat in on Dinosaurs of Antarctica where I got to learn about Gondwana for the first time ever. Brian learned nothing because he’s kind of a nerd like that. 

I highly recommend this one as a fun little detour in Old Town Albuquerque. There’s only so much blue rock candy one can eat! (More on that in a minute.)

Stop 5: Lunch

Grab a bite whenever hunger strikes at any of these options in Old Town, whether that’s an early dinner or a regular dinner. Move this up earlier in your day if you hit both museums. 

Here were our favorite stops in the area:

• Duran Central Pharmacy: It’s a working pharmacy, but also a gift shop. Oh, you can also get tamales there, something I’d highly recommend. They’re covered in cheese and green or red chile sauce upon request if you’re all in on New Mexican cuisine.
• Gobble This: If you’re just in need of a quick nosh, grab some Salvadoran pupusas at this casual spot and be on your merry way. Burrito and taco plates are available for the hungrier folks.
• Sawmill Market: I loved this warehouse space with all of its options for both sweet and savory treats. Grab a slice of pizza, order a platter of tacos, or dip strawberries and cream paletas in white chocolate sauce and call it the perfect afternoon.

Stop 6: Rattlesnake Museum & Gift Shop

Just buy tickets and bypass the gift shop. The real goods are in the back. I’m talking about more species of rattlesnakes than you thought existed, a giant tortoise, boas, and the odd cricket. This is Albuquerque’s quirk at its finest.

Note: You’ll be very close to the Bottger Mansion of Old Town from here. This 1912 building sits on the same site of an old hacienda that was demolished for the mansion’s construction. It’s an important piece of history, but it also may be a little haunted. One of the resident ghosts apparently likes to sit on the bed of dozing guests. You’ve been warned.

Stop 7: The Candy Lady

Come for the blue rock candy, but stay for everything else. This candy shop has been around for longer than Breaking Bad, but the real goods are behind the chocolate counter. The turtles are particularly yummy.

Stop 8: The Breaking Bad Store ABQ

I thought this was just a gift shop, but I was SO wrong. Any fan of Breaking Bad or Better Call Saul will want to prioritize this one. They have all kinds of autographed memorabilia from the show and fun photo opportunities.

We had the place to ourselves on our visit, another perk of a not-so-busy Old Town.

Optional Stop 9: Gutierrez-Hubbell House

It’s been a busy day for you, so I’d keep this one as an optional stop unless you need another dose of history on your Albuquerque tour. It’s a bit of a drive to the hacienda, too.

That drive there is steeped in history, though. You’ll travel the 1,600-mile El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro to get here. This is an old European trading route that connected Mexico City to frontiers in New Mexico over three centuries.

The house itself is over 150 years old, but this stop is most popular for the trails that crisscross the property, especially when the flowers are blooming in the open space.

The modest museum inside describes the story of the Gutierrez-Hubbell family who lived here. There were 12 children born inside this space.

You’ll know you’re there when you see the dispensary across the street. I mean, there are dispensaries all over this town, but there’s one directly across the street from the historic site. 

Stop 10: Drinks and Dinner

Head back to your accommodations and collapse for another busy day tomorrow or keep the party going with some fun options below:

• Interested in kicking things off with cocktails? Happy Accidents in Nob Hill has some very fun (and punny) craft cocktails for you to sip on while you decide on where to head next.
• Love that idea but want to add a view? Head over to the Apothecary Lounge, a rooftop bar at the Hotel Parq Central with a New Mexican food menu of small plates.
• Don’t feel like anything fancy? La Guelaguetza Mexican Restaurant may seem nondescript, but these James Beard Award semifinalists just south of Route 66 serve up some of the best Oaxacan food in the city.

A Weekend in Albuquerque: Day 2

With two days in Albuquerque, grab a quick coffee and a snack before soaking in some of the important cultural sites in town. Cutbow Coffee is a great option within a short drive of your first stop below.

Stop 1: Petroglyph National Monument

Visit one of the largest petroglyph sites in North America, let alone the United States, at this historical site. You’ll see designs and symbols carved into the rocks here by Native Americans and Spanish settlers hundreds of years ago.

There are four different hiking areas that give you easy access to the best petroglyph spotting. These are Boca Negra Canyon, Rinconada Canyon, Piedras Marcadas Canyon, and the Volcanoes Day Use Area.

Boca Negra Canyon offers the most amenities and access to about 100 petroglyphs across three short trails: the Mesa Point Trail, the Cliff Base Trail, and the Macaw Trail.

Just please don’t climb on the rocks while you’re here. You can hurt yourself and hurt future generations by traipsing off-trail. We see it all the time in delicate environments like this one, so I’m all about being repetitive on this point. Stay on the trails.

Stop 2: Indian Pueblo Kitchen

I’m only starting you here and not at the museum that’s your next stop because you may have worked up an appetite looking at all of those petroglyphs.

If you’re not hungry just yet, start with the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, one of the top attractions in New Mexico for history buffs. It’s all in the same spot.

Expect excellent service and yummy Native dishes with a New Mexican flair. We indulged in blue cornbread muffins, prime rib French dip on fry bread, and elk chili. It was all fantastic, and the prices were reasonable.

It’s only open for breakfast and lunch into Polish dinner, so get there before 4pm if you don’t want to miss out.

Stop 3: Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is owned and operated by the 19 native Pueblos of New Mexico. You’ll see artifacts and videos from Pueblo people, art installations, and moving exhibits about Indian boarding schools and attempts at assimilation.

If you’d like to support this community, there is a gift shop on site and tables of crafts at the entrances and exits of the museum.

READ MORE: Native American history is essential history. Tahlequah in Oklahoma is a great town to prioritize if you want to add to your education.

Stop 4: Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway

The Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway is Albuquerque’s most popular attraction and a must-do if you love a good view. It’s also the longest aerial tram in the Americas, so it’s a big deal in these parts.

You may be tempted to save it for the last day, but I’d caution against it. This activity is dependent on what the weather wants to do the day of your travel.

The Sandia Peak tram is worth it if you want the easiest access to views from the tops of the Sandia Mountains. Tickets are pricey, but the views make up for the sticker shock.

We were visiting in March at the end of the winter season, so we booked an afternoon ticket time for warmer temperatures on the ride and at the top.

The ride to the tramway itself is super scenic. You’ll have mountain views for the last few miles and potential buffalo sightings in the fields to your right. 

Once we got there, we had about a 10-minute wait for our car. You book tickets for a two-hour window of time, but not for an exact time. You can arrive at any point within that window.

We spent a little while at the top snapping photos, wishing we had more cold-weather gear. It was absolutely beautiful up there. Spend as much time as you like taking it all in before heading down.

Fun fact: Expect temps to drop about 30 degrees from the start to the top!

There’s an overpriced restaurant at the top if you’d like to linger, and several hiking trails that start here.

I didn’t envy the breathless hikers at the top with all of their spikes and other gear — I saw an orange whistle at one point — but hiking is an option for either leg of your trip. 

Stop 5: Albuquerque Breweries

Albuquerque has an extensive brewery scene that you could spend years navigating, but we were able to narrow it down to the list below during our multiple trips here.

Choose one (or more?) of these based on efficiency or what they have on their draft list at the time of your arrival:

• Bow & Arrow Brewing Co.: The decor in this place was almost as good as the beer. This was also the first Native American woman-owned brewery anywhere, so you know we had to prioritize this one.
• Gravity Bound Brewing Company: There were a number of dogs in attendance here that I fell in love with, so I feel like I have to include this one in the list of faves. I also had a pour of the gose they had on draft and it was wonderfully floral. 
• La Cumbre Brewing Company: This highly-rated brewery has a great outdoor patio scene at its Girard Avenue location. I can’t vouch for their west side location, but it seems to be dog-friendly if you’re traveling with your pups.
• Marble Brewery: We visited this one because it was where the Breaking Bad crew enjoyed their brews. If you want the same experience, head over to the Northeast Heights location.
• Tractor Brewing Company: This was our very first brewery in Albuquerque during our initial trip here. I vaguely remember meeting a dude from San Diego who looked like Cole Sprouse. The beer was great, though.

Stop 6: Spaceship UFO House

For a little quirk to add to your list of what to see in Albuquerque before your next meal, check out the Spaceship UFO House. Also known as the Bug House, this is the brainchild and home of architect Bart Prince.

While your eye will naturally go to that UFO-esque front deck first, don’t ignore the lawn art while you’re here taking a look. I’m pretty sure that’s a stegosaurus there.

READ MORE: Love alien-themed tourism? Don’t miss the Extraterrestrial Highway in central Nevada.

Stop 7: Dinner in Nob Hill

We always eat well in Albuquerque. Here are a few options for dinner after your second day of fun:

• Frenchish: It’s technically “frenchish,” but the copy editor in me was very bothered by that. I’m not bothered by the fun takes on classic French food at this eatery. Their Frenchie burger with Gruyère is where meat-eaters should begin.
• Il Vicino Wood Oven Pizza: We got personal-sized pizzas for takeout from their Nob Hill location on our last night in Albuquerque. They did not disappoint. I loved their Bianca with goat cheese and spicy oil. 
• Mesa Provisions: Join the clean plate club at this intimate eatery with some of the best meat game in the city. Not into that? Just order several helpings of their savory biscuits and call it a night. Reservations are strongly recommended.

A Weekend in Albuquerque: Day 3

If you’re a Breaking Bad fan, a third day in Albuquerque may be the perfect day to give yourself a self-guided tour of filming locations from the show.

I have a detailed Breaking Bad tour guide that includes film sites for Better Call Saul, too, so head on over there if this excites you.

I include spots like Walter and Skyler’s house, complete with an angry lady who hates tourists, and lesser-known spots like the remote location where the money is buried. 

There’s no money there, so put the shovels away.

If that’s not your bag and you’re into bucket list adventures, Albuquerque is known for a very bucket listy activity: hot air balloons. An extra day on a long weekend in Albuquerque sounds like a great time to make this happen.

Unfortunately, our plans backfired. Weather conditions weren’t ideal and all tours were canceled for the day we had planned to hit the skies. (The morning ended up being beautiful, but I can’t blame them for being cautious.)

If this is something that would similarly ruin your life, book a balloon ride early on in your trip just in case tours are canceled. Rainbow Ryders offers sunrise tours for folks who plan better. They were our pick for our tour.

Otherwise, keep following along for alternatives on an extra day in Albuquerque.

Stop 1: Breakfast/Brunch

If you end up kicking off your day with a hot air balloon ride, you’ll still be done just in time for brunch. From here, tick off some Albuquerque attractions that evaded you, or just revel in the fact that you did something very cool. 

If you didn’t get to the sunrise tour, a leisurely morning probably still sounds pretty good. 

My favorite morning activity in Albuquerque is Ihatov Bread and Coffee.

The bakers here are James Beard Award finalists, so you know those croissants behind the counter are legit. If you’re feeling like something savory, try a green chile and cheese croissant. 

Otherwise, you can never go wrong with a pain au chocolat.

Want something more substantial? Here are a few more yummy morning breakfast spots:

• Barelas Coffee House: If it’s good enough for former President Barack Obama it’s good enough for you. He was here for a bowl of their green chile, but that may be a little wild for the morning. Their daily pancake special should do the trick.
• Frontier Restaurant: This diner is an Albuquerque institution, serving up huevos rancheros and breakfast burritos since 1971. They’re pretty much open at all hours, but it’s breakfast you want while you’re here.

Stop 2: ABQ BioPark

There’s quite a bit here for you to choose from, so you may just want to leave it up to the weather. I went to the ABQ Biopark Botanic Garden because it was too nice of a day not to smell some roses.

Don’t miss the Mediterranean and desert conservatories and the lovely water features around the Japanese Garden.

The Bugarium is also lots of fun, especially if you don’t mind creepy crawly things like tarantulas, Goliath beetles, and mole rats.

If you just want to hang out here for the rest of the day, that’s certainly an option, too. You can get combo sites to multiple attractions that include the gardens, the ABQ BioPark Aquarium, and the ABQ BioPark Zoo.

Stop 3: Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum

We got away with free admission at this one because I guess it was too windy to operate the ticket booth. I’ll take it!

This is a super fun stop if you’re not visiting during the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta or are unable to book a hot-air balloon ride.

You’ll learn all about the history of the festival and more information than you ever thought you needed about record-setting balloon operators. Take some time to watch the video clips about the failed Arctic balloon expeditions to the North Pole. 

Those men were NOT prepared.

If you do have to pay for tickets, this is one of the most budget-friendly spots to visit in Albuquerque. They were just a couple of bucks per person during our visit.

Stop 4: Lunch

It’s time to reward yourself for all of that learning. Here are a few delicious lunch spots to partake in on your last day:

• Central Bodega: This one is a wine bar with a menu of small bites, sandwiches, and meat and cheese boards whether you partake in their wine list or not.
• Coda Bakery: Choose from a list of bahn mi and other inventive Vietnamese-inspired sandwiches at this casual spot. Their smoothie game is fantastic, too.
• Tin Can Alley ABQ: I love options, especially when they’re provided to me inside a shipping container. There’s also a taproom here if you’d like a beer with your eats.

Stop 5: Casa Rondeña Winery

Casa Rondeña Winery appears to come out of nowhere as you navigate your way there, but it’s quite the sight once you make the turn to pull into the driveway. Their property is stunning, so you’ll definitely want to linger here.

If you’re visiting on a sunny day, grab a glass of wine or one of their flights and head outside onto their patio. It was super windy during our visit, so we snagged a table by the fireplace inside for ambiance that was just as good.

Their wines are delicious, by the way. Grab one of their little snack boxes from the fridges before you find a seat and sip away on the most perfect weekend in Albuquerque. I loved their 1629, a red blend of tempranillo, syrah, and cabernet sauvignon.

Stop 6: National Museum of Nuclear Science & History

I know this stop seems weird after wineries, but if anything can make the nuclear atrocities of World War II go down a little easier, it’s some tempranillo, right?!? 

OK, that’s completely false. The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History is a heavy visit, but it’s also an educational one. Learn about the science of nuclear power and test your brain at a variety of interactive stations on the ground floor. 

There is an extensive exhibit about the bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, but it’s not presented in a way that you’d expect from a government facility.

Look up when you’re asked to for a paper crane installation representing the children who lost their lives in the bombings.

Leave some time to check out the planes, rockets, and missiles in the outdoor exhibit.

Stop 7: Game Night

I keep talking about it, but Nob Hill is truly at the top of best places to visit in Albuquerque.

If you’re lucky enough to still be in Albuquerque well into your third day, finish things off with some fun at the Empire Board Game Library. I’m not even going to list everything they have here because the list is substantial.

If you look at that list and are completely overwhelmed, they have a great staff to point you in the right direction. Hourly game rates are cheap, especially if you’re a senior.

They have a full food menu, too, so you don’t even need to leave if you worked up an appetite playing games.

With More Time in Albuquerque

We’ve spent a lot of time in this city. Here are a few more things to fill up longer itineraries as you decide what to do in Albuquerque:

• Time your visit around the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
• Catch a live music or dance performance at the National Hispanic Cultural Center.
• Pick up sweet treats at Chocolate Dude and Coffee Too! In Nob Hill.
• Climb onto trains, steam engines, and more trains at The New Mexico Steam Locomotive & Railroad Historical Society.
• Try to hear what’s left of the Musical Highway, a section of Route 66 that “plays”  the song “America the Beautiful” if you drive over at just the right speed.
• Explore Rio Grande Nature Center State Park and its wealth of wildlife-spotting opportunities.
• Float down the Rio Grande River and prove your patriotism by spotting some bald eagles.

Day Trips From Albuquerque

You can also explore some of the best day trips from Albuquerque with more time in the city. Check out these getaways from Albuquerque:

• Jemez Springs: For a relaxing dip, head to the hot springs of the village of Jemez Springs about an hour and 15 minutes from Albuquerque. Soak in some history after at the Jemez Historic Site, the remains of a 16th-century Pueblo site.
• Pueblo of Acoma: The archaeological site, also known as the Acoma Pueblo and Sky City, wasn’t open during our visit, so we opted to wait to return. There’s a museum and special programming available if you encounter the same issue.
• Santa Fe: It’s just an hour to this vibrant arts hub, so you may as well make it happen if you have the time. I have a complete guide to Santa Fe if you’re intrigued by that idea.

When to Visit Albuquerque

The best months to visit Albuquerque are September and October if you’re looking for ideal temperatures. Note that the annual hot air balloon festival does happen in October, so prices on flights and accommodations spike during that week.

We visited most recently at the start of March and enjoyed some early springtime temperatures. Our first trip was in February, and winter caps were definitely appreciated then.

Honestly, the best time to visit Albuquerque is whenever you can make it out here. You’ll find things to do regardless.

Where to Stay in Albuquerque

We love Nob Hill for Albuquerque visits. We’ve stayed in the neighborhood twice now, and I highly recommend it for easy access to good eats, nightlife, and walkability. Central Avenue is the main thoroughfare here and a part of old Route 66.

Love that idea? This Nob Hill property was our pick for a week-long stay in the city. It was affordable, pet-friendly, and within walking distance of some great parks in the neighborhood.

For a little added tourism while you’re here, check out the Hiway House Motel, an old Route 66 classic for accommodations in the area. 

I’m not telling you to stay there. This is no historic inn, and I don’t send unsuspecting tourists to accommodation options that aren’t super well-reviewed. It’s not all negative, I guess. Here’s a good one:

“One of the few old hotels left on Central. The rest have burned down in meth-lab explosions. This hotel only lost four rooms in its explosion.”

Want to comparison-shop? Check out the map below:

Albuquerque isn’t up and coming.

This city has arrived as a tourism destination at this point, especially if you have even a passing interest in hot-air ballooning.

That all said, it’s not always on the same travel radar as nearby Santa Fe, despite the Breaking Bad connection and all of the things to see in Albuquerque. That’s OK, though. It just means you’ll have more of the city to yourself.

Interested in more travel nearby? Check out these posts:

• Time to Get Nerdy at the Florissant Fossil Beds
• Tombstone, Arizona: Is it Worth the Drive?
• How to Plan a Day at White Sands National Park
• Ways to Spend a Long Weekend in Phoenix
• How to Plan Your Trip to Petrified Forest

More cities around the U.S. that we love:

• How to Spend a Weekend in Milwaukee
• Visit Fort Collins, the Best Colorado City
• A Local’s Guide to Common Chicago Stereotypes
• How to Plan a Visit to Sedona, Arizona
• Best Things to Do in Colorado Springs

Want to see more?