In Albuquerque, gaze at this seasonal display of lanterns, see flamenco dancers, hit the bike trails, and more.
Thanks to acertain television series(or two ) , Albuquerque ’s tourism sector draws plenty of singular travelers divulge the area for the first time . But any resident will tell you that ABQ was deserving visiting long before anyone want to check outJesse Pinkman ’s planetary house . In fact , the urban center has always been one of the Southwest ’s most underrated gems , swarm with culture , exceptional dining , and laurels - winningbars .
It ’s incredibly well-to-do to pass a weekend in ABQ : The driveway from Phoenix is very straightforward , and the aerodrome is small and childlike to navigate with quick flight of steps from Phoenix . However you do it , get to ABQ and experience it for yourself : You ’ll wonder why you ’ve never been before .
Travel Time:
6.5 hours from Phoenix , Arizona by car.6.5 hours from Denver , Colorado by car .
If you don’t do anything else: Celebrate Las Posadas at Christmastime
The strong religious and cultural influences of Mexico and Spain are most prominent during the holiday time of year , when the Las Posadas jubilation is in full swing . The Christmas season event come up across Mexico is traditionally celebrated for nine days , from December 16 through December 24 , to represent the nine months Jesus was in the womb . In Albuquerque , most locals only celebrate on Christmas Eve , when caroller go door to threshold act as out the story of Mary and Joseph . Everyone also fete with food and more music . arrest local parish , including the historicSan Felipe de Neri , for Las Posadas processional events .
All over Old Town , you’re able to find luminaria ( also promise farolito ) displays , which are small report lanterns commonly used to grace at Christmas . Old Town , the first neighborhood of Albuquerque , has been the meat of the urban center for over three centuries , so take some time to stroll around the area and love the shine luminosity .
Fill your days:
Outdoors activities in Albuquerque
Albuquerque is the land of the balloon ( and host ofworld ’s biggest raging air balloon festivaleach year ) . Visitors can set up sail in the colorfully top baskets , with plenty of outlets offer up the experience . The enceinte of those , Rainbow Ryders , has over 40 years of provide hot air balloon experiences under its belt . you may do sunrise or sunset flights , but it is very hard to beat the quiet easiness of sun rays mount over the Sandia Mountains .
With over 400 miles of paths and trails , it ’s also easy to soak up the metropolis on two wheels . Start with the 16 - mile - longPaseo del Bosque Trail , popular for its mix of both natural and cultural landmarks to hold on and explore . Did n’t bring a bike ? There are plenty of rental shops around and if you fancy a draw tour of duty alternatively of a solo drive most offer those too . Routes Bicycle Tours and Rentalsoffers a full range of rental bikes plus legion tour options that even very fooling bicyclists can revel , including the most delectableABQ Bike and Taco Tour .
Cultural destinations in Albuquerque
Albuquerque is North America ’s flamenco capital — and the University of New Mexico even offers a minor in it . TheNational Institute of Flamencooffers plenty of opportunities to experience the highly expressive Spanish dancing yourself , includingTablao Flamenco Albuquerqueshows every Friday , Saturday , and Sunday at Hotel Albuquerque ’s intimate and purposefully built flamenco quad . The Friday and Saturday show include a four - class , prix fixe Spanish dinner .
For a flavour into Albuquerque ’s Native inheritance , direct to theIndian Pueblo Cultural Center . The center provides a fascinating look into the history of New Mexico ’s Pueblo tribes , along with pieces by Pueblo artists and vivid murals around the complex . you could also seek some autochthonous stunner at the onsite restaurant , Indian Pueblo Kitchen , or at least take a treat dwelling house from the bakery font .
Meanwhile , theNational Hispanic Cultural Centeris a great way to both delight community events and learn about Latino influence . The campus is vast , with a do arts center , art museum , and educational construction , but one of the most singular parts is the subroutine library . Its telling historical aggregation let in a substantive family tree room , with materials that can help those with Latino inheritance retrace their ascendent .
Old Town Albuquerque, New Mexico|Photo by Esther Ann on Unsplash
Eat, drink, and sleep
Restaurants and bars in Albuquerque
With a cuisine rich in flavors that bring together Spanish , Mexican , and Indigenous influence , it ’s virtually impossible to not get amazing nutrient in Albuquerque . Start your day with some seriously delicious and honest-to-god school New Mexican solid food atBarelas Coffee House . The small eating place has been serving the local community for decades , and you ca n’t lack the huevos rancheros or carne adovada for breakfast .
oral sex toCampoatLos Poblanos Historic Inn and Organic Farmfor one of the most in - need dinner reservations in town — truly so , because the menu is load up with local ingredients . For something a little more laidback , trySawmill Market , the state ’s first food hall . It houses 27 local merchants hawkingcocktails , wine , and beer ; Mexican street fare like crispy , deep brown - souse churros ; and the unmatchablered and green chileemblematic of New Mexican cuisine . For a more modern take , hear rooftop restaurantLevel 5 , where executive chef Marc Quinoñes spins a refreshing take on unexampled Mexican ingredients . It ’s the consummate place to take in the panorama of the urban center alongside sundown cocktails and fry quail coat in blue corn and buttermilk . Plus , there ’s a killer Gallus gallus wing decked out in a piñon gremolata .
To satisfy a sweet craving , something legendary should do the trick : TryGolden Crown Panaderiafor scratch - made biscochitos . New Mexico ’s State Department cooky since 1989 , the shortbread cookie - comparable sweets are rich with flavors of Pimpinella anisum , scratch , and cinnamon . The decade - old institution even installed a cooky ATM so customers could get their biscochito kettle of fish 24/7 . ( Do n’t pass up the pizza with green chile gall either . )
The stripe fit in ABQ is stiff . This year , Tales of the Cocktailnamedthe bar squad atHappy Accidents . With in - house distillment and a hyper - focal point on cocktail idol , it ’s absolutely deserving checking out . Plus , its Central Avenue location get to it a gravid launchpad to check out out some of the other bars in Ithiel Town . block off in atTeddy Roe’sand sip on the seasonally changing That Good Vodka Drink while you check out the historical articles and characterisation dotting the small speakeasy . For a good craft beer , drumhead toBow and Arrow Brewing Co. , a German - style beer mansion founded by two aboriginal females put up a rotating survival of local brews . And to get a filling of local cotton gin and wine , tryTown and Ranch Lounge , which is owned by Los Poblanos Historic Inn and Organic Farm . The onsite distillery ’s two gins are uncommitted alongside thoughtfully created cocktail and New Mexican wine-coloured .
Where to stay in Albuquerque
To stay near the historic Old Town of Albuquerque , volume a room at eitherHotel ChacoorHotel Albuquerque . Sitting next to each other , both sumptuousness hotels are just a 10 - second walk of life to the shops and restaurants of Old Town , as well as the Sawmill Market . For some peace treaty and quiet outside of townsfolk , bide atLos Poblanos Historic Inn and Organic Farm , where the rooms look onto lavender plain and peacock wake up guests . And to be in the heart and soul of Route 66 and Nob Hill , stay at the very eclectic and funHotel Zazz , which feature hopeful people of colour , retro goal , a disco ice machine room , a magical giraffe statue that spread out a secret bar threshold , and more to make it unlike anywhere else you ’ve ever stayed .
Luminaria in the streets of Old Town, Albuquerque.|Courtesy of MarbleStreetStudio.com via Visit Albuquerque
Photo by Kyle Hinkson on Unsplash
Tablao Flamenco Albuquerque|Courtesy of New Mexico Tourism Department | Visit Albuquerque
Courtesy Sawhill Market
Courtesy of Los Poblanos
