3 Days in Albuquerque: Amazing Places to Eat, What To Do, and More
My first visit to Albuquerque in 2018 was one of my favorite memories of that trip. We ate at the now-defunct Quesadilla Grill (which closed because the owners retired), and rode across the musical highway (sadly, also now defunct), and visited the Mario and Princess Peach mural, in addition to making some Route 66 stops and Breaking Bad points of interest for Brandon.
I went back last March as a part of my culinary tourism class. Yes, that’s a thing. And, of course, I got a whole new appreciation for the area.
So, no matter if you’re looking for some fun and quirky things to do, or you’re searching for the best food in the city, I’ve got you!
When to Visit Albuquerque
| Month | Weather (High/Low) |
| January | 51° / 25° |
| February | 57° / 28° |
| March | 66° / 34° |
| April | 74° / 42° |
| May | 83° / 51° |
| June | 93° / 61° |
| July | 94° / 66° |
| August | 92° / 65° |
| September | 85° / 58° |
| October | 74° / 45° |
| November | 61° / 33° |
| December | 51° / 26° |
Albuquerque is known for their dry climate, so the heat is much more bearable than, say, Dallas. No matter when you go, the nights will always bring a bit of a chill, making it a bit more tolerable during the summer months.
- Spring is an ideal time to visit Albuquerque, as the temperatures are mild and the flowers are in full bloom. Heads up, though, it’s often very windy, and you can still get a snow shower or two while you’re there.
- Summer can be very hot, so this may be a great time to explore water activities on the Rio Grande or visit some of the local museums.
- Fall is also a great time to visit, as you can enjoy outdoor activities while taking in the stunning fall foliage in the area.
- Winter is cool, and snow is always a possibility, so plan activities around that – try something like snow tubing!
Getting to Albuquerque
Fly: Albuquerque International Sunport
This airport is undergoing a major refurbishment, and it’s extremely easy to navigate. Just don’t get coffee from Black Mesa Coffee. Very mid.
Drive
Coming from the North (Santa Fe or Colorado)
Take I-25 South straight into Albuquerque. This is a smooth and scenic drive through the high desert, and you’ll arrive right in the heart of the city. From downtown Santa Fe, the drive takes about an hour; from Denver, plan on about 6.5 to 7 hours.
Coming from the South (Las Cruces or El Paso)
Hop on I-25 North, which runs directly into Albuquerque. The desert views are wide and open, with a few small towns and rest stops along the way. From Las Cruces, expect a 3.5-hour drive; from El Paso, it’s approximately 4.5 hours.
Coming from the East (Texas or Clovis)
Take I-40 West into Albuquerque. If you’re coming from Amarillo, Texas, the trip is just under 5 hours. This route runs through flat plains and slowly rises into New Mexico’s high desert terrain. You’ll pass through towns like Tucumcari and Santa Rosa—both great for quick stops.
Coming from the West (Arizona or Gallup)
Travel I-40 East directly into Albuquerque. The drive from Gallup is about 2 hours, and if you’re coming from Flagstaff, Arizona, it’s around 4.5 hours. Expect red rock views, scattered mesas, and a real Wild West vibe along the way.
Getting Around Albuquerque
Public transportation
Did you know Albuquerque was the first city in the US to offer free transportation? I used it on the first day, and while it does take up some of your time, it doesn’t impact your budget.
Lyft or Uber
This is a lot of what I did when I needed to get around on my last day there. Mainly because, again, things were so far apart. I appreciate the convenience of being able to arrive at my destination on time.
Rent a car
This would be my recommendation, as there is so much to see and do, and it can often be a bit dispersed. Day two is a good example of this, with events spaced up to thirty minutes apart, and there is some backtracking.
Plus, this gives you the opportunity to check out McCauley Hot Springs if you have extra time (it’s an hour and fifteen minutes away, but, um, hot springs.)
3 Days in Albuquerque Itinerary
Day 1: Getting to Know the Area
Start at Suenos Coffee for breakfast
Address: 101 Broadway Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102
This coffee shop is just what the doctor ordered! Just aim for coffee though, no food because brunch is coming.
Check out the Mario World mural
Address: 717 Coal Ave SE b, Albuquerque, NM 87102
It was one of our favorite spots along the Route 66 trip we took in 2018. Sadly, when I returned, someone had defaced it with graffiti. Hoping that a good citizen will revive it. If they do, let me know!
Then find the spaceship/UFO home.
Address: 3501 Monte Vista Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106
This home is simply enjoyable to look at, and the owner is very kind. He was pulling out of his driveway when I was finishing up my gazing session. We made eye contact, smiled at each other, and he went on his way. You can’t own a home like this and not expect people to take pictures.
Have brunch at the Farmacy.
Address: 3718 Central Ave SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108
Okay, I’ll be honest, I did not eat healthy here. Good for the soul, maybe, but probably not for the tummy. I ordered a Lemmy, which is a ham and cheese sandwich inside a buttermilk waffle, topped with béchamel, a sunny-side-up egg, and scallions.
Spend some time checking out Old Town Albuquerque
Address: 404 San Felipe St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104
Founded in 1706, this area retains its Spanish colonial charm. At the center of Old Town is the San Felipe de Neri Church, one of the oldest buildings in Albuquerque. Built in 1793, it’s still an active parish today and the designs catch people’s eyes because of the twin bell towers and whitewashed walls.
Surrounding the church are plenty of boutiques, art galleries, souvenir shops, and restaurants. My favorite store was the Happy Hiker. I ended up buying a Native American necklace from a lady selling outside the shops, though.
Head to Los Poblanos to finish out your day
Address: 4803 Rio Grande Blvd NW, Los Ranchos De Albuquerque, NM 87107
In the 1930s, Congressman Albert Simms and Congresswoman Ruth McCormick Simms developed the 800‑acre ranch. They brought on famed architect John Gaw Meem to design the hacienda and La Quinta Cultural Center—a venue for lectures, concerts (including the June Music Festival), and political events.
Nowadays, the property does things like win two keys from the Michelin guide. In 1999, the Rembe family purchased the property, transforming it into a boutique inn with 45 rooms, a top-notch restaurant, a retail farm shop, a spa, and event spaces.
Their chefs mean business, too. They grow a significant portion of their food on site, but when they can’t, it’s purchased from sources within a 300-mile radius. Meat is butchered in-house to save on costs, and if they get a pallet full of fresh blackberries? Everyone starts making jam to last through the year!
Day 2: Get Real with Nature
Watch the sunrise in a hot air balloon
Address: 5601 Eagle Rock Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113
This is not something I have done, but a classmate was supposed to (I think she got rained out). Rainbow Ryders does a sunrise experience for only $175.
breakfast at Castle coffee
Address: 727 Tijeras Ave NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
I went here as my first stop the last time, since it was too early to check into my hotel room. The employees were very friendly and allowed everyone to talk before moving to the next customer. They also made me a Mexican mocha (mocha with a dash of cayenne), which I appreciated.
Visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
Address: 2401 12th St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104
This. If you can do nothing else, I recommend this experience. Even better if you can talk with one of them and learn more about their culture. We went to an event at the Flower Hill Institute and I’m telling you- I don’t think there was a dry eye in the room before we left.
Take a picnic lunch to the Petroglyph National Monument
Address: Western Trail NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120
Hike the volcanoes trail, eat, and enjoy the view.
If you like this, be sure to check out my review of Craters of the Moon National Monument in Idaho!
dinner at Ten3
Address: 30 Tramway Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87122
Another one left on my list. You need to take the tram, so be sure to book in advance. Heads up: if there’s a snowstorm, your trip may be cancelled. We went to Mesa Provisions instead, which was phenomenal. The only reason it’s not on the list is for the view. If we’re going to make it a day focused on nature, Ten3 wins.
