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10 Fun things to do in Albuquerque
When considering bucket list destinations, I am sure not too many people think of Albuquerque, New Mexico. But that is very big mistake! Whether you are living in Albuquerque or looking for a weekend getaway, this city along the Rio Grande won’t disappoint any bucket list adventurer. From the historic Route 66 to riding in hot air balloons, there are plenty of exciting things to do Albuquerque. So, get ready to cross off some bucket list items with our 10 Fun Things to do in Albuquerque.
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#1 Ride one of the World’s Longest Aerial Trams
We all have a bucket list item about experiencing some type of modern marvel. So why not ride one of the longest aerial tramways in the world? Built in 1966, the Sandia Peak Tramway travels 2.7 miles from the eastern edge of the city to the summit some 10,378-feet atop the Sandia Mountains.
From the historic Route 66 to riding in hot air balloons, there are plenty of fun things to do Albuquerque. So get ready to cross off some #bucketlist items with our 10 Fun Things to do in Albuquerque. #VisitAlbuquerque #VisitNewMexico Click To Tweet#2 Stay in a Mansion
Do you have it on your bucket list to stay in a mansion? You can scratch this off your list by staying in the Bottger Mansion. Located in the heart of Old Town Albuquerque, this amazing home now operates as a small bed and breakfast. Get pampered like you deserve and enjoy the lifestyle of the rich and famous.
#3 Discover an Ancient Culture
If exploring ancient cultures is on your bucket list, then the Petroglyph National Monument should be added to your list of fun things to do in Albuquerque. Here you will find thousands of prehistoric symbols carved onto rocks by Native Americans and Spanish settlers some 700 years ago.
#4 Get Your Kicks on Route 66
Like many people, part of The Bucket List Project’s Adventure Activities & Experiences list is to drive the entire Route 66. But if you can’t make the entire trek, then riding the section around Albuquerque can give you a taste of this epic road trip. Here you can jump back in time as you eat great meals at the 66 Diner and the Owl Cafe or stay at the Tewa Motor Lodge.
#5 Try the Meth Made by Walter White of Breaking Bad (not really!!)
When it comes to fun things to do in Albuquerque, there is no doubt you will want to explore the devious world of Walter White from Breaking Bad. One of the unique things to do is head over to The Candy Lady’s shop. For three decades The Candy Lady has been making sweet treats for those visiting or living in Albuquerque. But she is famously known for creating the blue meth (it’s just blue Rock Candy) featured in the television series.
#6 Make Some Beautiful Music
Is it on your bucket list to create beautiful music, but you can’t play a single musical instrument? Well, if you can drive a car, you are in luck. Along Route 66, there is a quarter mile stretch where you can drive along the rumble strip around 45 mph to “play” the song “America the Beautiful.” To find the “Musical Highway” head Eastbound on Route 333 between mile markers 4 and 5 and exit 170 near Tijeras.
#7 Overcome Your Fear of Rattlesnakes
If you have it on your bucket list to overcome your fear of rattlesnakes, then you will want to head over to the American International Rattlesnake Museum. This small museum will educate you on 34 different species of rattlesnakes as well as showcase other things like albino snakes, a Gila Monster, and other pieces of rattlesnake artwork.
#8 Stay at a Haunted Hotel
If staying in a haunted hotel is for you, then the Hotel Parq Central should definitely be on your bucket list. Built in 1926 as a hospital to treat employees of the railway companies, the building then became a psychiatric facility. At that time the psychiatric patients claimed that ghosts would remove their blankets and torment them. Now it is a beautiful modern hotel with great amenities. However, there are claims that ghosts still roam the halls.
#9 Complete a Man Versus Food Challenge
There is no doubt that Albuquerque is a Southwest food destination. However, if you are looking to take on an epic Man versus Food type challenge then you will be in heaven. Within the area you will find two different restaurants to test your eating ability:
- Travis on a Silver Platter Challenge at the K&I Diner: If you love burritos, then the Travis at K&I Diner won’t disappoint. The Travis on a Silver Platter Challenge takes burritos to the next level. To win this challenge you must consume a 14-pound burrito that combines seasoned beef and beans with red chile and rolled into a burrito. Then it’s topped with green chile, lettuce, and tomatoes, and lastly, French fries.
- The Stuffed Sopapilla Challenge at Sadie’s: This epic food challenge gives you 60 minutes to consume a 6.5 lb. Sopapilla filled with a mix of meat, potatoes, beans, chile, and cheese and then topped with stewed chicken, ground beef, and carne adovada.
#10 Ride in a Hot Air Balloon
With the perfect combination of open desert and clear morning skies, hot air ballooning is one of the top fun things to do in Albuquerque in October. Each year, hundreds of hot air balloons take to the sky while thousands of viewers attend the International Balloon Fiesta. But this isn’t just a showcase of aerial entertainment. If riding in a hot air balloon is on your bucket list, then you can take to the sky as well by reserving a spot with Rainbow Ryders.
Have you ever been to Albuquerque, New Mexico? Which of the 10 Fun Things to do in Albuquerque is your favorite? Have we left out other bucket list things to do in Albuquerque that you would recommend? Let us know in the comments below!
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36 thoughts on “10 Fun things to do in Albuquerque”
I hadn’t heard of this place ever. Sounds very interesting. I would love to make some music with the car.
Albuquerque looks like a perfect place for me because it has most of the things I love to do. Snakes are harmless creatures though. I’d love to stay and if I am allowed to investigate in the haunted hotel. I am a foodie so I’d love to go for man vs food and yeah I had heard of this breaking bad meth thing. I have already added it in my bucket list!
I’ve never heard of this place in New Mexico Albuquerque and all the adventures you pointed out sounds and looks awesome. They are definitely great to add on one’s bucket list.
Exciting list! Deffo a must add in my bucket list . But sorry a big NO NO to rattle snake and haunted hotel! Riding in a hot air balloon has been always in my list, glad to know it can be done in Albuquerque that added to my excitement!
Haha, well Anne, you aren’t the 1st or even the 50th person to politely decline on the Rattlesnakes! But glad you are adding it to your bucket list to check out the Hot Air Balloon Fiesta!
I have not been to Albuquerque yet! But I would definitely like to visit ‘the candy lady’s shop’. I am a fan of Walter White and Breaking Bad! That burrito sure looks yummy. 🙂
Yeah the food in Albuquerque is definitely bucket list worthy alone!
Fantastic list of what to try in ABQ. We were out there last October for the Balloon Fiesta and it’s such an amazing city. Definitely didn’t do everything on this list so I guess we will have to head back again!
Did you get a chance to ride any of the Balloons at the Fiesta? When we return taking a ride in a Hot Air Balloon and perhaps attempting the Man versus Food Challenge is definitely part of the 10 Fun things to do in Albuquerque that we want to attempt!
We were in Albuquerque for the Balloon Fiesta. And I must admit it was a bucket list trip. Every minute of our balloon adventures was fun. But we did also get to see a little of the Albuquerque area as well. We drove up by the Sandia tramway. But didn’t actually get to ride in the tram. Sorry we missed that adventure. And we definitely will have to check out the Candy Lady on a return trip. The biggest thing we remember about the food was the chilis – and learning that no matter what colour, they were all hot!!!!
haha, yeah, I bet the chilis were so good but hot! Sorry you missed out on the Sandia Tram! The views are worth the ride for sure! But I guess you now have several reasons to return!
A ride in a hot air balloon is in my bucket list !!! Incredible pictures !!!
Gorgeous place indeed !!!
Its on mine too..The Albuquerque Balloon festival is truly epic however, I think I would rather ride one for the first time in either Myanmar or Cappadocia, Turkey
This looks like so much fun! Great post!
Such a great variety of things to do! Now throw in a book related to or set in the area, and I’m sold on this trip!
Such a good post; interesting and eye arresting…thank you
Don’t think I can overcome fear for rattlesnakes 😮
Haha, oh yeah? Well that’s more about self preservation than fear in my book.
Oh I would LOVE to ride in a hot air balloon! Gorgeous photos!
Albuquerque is on my bucket list! Thanks for sharing that!
I over ha eating all about this! Bowl I really want to visit
Great post! I agree that Albuquerque southwestern cuisine, warm hospitality, jazz and salsa music, and the city museums are excellent. We did not go to the Rattlesnakes museum and did not ride a hot air ballon, but it’s on our bucket list. Thank you for sharing!
This has always been on my list for the history, culture, food and those hot-air balloons are iconic!
I really loved Albuquerque when I was there a few years ago! Especially the historic section – found some of the best tamales I’ve ever eaten at a hole-in-the-wall restaurant there. Wanted to ride the tram but ran out of time. Great guide!
Oh wow. I had no idea anything like #6 even existed. Adding that to the top of my bucket list when I visit Albuquerque. Thanks!
I love this list! I want to try the musical highway but you can keep the rattlesnakes….
Oh wow! I want to explore and stay in a haunted mansion and ride the hot balloon after seeing the rattlesnakes! Great post, enjoyed reading! Thanks!
This is like the perfect guide to Albuquerque! Saving this post for whenever I plan to visit!
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Sandia Peak Tramway looks gorgeous. Would love to drive Route 66 as well. I’m not sure about the rattlesnakes though!!!
Wow! To be Honest, this is the first time that I heard Albuquerque but I really love the place. I like all amazing things to do that you have listed especially Nos. 2,9 and 10. Captivating photos and nice article!
These are great ideas! Albuquerque is a neat place, we’ve experienced the tram and watching the hot air balloons.
I’m amazed! Very interesting post and beautiful photos. Thank you
The tram and the hot air balloon rides both look absolutely amazing! Definitely adding this to our family bucket list!!
I’ve always wanted to go to Albuquerque! It looks like such a gorgeous place!
what a wonderful and adventurous destination. this is on my travel list now. thank you for sharing the information.
I have visited several of these attractions and done many of these activities! This brings back so many fond memories. Cheers for such a great write-up.
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