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.

#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.

#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:

1.  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.
2. 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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