Things to do in Albuquerque, New Mexico

New Mexico, also known as the “Land of Enchantment”, is most definitely the most interesting place we have ever lived. It is rich with a culture we never knew existed. Albuquerque is the biggest city in New Mexico with a crowded population of over 550,000 people. Here are a few fun things we’ve enjoyed on our trips to the big city.

Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm
Not only is this place fun for the whole family, it gives my foodie taste buds something to jump for joy over. We arrived early and ate breakfast at their Organic food to table restaurant, Campo. The French toast I had was so delicious and Travis raved about his breakfast burrito. A little on the pricey side, but it was so worth it.

After breakfast we walked around the gorgeous property. The grounds are filled with gardens, creeks, ponds, silos, the organic farm, the lavender farm, and did I mention that you can also stay here? It’s a hotel and event venue as well!

The Farm store has products infused with their organically grown lavender and has grab and go pastries and bread from the restaurant. The soap got me, the Blue Corn Mint smells amazing. 

After shopping we met up with our guide because I signed us up to do the Lavender Distillation Class. I use essential oils and it intrigued me to see the process and how they do it on the farm. This class was $15 per adult. Both Travis and I found it very interesting. They showed us exactly how they do the distilling process and we each got a dried bunch of Lavender to take home. They also have events such as gardening classes, harvesting, cooking, etc. 

For more information on Los Poblanos, click here.

Downtown Growers Market
I always love checking out the local Farmers Markets wherever we go places. I feel like they are the best place to find local and hand made items. This market is open seasonally April-November on Saturdays 8 am to noon. This market features produce, plants, pastries, desserts, and some crafts. 

For more info about the Downtown Grower’s Market, click here.

Sandia Peak Tramway
This is the best way to see the mountains and the city from way up high. The tramway is a huge enclosed gondola that goes up to Sandia Peak. The tram is open year round 9 am to 8 pm daily but can close due to certain weather conditions. Check the website or call before you go. The ride is only fifteen minutes each way and there is a building to look out at the top. A bit pricey at $20 per adult for round trip but the sights are amazing. 

For more info about the Tramway, click here.

Old Town Albuquerque
Old Town is exactly what it sounds like, the oldest part of town. It is full of shops, restaurants, bakeries, and there are locals set up in the main plaza selling handmade jewelry and crafts. This area looks like old Mexico with all of the adobe style buildings and dried chilies. There are so many gorgeous spots for photos and lots of Mexican restaurants. My favorite spot in Old Town for lunch is Le Crepe Michael. France is my favorite place in the world and his food is authentic. I got a La Croque Madame (ham sandwich with an egg on top). 
For more info about Old Town, click here.

If you’d like to check out some local cuisine for lunch instead, I suggest The Owl Cafe. It is a long time landmark off of Route 66 and their home cooked food is delicious.

The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History
This is a fun place to go when you need an indoor activity. Admission is only $7 for military. They have lots of retired aircraft to look at and interactive exhibits. 
For more info about the museum, click here.

Uptown Albuquerque
I am a shopper and the best area for it in Albuquerque is Uptown. Uptown itself has the boutique stores like Altar’d State, Anthropology, Lush, Francesca’s as well as upscale stores like Michael Kors and Coach. You can also find Starbucks, Target, and Trader Joe’s. Across the street you’ll find the big two story Coronado Mall and behind Uptown there is another large shopping center featuring Marshalls, Nordstrom’s Last Call, and Dillard’s. My favorite restaurant in this area is hard to choose. I love Cheesecake Factory and The Melting Pot but Fork & Fig is taking the cake. Fork & Fig is organic and farm to table (my two favorite things to offer). They have seasonal menus so it changes. 
For more info on Uptown, click here.
For more info on Coronado Mall, click here.