While in recent years Walter White might have spiked additional tourism and interest in New Mexico’s largest city, Albuquerque has been a renowned cultural melting pot since its establishment. It is home to portions of the Rio Grande and Route 66. The history sandwiched between nature’s carving of the river and human’s building of the road is another major draw for tourists. The extensive Native American and Spanish colony histories make Albuquerque a must see for any craving a cultural getaway. If you want to immerse yourself in the fare and flair this city has to offer, keep reading to discover how to spend 24 hours in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Sip Culture at Piñon Coffee
Start your day off by getting a cup of the famous Piñon Coffee. The piñon is a pine tree native to desert mountains in the Southwestern states. While in the same species, the nut it produces has a unique taste different from your typical pine nuts. It’s sweet, buttery flavor blends deliciously with the high-altitude Arabica beans the company sources from South and Central America. Their three coffee house locations across the city offer traditional and specialty coffee beverages as well as a small collection of breakfast items at extremely reasonable prices. If you don’t have time to make it to the coffee house or you love your cup so much you want to take it home with you, you can buy bags of beans at their locations, grocery stores throughout the city, or at many souvenir shops. No room left in your suitcase? That’s ok! Their website offers free shipping within the U.S.
Amble Through Old Town
The highlight of the city is located at its very heart: Old Town Albuquerque. With a lengthy history as a prior farming community and outpost, this village dating back to 1706 is the number one must see for your time here. Adobe buildings house more than 150 restaurants and boutiques that make this a lively and entertaining hotspot. Admire and stock up on southwestern and Mexican art from local shops and artisans. Oaxacan Zapotec House sells hand weaved rugs, painted sculptures, and art that will be the perfect addition to your home to remember your trip by. If you’re looking for something a little unique and desert oriented, for only $6 per adult you can appreciate the world’s largest live rattlesnake collection at the American International Rattlesnake Museum. Need to fuel up? Grab a bite at Church Street Cafe located right next to none other than San Felipe de Neri Church. San Felipe de Neri Church, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was built in 1793 and is an unmissable part of Old Town’s central plaza. All in all, you’ll want at least two hours to see Old Town, including all of its adorable nooks and crannies such as Patio Market.
Step Even Further Back in Time at The Natural History Museum
With the beating sun surrounding you in a beautiful but barren desert, it is hard to imagine that New Mexico was once underwater. Leave the human histories of Old Town and immerse yourself in the natural histories at the Natural History Museum of New Mexico. Permanent exhibits walk you through the conception of the land to the present day, with plenty of dinosaurs and fossils to entertain all ages. Temporary exhibits change regularly and can spark curiosity with subject matters such as how wolves became the canine friends we know and love or the evolution of chocolate. If you want to sit down and take a load off, watch a show in the planetarium or the 3D theater (requires an additional ticket). The museum is laid out well, one exhibit running smoothly into another, and whether you stay for an hour or three, you are sure to feel that you got your money’s worth. Tickets to the museum are only $8 per adult and offer you an ideal way to gain a new perspective on the landscape around you while beating the heat.
Satiate Your Taste Buds at Sawmill Market
Round off your day with dinner and drinks at Sawmill Market. Opening in March 2020 as the state’s first food hall, Sawmill Market is a once historic lumber mill turned 34,000-square-foot trendy hub for locals and tourists alike. It is home to 27 artisanal vendors ranging from brew pubs to floral design. Their outdoor patio and play space is welcoming to families as is the ability to grab plates big and small to satisfy even the pickiest of appetites. There is a little something for everyone. The lively, industrial chic atmosphere makes this place plenty “Instagramable” and foodies can’t miss Flora Restaurant or Churro y Corn. The venue hosts weekly bingo Mondays, karaoke Tuesdays, and a variety of other events listed on their website’s calendar. With a plethora of alcohol options, this is an idyllic place to cheers after a perfect day.
Spending More Than a Day?
There is plenty more to do to make your trip everything you hoped it would be. If you are feeling that you need a little more time outdoors, explore the nearby Petroglyph National Monument. Head out onto one of the hiking trails to see the 400 to 700 year old symbols drawn by Native Americans and Spanish settlers, less than 15 minutes by car from Old Town. The art of Old Town making you want more? Drive less than an hour to the mining town turned gallery haven of Madrid. You may recognize it from the 2007 action/adventure film Wild Hogs. Want to sneak in some more culture? Indian Pueblo Cultural Center beautifully showcases the histories of the many peoples of the state. Want to do a funky tour? Check out the local bicycle tour, ghost tour, and of course, for the Breaking Bad fans, an RV tour that will take you to all of the filming locations.