Nestled in the high desert, this New Mexican city surprises with its unique blend of cultures, spicy cuisine, and quirky charm. Home to the world's largest hot air balloon festival.
Albuquerque, New Mexico's largest city, sits in the high desert at the base of the Sandia Mountains. The city is known for its annual International Balloon Fiesta, adobe buildings in Old Town, and the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway. You can hike in nearby mountains, taste spicy New Mexican cuisine, and visit museums that highlight the area's Native American and Hispanic heritage. Albuquerque's clear skies and warm climate make it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and culture seekers alike.
Tasting New Mexican Flavors
New Mexican cuisine combines Native American, Spanish, and Mexican cooking traditions. When you order, locals will ask "Red or green?" referring to the chile sauce. Try sopapillas (fried pastries), carne adovada (pork in red chile), and green chile cheeseburgers. At El Pinto, a large hacienda-style restaurant with its own chile farm, you can eat surrounded by traditional New Mexican architecture.
Balloon Rides and Festivals
Albuquerque's weather creates excellent conditions for hot air ballooning. The International Balloon Fiesta in October fills the sky with hundreds of colorful balloons, but you can take balloon rides throughout the year. Visit the Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum to learn about the history and science of ballooning.
Old Town Albuquerque
Founded in 1706, Old Town is the historic center of Albuquerque. You'll find narrow streets lined with adobe buildings housing art galleries, shops, and restaurants. The San Felipe de Neri Church, built in 1793, stands in the central plaza. For traditional New Mexican dishes, eat at the Church Street Café, located in one of the area's oldest buildings.
Outdoor Activities
The Sandia Mountains east of the city have trails for hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing. Take the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway for a trip to the 10,378-foot summit. In winter, you can ski at Sandia Peak Ski Area. West of the city, Petroglyph National Monument has thousands of ancient rock carvings.
Museums and Cultural Centers
Albuquerque's museums highlight the region's history and culture. At the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, you can see art and learn about traditions from New Mexico's 19 pueblos. The Albuquerque Museum of Art and History has a large collection of Spanish colonial artifacts. For science exhibits, visit the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science or Explora, an interactive museum suitable for all ages.
