Albuquerque NM is a land of incredible diversity, with something to offer everyone who visits. There are many great places to visit in this city, but if you are looking for the ultimate Albuquerque NM experience, then you need to head to one of the places below. Whichever part of Albuquerque NM you choose to visit, you’re sure to have an amazing time.
The Best Place to Visit in Albuquerque NM
ABQ BioPark Zoo
- Address: 903 10th St SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (10758)
- Phone: +1 505-764-6200
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: ClosedTuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMWednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMThursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMFriday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMSaturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMSunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
5 Replies to 15 Places in Albuquerque NM That Are A Must-Visit
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Top 15 Tourist Attractions in Albuquerque NM
Sandia Peak Tramway
- Address: 30 Tramway Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87122, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (7705)
- Phone: +1 505-856-1532
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PMTuesday: ClosedWednesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PMThursday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PMFriday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PMSaturday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PMSunday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Reviews:
I would say this was definitely worth the money. My one complaint (and it’s a big one) is that the tram is too packed with people to enjoy the view unless you’re directly by the window. Wait for a group to go, then get to the front of the line to fully enjoy this experience.
It’s an incredible view even if you don’t get in the restaurant. If you DO want a reservation, make sure to make one a few weeks in advance.
There’s hiking trails at the top, and the last ride of the day back down is at 9. I would pick one path or another: go up for pictures and go to the restaurant, or go to the trails.
We went the picture route this time but next year we will probably choose to do some hiking instead. Beautiful spot definitely worth seeing.
By Madie Leon Riley (6 months ago)Very cool experience ? Definitely recommend! We purchased tram tickets last minute as we were passing through town. We arrived and once in line to board, the wait was about 45 minutes. The views were beautiful even from the line! The ride took about 15 minutes and was stunning! You pass over a few canyons and valleys, so the views are constantly changing. Once at the top, the temperature was a brisk 35 degrees (25 degrees colder than on the ground)! We weren’t able to eat at the restaurant, but they did allow us to buy cocktails and enjoy outside. So many photo ops, and we’ll kept grounds.By Katie Zumbahlen (8 months ago)WHAT A VIEW!!! ???If you are visiting the area, you absolutely MUST see this! Worth every penny.
I took a late evening flight up around 7pm. The view from the top was phenomenal. The sunset was phenomenal. The ride back down was phenomenal!
I’d recommend taking a jacket. Temps at the top were 30° cooler than the parking lot.
By Jake Mac (4 months ago)Its a very attractive peak to visit. You have many options: Either you can take two way tram, or, one way up, or, one way down. There is numerous trekking/hikes trail. We did a two way tram and have a hike on north crest, to cabin trail and a little bit further than that. The road was snowy and a bit muddy too. So taking pictures and enjoying the journey, it took us about 45 to 1 hour but it should take less than 30 minutes straight in clear weather. There are people enjoying paragliding. We found people coming from the other way, visitor’s centre. Actually, if you don’t want to ride tram, you can drive to visitor’s centre and hike…Overall we enjoyed the ride, hike, snow, wild animals and very scenic beauty of hills and top view of Albuquerque city.By Elina Prajapati (a week ago)When in ABQ, this is a must do. The tram ride is a quick 15 minutes with an operator who gives you a little tour of the mountain on the way up. From start to finish, the tram team were very efficient at “herding cats” and getting us all into and out of the cabin safely. Needless to say the views from the tram and the summit are breath taking and if you’re feeling adventurous you can hike numerous trails along the ridge. I have never been disappointed when I’ve gone up, you won’t be either.Just be aware it gets quite busy during holidays and during special events like the balloon fiesta so book ahead on their website.By Anna Lambe (2 months ago)
ABQ BioPark – Botanic Garden
- Address: 2601 Central Ave NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (7199)
- Phone: +1 505-764-6200
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: ClosedTuesday: 1:00 – 4:00 PMWednesday: 1:00 – 4:00 PMThursday: 1:00 – 4:00 PMFriday: 1:00 – 4:00 PMSaturday: 1:00 – 4:00 PMSunday: 1:00 – 4:00 PM
- Reviews:
Went on a Saturday to celebrate my mom’s birthday. Ordered my tickets online, it was so easy. It was nice to be able to go right in and not have to wait in line. Main reason was to see the new Japanese Island. Very beautiful, so peaceful. Also visited the Aquarium, very quick and not very much to look at. Food and Drinks are very expensive. Highly recommend taking your own drinks and lunch. The botanical garden has a very large shaded grass area were you can sit down to have lunch. Staff is really nice and informative and able to assist in anyway.
New areas in the Botanical Garden were you can have photo shoot, wedding ceremony, take maternity photos and etc.By Shanise Castaneda (6 months ago)I came here during the harvest festival, so there were lots to do – artisans, good food, and live music. I love nature and this place definitely made me feel peaceful. It’s absolutely beautiful. I walked the entire park, even some of the hidden paths. There’s so much to see – beautiful flowers, plants, waterfalls, koi fish, ducks, and even – dare I say it – bugs ? I’m not a fan of bugs, but was amazed at how beautiful some of them are (not the roaches ?), and how well they blend into their environment. The universe is an amazing thing! Entry to the aquarium was included, which was great. It’s a bit small but I still enjoyed it. if you’re looking for a little slice of heaven, you’ll certainly find it here ?By Maria (a month ago)I already mentioned it in my aquarium review but this place is great! You get to go to the aquarium and botanical garden and that gives you diverse ecology facts and tons of things to do withs friends, family or even dates. We spent about 4 hrs at the aquarium and botanical garden combined. Most at the garden while speed walking since we were on a time crunch. But its wonderful for tourists or local alike great deal and gorgeous plants and architecture. Has a really cool bugarium to teach all about bugs and a butterfly area but that was closed currently.By Monica Mccarthy (7 months ago)The review is for the Botanical Garden. At $5.50 per senior it is great. We love the Japanese Garden, the rose garden, and the enclosed Mediterranean garden. The rest is excellent. One comment – there is a part that merits more attention. As you go in to the Japanese garden main gate (past the part with a bell, past the gate, to the right) there is a small garden that seemed to be donated. It is NOT well maintained.By Guillermo Loubriel (6 months ago)This is the best botanical gardens that I have ever been too. There is just so much to see and do. Everything so so well kept and maintained. We could only spend about 4 hours here, but I’m sure you could spend a whole day here without trying very hard. Awesome!By Jacob Kizer (3 months ago)
Old Town Plaza
- Address: 200 N Plaza St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (6979)
- Phone: +1 505-221-6490
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PMTuesday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PMWednesday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PMThursday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PMFriday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PMSaturday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PMSunday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Reviews:
Figuring out the parking here is a little tricky, initially we drove past either direction a couple times. But once we got into this adorable little town area. It was super cool to walk around. Plenty of trendy touristy things, but also felt like it had a reasonable amount of the old town vibe still. we happened on it during the day of a car show which was super fun. A whole bunch of wineries to wine taste.By Lisamarie (2 months ago)Beautiful downtown area. MOST shops close at 5 so make sure you go early. It’s lit up beautifully but becomes like a ghost town after dark… except Church street Cafe, ate there one night and it’s a beautiful old hacienda, food was amazing!By Katie Meyer (9 months ago)Awesome area with tons of shops, restaurants, art studios, and local stores to get amazing souvenirs, clothes, and trinkets at! Highly recommended a bunch of things to explore and the old buildings are really cool. Live musicians around as well to make it for a lovely ambiance.By Monica Mccarthy (7 months ago)Very much a happy accidental find. I was burning some time before picking up a friend at the airport and I walked into live music, food trucks, local craft artisans, shops, and a few seemingly nice restaurants. The vibe was excellent, all the food smelled great, and the music provided a very upbeat feel.By B.D. Olsen (5 months ago)Such a wonderful revitalized area. It was fantastic that the original homes and history have been respected / restored and used for retail. The park was well kept and looking beautiful. Definitely worth the side trip!By Terri Bailey (7 months ago)
Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
- Address: 2401 12th St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (5266)
- Phone: +1 505-843-7270
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: ClosedTuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PMWednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PMThursday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PMFriday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PMSaturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PMSunday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Reviews:
Awesome time at the Cultural center. We took in the dance show, checked out the gift shop and lunch in the restaurant. The food was really good. My first experience of fry bread and I’m totally hooked. Would definitely recommend visiting.By Mona Fogle (10 months ago)The was a wonderful atmosphere and experience to see the culture of these Pueblo Indians dress and dance. Plus, their culture of painting along with artifacts. My wife and I were blessed and thankful for meeting these young people who are sharing their heritage and keeping it alive!By Jerome Thrash (2 months ago)Spent a very nice afternoon here. Beautiful artwork and saw a dancing demonstration. Phenomenal pottery and jewelry in the gift shop. We’ll be back. Definitely recommend.By Gina Glassman (3 months ago)Tourists trap. If you want to learn about the Pueblo culture, then maybe this is the place to be. This is not the place to see the Pueblo houses, etc… it’s a museum with miniature civilizations. For $12 per person, you will be the judges. The kitchen restaurant just ordinary American cuisine.By Tin Nguyen (a month ago)Always a lot going on here. The permanent exhibit is great representation of the Pueblo culture and history. The changing exhibits are very relevant. Native American vendors in the courtyard, crazy good gift shop & restaurant.By M G (8 months ago)
New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science
- Address: 1801 Mountain Rd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (3879)
Cliff’s Amusement Park
- Address: 4800 Osuna Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.4 (3613)
Explora Science Center and Children’s Museum of Albuquerque
- Address: 1701 Mountain Rd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (3440)
Petroglyph National Monument
- Address: Western Trail NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (3423)
National Museum of Nuclear Science & History
- Address: 601 Eubank Blvd SE, Albuquerque, NM 87123, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (2774)
Tingley Beach
- Address: 1800 Tingley Dr SW, Albuquerque, NM 87104, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.4 (2018)
Albuquerque Museum
- Address: 2000 Mountain Rd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (1974)
Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum
- Address: 9201 Balloon Museum Dr NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (1489)
Rio Grande Nature Center State Park
- Address: 2901 Candelaria Rd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87107, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (1091)
Rattlesnake Museum & Gift Shop
- Address: 202 San Felipe St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (706)
ABQ BioPark Zoo
- Address: 899 12th St SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (679)
Although Albuquerque NM is a large state with many amazing places to visit, these 15 locations stand out as the best according to traveler ratings and reviews. Did your favorite spot make the cut? Let us know in the comments above!
The zoo itself was very nice. We found it to be clean and well maintained. The lady inside the office, right inside the entrance that sold us our membership ,was amazing and very informative. Our son had a blast getting to run around and seeing all the animals. The food was surprisingly good….our 6 year old said it was the best pizza he has ever had. Unfortunately there are many improvements that need to happen to earn anything more than 3 stars. The staff were all too busy on cell phones to help anyone. While trying to let my son ride the carousel, we were told to go to the cone shop to buy tickets…. There was no one there and a line of angry parents had formed with the employee just hanging out in the cafe with her friends… we went into the cafe and asked if we could buy tickets and we were bounced around between them saying I can’t but she can until my wife lost her cool and all of a sudden we were able to purchase tickets in there after all….
A LOT of the exhibits were either closed , under construction, or the animals were just missing??? Speaking of construction, there is A-LOT of very loud construction going on very close to some of the attractions. Having a son with sensory issues, the noise really got to him.
The facility is too nice for a trip to end on a bad note due to lazy and undertrained staff. I really hope these issues can be addressed sooner than later.
What a great zoo! The layout and design is well thought out and pretty. Shade, seating and bathrooms located throughout park. Lots of construction going on and some exhibits closed due to this. Still was able to see a lot. Low crowds, came on a Monday. Not much for a gift shop just a couple of things sitting outside toward the front.
The zoo was awesome!! We had so much fun for Mother’s day!! We saw so many beautiful animals. Take a blanket and food. So you can enjoy a nice lunch on the grass. Thank you!!
Felt awful for the polar bear, it was 99° F outside and he was panting in the sun, he had a small pile of ice cubes on the lower area but that is not nearly enough, he should have something like the penguins, indoors, lots of water, and plentiful of ice.
The “red eye tree frog” enclosure is not labeled correctly, those are whites tree frogs in that enclosure not red eyes.
A few of the animals were missing limbs but Im assuming they’re rescues which I love rescues. A lot of the animals seem well taken care of, except the polar bear.
I really enjoyed this zoo, they just need to adjust things. A lot of the animals seem very well taken care of, the canines we’re playing.
Also, some visitors were teasing the cheetahs, that’s not nice Don’t tease any of the animals…
The park was clean and the bathroom. The gift shop needs more adult merchandise it’s mostly small children stuff. The staff is very nice.
Beautiful, good layout, and getting better!
We did the reservation of tickets online with the 9am slot. Not sure if we had to do that, but we did. I am military so with that discount we paid $47.50 for 2 adults and 3 kids. We have been to tons of museums, and the is cheap!!
We were the first in line and the check in was simple. They scanned my ticket on my phone and my daughter was the first one in!!!
There is an large map and you can scan a QR code to follow on the website. I really think they could add more info in the site. I love seeing how old an animal is, what is weighs, what it eats, etc. they could add unlimited info, but there really is t much to read 🙁
The exhibits were clean and large for the animals. We were early and kind of disappointed that some enclosures were still being cleaned so the animals weren’t out. Specifically the Giraffes. There were humans in the enclosures so the animals weren’t. That kind of sucked.
The penguin exhibit was amazing. I have never seen one as nice as it.
This is a must visit zoo!!!