Glam Guidebook
Food scene
This sweet little spot just opened up a few blocks away on Central street. Great local wine and beer selection, craft cocktails and we love the Chef's Charcuterie board! Make a reservation, this gem is often busy.
Central Bodega
3418 Central Avenue SoutheastThis sweet little spot just opened up a few blocks away on Central street. Great local wine and beer selection, craft cocktails and we love the Chef's Charcuterie board! Make a reservation, this gem is often busy.
This is one of our favorite spot to grab a bite and drinks. Located on the top floor of Hotel Chaco (our favorite hotel), this sky bar offers panoramic views of the city and the Sandia Mountains.
30 locals recommend
Level 5
2000 Bellamah Ave NWThis is one of our favorite spot to grab a bite and drinks. Located on the top floor of Hotel Chaco (our favorite hotel), this sky bar offers panoramic views of the city and the Sandia Mountains.
Love beer in an awesome atmosphere? You must go to the Bow and Arrow!
Native women-owned and operated.
608 McKnight Ave NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
54 locals recommend
Bow & Arrow Brewing Company
608 McKnight Ave NWLove beer in an awesome atmosphere? You must go to the Bow and Arrow!
Native women-owned and operated.
608 McKnight Ave NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
In need of comforting pub food? Wanna feel like you've stepped into Ireland in the middle of the desert? Looking for a place to watch a game and meet a friendly stranger? Want the best Fish 'n Chips this side of the Atlantic...
54 locals recommend
Two Fools Tavern
3211 Central Ave NEIn need of comforting pub food? Wanna feel like you've stepped into Ireland in the middle of the desert? Looking for a place to watch a game and meet a friendly stranger? Want the best Fish 'n Chips this side of the Atlantic...
Can't decide what you want to eat? You'll have plenty of choices at this open-air food court.
140 locals recommend
Sawmill Market
1909 Bellamah Ave NWCan't decide what you want to eat? You'll have plenty of choices at this open-air food court.
Casa de Benavidez is true New Mexican food...(not to be confused with Mexican food).
http://casadebenavidez.com
29 locals recommend
Casa de Benavidez
8032 4th St NWCasa de Benavidez is true New Mexican food...(not to be confused with Mexican food).
http://casadebenavidez.com
Amazing Soul food with a New Mexican twist! We love the brisket, smoked fried chicken, and fried okra! Nexus Smokehouse and Nexus Brewery are award-winning, proudly Black-owned businesses in the heart of New Mexico owned by New Mexico native Ken Carson.
8 locals recommend
Nexus Blue Smokehouse
1511 Broadway Boulevard SoutheastAmazing Soul food with a New Mexican twist! We love the brisket, smoked fried chicken, and fried okra! Nexus Smokehouse and Nexus Brewery are award-winning, proudly Black-owned businesses in the heart of New Mexico owned by New Mexico native Ken Carson.
Great spot for dinner or drinks in Old Town! There's something for everyone here. Spring through October they also have regular live music.
74 locals recommend
Seasons Rotisserie & Grill
2031 Mountain Rd NWGreat spot for dinner or drinks in Old Town! There's something for everyone here. Spring through October they also have regular live music.
Delicious meal on an actual farm serving locally grown food. 80% of their menu is from local farmers, ranchers, dairies, and food artisans.
84 locals recommend
Farm & Table
8917 4th St NWDelicious meal on an actual farm serving locally grown food. 80% of their menu is from local farmers, ranchers, dairies, and food artisans.
New Mexican and Mexican food. El Patio is so named because the majority of the seating is on an attractive tree-lined patio, ideal for people-watching in a pedestrian-friendly area of town.
39 locals recommend
El Patio De Albuquerque
142 Harvard Drive SoutheastNew Mexican and Mexican food. El Patio is so named because the majority of the seating is on an attractive tree-lined patio, ideal for people-watching in a pedestrian-friendly area of town.
Brunch/Lunch/Dinner
Popular local brunch spot with pitchers of mimosas.
3718 Central Ave SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108
28 locals recommend
The Farmacy
3718 Central Ave SEBrunch/Lunch/Dinner
Popular local brunch spot with pitchers of mimosas.
3718 Central Ave SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108
Nearby brewery with a diverse menu of southwest fare.
106 Girard Blvd SE B, Albuquerque, NM 87106
51 locals recommend
Bosque Brewing Co. Public House - Nob Hill
106 Girard Blvd SENearby brewery with a diverse menu of southwest fare.
106 Girard Blvd SE B, Albuquerque, NM 87106
Easy going, no-nonsense spot specializing in chicken and waffles, plus hearty sides.
Frank's Famous Chicken & Waffles
400 Washington St SEEasy going, no-nonsense spot specializing in chicken and waffles, plus hearty sides.
Campo is a gorgeous farm-to-table restaurant located on a lavender farm...do I need to say more?
https://lospoblanos.com
They do Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner. Make reservations!
35 locals recommend
Campo at Los Poblanos
4803 Rio Grande Blvd NWCampo is a gorgeous farm-to-table restaurant located on a lavender farm...do I need to say more?
https://lospoblanos.com
They do Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner. Make reservations!
This is a fun spot to grab a drink and a bite. They have a myriad of small local vendors serving up pizza, burgers, Pho, nachos, beer, fresh juice, coffee, and more.
73 locals recommend
Green Jeans Farmery
3600 Cutler Ave NEThis is a fun spot to grab a drink and a bite. They have a myriad of small local vendors serving up pizza, burgers, Pho, nachos, beer, fresh juice, coffee, and more.
This bar has been nominated one of the best craft cocktail bars in the nation for a myriad of reasons. In addition to treating their spirits right they also prioritize and care for their staff!
8 locals recommend
Happy Accidents
3225 Central Avenue NortheastThis bar has been nominated one of the best craft cocktail bars in the nation for a myriad of reasons. In addition to treating their spirits right they also prioritize and care for their staff!
This is an old school, no-frills diner, that has a huge menu of American and Mexican food in large portions for low prices.
Kaps Coffee Shop & Diner
5801 Central Ave NEThis is an old school, no-frills diner, that has a huge menu of American and Mexican food in large portions for low prices.
M'tucci's Bar Roma
Lively Italian food restaurant close by.
Drinks, salads, sandwiches, and charcuterie boards in a quaint industrial college vibe.
11 locals recommend
Salt and Board
115 Harvard Dr SEDrinks, salads, sandwiches, and charcuterie boards in a quaint industrial college vibe.
La Waffleria
3710 Campus Blvd NEGreat breakfast spot.
This place is relatively close to our house, you could walk there in comfy shoes. Many locals enjoy their pub fair. It has an outdoor courtyard and a large indoor bar and seating.
37 locals recommend
O'Niell's
4310 Central Ave SEThis place is relatively close to our house, you could walk there in comfy shoes. Many locals enjoy their pub fair. It has an outdoor courtyard and a large indoor bar and seating.
Sightseeing
Eye of the Sandias
close local hiking spot
Electric Playhouse is an all-ages dining, gaming and recreation wonderland that requires no goggles or equipment to transport you to another reality. https://electricplayhouse.com/play/
18 locals recommend
Electric Playhouse
5201 Ouray Rd NWElectric Playhouse is an all-ages dining, gaming and recreation wonderland that requires no goggles or equipment to transport you to another reality. https://electricplayhouse.com/play/
A mind-bending, explorable art experience for people of all ages in Santa Fe, NM. We take all our favorite people there.
423 locals recommend
Meow Wolf
1352 Rufina CirA mind-bending, explorable art experience for people of all ages in Santa Fe, NM. We take all our favorite people there.
Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
2401 12th St NWThe Sandia Peak Tramway is an aerial tramway located adjacent to Albuquerque, New Mexico. It stretches from the northeast edge of the city to Sandia Peak on the ridgeline of the Sandia Mountains and has the world's third-longest single span.
502 locals recommend
Sandia Peak Tramway
30 Tramway Rd NEThe Sandia Peak Tramway is an aerial tramway located adjacent to Albuquerque, New Mexico. It stretches from the northeast edge of the city to Sandia Peak on the ridgeline of the Sandia Mountains and has the world's third-longest single span.
This impressive institution offers visitors an in-depth look into Albuquerque's past. Located at the edge of Old Town, this museum hosts a spectacular collection of cultural items from the past 400 years. It is a place where the visitor not only gains a better understanding of Albuquerque's history but about European settlement in the entire southwest.
219 locals recommend
Albuquerque Museum
2000 Mountain Rd NWThis impressive institution offers visitors an in-depth look into Albuquerque's past. Located at the edge of Old Town, this museum hosts a spectacular collection of cultural items from the past 400 years. It is a place where the visitor not only gains a better understanding of Albuquerque's history but about European settlement in the entire southwest.
ABQ BioPark
903 10th St SWNot far from Old Town, the ABQ BioPark is home to the Albuquerque Aquarium, the Rio Grande Botanical Gardens, the Rio Grande Zoo, and Tingley Beach. With its expansion and upgrades of the past decade, the zoo has become a premiere destination hosting hundreds of species (many endangered) and one awesome playground.
The aquarium is perfect for kids interested in sharks, while the botanical garden is a lush environment to discover butterflies and other insects. Tingley Beach has three designated fishing ponds open to the public and pedal boats for rent. This is an excellent place for an all-day family outing.
Address: 903 10th Street Southwest, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Official site: http://www.cabq.gov/culturalservices/biopark
37 locals recommend
Aquarium & Botanic Garden Station
Paseo del Bosque TrailNot far from Old Town, the ABQ BioPark is home to the Albuquerque Aquarium, the Rio Grande Botanical Gardens, the Rio Grande Zoo, and Tingley Beach. With its expansion and upgrades of the past decade, the zoo has become a premiere destination hosting hundreds of species (many endangered) and one awesome playground.
The aquarium is perfect for kids interested in sharks, while the botanical garden is a lush environment to discover butterflies and other insects. Tingley Beach has three designated fishing ponds open to the public and pedal boats for rent. This is an excellent place for an all-day family outing.
Address: 903 10th Street Southwest, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Official site: http://www.cabq.gov/culturalservices/biopark
Over 250 interactive exhibits and activities in science, technology, engineering, art, and math
for the whole family.
178 locals recommend
Explora
1701 Mountain Rd NWOver 250 interactive exhibits and activities in science, technology, engineering, art, and math
for the whole family.
One of Albuquerque's best-known architectural landmarks, the KiMo Theatre was originally built in 1927. The somewhat gaudy Pueblo-Revival-Art Deco style incorporates adobe architectural styles with the linear motifs and recessed spandrels more typical of classic Art Deco. Paintings and images of Native American cultures abound.
Through the 1970s, the theater fell into neglect and was barely saved from the wrecking ball. A renovation completed in 2000 has allowed the theater to again become one of the city's premier venues. Oh, and it is reputed to be haunted!
Address: 423 Central Avenue Northwest, Albuquerque, New Mexico
47 locals recommend
KiMo Theatre
423 Central Ave NWOne of Albuquerque's best-known architectural landmarks, the KiMo Theatre was originally built in 1927. The somewhat gaudy Pueblo-Revival-Art Deco style incorporates adobe architectural styles with the linear motifs and recessed spandrels more typical of classic Art Deco. Paintings and images of Native American cultures abound.
Through the 1970s, the theater fell into neglect and was barely saved from the wrecking ball. A renovation completed in 2000 has allowed the theater to again become one of the city's premier venues. Oh, and it is reputed to be haunted!
Address: 423 Central Avenue Northwest, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque isn't just a big city. It also hosts one of the most important environmental corridors in the Southwestern United States. Tracing the forested Rio Grande for 16 miles through the center of town, the Paseo is a perfect walking and biking path. The route offers a break from the city, as well as some great wildlife-viewing opportunities. Detour attractions lining the path include Tinley Beach and Rio Grande Nature Center State Park. The trail can be accessed via multiple points along the river.
Official site: http://www.cabq.gov/parksandrecreation/open-space/lands/paseo-del-bosque-trail
9 locals recommend
Paseo del Bosque Trail
Paseo del Bosque TrailAlbuquerque isn't just a big city. It also hosts one of the most important environmental corridors in the Southwestern United States. Tracing the forested Rio Grande for 16 miles through the center of town, the Paseo is a perfect walking and biking path. The route offers a break from the city, as well as some great wildlife-viewing opportunities. Detour attractions lining the path include Tinley Beach and Rio Grande Nature Center State Park. The trail can be accessed via multiple points along the river.
Official site: http://www.cabq.gov/parksandrecreation/open-space/lands/paseo-del-bosque-trail
Located near Old Town and the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History, this institution focuses on the ancient geologic history of the area. Through several life-size dinosaur skeletons and models, a hands-on Naturalist Center, and an inside look at extracting dinosaur fossils, this educational center provides interest for every member of the family.
The Planetarium at the facility features a 55-foot, full dome theater with regular shows concerning space, constellations, and the never-ending world of fractals. Regular programming takes place at the museum, with classes and events catering to children, adults, and families.
Official site: http://www.nmnaturalhistory.org/
176 locals recommend
New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science
1801 Mountain Rd NWLocated near Old Town and the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History, this institution focuses on the ancient geologic history of the area. Through several life-size dinosaur skeletons and models, a hands-on Naturalist Center, and an inside look at extracting dinosaur fossils, this educational center provides interest for every member of the family.
The Planetarium at the facility features a 55-foot, full dome theater with regular shows concerning space, constellations, and the never-ending world of fractals. Regular programming takes place at the museum, with classes and events catering to children, adults, and families.
Official site: http://www.nmnaturalhistory.org/
Albuquerque is full of history, but here is where you'll find the really old stuff. Located on the western edge of the city, this 7,236-acre national monument is home to nearly 20,000 ancient images hewn into the volcanic rock by some of the continent's earliest inhabitants. This is an outdoor museum, and most of the images are accessed via numerous hiking trails.
A popular area of the park is the Boca Negra Canyon day-use area, with restroom facilities and a drinking fountain, as well as access to three self-guided trails and more than 100 petroglyphs to observe. The visitor center offers excellent interpretive exhibits along with a wide-range of educational programs.
Official site: https://www.nps.gov/petr/index.htm
135 locals recommend
Petroglyph National Monument
Western Trail NorthwestAlbuquerque is full of history, but here is where you'll find the really old stuff. Located on the western edge of the city, this 7,236-acre national monument is home to nearly 20,000 ancient images hewn into the volcanic rock by some of the continent's earliest inhabitants. This is an outdoor museum, and most of the images are accessed via numerous hiking trails.
A popular area of the park is the Boca Negra Canyon day-use area, with restroom facilities and a drinking fountain, as well as access to three self-guided trails and more than 100 petroglyphs to observe. The visitor center offers excellent interpretive exhibits along with a wide-range of educational programs.
Official site: https://www.nps.gov/petr/index.htm
The sprawling forested campus of the University of New Mexico (UNM) is like one massive park located right in the center of the city. The state's flagship institution, UNM is a public research university founded in 1889. Famed architect John Gaw Meem designed many of the buildings on the central campus, which has a unique southwestern feel. Eight of the buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places.
Here, you will find an arboretum encompassing more than 300 species, the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology, the Geology and Meteorite Museums, the Southwest Biology Museum, and the University Art Museum in the Center for the Arts. UNM is forever hosting art and cultural exhibits and performances and is surrounded by a lively university district.
Official site: http://www.unm.edu/
66 locals recommend
The University of New Mexico
The sprawling forested campus of the University of New Mexico (UNM) is like one massive park located right in the center of the city. The state's flagship institution, UNM is a public research university founded in 1889. Famed architect John Gaw Meem designed many of the buildings on the central campus, which has a unique southwestern feel. Eight of the buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places.
Here, you will find an arboretum encompassing more than 300 species, the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology, the Geology and Meteorite Museums, the Southwest Biology Museum, and the University Art Museum in the Center for the Arts. UNM is forever hosting art and cultural exhibits and performances and is surrounded by a lively university district.
Official site: http://www.unm.edu/
Neighborhoods
Old Town
Day Spa
https://www.bettysbath.com/
Great spot for a facial and massage!
32 locals recommend
Betty's Bath & Day Spa
1835 Candelaria Rd NWhttps://www.bettysbath.com/
Great spot for a facial and massage!
Grocery
Sprouts Farmers Market
5112 Lomas Blvd NEOur favorite close grocery store.
Smith's Food and Drug
3701 Constitution Ave NETrader Joe's
2200 Uptown Loop Rd NECostco Wholesale
1420 N Renaissance Blvd NEWhole Foods Market
5815 Wyoming Blvd NELGBTQ
Historic LGBTQ bar close by. Check out their website for current theme nights and fun times. https://www.abqsocialclub.org/events
NOTE: An annual membership is $30.00 per person for all individuals 21+. (There used to be a cheap pass for out of state folks, I'm not sure if they are still offering that.)
Albuquerque Social Club
4021 Central Avenue NortheastHistoric LGBTQ bar close by. Check out their website for current theme nights and fun times. https://www.abqsocialclub.org/events
NOTE: An annual membership is $30.00 per person for all individuals 21+. (There used to be a cheap pass for out of state folks, I'm not sure if they are still offering that.)
Effex NightClub
420 Central Ave SWLGBTQ+ and Heteros are welcome at this nightclub.
Traveler advice
Don't miss
Swimming
Alburquerque has plenty of local public pools!
The closest pools to us are:
The Sunport Pool (outdoor open Memorial Day through Oct)
The Highland Pool (partially outdoor)
Our favorite pool is the West Mesa Pool. They offer water aerobics, lane swimming, water slides, and children's lessons. West Mesa is open year-round.
Book before you go
OJO Santa Fe | Hotsprings, spa and giant salt water pool
https://ojosparesorts.com/ojo-santa-fe/