Your ultimate Albuquerque travel guide – here is my list of the 10 best things to do in 24 hours!

Hot Air Balloon Ride Albuquerque

Last month I traveled to Albuquerque for the first time. Not only was this my first visit to ABQ but it was my very first time in New Mexico! For years I have heard people rave about the regional cuisine, the warm climate and beautiful landscape so I decided it was time to see it for myself. Without further ado, here is my ultimate travel guide to 10 things to do in Albuquerque in 24 hours!

Liz Los Poblanos Hotel

Check-in to Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm upon arrival. Situated amongst 25 acres of lavender fields, enormous cottonwood trees and formal gardens, I felt relaxed from the moment I stepped out of my car at Los Poblanos.

Los Poblanos Guest Room

This working organic farm has 50 guest rooms, all of which offer walk-out access to the gardens. Each room features hard wood floors, original artwork and carved ceilings, creating a peaceful retreat for each guest.

Liz Los Poblanos

While there wasn’t much garden activity going on during my late-winter visit, I still couldn’t help but smile when I felt that warm, New Mexico air and sunshine on my face.

Los Poblanos Campos Restaurant Entrance

Campo, the restaurant located at Los Poblanos, is a beautiful spot for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Be sure to check their website for dining hours as they don’t serve dinner nightly.

Los Poblanos Restaurant Campos Breakfast

If you see the blue corn pancakes on the menu, be sure to order them. I also highly recommend the breakfast skillet with steak and beans topped with queso fresco.

Artichoke Cafe Albuquerque

Head Downtown for Lunch at The Artichoke Cafe: Rated one of the top fine dining restaurants in Albuquerque, I highly recommend the fresh salads, pastas and sandwiches.

Artichoke Cake Grilled Artichoke

Of course, no visit to The Artichoke Cafe is complete without trying the steamed artichoke appetizer served with a lemon sage butter and bacon-thyme aoili.

Routes Bicycle Bike Ride Albuquerque

Burn Off Lunch with a Bicycle Tour of Albuquerque: Routes Bicycle Tours & Rentals is a fun, easy and safe way to explore Albuquerque. Ideal for people of all athletic abilities, this casual tour is a great way to try local cuisine, learn more about the history and get to know the area.

Routes Bicycle Tours Albuquerque

Whether you choose the New Mexico Chili Bike Tour, the Winery Bike Tour or the Brewery Bike Tour, this is something for everyone.

Sidetrack Brewery Albuquerque

Sample Beer at the Local Breweries: Albuquerque offers no shortage of local breweries but two that I really enjoyed are Sidetrack Brewing Company and Monks Corner Tap Room.

Sidetrack Brewery in Albuquerque

Pro Tip: Ask your waiter at Sidetracks to bring you a bag of the herb-infused craft made popcorn. It is off the chains delicious!

Horseback Riding Liz

Enjoy a Horseback Trail Ride at Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & SpaAs you may recall from my visit to Tucson, I absolutely love horseback riding. It’s not something I get to do every day so whenever I visit a region with beautiful horseback riding trails, I try to take advantage of the opportunity.

Horseback Riding Albuquerque

The tour guides are so helpful and informative. What’s even more special is that over half of the horses are rescue animals from the Tamaya Horse Rehabilitation Program.

Old Town ABQ
Old Town Albuquerque Chilis

Explore, Shop and Eat in Albuquerque Old TownWhenever I travel to a warm weather climate, I like to spend as much time outdoors as possible. 

Old Town Albuquerque Mexican Blankets

Albuquerque Old Town is the perfect neighborhood to explore for unique shops, gifts to bring home and delicious cuisine.

DSC 8703

Grab a Bite to Eat at Garduño’s at Old Town: If you’re looking for a snack, a happy hour cocktail or a full meal, I highly recommend Garduño’s at Old Town. Hands down, it was the best salsa I’ve ever tasted and the margaritas also pack a punch.

Hot Air Balloon Inside

Go on a Hot Air Balloon Ride with Rainbow Ryders: You can’t visit the hot air balloon capitol of the world without going on a hot air balloon, am I right?

Hot Air Balloon Ride

This was my very first time going on a hot air balloon ride and I could not wait to check this off my travel bucket list!

Hot Air Balloons over River

I’m thrilled to report it exceeded every expectation and was by far a highlight of my visit to Albuquerque. Hands down, you must go on a hot air balloon ride the next time you’re in ABQ.

Sandia Peak in Albuquerque

Catch the Sunset on Sandia Peak Aerial TramwayAscending more than 10,000 feet up into the sky, you can’t miss the breathtaking views from the top of Sandia Peak.

Sandia Peak Tramway Albuquerque

Just a word of caution: the temps are about 10-20 degrees cooler than ground level so be sure to bundle up a bit so you can stand outside to catch the sunset.

Los Poblanos Farm Shop


Grab a Souvenir and Cup of Coffee at Los Poblanos Farm Shop: Located directly on the historic ranch at Los Poblanos, the farm shop is filled with lavender infused gifts such as bath oils, lotions, soaps and more. Of course, all made with the organic lavender grown on site. You can also find a wide variety of locally produced foods and other goodies to bring home.

Liz in Old Town Albaquerque

Stay tuned for my next guide: Santa Fe! Trust me, you won’t want to miss this one. In the meantime, let me know where you’d like me to travel next. Take a look at some of my other travel posts for inspiration. I’d love to help you plan your next adventure!

Your passport is waiting.

Check out more destinations I’ve traveled to on my Pinterest board!

11 thoughts on “10 Best Things to Do in Albuquerque in 24 Hours”

  1. Albuquerque is a city that I love most. I have spent so many years on of my childhood there.
    Thanks for your amazing travel guide on Albuquerque.
    The photos were really attractive.

  2. I live in Albuquerque and am so glad you loved this city! We have so much cool stuff to do. Next time you’re in NM, head up to Santa Fe and check out Meow Wolf!

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