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Albuquerque on a Budget: 3 Days of Adventure

Experience the vibrant city of Albuquerque without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Albuquerque is the perfect destination for those on a tight budget. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery and outdoor activities like hiking and hot air balloon rides for a fraction of the cost of other popular destinations. The city also offers many free or low-cost attractions such as the Albuquerque Museum, Old Town and Sandia Peak Tramway.

Travel plan

• Check into the El Vado Motel a funky boutique hotel with a retro vibe and budget-friendly prices.
• Have an early lunch at El Pinto, a restaurant known for its delicious New Mexican cuisine and charming patio setting.
• Spend the afternoon wandering around Old Town, admiring the adobe buildings, art galleries, and souvenir shops.
• Pop into the San Felipe de Neri Church, one of the oldest buildings in Albuquerque, and marvel at its beautiful altar.
• Catch a flamenco performance at Tablao Flamenco Albuquerque, a venue that attracts some of the best dancers in the city.
• Grab a nightcap at the iconic Marble Brewery, known for its craft beers and laid-back atmosphere.

• Take a drive east on Route 66, stopping at Tinkertown Museum, a quirky roadside attraction filled with hand-carved miniatures.
• Continue on to the Sandia Peak Tramway, a scenic cable car ride that offers breathtaking views of the Sandia Mountains.
• Hike one of the many trails in the Sandia Mountains, such as La Luz Trail or Domingo Baca Trail.
• Have a late lunch at the rustic and charming Tj's Diner, which serves up hearty portions of classic American fare.
• Visit the Petroglyph National Monument, an area with over 20,000 ancient petroglyphs carved into volcanic rocks.
• Stop by the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, which showcases the rich history and culture of the 19 Pueblos in New Mexico.

• Start the day with a breakfast burrito from The Frontier Restaurant, a local institution that's been serving up tasty fare since 1971.
• Spend the morning exploring the museums in the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History complex, including the beautiful Casa San Ysidro.
• Head downtown to see the street art and murals that adorn the buildings, including the colorful "We Are This City" mural on Central Ave.
• Visit the National Hispanic Cultural Center, which hosts exhibits, performances, and events that celebrate Hispanic culture.
• Have dinner at El Modelo, a family-owned restaurant that serves up delicious chile rellenos, enchiladas, and other New Mexican dishes.
• End the night with a show at the KiMo Theatre, a gorgeous Art Deco venue that hosts concerts, plays, and film screenings.
• Note: All activities and restaurants listed are subject to change based on availability and personal preferences.