The Ultimate 4-Day Adventure in Albuquerque, USA

Discover the vibrant culture and Southwest charm of Albuquerque.

22 April 2023

A trip to Albuquerque as a tourist is an exciting and unique experience. Explore the authentic local culture at Old Town, sample traditional New Mexican cuisine, and take a hot air balloon ride over the stunning Sandia Mountains. Don't forget to visit the world-famous International Balloon Fiesta and witness hundreds of hot air balloons take to the sky.

Save and get deals

Travel plan

Getting latest place information

Day 1

Exploring the Old Town

Check into Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town for a touch of history and luxury
Step back in time and wander through the charming and colorful streets of Old Town
Visit the San Felipe de Neri Church, a beautiful adobe church built in 1793
Pop into the various art galleries and shops, like the Rattlesnake Museum or the Weems Art Gallery
Take a break and grab a New Mexican meal at the traditional and affordable La Placita Dining Rooms
End the day with a rooftop drink and beautiful sunset views at the Apothecary Lounge

Day 2

Outdoor Adventures

Head to the Sandia Mountains and take the tramway up to over 10,000 feet in elevation
Hike the scenic and challenging La Luz trail for a rewarding view of the city
Try your hand at some rock climbing at the nearby Muralla Grande
Take a relaxing dip in the natural hot springs at the nearby Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort and Spa
Dine in style at the Farm & Table, a farm-to-table restaurant located in the scenic North Valley
Finish the night with a delicious scoop of homemade ice cream at Pop Fizz

Day 3

Artistic Albuquerque

Start off at the famous Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Park for a breathtaking view of hot air balloons
Visit the impressive and diverse collection of artworks at the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History
Stop by the trendy and hip Downtown Albuquerque area for unique shops and street art
Have lunch at the light-filled Vinaigrette, a farm-to-table salad restaurant
Spend the afternoon perusing the exhibits and workshops at the National Hispanic Cultural Center
Have a classic New Mexican dinner at El Pinto Restaurant and Cantina

Day 4

Spiritual and Surreal

Take a peaceful stroll through the beautiful Japanese Garden at the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden
Visit the famous Casa Rondeña Winery for a tour and wine tasting session
Immerse yourself in the unique and surreal art of Meow Wolf's House of Eternal Return
Grab a bite to eat at the Green Jeans Farmery, a food truck park with a great atmosphere
Learn about the Native American culture and artwork at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
Finish off the trip with drinks and dessert at QBar Lounge for a swanky and sophisticated atmosphere.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Albuquerque by plane is to fly into Albuquerque International Sunport Airport. Many major airlines offer direct flights to this airport, including American Airlines, Delta, United, and Southwest.

Car

Driving to Albuquerque is a great option for those who enjoy road trips. Several major highways lead into the city, including I-25, I-40, and Route 66. If you're coming from the east, I-40 is the most direct route.

Train

Unfortunately, there is no direct train service to Albuquerque. The closest Amtrak station is located in Santa Fe, about 60 miles north of Albuquerque.

Boat

As Albuquerque is located in a landlocked state, there are no boat services available to get there. However, if you're up for an adventure, you could explore the possibility of traveling the Rio Grande River by kayak or canoe to reach the city.

Bus