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5 Days of Culture and Adventure in Albuquerque

Discover Albuquerque's enchanting secrets without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Albuquerque on a limited budget offers a great opportunity to explore a city rich in culture and tradition. Take in the historic Old Town, hike the Sandia Mountains and visit the Albuquerque BioPark – all for minimal costs. Dine at some of the city's best affordable eateries and enjoy a range of free or low-cost activities in and around the city, making Albuquerque an ideal destination for budget-conscious travelers.

Travel plan

• Start the day with a hearty breakfast at Tia Betty Blue's. The chile relleno waffles are a must-try!
• Head to Old Town Albuquerque for a leisurely stroll through the historic streets. Don't miss the San Felipe de Neri Church and the Albuquerque Museum.
• Grab lunch at the iconic Church Street Cafe, where the red and green chile enchiladas will make your taste buds dance.
• Afternoon coffee and people watching at the charming little Espresso Fino.
• Catch the sunset over the Sandia Mountains from the balcony of the Hotel Albuquerque, where you'll be staying on a budget.

• Start your day with a breakfast burrito at The Range Cafe, a local favorite.
• Head to the Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum for a morning of learning about the history and science of hot air balloons.
• Grab lunch at the on-site cafe, followed by a balloon ride simulator experience.
• Spend the afternoon wandering the Botanic Garden next door. Make sure to check out the Japanese garden and butterfly pavilion.
• Head back to Old Town for dinner at the elegant High Noon Restaurant & Saloon, serving classic New Mexican cuisine.

• Start the day early with breakfast at the lively Frontier Restaurant, where the huevos rancheros and hotcakes are legendary.
• Take the Sandia Peak Tramway, ascending to over 10,000 feet for stunning panoramic views of the city and mountains.
• Go for a hike on one of the trails in the Cibola National Forest, such as La Luz Trail or Pino Trail.
• For a unique dinner experience, head to El Pinto Restaurant, a sprawling hacienda-style restaurant serving traditional New Mexican fare.

• Start the day with a to-go breakfast burrito from Golden Crown Panaderia, a local bakery and cafe.
• Drive up to Santa Fe, stopping at the historic San Miguel Mission and the O'Keeffe Museum along the way.
• Spend the afternoon exploring the historic downtown area, including the Santa Fe Plaza and the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi.
• Grab lunch at the inventive Cafe Pasqual's, serving creative international cuisine.
• Head back to Albuquerque for a low-key dinner at the cozy El Sabor de Juarez, offering authentic Mexican street food.

• Start the day with a pastry and coffee at the contemporary and stylish Java Joe's.
• Visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center for a deep dive into the rich culture and history of the indigenous peoples of New Mexico.
• Spend the afternoon at the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History, featuring impressive collections of Southwestern and contemporary art.
• Before heading home, stop by the quirky and colorful Neon Retro Arcade for some retro video game fun.
• End your trip with a dinner of classic diner fare at the charming 66 Diner, complete with jukebox and neon lights.