How To Spend A Weekend in AlbuquerqueAuthorsaieshab
DestinationsAlbuquerqueItinerary

Friday

Itality: Plant Based Foods
My boyfriend and I checked out Itality, a plant-based restaurant in Albuquerque, and it was so good—definitely the perfect first stop on our trip. The green chili salsa was everything, and the portions were actually huge, which you don’t always get at vegan spots!
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Rattlesnake Museum & Gift Shop
For our second stop in Albuquerque, we visited the Rattlesnake Museum in Old Town, and it was so cute and cool! It’s super kid-friendly, packed with tons of snakes, and honestly such a fun way to learn about all the different species.
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Green Jeans Food Hall
The Green Jeans Food Hall was such a cool, lively spot with tons of restaurants, an arcade, and a fun, hip vibe. We loved the pizza with chili on it, and the ramen was fire. You can grab food and drinks and just vibe out.
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El Vado Motel
El Vado Motel was such a cool, hip spot right on Route 66 in the heart of Albuquerque. The rooms were super fun and spacious, and there’s even a little bar on-site with restaurants just steps away. We loved how walkable and lively the whole area felt!
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Albuquerque Desert Shadows Rising Ghost Tour
The Old Town Albuquerque Ghost Tour was such a fun and spooky experience, we didn’t know what to expect, but it ended up being super entertaining and full of cool local history. Our guide was great at storytelling and made the whole thing feel fun, not too scary. It’s a unique way to explore the area at night and definitely worth checking out if you’re into haunted history!
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Saturday

The Burque Bakehouse
The Burque Bakehouse in Albuquerque is a must-visit for pastry lovers. Their unique creations, like the kimchi egg danish and almond croissants, are crafted with care and creativity. The bakery's commitment to quality has earned them recognition as a James Beard Award semifinalist.
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Routes Bicycle Tours & Rentals
Routes Bicycle Tours was hands down one of our favorite activities in Albuquerque. Our tour guide was amazing, and we got to learn so much about the city's history while cruising through some beautiful spots. It was the perfect way to explore, soak in the scenery, and connect with the area on a deeper level.
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66 Diner
66 Diner in Albuquerque is such a fun, retro spot that feels like stepping straight into the 1950s. The vibe is super nostalgic, and the green chili burger was hands down one of the best we’ve ever had, plus, the sundaes are huge and so good. If you’re into classic diners with a twist, this place is a must!
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Albuquerque Museum
The Albuquerque Museum is the perfect place to really dive into the rich history of the Southwest and the city itself. You get to learn so much about Native American and Spanish history, and it gives you a deeper understanding of how Albuquerque came to be. It’s a must if you want to connect with the roots of the area.
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Level 5
Here’s the thing,if you’re looking for an upscale, bougie night out or a romantic dinner spot, Level 5 at Hotel Chaco is it. We loved diving into their summer menu, and the rooftop views of the city and surrounding landscape made the whole experience feel extra special.
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Sunday

Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon Co.
Our hot air balloon ride with Rainbow Ryders in Albuquerque was absolutely magical. Floating above the Rio Grande at sunrise, we were treated to breathtaking views of the Sandia Mountains and the vast desert landscape. The experience was both peaceful and exhilarating, making it a truly unforgettable adventure.
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Frontier
Frontier Restaurant is such a staple in Albuquerque, you have to go at least once. The food is super solid and the portions are huge. We got the green chile burger, and it was honestly one of the best we’ve ever had. Total comfort food vibes!
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Kimo Theatre
The KiMo Theatre in Albuquerque is a total vibe, it's like stepping into a time capsule with its stunning Pueblo Deco architecture that beautifully blends Native American motifs with classic Art Deco flair. Not only is it a feast for the eyes, but it's also rumored to be haunted by the playful spirit of a young boy named Bobby, adding a touch of mystery to its rich history.
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El Pinto Restaurant & Cantina
El Pinto is such a vibe! The ambiance is unmatched, think lush patios, twinkly lights, and that classic New Mexico charm. We went for the full experience and tried their famous red chile ribs and margaritas, and honestly, it was the perfect way to wind down after a day of exploring.
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ABQ Trolley Co. | Best of ABQ City Tour
The ABQ City Guided History Tour is a great way to dig into Old Town’s past. You’ll hear stories about the people and places that shaped the city, with just the right mix of history and personality.
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Monday

Little Bear Coffee at Sawmill Market
We loved grabbing a coffee and matcha from Little Bear, it totally hit the spot. It's inside Sawmill Market, which is filled with amazing local spots and small businesses. You could easily spend an entire afternoon there just eating, exploring, and soaking in the fun, indoor market vibes.
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Rail Yards Market
The Rail Yards Market in Albuquerque is such a cool spot, it's held inside this massive, historic train depot that’s been transformed into a community hub. Every Sunday from May through October, you can stroll through rows of local vendors offering everything from fresh produce to handmade art, all while soaking in live music and the industrial-chic atmosphere. We loved how the space blends Albuquerque’s rich history with a modern, creative energy and it’s definitely a must-visit if you’re in town on a weekend.
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Duran Central Pharmacy
Duran Central Pharmacy is such a hidden gem in Albuquerque! It's this cozy little spot that combines a pharmacy, a gift shop, and a diner all in one. The food is absolutely delicious!! I'm talking about their red and green chile dishes that are just bursting with flavor. And don't even get me started on their homemade tortillas; they're thick, fluffy, and made fresh to order. It's the kind of place where you feel right at home, enjoying hearty New Mexican comfort food in a unique and welcoming setting.
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New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science
If you love dinosaurs, the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science is the spot, it’s packed with dino exhibits and tons of cool info about ancient life. It’s super kid-friendly with fun, interactive activities that make learning feel like play. We thought it was such a cool stop and ended up learning way more than we expected about science and history!
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Old Town Albuquerque Art & History Tour
If you’re looking to explore Albuquerque beyond the usual spots, the Art & History Tour in Old Town is a great place to start. It’s the right mix of murals, stories, and tucked-away corners you might miss on your own. The guide brings just enough context without overloading you, and it’s a fun way to see how art and history really shape the city.
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