The Perfect Weekend in Albuquerque Itinerary

Headed to New Mexico and looking for the best way to spend a weekend in Albuquerque?! Keep on reading, because you’re gonna have the best time ever in this authentic Southwestern city – promise! Tons of fun things to do in Albuquerque, coming right up!

Albuquerque is a modern city in New Mexico with a small-town charm. Everyone knows it as the hot air ballooning capital of the world (and it’s true!), but there’s so much more to it!

It’s got Adobe-style architecture and vibrant marketplaces full of history and heritage. Green chile cheeseburgers, sweet honey-drizzled sopapillas, and authentic fry bread. Exhilarating heights with gorgeous sunset views at the Sandia Peak Tramway. Oh, and you can’t forget about all the kitschy and eclectic Route 66 relics! Plus all the Breaking Bad paraphernalia.

See, so much! If that sounds like your kinda fun, you’ll wanna plan your Albuquerque weekend getaway right away!

Nestled along the iconic Route 66, this Southwestern gem is the largest city in New Mexico. And one of the oldest cities in the United States! It’s a unique blend of cultures and heritages, past and present; Native American, Hispanic, and Latino influences are a part of everyday life here. And you’ll definitely see all three during your weekend in Albuquerque.

People compare visiting New Mexico to a different country, and I can kinda see why! It’s got its own distinct character, filled with its own distinct cuisine (with everything smothered in green and red chile) and a warm, desert embrace. A true tapestry of turquoise and terracotta!

Weekend in Albuquerque Itinerary Logistics

Where is Albuquerque and How to Get There

Albuquerque is located in central New Mexico (yes, the state, although I’ll never say no to a trip to Mexico City, San Miguel de Allende, Bacalar, or San Pancho!).

The city is surrounded by oh so much nature. It’s situated right along the Rio Grande River, which just so happens to be one of the longest rivers in North America, and makes the landscape oh so lush!

And then there’s the dramatic mountains nearby – with the Sandia Mountains peaking out giving such a stunning backdrop to the city (one of the best things to do in Albuquerque by far, which we’ll get into a bit later on this itinerary!).

The city’s location has historically made it a crossroads for a bunch of different cultures, with Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo influences. You’ll see this diversity in the city’s architecture, cuisine, and traditions – and we just loved all this culture.

Albuquerque’s central location in New Mexico has made it an important transportation hub for the state and southwest as a whole. It’s intersected by two major highways (I-25 and I-40), making it super accessible by road.

This just means it’s easier to get around to different parts of New Mexico from Albuquerque, like we did on our recent New Mexico road trip! Especially Santa Fe, which is only an hour or so north!

Flying to Albuquerque

When you fly into Albuquerque, you’ll be heading to Albuquerque International Sunport (airport code ABQ), the largest and busiest airport in New Mexico (welcoming over 5 million passengers each year). It’s a hub for several major airlines, and there’s tons of domestic flights (although limited international ones), with nonstop flights from more than 20 cities in the US.

Coming from San Francisco, we couldn’t find many nonstop flights, so had to connect in Salt Lake City. And since we were traveling over a busy holiday weekend (Thanksgiving!), flights were more pricey than normal. Was it worth it to spend the weekend in Albuquerque? 100%!

And thankfully, the airport is only ~3 miles southeast of downtown Albuquerque, meaning you can get to the city center super quick. I recommend renting a car from the airport to easily get around to all the things to do in Albuquerque, but there’s also Uber readily available.

You can also take ABQ Ride Route 50 downtown (Albuquerque’s public bus system) which stops at the airport. Find routes and schedules here.

Driving to Albuquerque

Already in New Mexico or the southwest?

Albuquerque is easily accessible by car since it lies at the crossroads of two major interstates, including I-25 (which runs north-south) and I-40 (running east-west). Locals call this intersection “The Big I”, haha.

Here’s driving distances from other popular spots nearby-ish:

From Santa Fe, New Mexico: 65 miles (1 hour)
From Taos, New Mexico: ~135 miles (2 ½ hours)
From Las Cruces, New Mexico: ~225 miles (3.5 hours)
From White Sands National Park, New Mexico: ~225 miles (3.5 hours)
From Durango, Colorado: ~215 miles (3 ½ hours)
From El Paso, Texas: ~275 miles (4 hours)
From Flagstaff, Arizona: ~330 miles (4 ½ hours)
From Colorado Springs, Colorado: ~375 miles (5 ½ hours)
From Phoenix, Arizona: ~415 miles (6 ½ hours)

Public Transport to Albuquerque

Prefer to travel to Albuquerque by public transport? No worries! Albuquerque is well-connected to other major cities in the US by both bus and train, and it’s a major stop on the Amtrak line between Chicago and Los Angeles. There’s also Greyhound buses which stop in Albuquerque too.

If you’re coming from Santa Fe, you can easily take the high speed rail, The NM Rail Runner Express.

How to Get Around Albuquerque

Rent a car: My friend who visits Albuquerque quite often (she has family there) insisted I rent a car in the city. And after visiting, I totally see why.

Sure, you can wander around Old Town entirely on foot, but you’ll be missing out on some of my favorite things to do in Albuquerque – the Sandia Peak Tramway, Indian Pueblo Kitchen, and Los Poblanos! Traffic was never an issue, and finding parking was always pretty easy thankfully.

Public Transit: Albuquerque has some public transit throughout the city, most notably bus routes between the different neighborhoods with ABQ RIDE (the City of Albuquerque’s public transportation service). Then you can just wander around and explore on foot!

There’s also Rapid Transit (ART) between Nob Hill, Downtown, and Old Town. You’ll find the transportation hub downtown at the Alvarado Transportation Center.

On foot: You can totally wander around Old Town Albuquerque on foot – most of the attractions, shops, and restaurants are located within a compact area! Be careful on the cobblestone streets though, and I’d recommend wearing comfy shoes.

When to Plan your Albuquerque Itinerary

Albuquerque has some of the best weather in the states (maybe on par with that of San Diego, surprised?!). Expect clear, sunny days and perfect weather. No really, Albuquerque boasts over 310 days of sunshine and a mild, dry climate. It hardly ever rains (less than 10 inches a year), although the city does experience all four seasons. There’s never truly a horrible time to go!

Why this fantastic weather?! Because Albuquerque’s in the high desert region of the American Southwest. Summers are hot, winters are mild, and there’s relatively low humidity year round. Sounds good to me!

Psst: Low humidity and high sunshine means you need to make sure you stay hydrated! This is the desert we’re talking about! Also, Albuquerque’s elevation is over 5,000 feet, meaning the rays of sun are stronger. Don’t forget your sunscreen!

Spring (March to May): Albuquerque in spring is absolutely glorious. Temps are super mild (with daytime highs in the 60s and 70s°F), the flowers are blooming, and there’s tons of outdoor events. Wear layers as mornings and evenings can be on the chilly side.

Looking for something cultural? Check out the Gathering of Nations Powwow, one of the largest Native American powwows in the country! This annual event, held in April each year, showcases traditional dances, music, and arts – I so wish we were there for it!

Summer (June to August): Summer in Albuquerque brings the heat. And a whole lot of it. Temps often exceed 90°F (32°C), so you’ll 100% wanna plan some activities indoors, at higher elevations, and/or kayaking/canoeing along the Rio Grande. There’s also loads of festivals and fun stuff going on, like the New Mexico Jazz Festival!

I’d honestly skip summer if you aren’t used to crazy high temps – although there’s not much humidity so you won’t feel all sticky and such. Just remember to drink loads and loads of water (something I always forget to do!).

Fall (September to November): The city is beautiful in fall, and by far one of the best times to plan a weekend in Albuquerque. Thankfully there’s cooler temps (a comfortable 65-75°F or so), plus the leaves change color, making the whole city oh so gorgeous. But once the sun sets it sure gets cold, and fast – wear layers for sure.

And of course, the world-famous International Balloon Fiesta takes place in early October! It’s an absolutely magical time to visit, with hundreds of colorful hot air balloons filling the sky. Local tip: make sure to grab a New Mexican breakfast burrito from a local vendor at the festival if you go in the morning; they’re kinda legendary around here and everyone just loves them!

Something to note: although it’s an exceptional experience, it gets extremely crowded this time of year for the festival. Accommodation prices will be wildly inflated and the town will be overrun with people. If you’re not interested in the balloons, book a different time.

For reference, we visited Albuquerque at the end of November, and while there were still some fall colors left, locals told me it was beginning to shift to winter.

Winter (December to February): Winter brings much cooler temps (with daytime highs of 45-55°F and nighttime lows dropping to around 25°F). Yes, it gets chilly here! All things considered, winters in Albuquerque are pretty mild, especially since there’s so much sun and hardly any snow.

Do note the Sandia Mountains will be about 20°F colder than the city (with plenty of snow), so if you do plan on riding the tram up (highly recommended), you’ll need a warm jacket and all your winter gear (gloves, a scarf, boots, the works).

Planning your weekend in Albuquerque during winter? Don’t miss the annual River of Lights at the ABQ BioPark Botanical Garden! The gardens transform into a dazzling winter wonderland with millions of twinkling lights – so, so pretty!

Where to Stay in Albuquerque

Albuquerque has plenty to choose from in terms of accommodation, from cozy adobe bed and breakfasts to downtown high-rise hotels, and everything in between. If it’s your first weekend trip to Albuquerque, my top pick would be to stay in Old Town!

Historic Old Town

Old Town is the heart of Albuquerque, being the city’s cultural center with half a dozen museums and plenty (and plenty) of shops and restaurants. An absolute must for first-timers to the city, and where we stayed for 2 nights at the beginning of our New Mexico road trip! It’s a small neighborhood a few blocks west of downtown Albuquerque, and entirely walkable.

Hotel Chaco: a great luxury hotel with a classy modern design, with a great soaking tub and outdoor pool and less than a 10 minute walk to Old Town Albuquerque.

Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town: An upscale hotel influenced by Native American decor and right by the Sawmill Market!

Casas de Suenos Old Town Historic Inn: super cute adobe buildings built in the 1930s and 40s and only three blocks from Old Town Plaza. Plus spacious casitas, hot tub suites, and glowing fireplaces!

Desert Compass: A dreamy desert retreat only steps from Old Town, and where we stayed during our weekend in Albuquerque! We had a hard time deciding which suite to choose – they’re all filled with local artwork, vintage furnishings, and luxurious amenities. We ultimately chose the Cowboy Suite, with a four poster King size bed and large soaking tub. Hanging out here was definitely one of our favorite things to do in Albuquerque, haha.

Downtown Albuquerque

Stay here if you’re looking for lots of nightlife with a big city feel (there’s loads of nightclubs, theaters, and restaurants here along Central Avenue, the old Route 66). This area’s going through a multimillion-dollar revitalization, so expect trendy shops and plenty of bars.

Hotel Andaluz Albuquerque: an old historic hotel that has a lot of history, but with updated amenities and Andalusian-inspired decor.

El Cuervo ABQ Guest Rooms: This spot, built in 1897 and even included on the National Register of Historic Places, is a traditional Queen Anne-style B&B only 4 blocks from downtown.

North Valley and Los Ranchos

Stay up here if you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city; perfect if you’re hoping for a more relaxed stay. The area’s only a 15 minute drive north of the Downtown area, so not terribly far, yet feels a world away.

Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm: This is the one main hotel to recommend up here, and it’s a beauty. The boutique hotel is set on 25 acres of lavender fields, gardens and organic farmland, and country-chic rooms boast kiva fireplaces, patios, and bathrooms with Talavera tiles (swoon!). Don’t miss a swim at the saltwater pool and a meal at the popular farm-to-table restaurant, Campo!

Uptown and Nob Hill

First time visitors don’t typically stay in these spots, but I’m including them if you’re looking for something a bit different!

Uptown is about 10 minutes from the downtown area, and is where you’ll find students of The University of New Mexico hanging out! It’s super eclectic, with boutique shopping, lots of nightlife, bright cafes, and art galleries.

Check out Hyatt Place Albuquerque/Uptown, Homewood Suites by Hilton Albuquerque Uptown, and Marriott Albuquerque.

Nob Hill feels very hip and fashionable, with upscale shops, galleries, and restaurants. It’s right on buzzy Central Avenue, a stretch of the iconic Route 66 packed with taquerias, food trucks, and dance clubs.

Hotel Zazz: Funky decor with an old school Route 66 Americana feel to it but with a fun twist. It’s in a great location, with plenty of late-night food trucks only steps away with plenty of fun photo ops throughout the property.

Other Important FAQs about Visiting Albuquerque

Is 2 days in Albuquerque really enough?! I think yes, a weekend in Albuquerque is the perfect amount of time! Personally, I felt pretty satisfied with our 2 days in Albuquerque.

It was the perfect amount of time to see the main attractions of the city, eat a bunch of green chiles and blue corn enchiladas, shop at the marketplaces in Old Town, watch a (GORGEOUS) sunset at the top of Sandia Peak, visit an old-school 1950’s diner, and even spend a few extra hours relaxing at our desert chic airbnb!

Albuquerque vs. Santa Fe: For some reason, most people skip Albuquerque entirely and head straight to Santa Fe. I get it – Santa Fe is super charming with an artistic ambiance (including works by the famous painter Georgia O’Keeffe), offers hot springs nearby, and boasts way more upscale restaurants.

BUT don’t sleep on Albuquerque! It’s the perfect starting off point for a trip to Santa Fe or a longer New Mexico road trip. I mean, you’re probably flying into ABQ anyways, so may as well explore for a few days!

What to eat in Albuquerque? Yasssss – I swear New Mexican food is my new favorite type of food, haha. It’s wildly underrated in my book.

The city is celebrated for its Southwestern and New Mexican cuisine, and yes, this is totally different from Mexican food! Everyone expects them to be the same for some reason.

Food here is super flavorful and can be kinda spicy, so ask about a dish beforehand if you’re worried about spice levels.

Don’t miss these iconic dishes in Albuquerque:

Green chile stew: super hearty and flavorful and full of chiles!
Carne Adovada: a delicious pork marinated in a red chile sauce and slow-cooked to absolute perfection
Sopapillas: deep-fried pastries often served with honey at restaurants (my new favorite!)
Blue Corn Enchiladas: smothered in red or green chile sauce; my husband couldn’t get enough of these
Posole: traditional hominy-based soup with pork or chicken, red or green chile, and various toppings
Biscochitos: spiced shortbread cookies often flavored with cinnamon and anise, yum!

Embrace the cultural diversity: Albuquerque is a city full of culture, with influences mainly from Native Americans and the Hispanic and Latino Heritage. Take it all in, and learn!

Watch some traditional Native American dances, admire the adobe architecture, and eat all the Hispanic and Native American flavors. Green chile and tamales, anyone?!

Where should I go after Albuquerque?! Albuquerque is a great starting off point for a longer New Mexico road trip, and that’s exactly what we did!

We spent a weekend in Albuquerque before heading north to Santa Fe and Bandelier National Monument, then made our way south to Truth or Consequences, Las Cruces, and White Sands National Park! I highly encourage you to explore more of New Mexico – it’s such a fascinating, underrated state!

Can I do a day trip to Santa Fe? Sure, why not?! I personally think 3 days in Santa Fe is a better option (there’s so much to do!), but if all you’ve got is a day, it’s better than nothing!

Thankfully, the Rail Runner Express commuter train makes it super easy, with full service Monday through Saturday and costing about $10 each way. The train takes just over an hour and a half, so if you leave early enough, you’ll have time for shopping at The Plaza, checking out the art galleries on Canyon Road, and plenty of mezcal margaritas and frito pie, haha!

What’s up with all the “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul” stuff here? These two popular TV shows totally popularized Albuquerque, although the city’s not as desolate as TV makes it seem. You can even find the famous underwear shot of Walter White in the deserts of Albuquerque, haha!

Because of New Mexico’s mild weather, film crews love working in this area, and other popular movies and TV shows were filmed here, including Stranger Things Season 4!

Wait – what’s a ristra?! A what?! Don’t worry, I didn’t know what they were either until I visited New Mexico! Ristras are strings of dried (or currently drying) chile peppers. They’re an iconic decoration here in Albuquerque (and all around the state), and you’ll see them everywhere. Ristras are also said to bring good health and good luck.

Finally, what you came here for – the perfect weekend in Albuquerque itinerary! Let’s get to it!

Weekend in Albuquerque Itinerary

Psst — You can probably squeeze everything into 1 ½ days if you’re arriving in Albuquerque on your first morning. If you’re all about that leisurely holiday, you’ll want a full two days to check out everything on this Albuquerque itinerary.

Also, feel free to arrange activities a bit! Nothing is too far away from each other, so if you’re feeling one thing over another, trust your intuition!

Albuquerque Itinerary Day 1

Stop 1: Old Town Albuquerque

Start your weekend in Albuquerque with a morning in Old Town – easily one of the best things to do in Albuquerque! Old Town is practically the heart of the city, and has been since the city was founded in 1706!

I’d allocate at least 2-3 hours for a leisurely visit, plus additional time for breakfast and museum exploring. You can totally get by with less time, but we loved going into all the shops and really taking it all in. Especially since it was our first time to New Mexico!

Historic Old Town is full of century-old adobe buildings, vibrant marketplaces, charming shops, quirky museums, and cultural attractions. It’s a great introduction to Albuquerque, and really gives you a feel for the city’s past. We actually visited Old Town a few times since we were staying less than a 5 minute walk away!

While you really can just wander along the narrow streets, here’s a few must-do’s in Old Town:

Grab coffee and breakfast! Gotta get that caffeine, right?! We popped into two popular spots, and loved both of them:

Blackbird Coffee House: SUCH a cute spot with a whole bunch of local speciality coffees to try. My husband LOVED the Roadrunner espresso with dark chocolate, red chile & milk… how amazing does that sound?! We went back the next day so he could get another cup, haha. Plus, the coffee shop’s women-owned and I love that! Grab a cup and sit outside on the patio.

Flying Roadrunner Bakery: The lattes are delish and the French-inspired pastries are even better – we shared an almond croissant and a bacon cheddar roll. Their cruffins looked INSANE but we were already too full. The inside mural is so pretty; such a talented artist. Such a cozy atmosphere and a great spot to warm up if it’s chilly out.

Explore the Plaza: This is the exact spot where the Spanish Governor at the time founded Albuquerque – way back when in 1706! So yes, it’s essentially the birthplace of the city!

Here you’ll see the 18th-century San Felipe de Neri Church overlooking the plaza. It’s especially beautiful in the fall with all the leaves changing color. A great spot to simply soak in the atmosphere, listen to live music, and chat with the local vendors.

Browse the tiny artisan shops and marketplaces: OMG there were so many shops, each one more colorful than the last. Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find it here. There’s tons of unique Southwestern crafts, beautiful Native American turquoise jewelry (although some is touristy crap, haha), handwoven rugs, ceramic ristras, the softest blankets known to man, and handcrafted local pottery (which I kind of regret not buying).

Sure, there’s lots of touristy souvenirs, but you can easily find lots of authentic products too. A lot of the gift shops sell the same thing (some at higher prices), so check out a few before buying to make sure you’re not getting ripped off.

Visit San Felipe de Neri Church: You can’t visit Albuquerque and not visit one of the city’s oldest buildings! I unfortunately missed it, haha! I think I quickly saw it out of the corner of my eye but didn’t realize what it was and how much significance it held until after the fact, whoops! Do better than me.

San Felipe de Neri is an historic adobe church founded in 1706, and then later rebuilt in 1793 after the church collapsed during a crazy rainstorm. Fun fact – the entire church is constructed of adobe AND the walls are 5 feet thick! Wow!

Portal Market: THIS is the place to go if you’re looking for handmade jewelry sold by local artisans.

The market is located right on the east side of the Old Town Plaza, and it’s here you’ll find authentic handcrafted jewelry of the Southwest – many filled with turquoise (a popular New Mexican gem)!

Check out a museum or two: Old Town Albuquerque is full of museums, so I highly recommend you check one out. We didn’t have time to visit any, but next time I kinda wanna peek into the Rattlesnake Museum (because I’m sure it’s the only one in the states!).

Albuquerque Museum: a local history museum with maps, photos & crafts depicting the history of Albuquerque

Rattlesnake Museum: Yup, a whole museum dedicated to rattlesnakes! Check out the live rattlesnakes and watch the short films here if you’d rather see them in a museum instead of out in the wild!

Explora: A kids museum with a focus on science, tech, & art with over 250 exploratory exhibits.

New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science: A rather large museum with dinosaur skeletons, a planetarium & shows, although I’d skip it if you have a science museum in your city.

Just wander: You don’t need a set plan for Old Town Albuquerque! We loved just strolling the streets, finding cute plaza after plaza, hopping into shops, and stopping for a hot coffee when we needed it.

Since we were visiting in late November, a bunch were even decorated for Christmas already! And just like in Mexico, there were plenty of colorful flags and pretty plazas. Find a detailed map here!

The Breaking Bad Store ABQ: Fan of Breaking Bad and/or Better Call Saul? You need to check out the Breaking Bad Store – yes, there’s an entire store full of Breaking Bad memorabilia, plus clothing and props from the show.

It’s so quirky and fun, and you can easily spend hundreds on merchandise. You can even sit behind Saul Goodman’s desk or stand behind the counter at Gustavo’s Los Pollos Hermanos!

Not ashamed to say it was a definite highlight of our weekend in Albuquerque, haha!

Stop 2: 66 Diner and Central Avenue

Up next on this Albuquerque itinerary – some time on Central Avenue, the old Route 66! This historic street stretches from Old Town, Downtown, through the U of New Mexico, all the way to historic Nob Hill.

It’s home to eclectic shops, buzzing neon signs, a diverse art scene, and plenty of vintage artifacts. And it’s actually the nation’s longest continuous stretch of Route 66 within a single city! Grab some cheap eats at Dog House Drive In, take a photo of the Route 66 Neon Sign (for some perfect 50’s kitsch), and check out the wacky Spaceship/Bug House in Nob Hill.

Note: While the street is long and relatively safe, there’s some not-so-great sections on Central Avenue. Stay alert and follow your gut – if you don’t feel comfortable, it’s time to leave!

But what you’re really here for is 66 Diner – a classic American diner that pays homage to the iconic Route 66! Here you’ll find checkered floors, vintage signs, red vinyl booths, and tons of 50’s nostalgia – so much retro decor; I couldn’t get enough! There’s even a vintage jukebox plus a soda fountain.

And if you look closely, you’ll see all the upper shelves are filled with hundreds of different Pez dispensers. Brought me right back to my childhood! It actually used to be a Route 66 gas station, so it’s legit.

They’ve got all the typical American diner food, but they’re really known for their milkshakes (try the famous “Pink Cadillac” or “The Elvis”) and ice cream sundaes, plus homemade pies! We got lucky and scored one of the last pecan slices of the day, and OMG it was seriously one of the best we’ve ever had. I couldn’t stop stealing bites of Noah’s…

Turquoise Museum: You can also pop into the Turquoise Museum (a few blocks off Central) if you wanna learn all about, well, turquoise! It sounded pretty interesting to me, but I heard it’s kinda over priced (at over $20 a person), and there’s honestly not tons to see/read, so we skipped it. Plus, you can see tons of gorgeous turquoise jewelry at the shops in town.

Stop 3: Piñon Coffee House

If you need a quick pick me up before riding the tramway (next up on our weekend in Albuquerque!), stop at Piñon Coffee House for some caffeine!

What’s so special about this spot? They serve authentic piñon coffee!

And what’s piñon coffee taste like you ask? It’s got a smooth and subtle nutty flavor inspired by the piñon nut native to the Southwest – so basically like a New Mexican coffee! They even put coffee ice cubes in the cold drinks so your drink doesn’t get watered down (just request it).

Try a honey lavender latte, biscochito latte, or a Mexican spiced chocolate latte. Plus a biscochito donut. All great choices.

Note they close at 4pm, so if you’re visiting in the summer and planning to head up the mountain for sunset, you’ll need to come here earlier in the day.

Stop 4: Sandia Peak Tramway for Sunset

Riding the Sandia Peak Tramway is an absolute must on any weekend in Albuquerque itinerary. It’s probably the most memorable experience we had our entire trip! Makes sense, since it’s one of the longest aerial tramways in the world, with the journey taking about 15 minutes each way (meaning lots of time for photos and views).

Imagine heading 2.7 miles up above deep canyons and breathtaking terrain, with stunning views of the 10,378-foot crest of the Sandia Mountains waiting for you at the top. It really is one of America’s most stunning urban peaks. Expect spectacular views of not only the city, but a panoramic view of the entire Rio Grande Valley and the vast expanse of the New Mexico landscape.

Up here you can simply admire the view from the observation platforms, go on a short hike (which I wanted to do but unfortunately all the trails were completely covered in snow by late November), and eat at TEN 3, a new, beautifully constructed restaurant with mountain views.

While you can totally visit any time of day, I highly recommend heading up the mountain for sunset! Why? Because it’s absolutely spectacular, especially on a super clear day like we had. Sunsets are always so stunning in the desert. New Mexico included.

Some Sandia Peak Tramway logistics:

You’ll need to buy your ticket on the website. Either ahead of time or at the tram location itself on your phone. There’s no option for buying in person. Thankfully they’ve got wifi! Buy them here.

Your ticket doesn’t expire that day. If for some reason conditions aren’t favorable (see below) and you already bought your ticket the day before, you can use your ticket for a different day/time instead. Thankfully there’s webcams to see if the view is obstructed by thick clouds/overcast. On our first attempt, the webcam showed absolutely zero visibility, so we waited until the end of our New Mexico road trip and thankfully got perfect conditions.

Be aware of closures or delays. Being located in the mountains, weather is ever-changing. There may be delays or closures for lightning or high winds. Safety first, my friends, always! But remember, you can always use your ticket at a later date.

Ticket sales open only 1-2 days ahead of time on the website. This is due to the weather uncertainty we just talked about. And tickets can definitely sell out, especially during holidays, Spring Break, and of course the popular Balloon Fiesta.

It’s cold and windy at the top! Dress appropriately, especially if you’re visiting for sunset in late fall/winter. We wore our warmest stuff and I still almost froze. Bring gloves; I had none and totally regretted it. There’s a gift shop at the tramway if you feel the need to buy something last minute!

There’s a decent size parking lot right at the base of the tram, so don’t stress about finding a spot.

There’s only two tram cars and they run every 15-30 minutes. Boarding is based on first come, first serve, so if you’re aiming to be at the top at a specific time (sunset, perhaps?!), arrive earlier than needed!

Stop 5: Sawmill Market for Dinner

If you didn’t fill up at TEN 3 atop the Sandia Peak Tramway, head over to the Sawmill Market for some dinner!

We loved this trendy warehouse – it has an eclectic collection of bars and foodie spots, and some of the best fresh pasta we’ve ever had (and yes, we’ve eaten our fair share in Italy!). Maybe we were just hungry, haha. There’s also poke, tacos, Mediterranean, pizza, salads, New Mexican (obviously!), and tons more.

Besides the food, you’ll find a beer garden-esque spot with a bunch of NM brews on tap (gets busy over here!), and even a cocktail bar and a rose wine bar! And a new spot with artisan sodas and floats. Lots to choose from!

Psst – depending on when you visit Albuquerque, you may wanna eat dinner before heading up Sandia Peak. We visited in late November with an early sunset of around 5pm, so ate dinner afterwards, BUT the sun sets way later in summer. Just something to keep in mind so you don’t get hangry.

Weekend in Albuquerque Day 2

Stop 1: Breakfast at Java Joe’s

Morning two of this Albuquerque itinerary is for all you Breaking Bad fans out there! Starting with breakfast at Java Joes, the real-life location of Tuco Salamanca’s headquarters in Breaking Bad (remember where Walker White blew up Tuco? Yes, that place!).

But besides that little known fact, it’s a great coffee shop with a wonderful vibe and atmosphere. We both had bagel sandwiches and they totally hit the spot. Coming from two native New Yorkers who practically grew up on bagels, that says a lot, haha. There’s also huevos rancheros and breakfast burritos if you want something a bit more substantial.

Stop 2: Breaking Bad Tour or DIY Filming Locations

Where’re all my Breaking Bad fans at?! Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul totally put Albuquerque on the map – I won’t lie and say I haven’t been wanting to visit ever since we finished watching the two shows! There’s even organized tours that whisk fans around to visit filming locations around the city! Including one in a replica RV that Walter White and Jesse used as their lab – ya know, to make all that blue stuff…

We actually booked the tour but it was unfortunately canceled as not enough people signed up. The company seems to open reservations only a few days in advance, so that’s possibly why. We were pretty disappointed as we were really looking forward to it, being die-hard fans of both shows! Oh well, guess it’s an excuse for us to plan another weekend in Albuquerque.

If you can’t make the tour or it gets canceled on you (like it did for us…), you can still drive around and find some of the filming locations yourself! Don’t miss:

Walt’s house on the show “308 Negra Arroyo Lane” (which is a private residence in the Loma del Rey neighborhood located at 3828 Piermont Dr). Yes, people live there today, sans the blue meth of course. The long-time owners had to put a fence around their property because fans kept throwing pizza on the roof, haha!

Los Pollos Hermanos, the site of Gus’ restaurant and office. The fast food chain in the show is fictional, but the scenes were filmed at real-life restaurant Twisters. Go in and sit in Walt’s booth!

Saul Goodman, Attorney at Law’s office: The exterior has been drastically changed, but still fun to see! It’s located in a strip mall on the corner of Montgomery and Eubank.

Gustavo’s Laundry Business & Meth Lab: Another real-life place, called Lavenderia Brilliante on Google Maps. And it looks exactly like it does in the show!

There’s plenty of other filming locations, like Jesse’s house, Chucky’s, Dog House, Combo’s Corner, Rail Yard, RV Junkyard, Owl Cafe, Jane’s, and the Car Wash. But don’t feel like you need to visit every single one, haha. Unless you’re like super, super obsessed it’ll probably be overkill.

Stop 3: Indian Pueblo Kitchen for Lunch

After you’ve had enough of Heisenberg (iykyk) and Saul Goodman, off to lunch it is!

Hopefully by now you’ve had some authentic New Mexican food, but if not, add this place to your weekend in Albuquerque itinerary pronto!

Menu standouts are easily the blue corn-crusted onion rings (get the full stack, trust me) and the blue corn enchiladas smothered in green and red chile (which locals call christmas style!). I tried the Indian taco on fry bread, and it was SO much larger than expected – come hungry!

The Zia soda brand, made exclusively in New Mexico, is popular too, with flavors like Ginger Ale with red chile and lime, Nopales with prickly pear, and Sandia Watermelon with mint and lime juice.

Once you’re nice and full (seriously, wear your stretchy pants), check out the attached Indian Pueblo Cultural Center! The museum highlights the rich cultural heritage of the Native American Pueblo tribes, and showcases their art, history, jewelry, and traditions.

Plus plenty of craft sellers and live music and dancing! Make sure to check the schedule in advance – I’m so sad I didn’t know about the dance performances beforehand (they look pretty epic). Don’t miss the courtyard with all the murals; super interesting and informative.

Stop 4: Afternoon Choices!

Next up on this weekend in Albuquerque – some choices! Because, yes, there’s actually plenty of things to do in Albuquerque, and it’s nearly impossible to do every single thing in just a few days!

ABQ Biopark: An all-in-one zoo, botanical garden, and aquarium! Get a combo ticket for all three – a great spot for families with young kids. The botanical garden’s filled with lush greenery, well-maintained walking paths, and tons and tons of flowers! I highly recommend going early or late afternoon to avoid heat (especially in summer, it gets kinda brutal).

I heard the aquarium is pretty small and kind of cramped – but a nice respite from the harsh heat and humidity. Although there are sharks, penguins, and jellyfish, so it’s worth the walk-through in my book. I’m honestly never a fan of zoo’s (especially after going on safari in Tanzania), but you do you! And if you’re in town for the holidays, don’t miss the River of Lights in the garden – they’re said to be spectacular!

Casa Rondeña Winery: Anyone up for some wine tasting in what seems like a historic Italian vineyard? While it’s definitely no Napa or Sonoma (sorry, but California just wins at wineries and vineyards), it’s a great spot to relax after a busy weekend.

The grounds are just beautiful, there’s a duck pond (!!!), and they’ve got sparkling rose… what else could you want?! A true taste of Tuscany! Plus, it’s not far from Campo (next up on this itinerary), so perfect if you’re having dinner over there!

Petroglyph National Monument: Come here to see hundreds (beyond hundreds) of petroglyphs along the short hiking trails. Petroglyph National Monument actually protects one of the largest petroglyph sites in all of North America, so you know there’s plenty to see here.

But wait – what’s a petroglyph anyway? They’re designs and symbols carved into volcanic rocks by Native Americans and Spanish settlers – 400 to 700 years ago! And yes, they’re still here! Pretty cool, right?

And better yet, it’s free to visit. Look out for roadrunners, lizards, and rattlesnakes! Yes, rattlesnakes (give them distance and respect and they’ll leave you alone)! I’m pretty bummed we missed this, but thankfully saw a few petroglyphs at Bandelier National Monument up near Santa Fe!

Stop 5: Campo at Los Poblanos for Dinner

Finish your weekend in Albuquerque with a special dinner at Campo at Los Poblanos Historic Inn – a must during any trip to ABQ! They pride themselves on their farm to table food, and it shows; everything is made from scratch. And most of the ingredients either come from their farm or are locally sourced.

Standouts are the lemon Za’atar salad, the duck, the lamb Birria, and the housemade cavatelli. Oh, and don’t miss the breadboard – don’t blame me if you dream about that green chile sourdough for a while.

There’s an extensive wine list and loads of cocktails, plus some fun non-alcoholic drinks as well (I had a lavender spritz and loved it).

My recommendation? Get here 45 minutes before your reservation, grab a cocktail, and walk the farm grounds! The lavender fields and gardens are gorgeous and oh so cute! Actually, the entire property is stunning; it’s got a very cozy and rustic feeling, which I just loved. I kinda wanna go back for brunch in the warmer months and sit outside.

Psst – meals are reservation only, and they book up well in advance, so make sure to snag a table as soon as you know when you’ll be in Albuquerque for the weekend! Oh, and bring a jacket – it gets kinda drafty inside!

So there ya have it – the perfect weekend in Albuquerque itinerary! When are you visiting New Mexico?!