Old Town Albuquerque

The heart of New Mexico’s colonial past, Old Town Albuquerque is the city’s cultural hub. You can learn more about the area’s colorful history by joining a guided walking tour. Options range from tours focused on folklore to tours that dive into the region’s dynamic local cuisine—think enchiladas, pastries, and margaritas. Self-guided, scavenger-hunt style adventures are also a popular way to get to know Old Town while engaging with both your travel companions and the local community.

• Bring cash so you can pick up souvenirs from the street vendors selling handmade crafts.
• Most of the shops and sidewalks are wheelchair accessible, but some historic buildings are not.
• Wear good walking shoes—Old Town’s brick alleys are best explored on foot.
• There is free, 2-hour parking and additional paid parking areas available.

To reach Old Town from Interstate 40, exit at Rio Grande Boulevard (exit 157) and head south. You can also take public transportation into Old Town—choose the Red Line 766 or Blue Line 790 of the city’s Rapid Ride bus system.

Old Town comes alive mid-morning (shops typically open around 10am) and you can enjoy shopping until around 5–7pm. Some restaurants and bars stay open well into the evening. Old Town frequently hosts cultural events, live music, and festivals, so check the city’s calendar to catch an event. Christmas Eve is one of the most popular local events, when thousands gather to see the traditional luminaria (paper lantern) displays.

Set overlooking Old Town Plaza, the San Felipe de Neri Church is the city’s only building proven to date back to the Spanish colonial era. Built in 1793 and now on the National Register of Historic Places, the church is both a historical attraction and an active Catholic church. Visitors can join the community for a daily mass. Or, learn more about the church’s history on a tour or by visiting its museum.

The picturesque Old Town—founded in the early 18th century— is Albuquerque’s central cultural hub. Unsurprisingly, given its Old Town designation, it’s also the first neighborhood settled in Albuquerque. Today, the lively area is home to museums, boutiques, art galleries, and much more, including the ABQ BioPark Aquarium.

That depends. You could easily spend a few days hitting up museums like the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, or the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History. You’ll also find numerous tours, including ghost tours or Breaking Bad-themed circuits.

The Portal Market, located on the east side of the Old Town Plaza, is a great spot to pick up local handicrafts purchased directly from the artisans who made them, particularly Southwest-style jewelry. Turquoise is a quintessential New Mexico memento; earrings, pendants, and rings can be found here.

Yes, the Old Town is an excellent escape from the rest of Albuquerque’s car-crazy streets. The historic district is lauded as one of the city’s most walkable neighborhoods. However, if your feet tire, you can get your sightseeing fix with the ABQ Trolley Co, which offers a 100-minute narrated ride.

The Old Town was founded by Spanish settlers in 1706, and the area boasts ten blocks of Pueblo-style Spanish adobe buildings. Many former homes have now been converted into shops, galleries, and cafés or restaurants. Other buildings date from later periods—typically, the Victorian age between 1870 and around 1900.

Yes, the Old Town is a great place to find traditional New Mexican dishes. Make sure you can stand the heat, as chili peppers are a common ingredient. Visitors can also find other mostly American cuisines here, from steaks and a family-operated pizzeria to sandwiches and breakfast foods.

Yes. In fact, this is one of the most peaceful and atmospheric places to stay in Albuquerque. Options vary considerably, so do your research. The Bottger Mansion of Old Town Bed and Breakfast—a colorful 1910 home—is one stand-out. You’ll also find more traditional hotels and short-term vacation rentals in converted adobes.