Albuquerque Local Visitor Information
Within 10 Minute Walking Radius
Telephone Museum of New Mexico
110 Fourth St NW
(505) 843-2937
Open Monday, Wednesday and Fridays 10:00AM - 1:30PM
The museum is housed in an office building dating back to 1906. Displays, dioramas, a working switchboard, photographs and literature highlight the development of the telephone industry from Alexander Graham Bell's workshop to the break up of the Bell System. Admission by donation ($5 recommended)
Route 66
Central Avenue, two blocks south of the Clyde
Restaurants, Art deco architecture, a brewery, a bourbon tasting room, and sculptural art. This is the party location for UNM students. There is a food court.
The Kimo Theater
423 Central Ave NW
The Kimo is an entertainment and event venue featuring music concerts and dance performances in a multitude of genres, films and cultural events. The building is a unique fusion of Art Deco and Pueblo Revival Styles.
El Ray Theater
622 Central Ave SW
Concert and live music venue. Evening hours.
Alvarado Transportation Center
100 First St SW
Major multimodal transportation hub including Amtrak train and Greyhound Bus services. In addition, the center accesses local buses, and commuter trains to Santa Fe (the Road Runner) which are part of the Rio Metro Regional Transit District.
Albuquerque Convention Center
401 2nd St NW
A very large multi-purpose event complex hosting small to large events from concerts at the Kiva Auditorium to national trade shows. The Civic Plaza is the largest public gathering space in the city and offers outdoor summer concerts and community events.
One Mile Radius
Rail Yard Market
401 2nd St SW
Open Sundays 10:00AM - 2:00PM
TLarge market featuring artisan, food and healing vendors and live music located at The Yards in the historic Barelas neighborhood.
The WHEELS Museum
1100 2nd St SW, at the Barelas Railyard, site of the Santa Fe Railroad (repair) Shops
Open Monday-Thursday 9:00AM - 12:00PM (closed Fridays) and Saturday-Sunday 10:00AM - 2:00PM.
Displays and exhibits follow the history of the railroads in the area, as well as all modes of transportation (horse and wagon, bicycle and automobile). Admission free (donations accepted).
Other Albuquerque Attractions
Old Town Albuquerque
303 Romero St NW
Founded in 1706, Old Town was the central village plaza of Albuquerque. The plaza was surrounded by homes and businesses that have been renovated into galleries, restaurants, boutiques and shops. The San Filipe de Neri church is a prominent landmark at the north end of Old Town Plaza, and has been in continuous use for over 200 years. In addition to Southwestern art and cuisine, a cultural collage of delights is within a few blocks, and includes Flamenco Tablao dance performances (Hotel Albuquerque), the candy store of Breaking Bad fame, and a number of wineries.
Albuquerque Bio Park
Albuquerque Zoo - 903 10th St SW
Albuquerque Aquarium and Botanic Garden - 2601 Central Ave NW
Tingley Beach - Tingley Dr SW
Phone: (505) 768-2000
Located along the bank of the Rio Grande, the Bio Park consists of an aquarium, a zoo, a botanic park and Tingley Beach. This city park provides ample opportunities to connect with nature. Science-based conservation efforts that benefit New Mexico and the world are managed by zoological, marine and botanical experts within the three facilities. (Note that they are in separate locations west of the 3d Con venue). Tingley Beach park is adjacent to the Rio Grande Bosque. It offers developed picnic sites, fishing ponds, model boating, walking and running paths. A combined ticket for all facilities is $27, although admission to separate facilities is $10 (discounts for seniors and New Mexico residents are available).
Albuquerque Museum
2000 Mountain Road NW
Phone: (505) 243-7255
Open Tuesday-Sunday 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Admission: $6
Located in Old Town, gallery exhibitions depict the diversity of New Mexican cultures and creativity in many forms and media. Art collections and special exhibits, historical themes (such as Hispanic religious art, Native American textiles and jewelry, railroad and Route 66 memorabilia), and a sculpture garden are accessible to all age groups.
Petroglyph National Monument
6510 Western Trail NW
Phone: (505) 899-0205
Petroglyph National Monument is one of the largest petroglyph sites in North America. Carved 400 to 700 years ago in volcanic stone, the designs and symbols are of cultural and spiritual significance for Native Americans as well as descendants of early Spanish settlers in the region. There are three viewing trails that are open year round. The Visitor Information Center is in a separate facility located at 6510 Western TrailNW, Albuquerque. Admission is free. Note: there is no public transportation to the visitor center or trails.
Further Afield
Acoma Pueblo
Acoma Pueblo is a national landmark located approximately 60 miles west of Albuquerque off of I-40. It is the ancestral home of the Anasazi people and one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the United States. Four villages make up the pueblo: Sky City (Old Acoma), Anzac, Acomita, and McCartys. The pueblo architecture is primarily adobe brick, and structures rise up to three stories with connecting ladders. The pueblo has seven rectangular kivas and a village plaza. Visitors are encouraged to visit the Acoma Sky City Cultural Center and Haak'u Museum. Hours are Friday-Monday, 10am-4:00pm (closed Tuesday-Thursday). (800) 747-0181.
A Very Large Array
Open 7 days a week, 9:00AM-4:00PM
Admission $10
Located on Old Highway 60, 50 miles west of Socorro (about a 2 hour drive from Albuquerque), the Very Large Array (VLA) radio astronomy observatory is world-renowned. 27 HUGE radio antennas arranged in a Y-shape work together to provide high-resolution images of the universe. Self-guided (half-mile walking) tour maps are available at the Visitor's Center and guided tours are given on Saturdays.