With so many incredible things to see and do in Albuquerque, picking only the best for your vacation can prove to be a daunting task. Luckily, we’ve done that for you! Old Town Albuquerque is home to some of the area’s most popular restaurants, museums, and attractions. In order to help you find the best of the best, we’ve created this list of our personal and guest favorites! Read on to discover the best of Old Town Albuquerque and decide which places you won’t want to miss.
After exploring our list for the best of Old Town Albuquerque, discover even more local attractions in our free Vacation Guide. With this handy planning tool at your side, you’ll have instant access to all our recommendations for things to do during your getaway to Albuquerque.
the best of Old Town Albuquerque: where to stay
While there are many options for places to stay in Albuquerque, true memories are made when you forgo the typical hotels and opt for a unique experience. The Bottger Mansion of Old Town offers just that! Our historic bed & breakfast, located in the heart of Old Town, is a favorite for travelers, and for good reason! We provide comfortable rooms, outstanding amenities, and friendly hospitality. You’ll also enjoy a warm, delicious breakfast served first thing in the morning that to start your day off right. Explore the many attractions of Albuquerque or simply relax in the peace and quiet of our cozy inn. It’s everything you need and more to make memories that will last a lifetime!
the best of Old Town Albuquerque: where to eat
Restaurant Antiquity
For some of the best fine dining in Albuquerque, head to Restaurant Antiquity! Even the pickiest of eaters will find something to indulge in, whether it be the veal scallopini or coconut-crusted lamb. The service is always impeccable and the romantic ambiance makes this location perfect for a date night.
High Noon Restaurant and Saloon
If you’re craving a delicious, flavorful steak, High Noon Restaurant and Saloon in Albuquerque, NM, is the right place for you. The restaurant specializes in preparing great steaks and non-traditional dishes featuring New Mexico ingredients and spices. It is located in one of the oldest buildings in Old Town and features a spacious main dining room with southwestern furnishings, a copper-topped bar and a cozy lounge called the Santos Room. High Noon has the best margaritas in town!
Backstreet Grill
The extensive menu at Backstreet Grill in Albuquerque, NM, has something for everyone. They have taken Mexican street tacos to a whole new level! Try the Old Town Street Tacos with barbacoa beef or the duck tacos with corn and black bean relish and mango mole sauce. Enjoy some award-winning local beers at this excellent restaurant in Old Town Albuquerque. Don’t forget to save room for dessert! They create a wide variety of tasty treats that include a Sweet Potato Maple Layered Cheesecake and Backstreet Baja Bread, their own take on bread pudding.
best of Old Town Albuquerque: shopping
Old Town has over 100 shops and galleries, so you’re sure to find that perfect art piece, scarf, or souvenir to take home. Here are just a few of our favorite shops.
Old Town Emporium
Originally built as a home in the 1930’s, the Old Town Emporium has grown to become a tourist favorite! From postcards to traditional Southwest pottery, this unique gift shop has it all! This is also a great option for travelers on a budget since many of their items are under $20.
New Mexico Bead & Fetish
This wholesale jewelry store is the perfect place to find statement-making accessories and gifts. New Mexico Bead & Fetish also specializes in individual beads made from a variety of sources. That way, you can find your favorites and create your own jewelry!
Onyx Expressions
Onyx can be carved and formed into beautiful lamps, vases, and amazing light fixtures, sculptures and candle holders. When lit from inside, an onyx light fixture glows with a soft diffused light.
For more mainstream shopping options, ABQ Uptown features a wide variety of your favorite stores including Apple, Chico’s, Banana Republic, Williams Sonoma, Pottery Barn and Anthropologie.
best of Old Town Albuquerque: museums
Albuquerque Museum of Art & History
The Albuquerque Museum of Art & History is a continually-evolving display of art, artifacts, and photographs depicting the richness of New Mexico culture. Since they change the exhibits frequently, there’s always something new to see. The museum also offers special tours of Casa San Ysidro in Corrales, an Old Town walking tour, and docent-guided tours of the outdoor sculpture garden and Old Town.
American International Rattlesnake Museum
Even people who are afraid of snakes love this museum! The American International Rattlesnake Museum boasts the world’s largest collection of living rattlesnake species, from tiny to large, as well as an extensive gift shop with perhaps the world’s largest variety of reptile memorabilia.
Explora!
Do you ever miss the simplicity of childhood curiosity? At the Explora! Museum in Old Town Albuquerque, you can relive those days! This hands-on science museum is full of interactive exhibits that show how everything works. From light to sound, electricity to film, lightning to rainbows, technology, and art, you’ll see it all! Especially fun are quarterly adult nights only for those 18 and over.
book your stay with the Bottger Mansion of Old Town
Experience the best of Old Town Albuquerque and more during your stay in our elegant bed & breakfast! With an array of comfortable guest rooms to choose from, a delicious daily breakfast, and convenience to all of your favorite local attractions, we provide everything you need and more to make lifelong memories you’ll always treasure.
Find your favorite room with us and book today! We look forward to welcoming you soon.
Photo Credit: Different_Brian/Getty Images
