7 free and affordable things to do in Albuquerque, NM

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The largest city in New Mexico is also one that resonates with historical significance, contributing to Albuquerque’s standing as a popular tourist destination.

The historic San Felipe de Neri Church in Albuquerque Old Town (Photo: Jim & Robin via Flickr / CC BY 2.0)

Perched in the state’s high desert , the city’s historic downtown district has been given a modern sheen while painstakingly preserving many of its most important landmarks.  A melting pot of ethnicities down the years has also left its mark on the city; in its architecture, its art, its cultural venues and its food. It all amounts to an enchanting place to visit, brimming with things to see and do, many of which are far from budget-breaking.

Albuquerque Old Town

Dotted with narrow cobbled streets, adobe houses and historic landmarks dating back centuries, walking through Albuquerque Old Town can be a bit like stepping back in time. But this is also a district where the old sits in harmony with the new, with trendy boutiques and eateries, and artisanal stores selling hand-made wares, all set against the hustle and bustle of a buzzing urban centre. A leisurely amble through the district will inevitably lead you, at some point, to the charming Old Town Plaza, overlooked by the 18th-century San Felipe de Neri Church and the perfect spot to watch the world go by.

Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

A mural on the grounds of the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center (Photo: Kyle Sullivan via Flickr / CC BY 2.0)

The Pueblo Native Americans have been present in Albuquerque and across New Mexico since the 1300s and their rich history is celebrated at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. One of the city’s most important cultural venues, the centre is located just minutes from the Old Town where it boasts a huge collection of artefacts that together tell the story of this ancient people and their role in pre-industrial life in the region. Among the items on display include books, pottery, jewellery, textiles and art, while local artists can often be found here selling their handcrafted works. Entrance costs $12 for adults and $8 for children.

 2401 12th Street NW / Tues-Sun 9am-5pm Closed Mon

Wheels Museum

Exhibits on display at the Wheels Museum (Photo: Wheels Museum)

Anyone with an interest in transport history will be in their element at this excellent museum, situated on the site of the historic Santa Fe Railroad Shops in downtown. Dedicated to the collection, preservation and creation of exhibits that chronicle the history of transportation in Albuquerque and New Mexico, the free-to-enter museum offers a fascinating window on the way that transport has affected the area, from the very early horses and wagons to its more modern railroads. An assortment of automobiles and other modes of transport are all on show here, together with informative descriptions that help bring the rich story of transport to life. Entrance to the museum is free.

1100 2nd Street SW / Mon-Thurs 9am-12pm Sat-Sun 10am-2pm Closed Fri

New Mexico State Fair

One of the biggest and most hotly-anticipated events on the state’s annual calendar, the New Mexico State Fair attracts packed crowds each year who come revel in a vast assortment of livestock exhibits, live concerts, competitions, rodeos, carnival rides, farm animals, agriculture and art, with tons of kids’ activities and attractions thrown into the mix, too. Highlights include the keenly-contested cheeseburger challenge, which pits local restaurants against each other to vie for the title of “green chile cheeseburger champion”. Tickets usually cost $15 for adults and $10 for children.

EXPO New Mexico / September each year

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta 

Colourful balloons decorate the sky at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta (Photo: Greg Goebel via Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0)

Fans of hot air balloons who are visiting Albuquerque during October in any given year could not have picked a better time as the city stages its annual International Balloon Fiesta. For almost a week and a half, the skies over the Rio Grande Valley are sprinkled with kaleidoscopic hot air balloons, while back on firm land there are thrilling balloon rodeos, twilight balloon glows, and tons more balloon-themed entertainment. General Admission tickets are $15 per person, per session. Children 12 and under are free.

Balloon Fiesta Park / October each year

Rio Grande Holiday Festival

(Photo: Rio Grande Holiday Festival)

Visitors who find themselves in Albuquerque during Thanksgiving Weekend are in for a treat, with the city playing host to the hugely popular Rio Grande Holiday Festival. Combining art, live music and performances, not to mention a wide variety of food and drink, the festival draws packed crowds to the EXPO New Mexico events venue who come to immerse themselves in a long weekend of revelry. Art, in particular, plays a major role in the occasion, with a curated collection of original works selected by a juried lineup attracting art enthusiasts from far and wide. There’s also plenty for kids to enjoy, with entertainment and holiday-themed activities galore. Day passes for the festival are $10 and kids aged under 12 go free. Go to www.riograndefestivals.com/holiday-show for more info.

EXPO New Mexico / November-December each year

ABQ BioPark – Botanic Garden

A magnet for horticulture enthusiasts, this vast botanical garden is among Albuquerque’s most peaceful places of interest, serving as the ideal antidote to the hustle and bustle of the city. It features miles of scenic pathways that pass through picture-postcard gardens brimming with lush plant life. There are also two huge conservatories showcasing corners of the world with diverse climates, and an immersive display featuring some 40 species of native butterflies, fig beetles, bees and more. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children.

2601 Central Avenue NW / Mon-Sun 9am-5pm

By Paul Joseph