Local Activities & Food

Local Activities

You can find more information on local events and attractions at Visit Albuquerque and ABQtodo.

Arts, Culture, & Museums

Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is a must, showcasing the traditions and heritage of New Mexico's 19 Pueblos
Albuquerque Museum is for art enthusiasts, with diverse collections showcasing the history and culture of ABQ.
Old Town Albuquerque is the city's historic heart, with its charming adobe buildings, unique shops, and the San Felipe de Neri Church
National Hispanic Cultural Center
Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum celebrates the city's status as the hot air ballooning capital of the world
National Museum of Nuclear Science & History explores a look into the Atomic Age
New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science steps through the natural history of the region.
ABQ BioParks including the Zoo, Botanical Gardens, and Aquarium excite curiosities of any kind!
Breaking Bad Tours showcase locations from the hit show which prominently displayed our city.

Outdoors/Physical Activities

Rio Grande Nature Center State Park along the Bosque Trail
Petroglyph National Monument
Sandia Foothills (e.g. Elena Gallegos Open Space)
VolcanoesTrail
Plenty of folks also love outdoor (and indoor!) climbing

Special Events

August 5th: Counting Crows at the Isleta Amphitheater

Santa Fe Opera

Further Afield

Very Large Array
Santa Fe - take the Railrunner! Meep meep!
Bandelier National Monument
Tent Rocks National Monument
Gila

Food

New Mexico is known for its unique culinary style, known as New Mexican, which blends elements from Mexican, Native American, Spanish, Tex Mex, and more.

Local Picks

Mary & Tito's Cafe, a James Beard Award winner known for its classic New Mexican dishes
The Original Cocina Azul, a family-owned spot with flavorful homemade enchiladas and carne adovada
Indian Pueblo Kitchen at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center offers dishes prepared with classic techniques and local ingredients
Sadie's of New Mexico is a popular choice, known for its heaping plates and flavorful chile
Frontier Restaurant, a local institution near UNM, is famous for its generous portions and green chile stew.
Clown Dog is a circus-themed create-your-own hot dog joint that has one of the best Chicago dogs you'll ever eat.
The Grove Cafe serves up a sumptuous brunch!
Generally speaking, Vietnamese food in ABQ is pretty solid, including Coda Bakery and Viet Pho's.

Food Halls/Group Dining

Other local favorite food halls, each of which has a variety of spots and is great for group dining, include:

Sawmill Market (near old town)
Green Jeans (I40 and Carlisle)
505 Central (downtown)
Tin Can Alley (I25 and Alameda)

Near Campus (Suggested Lunch/Coffee Spots)

These spots are located within walking distance (10-15 minutes) of campus, and many of them are located in the Bricklight District just on the other side of Central

Food: Los Victor's, Cheba Hut, Mazaya, El Patio, Sahara, Laguna Burger, O Ramen, Naruto Ramen, Saggio's, Flying Star, Frontier, Olympia, Anapurnas (vegetarian)

Coffee: Satellite, Little Bear, Michael Thomas, Duggan's, Dawn Patrol

Local Taps 🍺

You can thank ABQ for the micro-brew scenes popping up across the country. Legend has it that the craft beer ethos was invented in ABQ (as claimed by the owner of Quarter Celtic, you can ask them).

Near campus: Haussammans, Bosque (has food), Flock of Moons, Two Fools (has food), Differential, Tractor

Other recommended favorites: Marble, Quarter Celtic (has food), Bow and Arrow, La Cumbre, Canteen (has food), Steel Bender, Gravity Bound