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Experience Historic Old Town Albuquerque

Take an intimate look into the Southwest in Old Town Albuquerque. Made up of 10 blocks all centered around the Plaza, this historic town was built in the early 1700’s. The essence of old New Mexico is prominent to this day in Old Town Albuquerque. From the town’s Pueblo-Spanish style flat roofs and long porches to the authentic stores, galleries and Spanish restaurants, you can embrace Albuquerque’s rich culture during your 2 ½ hour tour.

Historic Old Town Albuquerque Historic Old Town Albuquerque
artists old town albuquerque Artists on Display
Old Town Albuquerque Unique Experiences
Old Town Albuquerque scenery Interesting Scenery

Old Town Albuquerque Has So Much to Offer

Attractions

Historic Old Town Albuquerque takes pride in its heritage and puts great efforts into preserving its past. Explore museums that take a look into New Mexico’s rich history and parks and aquariums that boast beautiful southwestern nature.

 

Old Town Vendors

Outdoor vending has been a popular tradition among multi-cultural artists since 1706 and continues to be a prominent part of the Old Town to this day. Browse the streets of Albuquerque’s Old Town and discover unique handmade crafts.

 

Albuquerque Museum of Art and History

Delight in southwestern art that tells the story of Albuquerque’s past, a travel exhibition, a unique outdoor garden full of sculptures and more. Albuquerque’s Museum of Art and History is a must see attraction of the Old Town.

 

New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science

Explore the ancient past. New Mexico’s Museum of Natural History and Science is home to interactive, high-tech attractions. Learn about the legacy of the dinosaurs, explore the mysteries of the sky in the museum’s planetarium and much more.

 

Explora

Explora is a hands-on exhibit that delves into the depths of science, technology and the arts. Put your imagination to good use and explore the many mysteries that lay within Explora.

 

ABQ BIOPark, Aquarium, Zoo and Botanic Garden

From the astounding invertebrates like the neon-colored reef fish found in the aquarium, to the enormous gorillas that live in the zoo, to the creative butterfly and Japanese Botanic Gardens, ABQ BIOPark is the place to appreciate Mother Nature’s finest work.

 

Don’t Miss San Felipe de Neri Church

Make sure you stop by San Felipe de Neri Church, the oldest building in the Old Town. Built in 1973, this historical church sits on the North side of the town and was once the heart of the Old Town community.

 

Shopping in Old Town’s Stores & Galleries

Old Town Albuquerque’s streets are lined with over 150 authentic and modern shops and galleries. From traditional Native American pottery and art to clothing and specialty stores, find the perfect keepsake for yourself or the perfect souvenir for a loved one.

 

Galleries

AGape Southwest Pueblo Pottery has been providing authentic handmade pottery, jewelry, kachinas and baskets for over 25 years to both seasoned and novice collectors. Stop in to browse through AGape’s handmade goods, you might just fine something for your own collection. Native American pottery, handcrafted beadwork and authentic Sheldon Harvey paintings and carvings can be found at Andrews Pueblo and Art Gallery. Bright Rain Gallery is known for its contemporary art. Enjoy the finest art, jewelry, glass, ceramics and pottery all made by local artists.

 

Antiques

While you can enjoy unique works of art from the various galleries, you can also find fascinating Native American antiques in the Old Town’s antique shops. Discover Native American treasures, Victorian pieces and even folk art at Old Town Antiques. The Hanging Tree Gallery is another antique shop. Here you are guaranteed to find authentic Native American pottery, jewelry, weavings and baskets.

 

Clothing & Accessories

The Old Town offers many shops where you can find one of kind pieces of clothing and accessories, one of its most popular clothing and accessory shops is the Old Town Hat Shop and Accessory Boutique. Explore a fantastic selection of hats, belts, jackets, scarves, shawls and bags. You’ll find something that’s just your style.

 

General Stores and Trading Posts

While trading posts might seem like a thing of the past, they can still be found in Albuquerque Old Town. Aceves Old Town Basket & Rug Shop brings the best of the southwest from its traditional Mexican food to local art. Looking for an authentic gift? Plaza Indian Trading Post has proudly been selling its Navajo and Hopi jewelry and pottery for over 60 years.

 

Gift & Souvenir Stores

Take home the perfect gift; there are plenty of shops and galleries to choose from in the Old Town. Old Town Emporium and Old Town T-shirt Co. both carry t-shirts, jewelry and other fun goods. Looking for that one-of-a-kind gift? The Horse of A Different Color is the place to go for unique souvenirs you can’t find anywhere else.

 

Jewelry Stores

While Native American jewelry can be found in many of Old Town’s galleries, Best Connection Jewelry and Gifts and Galleria Azul are 2 of the most popular jewelry shops among visitors. From beautifully-colored beaded bracelets to sterling silver earrings and necklaces, you will discover jewelry unlike any other.

 

Specialty Stores

Take the ride of a lifetime or enjoy the largest collection of hot air balloon gift items at Discover Balloon. Pamper yourself at Gabby’s Handmade Soaps, a shop that carries over 180 luxurious, handmade soaps. For the jewelry makers, New Mexico Bead and Fetish carries every bead imaginable including: crystal beads, coral beads, seed beads, silver beads and others.

 

Food

Refuel at one of the Old Town’s cafes or restaurants. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing drink, snack, or large lunch, you can find food and drinks that suit every palette.

 

Cafés

 

Be Be Café

Grab a light lunch at Be Be Café. From freshly ground espressos to their organic soups and salads, this bistro offers a quick, healthy option.

 

Church Street Café

Indulge in authentic Mexican cuisine made fresh on a daily basis. From their spicy chili to famous salsa, Church Street Café is the place to go in Old Town for traditional Mexican cuisine.

 

Rolling in Dough Bakery Café

Take freshly baked pastries and breads on the go or enjoy soups and sandwiches in the Café. The smell of the Rolling in Dough Bakery Café alone will make your mouth water.

 

Restaurants

 

Little Anita’s Mexican Food

Enjoy a relaxing meal at Little Anita’s. Boasting tasty Mexican cuisine, try authentic dishes and ice cold margaritas at the full bar.

 

High Noon Restaurant and Saloon

Old Town not only embraces its Native American roots, but remembers western traditions too. High Noon Restaurant and Saloon is a steakhouse that proudly serves mouth-watering steaks, wild game and fresh seafood.

 

Red Feather Diner

The Red Feather Diner serves a varied cuisine. While many visitors enjoy specialty Mexican and American dishes, others choose the Red Feather Diner for their great vegetarian dishes.

 

Something Sweet

Safe room for something sweet, from iced coffees to creamy milkshakes, handmade candy to luxury chocolates there is something that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

 

Candy Lady

Try the Candy Lady’s 21 varieties of smooth fudge, chocolate covered strawberries and adult novelties. All made using the Candy Lady’s secret family recipes.

 

Steve’s Java and Ice Cream

Have an ice cream, malt, milkshake, iced coffee, smoothie or other refreshing treat at Steve’s Java and Ice Cream. Treats found at Steve’s will be sure to cool you down after being under New Mexico’s hot sun.

Travel Tips for Your Old Town Albuquerque Visit

  •   There is a lot to see and do in Old Town Albuquerque and limited time, so plan ahead to ensure you don’t miss out on the town’s highlights and attractions that interest you most.

 

  • Don’t forget your camera. Old Town Albuquerque is a cultural experience offering many photo opportunities.

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