Albuquerque is the largest city in New Mexico and a unique cultural city situated on a high desert plateau.

This city, where Southwestern Native American culture, Spanish colonial history, and modern art coexist, is considered a distinctive travel destination in the United States.

If you are visiting Albuquerque or moving to this city, we recommend experiencing the attractions below.

Old Town Albuquerque is the historical center of the city, featuring adobe-style buildings clustered around a plaza established during the Spanish colonial era in 1706. This area includes the San Felipe de Neri Church, galleries, craft shops, and Southwestern cuisine restaurants. On weekends, a market is held around the church plaza where Native American artists sell handmade jewelry and pottery.

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a signature event that has put this city on the world map. Held during the first week of October each year, it showcases over 500 hot air balloons filling the sky. This event is recognized as the largest hot air balloon festival in the world and is listed in the Guinness records. The Mass Ascent session, which takes place early in the morning, features hundreds of balloons taking off simultaneously, creating an overwhelming sight. Hotels throughout Albuquerque fill up quickly during the festival, so if you plan to attend, it's best to book at least six months in advance.

Petroglyph National Monument is a national monument located in the western suburbs of Albuquerque, featuring over 20,000 petroglyphs carved into volcanic rock. These petroglyphs were created by Native Americans, including the Navajo and Pueblo, over hundreds to thousands of years, depicting various designs such as animals, figures, and geometric shapes. Several short trails are available, making it easy for families to visit, and admission is either free or low-cost. However, touching the original petroglyphs on the trails is prohibited by cultural heritage protection laws.

The Sandia Peak Tramway is one of the longest aerial tramways in the world, taking visitors from downtown Albuquerque (about 1,600m above sea level) to the summit of the Sandia Mountains (about 3,255m above sea level) in one go. The ride takes about 15 minutes, and from the upper observation deck, you can enjoy a 360-degree panorama of downtown Albuquerque, the Rio Grande Gorge, and the volcanic mountains beyond. In winter, it transforms into a ski area, and in summer, it serves as a starting point for hiking trails. Tickets are approximately $25 to $30 for adults and can be purchased online in advance.

ABQ BioPark, located in downtown Albuquerque, is a must-visit family destination that includes a zoo, aquarium, botanical garden, and train. The Rio Grande Zoo is home to over 1,000 animals from about 250 species, and the aquarium features exhibits themed around the desert and the ocean. To explore all the facilities in one day, you should allocate a generous 6 to 8 hours. Purchasing an Annual Pass is a great value if you plan to visit multiple times in the same year. For those who have moved to Albuquerque, this is a great place to visit with your children after settling in.