Many people think of deserts when they hear New Mexico, but Albuquerque is a city with much more to offer than you might expect. From traces of the Spanish colonial era to Pueblo Native American culture, and stunning mountain and desert landscapes, you can experience it all in one city. If you're visiting for the first time, here are five places you definitely should check out.

Old Town Albuquerque

The starting point for any trip to Albuquerque is Old Town Albuquerque. Established in 1706, it has served as the city's center for over 300 years. Today, you can enjoy walking around the adobe-style low buildings and the plaza, which is filled with shops, galleries, and restaurants.

To the north of the plaza is the San Felipe de Neri Church. The original church was built in the early 1700s but collapsed, and the current building was reconstructed in 1793. So, if you think of it as simply "the church built in 1706," you might be surprised. It remains one of Albuquerque's most significant historical landmarks.

Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum

You can't talk about Albuquerque without mentioning hot air balloons. The city is known worldwide for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta held every fall. At the Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum, you can learn about how hot air balloons fly, as well as the history and technology behind ballooning.

This is especially a great stop if you're traveling with kids. If you visit during the Balloon Fiesta, you'll see a completely different scene than just visiting the museum.

Sandia Peak Tramway

If I had to choose just one tourist spot in Albuquerque, it would be the Sandia Peak Tramway. The tram takes you about 2.7 miles up to the vicinity of Sandia Mountain, which rises over 10,000 feet above sea level.

Once you reach the top, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of downtown Albuquerque and the Rio Grande Valley. The scenery at sunset is particularly famous. However, be aware that temperatures at the summit can drop significantly compared to the city, so it's best to avoid just wearing a t-shirt in the summer.

Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

You can't visit New Mexico without experiencing Pueblo culture. The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is a cultural center jointly owned and operated by the 19 Pueblo tribes of New Mexico.

The museum showcases the history, art, pottery, and lifestyle of the Pueblo people, and hosts cultural events and traditional performances. For tourists, it's a great place to understand why New Mexico feels so different from other states in the U.S.

Petroglyph National Monument

Finally, there's the Petroglyph National Monument. Located in the volcanic rock area west of Albuquerque, this national monument preserves around 24,000 petroglyphs. It's exciting that you can walk the trails and search for the images carved into the rocks, rather than just viewing them through museum glass.

Albuquerque is a city that reveals its charm the more you explore it, rather than being a flashy tourist destination. You can plan your day by walking around Old Town in the morning, exploring Pueblo culture in the afternoon, and heading up Sandia Mountain to watch the sunset in the evening. Don't forget to try New Mexico's unique red and green chili dishes, which will make your visit to Albuquerque even more memorable.