Albuquerque — Travelrags

Lonely PlanetSep 22, 2026

A Guide to New Mexico

New Mexico is unique. Plan your travels through the 47th state with this visitor guide.

13 things in this story

International Balloon FiestaFestivalAnnual event in October, attracts nearly a million people
ABQ RidePlaceFree bus service in Albuquerque
Old TownSuburbHome to 150 independent restaurants and boutiques
Rattlesnake MuseumMuseumMore than 80 snakes and venomous spiders
Sandia MountainsSightNumerous trails and Sandia Peak Tramway
Sandia Peak TramwayAttraction2.7-mile-long, longest in the US, to 10,378ft summit
Elsewhere
Carlsbad CavernsMotelCarlsbad, United StatesOver 30 miles long, 1027ft deep, cathedral-sized rooms
Route 66SightNew Mexico, United StatesRetro joints and scenic byways
Southwest ChiefPlaceNew Mexico, United StatesAmtrak train route stopping in Raton, Las Vegas, Lamy, Albuquerque
Sunset LimitedPlaceNew Mexico, United StatesAmtrak train route stopping in Deming and Lordsburg
Valles CalderaSightJemez Mountains, United StatesHuge mountain meadows, volcanic life, hot springs
Turquoise TrailTrailSanta Fe, United StatesScenic byway from Santa Fe to east of Albuquerque
White Sands National ParkSightWhite Sands, United StatesField of white sand dunes, largest of its kind on Earth

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Lonely PlanetAug 26

The Best Día de Muertos Celebrations in the United States

You don

25 things in this story

Indian Pueblo KitchenRestaurantsample Indigenous New Mexican cooking
Muertos y Marigolds ParadeFestivalcelebration of life, memories, tradition, and marigolds
Marigold MileSightthousands of marigolds decorating historic structures
Elsewhere
National Museum of Mexican ArtMuseumChicago, United StatesIt is located in Harrison Park in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois.
Olvera StreetNeighborhoodLos Angeles, United Statescelebrates with community altars, face painting, costumed performances
Hollywood Forever CemeterySightLos Angeles, United StatesIt is one of the oldest cemeteries in Los Angeles, California and is located at 6000 Santa Monica…
Día de los Muertos XicágoFestivalChicago, United Statestakes place in the museum and surrounding outdoor areas
Harrison ParkParkChicago, United Statespart of the outdoor area for Día de los Muertos Xicágo
Día de Muertos Love Never Dies BallFestivalChicago, United Statesfeatures live music, silent auction, and food
Little VillageQuarterChicago, United Statesshops full of Mexican essentials, street art, enticing food smells
Mi Tierra Cafe y PanaderiaRestaurantSan Antonio, United Statesopen since 1941 for authentic Mexican food
Muertos FestFestivalSan Antonio, United Statesfeatures altars, live music, workshops, and dance performances
Guadalupe Cultural Art CenterMuseumSan Antonio, United Stateslearn more about San Antonio's Mexican heritage
Mission DistrictNeighborhoodSan Francisco, United Stateskey hub for the city's Mexican population
Festival of AltarsFestivalSan Francisco, United Statesfree annual event with a big procession
Potrero Del Sol ParkParkSan Francisco, United Stateslocation for the Festival of Altars
SOMArts cultural centerMuseumSan Francisco, United Stateshosts special exhibitions
San Francisco Symphony OrchestraPlaceSan Francisco, United Stateshosts a themed concert
Mission Cultural Center for Latino ArtsArts centreSan Francisco, United Statespreviously ran Día de Muertos events
Sherman Heights Community CenterSightSan Diego, United Stateshosts a Día de los Muertos celebration
Old Town San DiegoNeighborhoodSan Diego, United Statescelebrations centered on the mercado with altars and contests
Mercado HidalgoMarketTijuana, Mexicovivid celebrations in Tijuana
Mano a ManoPlaceNew York, United Statesnonprofit celebrating Mexican culture, hosts multi-day events
St. Mark's Church in-the-BowerySightNew York, United StatesThe property has been the site of continuous Christian worship since the mid-17th century, making it New York City's…
Hispanic Society Museum & LibraryMuseumNew York, United States

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Lonely PlanetAug 4

23 of the best destinations for fall travel in 2026

Fall smacks of leaf peeping, road tripping, the last bits of swimming and so much more. These destinations offer the best for fall travel across the globe.

20 things in this story

Albuquerque International Balloon FiestaFestivaliconic balloon festival
Elsewhere
Fes el-BaliGuest houseFez, Moroccooldest section of the walled medina
ÖlüdenizSightFethiye, Turkeylagoon-side town great for paragliding
PataraAttractionKaş, Turkeytown with endless swathes of golden sand
ÇıralıNeighborhoodKemer, Turkeyprotected area where sea turtles nest
Nara ParkParkNara, Japanhome to over 1000 sika deer
Tōdai-jiMuseumNara, Japantemple with one of the largest bronze Buddha images
Alta Via 1TrailCortina d'Ampezzo, Italyclassic trek through the Dolomites
Lake TaupoSightTaupo, New Zealandarea with hot-spring complexes
Kerosene CreekSightRotorua, New Zealandwild-and-free thermal pool with hot waterfall
HobbitonSightMatamata, New Zealandfilm set
Waipoua ForestSightDargaville, New Zealandforest with towering kauri trees
Taos PuebloSightTaos, United States1000-year-old Native American site
Sangre de Cristos mountainsSightSanta Fe, United Statesmountain range in northern New Mexico
Bocas del ToroNeighborhoodBocas Town, Panamaarchipelago with beaches and watersports
Samburu National ReserveSightMaralal, Kenyareserve with kopje-studded plains and acacia hills
Maó (Mahón)NeighborhoodMaó, Spaincharismatic capital with Anglo-Spanish heritage
CiutadellaNeighborhoodCiutadella de Menorca, Spainformer chief settlement with Anglo-Spanish heritage
Camí de CavallsTrailMaó, Spain185km coastal circuit for hiking or biking
SeychellesNeighborhoodVictoria, Seychellesarchipelago with palm trees and white-sand beaches

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Condé Nast TravelerJul 25

I Walked Route 66—And Saw What Drivers Miss

In Albuquerque, home to the largest urban section of Route 66, writer Megan Spurrell takes it slow, stopping into tattoo shops, hot dog joints, and forgotten landmarks.

17 things in this story

Route 66Traillongest urban stretch in Albuquerque
El DonMotelmotel sign with cowboy on horse
El VadoSightmotel sign with Native American headdress
MontereySightmotel sign with 'Sorry' before 'No Vacancy'
Rio Grande Trading PostMarketlargest purveyor of Native American art
Duran's pharmacyRestaurantrestaurant in back serves New Mexico classics
The Dog HouseRestauranthot dog hut with chili cheese dogs
Good MedicineCafétattoo shop in a former fill station
Arrive HotelHotelnew hotel in downtown 'party central'
Alebrijes & NahualsSighttouring collection of Mexican sculptures
KimoSight1947-built art deco theater
Route 66 Tourist OfficeSightset up on corner for centennial
Heck YeahMarketsells vintage cowboy boots, tees, glassware
66 DinerCaféquintessential Route 66 diner, closed Tuesdays
University of New MexicoSightcampus located on Central Ave
Burque muralSightcolorful mural in postcard font
Anodyne Pool HallBar

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Condé Nast TravelerJul 13

8 Best Hotels in Albuquerque Where Local Culture Is at the Forefront

The ideal bases from which to explore this New Mexico metropolis.

19 things in this story

CampoRestaurantInn's restaurant in a renovated dairy barn
Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & SpaHotelOwned by the Pueblo of Santa Ana, Native American-owned lodging
Corn MaidenRestaurantFine-dining restaurant at Hyatt Regency Tamaya
Arrive AlbuquerqueHotelRetro-cool charm with midcentury-inspired guest rooms
DWTNR Cocktail Bar & LoungeRestaurantOverflows with dishes befitting late-night eats
Hotel ChacoHotelCenterpiece of Sawmill District's transformation
Toadlena Trading PostPlaceNavajo (Diné) rugs from northwestern New Mexico
Hotel AlbuquerqueHotelRenovated rooms near Old Town, an epicenter for culture
Plaza Don LuisNeighborhoodNearby craft breweries, wine tasting rooms, galleries
El Vado MotelMotelDizzy with retro charm along the Mother Road
Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic FarmHotelTerritorial Revival-style haciendas amid gardens
Hotel Parq CentralHotelReimagined 1926 railroad hospital along historic Route 66
Apothecary LoungeRestaurantReimagines former nurse's station as a bar
Hotel Andaluz Albuquerque, Curio Collection by HiltonHotelTallest building in New Mexico for many years
Old Town PlazaPark400-year-old plaza, epicenter for Albuquerque culture
Albuquerque MuseumMuseumIt is located in the Old Town area and is operated by the City of Albuquerque Department of Arts & Culture.
Rio GrandeSightThe length of the Rio Grande is 1,896 miles (3,051 km), making it the fourth longest river in the United…
ABQ BioParkGardenZoo, botanical garden, and aquarium
Sandia Peak Aerial TramwayAttractionGlide to the top of the mountains for views

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Condé Nast TravelerJan 16

The Best Restaurants in Albuquerque for New Mexican Cuisine In Its Many Forms

There are comforting huevos rancheros and green-chile hot plates, but also chef's table experiences using farm-fresh vegetables and herbs.

13 things in this story

CampoRestaurantBook your table at Campo, nestled in the serene beauty of Los Poblanos.
La GuelaguetzaRestaurantOaxacan folk festival spirit, nominated for James Beard Award
The Original Cocina AzulRestaurantHumble spot with family recipes, best huevos rancheros
Al-quds Mediterranean Grill and GroceryRestaurantMediterranean grocery store with a cafe in the back
TulipaniRestaurantTiny pasta shop in Sawmill Market
Sawmill MarketMarketBustling food hall with scattered tables
Royal HyderabadRestaurantBeloved Indian restaurant with authentic biryanis
Coda BakeryRestaurantVietnamese bakery featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives
Sakura Sushi and GrillRestaurantJapanese staples with handmade wasabi and cinnamon tea
Indian Pueblo KitchenRestaurantIndigenous heritage cuisine in the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
Indian Pueblo Cultural CenterMuseumExhibits on New Mexico's Pueblo history and culture
AjiacoRestaurantColombian bistro with arepas, empanadas, and bandeja paisa
Los Poblanos Historic InnHotel

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