things to do in abq

Albuquerque

Got 24 Hours in ABQ? Where to Go and What to Do

There are pretty cool things to do in ABQ, like a “Breaking Bad” tour on the ABQ trolley or hanging in Albuquerque’s Old Town Plaza. (Photo: Steven Hauly/EyeEm)

Only in town for one day?! That’s a shame. Old Town Albuquerque, New Mexico, has a lot of pretty cool things you have to see. Here are the top things you need to do in ABQ that can easily fit into one day.

Morning: Break Bad with ABQ Trolley Co.

Itching for a fix of “Breaking Bad” since its finale? ABQ Trolley Co. has the tour for you. Hop on their “BaD TOUR” to do Albuquerque like bad boys Walter White and Jesse Pinkman. The streets of Old Town Albuquerque set the stage as you relive your favorite scenes from the show.

If you’re not a huge fan of the show (GASP!), ABQ Trolley Co. has other special tours like The Hopper, a 3-hour ale trail connecting some of Old Town Albuquerque’s top breweries. How can you say no to that?

Afternoon: Hang at the Natural History Museum

If you only have time to see one museum, the Natural History Museum in Old Town Albuquerque should top your list, especially if there’s a dino-lover in your midst. You’ll be greeted by two life-size dinosaurs as you enter the museum. Round the corner into the museum’s atrium and come face to face with a T-Rex in full attack mode, before exploring the museums’ T-Rex exhibit in Seacoast Hall.

You can spend as much or as little time as you want wandering the many exhibits (one favorite being the planetarium, which is a great way to escape the New Mexico heat). Love hands-on stuff? You’ll rarely see those pesky “Do Not Touch” signs at this museum, as it’s home to many interactive exhibits begging you to explore.

Evening: Shop at Old Town’s Plaza

Old Town Albuquerque has a pretty colorful history, dating back to its founding in 1706. Start in the middle of it all with a stroll through the Plaza, where you can dig into delicious southwestern eats and hit up unique shops.

The Old Town Emporium is worth a stop. It sells funky knick-knacks, jewelry and decorative pieces reminiscent of New Mexico’s unique style. Make sure you’ve left enough room in your bag to bring a little bit of Albuquerque back home.