The Best Way To Enjoy Historic Downtown Albuquerque
Feb 17, 2023 By Sean William

Old Town is the historic core of Albuquerque. The area, originally founded by Spanish immigrants in 1706, is rich in history, character, and delicious cuisine. Old Town also displays the Native American, Spanish colonial, and American influences that make New Mexico special. In case you're considering a trip to Old Town, we've compiled a list of the activities that will give you the best feel for this historic area.

Visit One Of Old Town's Many Museums

The museums in Old Town provide something for everyone, whether you want to learn about the local culture or have fun with the kids.

Museo De Albuquerque

The Albuquerque Museum, nestled in the center of Old Town, showcases a wide range of artistic expressions, from temporary exhibits to permanent installations, across a wide range of media. Exhibits about New Mexico's past and present may also be found here.

Explora

Explora is a cutting-edge museum and activity center that takes a hands-on approach to science, mathematics, and the arts, and it's conveniently located just a short distance from Old Town. There are interactive components in each exhibition at Explora, making them great for children and adults. Explora is a unique blend of a children's museum, a scientific museum, and an eclectic interactive display.

Go To Historic Sites

Albuquerque is one of the oldest cities in New Mexico, and as such, it is home to many historic buildings and sites. Walking about the area is a great way to learn about the rich culture and history of colonial New Mexico.

The Church of San Felipe de Neri

The San Felipe de Neri Church was one of the first in the state, having been founded in 1706 and finished in 1718. The building was destroyed in a fire in 1792 but rebuilt the following year. The church is a significant landmark in Old Town Albuquerque because, despite the many repairs it has received throughout the ages, it retains many of its original architectural features.

Plaza In Ancient Town

Like many other Spanish colonial communities, Old Town Albuquerque centers around a grassy square surrounded by various structures. The majority of the structures around the plaza are at least a century old. Our Lady of the Angels School was constructed in 1878, while the Salvador Armijo House dates back to the 1840s.

Taste the Finest Albuquerque Has to Offer

The greatest restaurants in Albuquerque may be found in Old Town, which is home to a wide variety of excellent eateries. There are several places to dine in Old Town, whether you're in the mood for traditional Mexican fare, Salvadoran pupusas, or Southwestern-inspired comfort food.

Duran's

Duran's, located in the heart of historic Old Town Albuquerque, is a one-of-a-kind establishment that serves as a pharmacy, restaurant, and boutique. Locals and visitors like Duran's for its authentic New Mexican cuisine, which includes tortillas, enchiladas, tacos, burritos, and more that are fresh daily.

Gobble This

Gobble is a restaurant run by chef Nestor Lopez. Sandwiches, tacos, and pupusas are created from scratch, all prepared in the traditional style of El Salvador. Gobble This, just off Old Town's historic plaza, is a convenient restaurant stop before venturing on new activities.

Drink Beer and Wine Made Nearby

In New Mexico, you may find a wide variety of breweries and wineries, many of which are conveniently located in or near historic Old Town.

D. H. Lescombes Winery

The beautiful terrace at Lescombes Winery and Bistro is the perfect place to enjoy the sun while enjoying the well-prepared French fare and great locally-grown wine. Beginning in 1981, the Lescombes family has been making wine in New Mexico, spanning six generations.

Boxing Bear

Boxing Bear Brewery, located within walking distance of Old Town, is known for its New Mexican-inspired artisan beers. Inventive drinks like the Amber Ale, Uppercut IPA, and AppleBear Hard Cider can be found at this brewery, which citizens of Albuquerque established. Get a pint at Boxing Bear's tasting room and take a break from wandering Old Town.

Go On A Tour

They were bewildered as to where to begin. Indulge in a little bit of all Albuquerque has to offer on one of our Old Town walking tours! Our four-hour walking tours will take you through this historic area as you sample locally crafted drinks and delicious New Mexican food and learn about the culture and history behind it.

Tours are offered on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM and feature five samples selected to showcase some of the city's finest cuisine. Our expert guides will tell you everything about the area's rich history, focusing on how the cuisine of the area's indigenous peoples, influenced and were influenced by those civilizations.

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