Visit Old Town Albuquerque

Old Town Albuquerque is a historic district located in the heart of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Founded in 1706 by Spanish settlers, it retains much of its colonial charm and is known for its adobe-style architecture and narrow streets. At the center of Old Town is the iconic San Felipe de Neri Church, the oldest surviving building in the city, surrounded by a picturesque plaza that serves as the social and cultural hub.

Visitors can explore a variety of local shops, art galleries, and museums that showcase Southwestern art, Native American crafts, and New Mexican culture. Popular spots include the Albuquerque Museum, Explora Science Center, and The New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science. The area also features restaurants offering authentic New Mexican cuisine, including green chile specialties. Old Town also hosts regular cultural events, live music, and seasonal festivals, making it a lively destination for both tourists and locals.

Old Town Albuquerque is the oldest neighborhood in Albuquerque and was established by Spanish settlers as a colonial farming village. Before Spanish settlement, the Albuquerque region was home to Puebloan people, Native American communities who thrived along the Rio Grande. They lived in small villages and cultivated the fertile lands around the river. The arrival of the Spanish would profoundly impact these communities.

Albuquerque’s Old Town was officially founded in 1706 under Spanish colonial rule. Governor Francisco Cuervo y Valdés led the establishment of the Villa de Alburquerque (the original spelling) as a farming and military outpost. It was strategically located near the Rio Grande, along the historic Camino Real trade route that connected Mexico City to Santa Fe.

The heart of Old Town was laid out around a central plaza, following the typical Spanish town model. This plaza, still present today, became the social and cultural hub of the settlement. Surrounding the plaza were adobe homes, government buildings, and the San Felipe de Neri Church, which was originally constructed in 1706 and later rebuilt in 1793. The church remains a central feature of the Old Town.

After New Mexico became a U.S. state in 1912, efforts to preserve Old Town grew. The 1940s and 1950s saw a rise in cultural tourism, and Old Town Albuquerque became a popular destination for visitors looking to experience the history and traditions of the Southwest. In the mid-20th century, the area was revitalized and transformed into a cultural hub, with many historic buildings converted into shops, galleries, and restaurants.

The Plaza has been a gathering place since the founding of Old Town in 1706 and is a central point for visitors exploring Old Town. It offers easy access to shops, restaurants, galleries, and historic sites. There are over 60 shops and about 20 restaurants in the plaza area.

The original San Felipe de Neri Church was established in 1706 when Albuquerque was founded by Spanish settlers. The church was named after Saint Philip Neri, the patron saint of New Mexico. The first church building was made of adobe, a common construction material in the region, and was completed around 1714. The original church building eventually deteriorated and became unsafe due to age and environmental factors. In 1793, the church was rebuilt using a more substantial adobe structure, which stands today and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The new building featured a more substantial design, including thick walls and a distinctive bell tower.

San Felipe de Neri Church is an active Roman Catholic parish, serving the local community and visitors.

The church is open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM. Enter through the parish gift shop. Note that the church may be closed to the public sometimes due to scheduled services.

 AbqTours – History and Ghost Tours – Explore Albuquerque’s rich history or join one of their 5-star-rated ghost tours. While some guests mention the tours are a bit pricey, they consistently receive excellent reviews. Visit their website to learn more.

 Enchanted Wik Candle Co. & Bar – Create your own custom candles in a fun, hands-on experience. Visit their website to learn more.

 Check out some art at Ghostwolf Gallery , where you’ll find unique, contemporary works by local artists. Visit the Ghostwolf website to learn more.

 Tour ABQ Trolley Tours – Offering Trolley Tours, Ghost Tours, and Party Bike experiences, ABQ Trolley Tours is a fun way to explore the city. Reviewers rave, “An absolute delight from start to finish!” and, “Highly recommend! Every speakeasy on this tour is unique, with exceptional cocktail lists.” Visit their website to learn more.

 Visit the Rattlesnake Museum – A unique, small museum and store offering an intriguing look at rattlesnakes and related artifacts. Visitors say, “It was amazing—very informative, very interesting,” and, “Great collection of rattlesnakes, which I love!” Visit their website to learn more.

 Albuquerque Museum – Located at 2000 Mountain Road NW, Albuquerque, NM, and established in 1967, the Albuquerque Museum is a premier institution showcasing art, history, and culture in the Southwest. Admission is free on Sundays before 1:00 PM. Visit their website to learn more.

 Tablao Flamenco – Experience the vibrant energy of Flamenco at Tablao Flamenco. Visitors rave about the performances, saying, “The Flamenco performance was outstanding! The artists on stage are incredibly talented.” Visit their website to learn more.

 Little Anita's Mexican Foods a Google review rating of 4.0 out of 5.0 stars based on 2,993 reviews.

• Cuisine: Mexican.
• Vibe: Casual and welcoming with a local feel.
• What to Try: Known for their breakfast and lunch options, particularly the huevos rancheros and the complimentary sopapillas that are a hit with diners.
• Website: Visit their website to learn more, view menu, etc.

We visited Little Anita's on a Sunday when dining options were limited, and we were pleasantly surprised. The New Mexican-style dishes were full of flavor and felt authentically prepared. Celeste tried the carne adovada, which was delicious. We also loved the fresh-baked tortilla chips and the complimentary sopapillas, which were the perfect sweet ending to our meal.

 High Noon Restaurant & Saloon a Google rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on over 500 reviews.

• Cuisine: New Mexican and American
• Vibe: Historic with a rustic, Old West charm. Outdoor seating option.
• What to Try: Prime rib, enchiladas, and margaritas.
• Website: Visit their website to learn more, view menu, etc.

 La Crepe Michel has a solid rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews.

• Cuisine: French
• Vibe: Quaint and intimate.
• What to Try: Wood-grilled meats, seafood, rotisserie chicken, and seasonal dishes.
• Website: Visit their website to learn more, view menu, etc.

 Seasons Rotisserie & Grill is well-reviewed, boasting a rating of 4.5 stars on Google. Guests praise its commitment to fresh, local ingredients and its diverse menu featuring steaks, seafood, and vegetarian options.

• Cuisine: American with Southwestern influences.
• Vibe: Upscale casual dining with a rooftop patio.
• What to Try: Savory and sweet crepes, quiche, and other French dishes.
• Website: Visit their website to learn more, view menu, etc.

 Antiquity Restauranthas received positive reviews, boasting an impressive rating of 4.5 stars on Tripadvisor, based on around 914 reviews​. Patrons frequently mention the exceptional preparation of dishes like the chateaubriand and seafood options. They also appreciate the cozy ambiance.

• Cuisine: Steakhouse.
• Vibe: Romantic fine dining spot. Great for special occasions.
• What to Try: Steaks and seafood, with standout dishes like lobster tail and filet mignon.
• Website: Visit their website to learn more, view menu, etc.

1. MOMO Lounge (4.5 stars google rating): This retro, 70s-inspired bar is known for its refreshing drinks made with local spirits. With a relaxed vibe, MOMO Lounge also allows food to be ordered from nearby restaurants, making it a great spot to unwind.
2. High & Dry Brewing Company (4.7 stars google rating): Located on a rooftop, High & Dry offers breathtaking views of the Sandia Mountains and downtown Albuquerque. Guests can enjoy craft cocktails and a selection of appetizers in a vibrant atmosphere.
3. Marble Brewery (4.5 stars google rating): A beloved local brewery, Marble Brewery features a diverse range of craft beers brewed on-site, providing a casual space for beer enthusiasts to enjoy their favorites​.
4. The Cellar (4.5 stars): Known for its extensive wine list and creative cocktails, The Cellar offers a cozy atmosphere perfect for a laid-back evening out​.
5. Seasons Grill Old Town (4.5 out of 5, based on over 600 reviews): Known for its rooftop cantina with great drinks and happy hour.

In the trip menu list below, a "dark filled circle" represents a destination where we stayed, and the "dark filled arrow" items below that circle location, represent the destinations we visited while in that city or location. A circle icon that is not filled represents a city that we visited or stayed in, but did not necessarily explore.

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 Trip Overview Page

 Albuquerque, NM

• Sandia Peak Tramway
• Petroglyph National Monument
• Old-Town Albuquerque
• National Museum of Nuclear Science & History

 Alamogordo, NM

• McGinn's PistachioLand Farm
• White Sands National Park

 Carlsbad, NM

• Tunnel Vista Observation Site
• Trestle Depot Recreation Area
• Carlsbad Caverns National Park

 Roswell, NM

• International UFO Museum

 Santa Fe, NM

• Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, NM
• Museum of Indian Arts & Culture, NM
• Ojo Santa Fe Spa Resort, NM
• Bradbury Science Museum - Los Alamos, NM
• Los Alamos, NM
• Bandelier National Monument, NM
• Nambé Falls, NM
• Meow Wolf, NM

 Chaco Culture National Historical Park, NM

 Bisti Badlands, NM

 Monument Valley

 Grand Canyon, AZ

• Planning Your Grand Canyon Visit
• Grand Canyon South Rim Top Sites and Itineraries
• Grand Canyon El Tovar Hotel

 Sedona, AZ