Albuquerque, NM, is stuffed with surprises past its well-known sights. From tucked-away cafés and hidden climbing trails to off-the-beaten-path museums and native artwork galleries, the town has loads of secret spots ready to be explored. Whether or not you’re a longtime resident or a first-time customer, discovering these hidden gems provides you with a contemporary perspective on Albuquerque’s distinctive appeal. Learn on to uncover a number of the metropolis’s best-kept secrets and techniques!
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“Quarter Celtic Brewpub is a true hidden gem — tucked away from the street, often surprising even locals who stumble upon it. The brewery crafts several world medal-winning beers, but it’s their fish and chips that really steal the show. The secret? A crispy Crimson Lass Irish red beer batter that has people raving. Voted Best Gastropub in Albuquerque by Edible Magazine in 2024, QC is the perfect spot to enjoy great brews and hearty food.” – Rory, Quarter Celtic Brewpub
“Tucked away in Albuquerque, Sherwood Coffee ‘n’ Bread is a hidden gem for food lovers seeking a hands-on experience. This unique baking school offers interactive classes where guests learn to craft artisan bread and wood-fired pizza in a traditional brick oven. More than just a class, it’s a chance to connect with local food culture, master old-world baking techniques, and enjoy the freshest bread you’ll ever taste. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a curious foodie, this experience is a must-try.” – Igor Dernov, Founder, Sherwood Espresso
“Be sure to check out Gallery Hozho, showcasing contemporary New Mexican art. Located inside Hotel Chaco in the Sawmill District, the gallery features outstanding works in different media, including painting, ceramics, glass, and jewelry. Curated by director Dr. Suzanne Fricke, every piece in the gallery represents the state’s rich artistic heritage.” – Suzanne Newman Fricke, PhD, Director, Gallery Hózhó at Resort Chaco
“The Bosque Trails in Albuquerque supply a serene escape into nature, winding alongside the Rio Grande beneath a cover of towering cottonwood bushes. These trails showcase breathtaking magnificence year-round, from golden autumn leaves to vibrant spring wildflowers. Wildlife is considerable, with sightings of sandhill cranes, roadrunners, and even the occasional coyote.
The comfortable filth paths and peaceable river views make it a favourite spot for strolling, biking, and birdwatching. At dawn and sundown, the sky transforms right into a masterpiece of fiery hues, reflecting off the water for a really magical expertise.” – Bobby Burdock, Burdock Images
“One in every of Albuquerque’s best-kept secrets and techniques is ABQ Meals Park, a vibrant gathering spot the place locals and guests can get pleasure from a rotating lineup of a number of the metropolis’s finest meals vehicles. Situated at 6901B San Antonio Drive NE, it’s greater than only a place to eat — it’s a neighborhood hub that includes dwell music, themed occasions like film nights and meals truck festivals, and a welcoming ambiance for all ages.
Whether or not you’re craving genuine New Mexican flavors, gourmand avenue meals, or refreshing home made lemonade, ABQ Meals Park affords an ever-changing menu of scrumptious choices. It’s the right place to expertise Albuquerque’s various culinary scene and native tradition in a single spot.” – Alex Chavez, ABQ Meals Park
Discover the murals
“Albuquerque is a city full of public art, making it feel welcoming, inclusive, and vibrant. There are beautiful murals all over town if you’re looking for a way to spend some time outdoors and aren’t into hiking. Doing a mural tour is an excellent way to spend a few hours in the city, learn about the community, and get some great photos!” – Katelynn Kellogg, Katelynn Out Loud
“Experience the heart of Albuquerque at Canteen Brewhouse — the city’s oldest brewery, crafting award-winning beer since 1994. A true hidden gem, we host live local music every Wednesday (6 pm) and Sunday (9 pm), along with unique community events that bring people together over great beer and good vibes. Grab a pint, soak in the tunes, and enjoy the incredible patio — one of the best spots in town to experience Albuquerque’s creative energy. And for those on the east side, our cozy Taproom off Tramway offers the same great beer with unbeatable mountain views.” – Jana Everett, Advertising and marketing and Gross sales Coordinator, Canteen Brewhouse
“If you’re visiting Albuquerque, be sure to check out Eldora Chocolate, an internationally award-winning bean-to-bar chocolate shop. If time allows, book a Behind-the-Scenes Tour and Tasting to see the chocolate-making process up close and enjoy freshly made chocolate. Short on time? No problem—stop by their store on Edith for free samples and a taste of their handcrafted creations.” – Steve Prickett, Founder and Proprietor, Eldora Chocolate
“When you’re exploring Old Town Albuquerque, make sure to check out the Albuquerque Photographers’ Gallery, located just behind the San Felipe de Neri church on San Felipe. You can choose amazing images of the American Southwest made by the 10 owner-photographers, and take home a beautiful memory of the vibrant landscapes of the Four Corners. Since 2003, the Gallery has set the standard for fine art photos that capture the unique light and forms of New Mexico and the lands nearby.” – Chris Sandberg, Albuquerque Photographers Gallery
“Juno Brewery + Cafe is a hidden gem on First Street NW, just north of downtown, showcasing striking industrial architecture and a spacious 3,000 sq. ft. patio adorned with 25-foot lighted steel “trees.” Their drink menu options quite a lot of house-brewed lagers, IPAs, craft cocktails, and an intensive collection of non-alcoholic drinks. On the meals menu, standouts embrace the pepperoni and inexperienced chile pizza, panini sandwiches, contemporary salads, and house-made hummus. With nightly leisure starting from Latin music and indie rock to burlesque, Juno affords a full of life and distinctive expertise.” – Jason Marks, Juno Brewery Café Artwork
“Winter Wonderland NM is Albuquerque’s premier vacation occasion, returning to Expo New Mexico for the 2025 season from November twenty seventh to December twenty ninth. This annual custom transforms the State Fairgrounds into a blinding winter spectacle, that includes breathtaking vacation mild shows, a mixture of drive-thru and strolling experiences, and festive leisure for all ages.
Guests can meet Santa Claus for a memorable photograph, work together with Disney-themed princesses, and discover an array of distinctive distributors providing handcrafted items and vacation treasures. Scrumptious seasonal treats and heat drinks add to the comfortable ambiance, making it the right solution to have a good time the magic of the vacations. Whether or not you’re trying to create cherished reminiscences, seize beautiful photographs, or just benefit from the festive spirit, Winter Wonderland NM has one thing for everybody.” – Nichole Harwood, Winter Wonderland NM
