15 Actually Fun Things to Do Alone in Albuquerque
I’ll admit it–I went to Albuquerque mostly for the Breaking Bad tour, but I ended up being pleasantly surprised by all the fun things to do there. Not only did get my fill of Breaking Bad, but I also enjoyed a lot of nature/outdoor activities (including riding in a hot air balloon!), offbeat spots (some with Route 66 nostalgia), and delicious New Mexican food. If you’re traveling solo to ABQ, you’re in luck–here is my list of top things to do alone in Albuquerque.
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Where to Stay in Albuquerque
Old Town: quiet, historic home base close to cute shops and restaurants
Downtown: walkable, close to Old town, museums, and food
Nob Hill: walkable, lots of Route 66 nostalgia, neon signs
Map of where to stay in Albuquerque:
Breaking Bad Fan Stops
Gotta admit, Breaking Bad was the main reason I wanted to go to Albuquerque. If that’s what you’re after, you won’t be disappointed–here are a few Breaking Bad must-dos.
Do a Breaking Bad Tour
You’ll be in good company, even solo, with other fans of the show. And there you were thinking you were the only one who still cared…nope! Breaking Bad tourism is still alive and well in Albuquerque.
I did this tour and highly recommend it. Read all about my experience here. Luigi is a Breaking Bad expert–he drove the actors around and got to know them, and he’ll have stories you won’t hear anywhere else.
You could also do a self-guided tour and just look up all the landmarks–most are easy to drive to and not far from each other, but the guided tour is fantastic.
Official Breaking Bad Store and Museum
2047 S Plaza St NW
Go buy your Breaking Bad gear here, and be sure to visit the FREE museum! It had so many of the actors’ costumes and other props and was filled with fun photo ops. If you’re a fan, you have to visit.
Display at The Candy Lady
Breaking Bad Candy Store (The Candy Lady)
424 San Felipe NW
The Candy Lady made the “meth” featured on the show (blue rock candy), and she sells it here, along with other Breaking Bad merch plus delicious fudge–seriously, this may have been the best fudge I’ve ever had in my life. The Candy Lady herself was working when I was there, and though I did not get to talk to her, she seemed like an interesting, chill person.
Outdoor Things to Do Alone in albuquerque
Albuquerque has beautiful scenery, and you won’t be disappointed by its outdoor activities!
Ride in a Hot Air Balloon
I did not expect to enjoy this as much as I did because I’m terrified of heights, but it was amazing and unlike anything I’ve ever done. I didn’t get scared the way I do when I look down from tall buildings. It felt more like being in an airplane I guess. I did the evening tour at this tour company, but it’s popular to do at sunrise also (me? I’m not getting up that early).
Phil Guest from Bournemouth, UK, CC BY-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Go to the Balloon Fiesta!
If you time your trip right, you could catch the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta! Held in October (October 3-11 in 2026), this is the largest hot air balloon festival in the world.
Vulturesong, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Visit Petroglyph National Monument
If you want an easy outdoor activity where you can get some exercise that doesn’t feel like a full hike, Petroglyph National Monument is perfect. It’s a volcanic landscape covered in thousands of ancient carvings, and the trails are short, flat, and super solo-friendly.
AdamSelby, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Take the Sandia Peak Tramway
You don’t have to hike to get incredible mountain views in Albuquerque. Simply take the Sandia Peak Tram–enjoy and relax.
Walk or Bike the Bosque
The Paseo del Bosque Trail is a 16-mile biking and walking path along the Rio Grande. Great for dog walking or simply enjoying the scenery.
Food and Drink to Try in Albuquerque
Not your average coffee shop…
Bike into one of the Coolest Coffee Shops in New Mexico
949 Montoya St NW
Bike In Coffee is located on Old Town Farm and is by far one of the most unique coffee shops I’ve been to. You can visit the farm, enjoy the gardens, listen to live music that’s often playing, or simply soak up the ambiance with a cup. It’s dog-friendly and has good food as well.
Don’t bike? Neither do I. You can drive there as well but you’ll have to pay $5 to park. Biking and hiking are encouraged.
Get a Swirly Margarita at Tomasita’s
4949 Pan American Fwy NE
Nowww we’re talkin’! This was a delicious and super strong drink–that’s why they limit two per person. Pairs well with chips and guac plus a whole plateful of comfort New Mexican food.
Eat Delicious New Mexican Food at Frontier Restaurant
2400 Central Ave SE
This is an Albuquerque staple and the perfect spot to get a big ol’ platter of comfort food. It’s super solo-friendly too. It’s what I call “fancy counter serve”–you order, get a number, and they bring it out to you. Open late too.
Get Green Chile Everything!
Seriously. You’re in New Mexico! You can’t go wrong with green chile stew or anything else with it. I even had a green chile latte from a coffee shop in Old Town, and it was fantastic.
Walkable Neighborhoods & Cultural Spots
Explore Old Town
There are so many unique shops to find the perfect Albuquerque souvenir and lots of restaurants too. Plus, it’s just so dang cute.
From the museum at Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
Visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
2401 12th St NW
You can visit the museum, get some delicious food at the cafe, and check out handmade gifts from local artisans. I got my first real turquoise necklace, and someone commented that I looked like the chief’s daughter because of my braids. Made me chuckle.
Tony Hisgett from Birmingham, UK, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Explore Nob Hill
This neighborhood is located right along Route 66 and is a great place to just…roam. There are murals everywhere, vintage signs glowing above old diners, and cute little shops that make you think, “Why don’t I own a pair of turquoise cowboy boots?”
View of Acoma Pueblo
Day Trips from Albuquerque
Want to explore a bit more? I’ve got you covered.
Santa Fe: This one’s a no-brainer. About an hour away form Albuquerque, you can explore cute downtown Santa Fe and visit the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum and the original Meow Wolf.
Acoma Pueblo a.k.a. Sky City: On top of a mesa, Acoma Pueblo is the oldest continually inhabited community in North America, and you can tour it: it’s beautiful up there! It’s about an hour from Albuquerque
Taos: I haven’t made it to Taos yet, but it’s one of the most recommended trips from Albuquerque. Think lots of art, high desert scenery, the stunning Taos Pueblo, and the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge. If you have time, Taos would make for a great day trip or weekend getaway. It’s about 2.5 hours from Albuquerque.
FAQ: Visiting Albuquerque Solo
Is Albuquerque Safe for Solo Travelers?
Yes–use the same common sense you’d use anywhere else – don’t go walking alone at night and stick to the touristy areas.
When’s the best time to visit Albuquerque?
Fall if you’re going to Balloon Fiesta. Spring has great weather and fewer crowds.
Do you need a car in Albuquerque?
If you stay in a walkable neighborhood, you can get away with walking and ridesharing everywhere. You’ll need a car, though, if you want to do any exploring outside of the city.
Final Thoughts: Solo Travel in Albuquerque
Albuquerque was surprisingly good–the Breaking Bad sights alone make it worth it. Plus, the scenery is beautiful, and I enjoyed riding in a hot air balloon. I would recommend it if you’re a fan of the show, if you’re into historic Route 66, or just want to explore a desert town.
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