15 Fun Things to Do in Albuquerque from a Solo Traveler
I’ll admit it–I went to Albuquerque mostly for the Breaking Bad filming locations, but the city ended up being much more fun than I expected as a solo traveler.
Albuquerque is a great place to explore, especially if you like outdoor adventures, Breaking Bad, Route 66 nostalgia, and really good New Mexican food.
And if you really want to be adventurous, you can ride in a hot air balloon over the desert. Despite being terrified of heights, I did it, and it was fantastic!
If you’re traveling to Albuquerque, these are the things I actually recommend doing.
This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through an affiliate link, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Breaking Bad Things to Do in Albuquerque
If you’re after Breaking Bad sites, you won’t be disappointed, and all the tour options and stops are solo-friendly.
Breaking Bad Tour
You’ll be in good company 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. However, the guided tour was fantastic, and the stories added to the experience.
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 in Albuquerque
One of the things that surprised me most about Albuquerque was how much I enjoyed the scenery and outdoor activities.
And my favorite experience was something I was actually kind of terrified to do. Go, bravery!
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).
This works great as a solo activity because you’re joining a group for a flight rather than flying solo (I know. I couldn’t resist).
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 to get outside without committing to a huge hiking day, add Petroglyph National Monument to your list. The volcanic landscape is covered in thousands of petroglyphs, with trails where you can get out and explore them.
This is one I’d consider if you want some outdoor time while still leaving room in your day for other Albuquerque stops.
AdamSelby, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Take the Sandia Peak Tramway
Not interested in hiking your way up a mountain? Same.
The Sandia Peak Tramway lets you get the mountain views without doing all that work. You can ride the tram up Sandia Peak, take in the scenery, and ride right back down again.
Definitely more my speed than hiking up there.
Walk or Bike the Bosque
If you need a break from Breaking Bad and eating your weight in green chile, head to the Bosque.
The Paseo del Bosque Trail runs for 16 miles along the Rio Grande and is open to walkers and cyclists. You obviously don’t have to do all 16 miles–I’d personally consider that punishment rather than sightseeing.
It’s another option if you want to get outside and explore Albuquerque at your own pace.
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
Old Town is just so dang cute.
I spent a lot of time exploring it while I was there, and several of the Breaking Bad stops on this list, including the Official Breaking Bad Store and The Candy Lady, are here too. So you’ll probably end up in the area anyway if you’re following my recommendations.
It’s especially easy to explore solo because you can poke around whichever shops look interesting without a set itinerary.
From the museum at Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
Visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
2401 12th St NW
This is a great place to explore at your own pace. 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
Where to Stay in Albuquerque
Where you stay depends on what kind of trip you want, but I’d look at Old Town, Downtown, or Nob Hill if you want to be close to things to do.
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:
Day Trips from Albuquerque
Have a car and 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?
I admit, I was a little nervous at first, but I never felt unsafe. 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?
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.
Is Albuquerque Worth Visiting?
I think so! I went to Albuquerque mostly for Breaking Bad, but I ended up enjoying the city way more than I expected.
There was plenty to keep me busy on my own, and some of my favorite experiences had nothing to do with why I originally planned the trip. If Albuquerque wasn’t already on your travel list, hopefully I’ve convinced you to give it a chance.
Like This Post? Pin it for Later!
