The “original,” original Albuquerque. This is where the city first sprang to life way back in 1706. Historic adobe meets the most modern amenities. Explore the original Plaza, the historic San Felipe de Neri Church, the ABQ Museum, The Natural History Museum, and the Explora Science Museum. There are numerous foods to taste and sights to see. Plus, plenty of places to spend the night, so your exploring is only limited by your stamina. Don’t let the “old” in Old Town fool you, though, there is still plenty of new things to discover, even for those locals who think they’ve seen it all.
Old Town is quiet and magical. Turn a corner and discover the mosaic art on adobe walls, the colorful foliage, chile ristras, and cobblestone streets. This original Spanish settlement embraces Mexican and Native American culture. When you get to the plaza, be sure to check out the San Felipe de Neri Church. Built in 1793, it’s one of Albuquerque’s oldest buildings and the only one left that dates back to the Spanish colonial period. Surrounding the plaza are lots of artisan shops perfect for buying handmade gifts. And, of course, lots of turquoise. There are several art galleries and restaurants along its narrow streets. For some good, unabashed fun, there are history and ghost tours, scavenger hunts and Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul tours, bicycle and pedicab tours. Old Town is also home to many museums that have their own events including concerts and world-class traveling exhibits. Bright and colorful, it’s a fun place for the whole family.
