Old Town Plaza — Attraction in Albuquerque

Old Town Plaza Never Gets Old

Every time I'm in ABQ, I try to make my way down to Old Town. The place never ceases to amaze me. It's the kind of place that can take you back in time to see what things were like way back when. Old Town ABQ's Plaza is rich with history, culture, and entertainment. You can find everything you need during a visit, there is the Plaza, the center of Old Town with shops, restaurants, museums, galleries, bars, cafes, and other services. The San Felipe de Niri Church for instance is located right on the Plaza. You will also find many of New Mexicos indigenous peoples with art, jewelry, clothing, blankets and traditional items like sage, sweetgrass, or really cool things like antelope jerky for sale. Whatever your interest is you will find it in Old Town.

On this visit, I had the chance to check out many of the gift shops and 'Trading Posts' where one can find the usual touristy trinkets like pottery or one of the famous Kachina Dolls. There are hundreds of pieces of turquoise and silver fashioned into necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and other types of jewelry. My goal was to find local hot sauces, BBQ rubs and maybe some unique spices, and wouldn't you know it, I found a whole wall of hot sauces in one of the trading posts. I also found an old favorite, New Mexico Pinion Coffee. I was able to get some really cool shirts for my kids too. One of the most featured items I came across was the blankets, keep in mind these are high-end and hand-woven blankets with intricate Southwest designs and they can set you back hundreds of dollars. You could literally spend hours in the gift shops.

Old Town ABQ has a thriving food culture as well, you will find a smorgasbord of dining options right in the Plaza area. The food tends to focus on local cuisine as you will find, Southwest, TexMex, Mexican, Grilled foods, Cafes, Coffee Shops, Pizza Parlours, etc. You will not go hungry if you visit Old Town. The food prices vary from budget level to fine dining, please budget accordingly. There are also a host of other restaurants in Old Town and nearby to serve you as well.

Old Town also has an abundance of Galleries, showcasing art and artists from all across the southwest. These galleries showcase paintings, sculptures, saddles, ornaments, Kachinas, Pueblo art, and so much more. Be sure to check out the many galleries in Old Town, and as I mentioned before, budget accordingly as I witnessed someone buying a piece of art that was thousands of dollars in value.

The heart of Albuquerque has a host of other options as well. There are a few buildings for tourist info, museums, services as there are a host of businesses in Old Town. Need a hair cut? Massage? Dentist? Yes there are several services on-site to choose from. This is a historical mecca and if you guessed it, there are several tours you can choose from, some for the Plaza itself, tours of Old Town, haunted house and ghost tours, a trolley tour of Albuquerque and the Famous Breaking Bad tours that take you to many of the sites where Breaking Bad was filmed.

I could go on and on, but I will wrap this up. Old Town is a must if you're ever in ABQ. You will find every amenity you need for your stay, as there are malls and grocery stores nearby. There are plenty of places to stay including boutique hotels and motels, chain hotels, and value hotels as well. Old Town Albuquerque is truly a national treasure and a must for...

Old Town Albuquerque is a cultural and historical treasure that captures the essence of New Mexico's rich heritage. My visit to this charming district left me enchanted and inspired by the fusion of history, art, and local flavors.

The moment I entered Old Town, I felt transported back in time. The architecture, with its adobe buildings, intricate ironwork, and wooden balconies, creates an authentic and rustic atmosphere. It's as if the past and present coexist harmoniously, inviting you to explore the area's historical roots.

The heart of Old Town, the Plaza, is a bustling hub of activity. It's surrounded by shops, galleries, restaurants, and historic landmarks. Strolling through the Plaza, I had the chance to admire the craftsmanship of local artisans, from beautiful jewelry to traditional pottery and artwork that beautifully reflects the cultural diversity of New Mexico.

The San Felipe de Neri Church, with its striking twin bell towers, is a centerpiece of Old Town and adds to the area's historical significance. Inside, the church is a serene space that offers a quiet respite from the vibrant streets outside.

Cuisine in Old Town is a delightful blend of traditional New Mexican and Southwestern flavors. I couldn't resist the temptation to savor dishes like green chile stew and enchiladas, which offered a delicious taste of the region.

Perhaps what I appreciated most about Old Town was its people. The residents and shopkeepers are warm, welcoming, and proud of their heritage. They readily share stories and insights about the history of the area, adding a personal touch to the visitor experience.

In summary, Old Town Albuquerque is a captivating destination that immerses you in the cultural tapestry of New Mexico. Whether you're interested in history, art, or simply enjoying the vibrant atmosphere, Old Town offers a memorable and enriching experience. It's a place where the past comes to life, and where tradition and modernity blend seamlessly, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring the Land of...

So, I relocated to Albuquerque back in July 2020 and visited Old Town on day 3 after arriving. At the time, things were really bad with Covid and a lot of the shops were closed and it felt very much like a ghost town. I finally made it back to Old Town a few weeks ago and it was very busy, the shops and such were all open and Old Town had a much more positive impact on me the 2nd time around.

There are some great restaurants (many consider Antiquity restaurant located here to be the best restaurant in the entire city. I have not made it there for dinner, yet, but I hope to real soon), as well as breweries in Old Town, and countless shops to stroll through. There were also vendors selling their wares on the sidewalk. I'd say you can probably see most everything in an hour and a half or less, unless you stop for a meal...or a beer. There is also an interesting shop dedicated to the TV show Breaking Bad which was filmed and set here in Albuquerque. I never knew one show could have so much various merchandise to offer.

I definitely would recommend a visit to Old Town especially if you're visiting from out of town. There is a lot of history here.

There is also an absolutely beautiful historic Catholic church here named San Felipe de Neri Church that dates back to 1793 that you should check out. It's beautiful.

The only 2 possible drawbacks I see concerning Old Town is that it can at times get really crowded with tourists and that a lot of the shops and such are a bit on the pricey side. But hey, if you're on a strict budget you can still walk around and window shop.

Old Town is totally...