Albuquerque, New Mexico | More Than Just Breaking Bad 🏜️📸

If White Sands is the highlight of a trip to New Mexico, then Albuquerque—yes, the city with the long name—is the must-stop hub for every traveler. I initially thought ABQ would be just a quick stopover, but it surprised me with so many cool and Instagram-worthy spots! 1️⃣ ⚗️ If you’re a fan of Breaking Bad or Better Call Saul, don’t miss The Breaking Bad Store ABQ in Old Town. Besides merch, there’s a photo zone with character cutouts! Also, Old Town itself is full of charm—adobe buildings, cute gift shops, and cafes (shoutout to Black Bird Coffee ☕). Well worth 1.5 hours of exploring! 2️⃣ 🍗 Twisters Burgers and Burritos (4275 Isleta Blvd SW) – The real-life Los Pollos Hermanos! Great for photos 🎬, but the food… yeah, maybe skip that. 😅 3️⃣ 🚡 Sandia Peak Tramway – The longest aerial tram in the U.S. (3rd longest in the world!). The ride up offers stunning views of ABQ, and the wind adds a thrill 🌬️. At the top, there’s TEN 3 Restaurant with epic city views—but it’s closed Tue-Wed, so plan ahead! 🍽️ 4️⃣ 🦅 Bosque Del Apache National Wildlife Refuge – On the way to White Sands! In winter, thousands of migratory birds stop here. We went in spring/summer, so we only saw the hummingbirds in the mini museum (so cute hovering mid-air!). There’s also a desert park next door with blooming cacti 🌵. The staff recommended a scenic drive loop for wildlife spotting—allow 1 hour. We skipped it this time, but it’s worth a stop if you have time! 5️⃣ 🌮 Food-wise… New Mexican Mexican food is NEXT LEVEL! We tried two highly-rated spots on Google and loved both. For a historic vibe, try El Pinto Restaurant—walls covered with photos of U.S. presidents! 🇺🇸 Just be warned: portions are HUGE. Order light! Perfect for: Breaking Bad pilgrims Nature and wildlife lovers Adobe architecture & cultural vibes Foodies ready for flavor bombs 💥 #TravelUSA #NewMexico #Albuquerque #BreakingBad #WhiteSands #TravelTips #SonyA7M4 #FujifilmXH2 #StudyAbroad #USATravel