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Old Town Albuquerque

Albuquerque, NM 87104
505 2468677
Website
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Ranked #18 of 105 attractions in Albuquerque
Type: Landmarks/ Points of Interest, Historic Sites
Activities: Shopping, City walk sightseeing
Owner description: Experience the grace & charm of Old Town Albuquerque! The focal point of community life, founded in 1706, by Governor Francisco Cuervo y Valdez. Old... more » Owner description: Experience the grace & charm of Old Town Albuquerque! The focal point of community life, founded in 1706, by Governor Francisco Cuervo y Valdez. Old Town follows the traditional Spanish pattern of a central plaza and church surrounded by homes and businesses. Many of the historic homes are still standing and some have been renovated into today’s shops, galleries and restaurants.Stroll the Plaza, dine at our many restaurants, stay at our hotels and B&B’s, visit our museums, take a guided tour or shop at over 150 stores and galleries for unique gifts from the Southwest and around the world.Romantic hidden patios, winding brick paths, gardens and balconies await your discovery. Wrought iron benches and adobe bancos beckon you to stop, relax in the shade,watch the world go by and bask in New Mexico’s wonderful sunshine.Shopping in Old Town is a truly delightful experience. Unique items from around the world, as well as those that are distinctly Southwestern, can be found in more than 150 shops, boutiques, galleries and artist studios.When in New Mexico, eat like New Mexicans! Enjoy the spice & flair of our traditional cuisine. Savor delightful dishes prepared with CHILE. It comes in red or green and is made from recipes that have evolved from the local Native American & Spanish cultures. Enjoy one of the dozen restaurants, cafes & coffee shops featuring everything from the All-American hamburger to fine Continental cuisine.For over three centuries Old Town has been the crossroads of the Southwest. It is a Historical Zone of the City of Albuquerque and home for many families whose ancestors founded the town. Old Town is located just off I-40 (take the Rio Grande Blvd. Exit South) to the entrance at Mountain Road.Old Town. In 1937, Route 66 was changed from its original route to a straightened east-west road along Central Avenue. Route 66 meets the Camino Real (now Rio Grande Blvd.) at Old TownOn the plaza you will find replicas of two cannons which were buried in Old Town by retreating Confederate troops during a Civil War skirmish in Albuquerque (April 8-9, 1862). The original cannons are in the Albuquerque Museum. ENTERTAINMENT - Experience a series of weekly entertainment & cultural presentations that will delight the whole family. The series content and line-ups change from week to week throughout the summer & early fall. Don’t miss the Salsa Fiesta in August or the Holiday Stroll & Luminaria Tours in December.LUMINARIAS (Farolitos) - Thousands of visitors and residents come to Old Town on Christmas Eve and during the Holiday Stroll (first Friday in December) to see the spectacular display of luminarias. Candles are set in a bed of sand inside the bottom of a paper bag. When lit, theycreate a golden glow. Thousands of luminarias line the Church, Plaza, streets and walkways of Old Town! « less
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708 reviews from our community

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Los Angeles, California
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 May 2013 NEW

This place was a drug store/soda fountain in the old days; then they remodeled but kept the "soda fountain" and turned it into a restaurant that some locals say has the best chile sauce in the world. (They have an organized shipping system for it, so that should tell you something.) In addition to being a pharmacy (yes, you can... More

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See 2 more reviews by johnathann m for Albuquerque
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 May 2013 NEW

There are some nice restaurants (try High Noon!), interesting history and architecture, and "tourist" shopping. It is sad to see that a lot of the shops are owned by a small number of owners. It is hard to find quality merchandise that in not mass produced, but it is worth looking. Be sure to visit Alb. Photographer's Gallery, San Felipe... More

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See 12 more reviews by BlueHighwayBoomers for Albuquerque
Charleston
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 May 2013 NEW

The boots and clothes!! I had been looking for boots - actually had just returned from Austin Texas within two weeks and this little hidden boutique had just the perfect pair, in my size and at 40% off!! Got my boots handmade in Mexico all leather boots for less than $150! I even was able to purchase a top! They... More

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See 2 more reviews by LauraUSC for Albuquerque
Clifton, New Jersey
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
11 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 May 2013 NEW

Perfect place to look for some souvenirs, and to have a quick meal. We ate at the Hacienda, where the food was good and the service was quick and friendly. The old church and the plaza are lovely - but we were happy to just spend an hour or so, plus dinner.

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See 4 more reviews by PatV952 for Albuquerque
Sierra Vista, Arizona
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 May 2013 NEW

Lots of shops to explore, many have similar merchandise, however. We bought beautiful jewelry & art items. Enjoyed seeing all the artists paintings, pottery, etc.

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See 3 more reviews by Anita E for Albuquerque
Las Vegas, Nevada
Contributor
20 reviews 20 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 May 2013 NEW

old town is a nice place to kill a day ,lots of art and street venders , little shops, very nice old church , seasons is a good place to eat or have couple drinks good prices and good food.

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See 2 more reviews by cooks1957 for Albuquerque
Knoxville, Tennessee, Usa
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 May 2013 NEW

The old town area is interesting and educational. There are some very good restaurants with extremely friendly wait staffs. Numerous souvenir stores in historic buildings as well as art galleries.

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See 3 more reviews by Kevin N for Albuquerque
Hobbs, New Mexico
2 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 May 2013 NEW

we enjoyed old town, and eat at the local restaurants, and bought a few items for our kids and parking was not bad,

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Somerville, Massachusetts
Senior Contributor
47 reviews 47 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 May 2013 NEW

Decent for an hour or two, but I lost my energy after about an hour. It has good shopping, if that's your thing, and some pretty views. I know it is unfair to compare it to Santa Fe, but, as a tourist, I did frequently and that probably marred my visit; Old Town feels a bit forced.

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See 7 more reviews by cblukens for Albuquerque
Albuquerque, NM
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 May 2013 NEW

Took my cousin and his wife to Old Town to visit. One of Albuquerque's main attractions. They thoroughly enjoyed shopping and taking pictures of church and trolley car and the people selling jewelry on the plaza. Listened to live music while eating ice cream cones. They were setting up to have more live music in the park. The weather was... More

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