How to Find Albuquerque's Best Tourist Spots

Albuquerque is New Mexico's largest city and one of the fastest growing cities in the United States. The city is rich in Spanish colonial history and natural beauty, and as a result welcomes countless tourists every year. With its warm, sunny climate, Albuquerque is an ideal vacation locale. If you are planning to visit Albuquerque in the future, here are a few of your best bets for tourist attractions.

Instructions

1. Spend a day at Old Town. Albuquerque's Old Town is the charming, quaint center of the city's Spanish colonial settlement. There is a beautiful Spanish plaza located at the center of Old Town, with the Church of San Felipe de Neri (built in 1706) nearby. The vibrant, colorful square also has many crafts stands, shops and cafes.

2. Visit Albuquerque Biological Park. This park is extensive and no matter what you might be interested in seeing, you can probably find it at Albuquerque Biological Park. For visitors' viewing pleasure, there is a Botanic Garden, several fishing lakes, a moderately-sized zoo and an aquarium. Children and adults alike should enjoy the educational and entertainment value of this park.

3. Explore the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. The state of New Mexico has a rich Native American heritage and this cultural center is the perfect place to learn more about it. Here, visitors can learn in depth about the Pueblo Native American tribe of New Mexico. There are exhibits teaching tourists how to handcraft Native American art and they can also eat samples of Native American cooking.

4. Go to the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science. This museum is an excellent place to learn about the American Southwest's natural history (from prehistoric to present times). Children will especially enjoy the museum, as there is a life-sized replica of a dinosaur, a fake volcano, and a "time machine." This creative and innovative museum is definitely a must-see for history buffs.

5. Stop by the Telephone Pioneer Museum. This museum has an interest concept in that focuses on New Mexico's telephone history. The museum is located in the first "telephone building" in New Mexico, which was built in 1906. There are many displays and interesting artifacts here, including the original switchboard used to notify Columbus area citizens of the Pancho Villa raid.

Tips & Warnings

• If you visit Albuquerque in September, you can visit the annual New Mexico State Fair and experience rodeos, rides, competitions, art and live music.