What to do in Albuquerque while house and pet sitting

Founded as a Spanish colony in the early 1700s, Albuquerque sits among stunning desert landscapes and features an Old Town boasting beautiful historic buildings and a plethora of fascinating museums.

If your next pet sitting trip takes you to New Mexico’s fabulous capital and you’re still wondering what to do in Albuquerque, wonder no longer – just read on and we’ll give you an overview of all the fun sights and activities that await you there!

Albuquerque attractions

When it comes to cool traditional attractions, there are quite a few cool things to see in Albuquerque. Here are some you should definitely not miss while you’re there:

1. Indian Pueblo Cultural Center: if you’re interested in local history, be sure to take a trip to the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. The exciting 10,000 square feet museum is operated by all 19 pueblos or Native American communities in New Mexico and is dedicated to the preservation and celebration of Indian Pueblo art, craft, culture and history.

2. The Albuquerque Museum: if you’re interested in also learning more about the Spanish colonial art and history of Albuquerque, head over to the Albuquerque Museum and marvel at its almost 150,000 exhibits, ranging from sculptures and other artworks to photographs and historical relics, covering 400 years of colonial history.

3. ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden: Albuquerque might be known for its desert vistas, but it’s also located right next to the river Rio Grande. Along its shores, you’ll find another of the city’s must-see attractions, the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden. Spanning 36 acres, the site offers various garden and conservation areas, ranging from Mediterranean to Japanese to desert climate. There’s even a butterfly pavilion and a Fantasy Garden for children.

Free things to do in Albuquerque

If you’re all about adventures but rather low on budget, you may wonder what to do in Albuquerque, New Mexico that won’t cost a single penny. Here are some great suggestions:

1. Petroglyph National Monument: we promised you stunning desert landscapes – and one of the best places to enjoy those during your pet sitting trip to Albuquerque is the Petroglyph National Monument. Stretching along the city’s West Mesa, the 17 mile long walk features breathtaking volcano vistas on top of the eponymous petroglyphs, found throughout the Monument and dating back as far as 3,000 years.

2. San Felipe de Neri Church & Old Town: built in 1793, the San Felipe de Neri Church in Albuquerque’s beautiful Old Town is one of the city’s most iconic sights and one of its oldest, surviving buildings. From here, you can also explore the rest of ABQ’s Old Town with its wonderful adobe architecture and cosy bars and restaurants, where you can enjoy amazing local delicacies.

3. Maxwell Museum of Anthropology: for some free fun at the museum, you can plan for a day at the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology. Divided into five different areas, the museum focuses on 400,000 years of human evolution with an additional focus on the cultural heritage of the peoples of the Southwest.

Fun things to do in Albuquerque

Now that you’ve had historic adventures, marvelled at Albuquerque’s beautiful desert landscapes, and learned about its peoples and culture, it’s time for some light-hearted fun! So, what is there to do in Albuquerque that falls in that category?

1. Sandia Peak Tramway: Albuquerque looks amazing even from the ground, but nothing beats seeing it from high above – especially during a ride in the city’s very own aerial tramway, the Sandia Peak Tramway. The ride connects the Sandia Peak, part of the mountain range of the same name, with the North-Eastern edge of town, and offers spectacular views of the city and the surrounding desert.

2. Hot Air Balloon Tours: if you’d like to enjoy Albuquerque from even higher up than the Sandia Peak Tramway, how about joining one of the Hot Air Balloon tours offered in the area? Just be sure you leave your fear of heights at home to make plenty of room for all the fun you’ll have!

3. Explora Science Center: are you bored with traditional museums that mostly make you look at and read stuff? Then Explora might just be the place for you. The fun science centre offers more than 250 interactive exhibits you can try out yourself, covering technology, science and art, and including pieces such as an experiment bar or a high-wire bike.

What to do in Albuquerque with pets

Just got up and thought about what to do in Albuquerque today that’s pet-friendly so you and your new four-legged friend can go on adventures together? We’ve got you covered:

1. Paseo del Bosque Trail: running along the scenic banks of the Rio Grande, this 16 mile long trail offers ample opportunity for you and your pooch buddy to enjoy Albuquerque’s natural beauty. Just be sure to bring a leash!

2. Tingley Beach: another cool area to go on long walks with your furry friend is Tingley Beach. The park runs along the shores of the Rio Grande as well and is part of the ABQ BioPark, offering idyllic walkways and a plethora of wildlife to look out for. Once more, don’t forget to bring a leash.

3. Off-leash dog parks: time for some unleashed fun and exercise! Albuquerque loves its pooches and offers off-leash dog parks on pretty much every corner. For some of the very best ones, check out Triangle Park, Los Altos Park, or Westgate Dog Park.

Best Restaurants in Albuquerque: Food and drink

After discovering so many cool things to do in Albuquerque, it’s time for some delicious trips into the city’s culinary scene. Here are some of the best places to eat in Albuquerque:

1. Mexican Cuisine: looking for the best Mexican restaurants in Albuquerque? ¡No hay problema! Unsurprisingly, there are amazing options all over town, ranging from exquisite, like La Guelaguetza, to deliciously affordable, like Padilla's Mexican Kitchen.

2. Dog-friendly munching: going out for a yummy lunch or dinner is even more fun if you can bring your furry friend, and Albuquerque has more than enough delicious dog-friendly eateries to choose from. Head to Nexus Brewery & Restaurant for some yummy chow and beer, grab a snack at the Slate Street Cafe, or enjoy a decadent dinner at the Lescombes Winery & Bistro.

Ready for your pet sitting trip to Albuquerque? Then check out all currently available sits and start your adventure right away! Or prepare some more by heading over to our Community Forum and ask our pet-loving members for some cool Albuquerque insider tips to add to all the cool attractions and activities we just told you about. Happy sitting!

Ready for more cool pet sitting trips?

Albuquerque’s an amazing destination for your next pet sitting trip, but there are so many more places to see and furry friends to make! With TrustedHousesitters, you can find fabulous pet sitting opportunities all over the world that will let you explore new cities and cultures, all while also getting the chance to spend time with lovely pooches, cuddly cats, fluffy bunnies, and other cute pet buddies! Click here and check out all currently open pet sits: