Albuquerque, New Mexico Guide
Food scene
Highly recommend eating lunch or dinner at this restaurant. Don't get it togo, dine-in!
10 locals recommend
Hot Tamales New Mexican Kitchen
1520 Rio Rancho Blvd SEHighly recommend eating lunch or dinner at this restaurant. Don't get it togo, dine-in!
Best known for their red chile carne adovada stuffed sopapillas (or turnovers) and their Mexican Wedding cake!
26 locals recommend
Mary & Tito's Cafe
2711 4th St NWBest known for their red chile carne adovada stuffed sopapillas (or turnovers) and their Mexican Wedding cake!
Golden Pride Lomas
1830 Lomas Boulevard NortheastBest breakfast burritos in town!
Second best breakfast burritos and great green chile cheeseburgers!
50 locals recommend
Blake's Lotaburger
6210 4th St NWSecond best breakfast burritos and great green chile cheeseburgers!
Sightseeing
The flea market is a fun spot to hit after a Saturday morning fiesta day. Lots of fun things to see or buy!
Flea Market at Expo New Mexico
6699 Domingo Road NortheastThe flea market is a fun spot to hit after a Saturday morning fiesta day. Lots of fun things to see or buy!
Obviously the balloon fiesta park will give you the best views, but you can also go to mesa spots to overlook the city to view the balloons. You can visit the Rio Grande and watch balloons "kiss" or touch the water as they fly by. Anywhere in town you will see balloons in the sky!
9 locals recommend
balloon fiesta park
Obviously the balloon fiesta park will give you the best views, but you can also go to mesa spots to overlook the city to view the balloons. You can visit the Rio Grande and watch balloons "kiss" or touch the water as they fly by. Anywhere in town you will see balloons in the sky!
Rio Grande River Trail
Beautiful paths to walk and enjoy the outdoors.
Traveler advice
Getting around
Best way to get to balloon fiesta
Leave the house at around 4:30-5am. Take Paseo East and exit North at 2nd street. Take 2nd street until Alameda and go East. Follow the signs and park. Be prepared to wait in traffic, but don't worry, if you leave early enough you will be fine!
What to pack
It's going to be cold at Balloon Fiesta!
Make sure and wear thermal clothing underneath your shirt and pants. Wear warm boots as the grass is normally wet and your feet will be cold. Wear layers because when the sun comes up you will get warm and will want to strip down! Scarves, gloves, hats, big socks, thermals, ear muffs, blankets, chairs, etc.
Don't miss
Night glow!
If you are here for the Balloon Fiesta, you can't miss a night glow! The balloons will go up on the ground and glow with the fire, and then it ends with an amazing firework show. It does get cold, so bring layers, blankets and chairs. Get there early enough to get food, pins, and walk around and get cards that the balloonists will pass out. Remember, traffic will be a bear so plan accordingly.