The 15 Most Instagrammable Spots In Albuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque’s roots run deep. The area was home to Native Americans for thousands of years before the city’s founding in 1706, and tribes still inhabit the surrounding area today, infusing New Mexico’s largest city with a historic culture all its own.
ABQ, as it’s sometimes called, is surrounded by icons: the Rio Grande to the west, Sandia Mountains to the northeast and Route 66 leading right into town. Come for the city’s proximity to rugged outdoor activities and stay for its top-notch museums, innovative breweries and mouthwatering food.
Of course, Albuquerque’s desert location and historic flair lend themselves to incredible photos. We toured the city via Instagram for the best places to photograph on your visit.
1 Balloon Fiesta Park
A post shared by Derek (@derekboughter) on Oct 12, 2017 at 1:58pm PDT
Each October, hundreds of hot air balloons take to the skies above this city park for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. During the rest of the year, you can snap pics in the park's Balloon Museum or at one of its other outdoor events, like the Fourth of July celebration or boomerang competition in November.
2 El Pinto
A post shared by Danielle Smith (@daniellesherees) on Oct 12, 2017 at 1:42pm PDT
This longstanding, family-run spot serves traditional favorites like enchiladas, sopapillas and a signature salsa. With a patio and skylights, the ambiance is equally as photogenic as the food.
3 Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
A post shared by molly leiner, GranMolly.. (@shoppinmols) on Sep 10, 2017 at 12:47pm PDT
Learn about Pueblo Indian culture at this museum in town. Expect colorful paintings, exquisite pottery and traditional dance performances to dominate your camera roll.
4 Pueblo Harvest Cafe
A post shared by Sommer | A Spicy Perspective (@spicyperspectiv) on Oct 8, 2017 at 3:39pm PDT
The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center's in-house eatery definitely deserves a photo of its own. Its famous mega-sized"Tewa Taco" will make your followers swoon.
5 Spur Line Supply Co.
A post shared by Mary ️ (@thisthriftedabode) on Oct 12, 2017 at 2:05pm PDT
This bright, airy shopping collective houses multiple local vendors with Insta-worthy aesthetics. The bonus? One of them sells donuts.
6 ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden
A post shared by Shanna Jarrett (@purpliciouspansy) on Oct 11, 2017 at 10:41am PDT
ABQ BioPark has a zoo, beach and aquarium, but it's the center's botanic garden that really shines in photos. Check out 36 acres of gardens along an expansive walking path.
7 Piñon Coffee House
A post shared by Carmen Martinez (@carmenclimbs) on Aug 11, 2015 at 6:17am PDT
Swing by this coffee company's brick-and-mortar store for a drink topped with cinnamon sugar in a shape reminiscent of the New Mexico flag. There's no better way to announce your location to your followers.
8 Sandia Peak Tramway
A post shared by Caitlin E. Jenkins (@caitlinejenkins) on Jun 21, 2017 at 10:30pm PDT
Ascend 10,378-foot Sandia Peak on a 2.7-mile-long tram ride over canyons and forest terrain. Needless to say, there are epic views of the Rio Grande Valley.
9 Deep Space Coffee Co.
A post shared by Matt Burton (@mcburtron) on Oct 2, 2017 at 6:55am PDT
This downtown spot takes coffee seriously, offering creative espresso blends alongside artisanal teas and kombucha. If the neon lights and funky wallpaper don't make it into your pic, the seasonal black latte certainly will.
10 Old Town Albuquerque
A post shared by ANTHONY (@xnitro11x) on Oct 10, 2017 at 5:56pm PDT
This charming collection of adobe buildings has served as Albuquerque's cultural hub since the city's founding in 1706. Nowadays, travelers can explore museums, shops and galleries with plenty of colorful photo opps.
11 Red Door Brewing Company
A post shared by Ashley Johnstone Kidwell (@brewfox) on Jul 4, 2017 at 2:51pm PDT
A fun-loving group of friends runs this next-level tap room, which hosts offbeat events like yoga classes and "parents' day out" parties with activities to occupy kids. Zoom in on one of their tantalizing ales.
12 Green Jeans Farmery
A post shared by Shane Williams (@shanenw1) on Jul 5, 2017 at 7:00am PDT
Green Jeans is a multiple-business collective of eateries, shops and bars made completely from shipping containers. There's much to photograph, from the pies at Amore Pizzeria to the creative architecture itself.
13 Farm & Table
A post shared by Nunezzz (@g_nunezzz) on Sep 15, 2017 at 11:11pm PDT
Head to ABQ's lush North Valley neighborhood and visit this tranquil restaurant with a working farm out back. At night, the twinkly-lit patio lights up an Insta feed.
14 National Museum Of Nuclear Science & History
A post shared by Bond Vivant (@bond_vivant) on Sep 14, 2017 at 9:42am PDT
Learn all about the Atomic Age at this sprawling museum, which features military aircraft, cannons and replicas of bombs used in World War II. The missiles out front make for a stellar souvenir pic.
15 Hotel Andaluz
A post shared by Haley B. (@missinnovate) on Sep 22, 2017 at 5:41pm PDT
Visitors say this swanky, chic hotel lives up to the hype. Book one of their private casbahs -- one of which is adorned with leafy plants -- for a special dinner.
Do you love to take photos in Albuquerque? Tell us what we missed! Tag your favorite Instagram posts with #ListenToAmerica, and we’ll add a few to this post.
This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
