Albuquerque Things to Do Tips by MarkJochim

Old Town Old Town Review

When the first families settled near the banks of the Rio Grande in 1706, Albuquerque was a colonial farming village and a military outpost along the Camino Real between Chihuahua and Santa Fe. The village formed in the traditional Spanish pattern of a central plaza surrounded by the Church, government buildings and homes.

Address: Romero and Old Town Road

Directions: Travel west from Downtown on old Route 66 (Central Avenue) then turn north on Rio Grande Boulevard. The best parking (free) is at the Albuquerque Museum on Mountain Road.

Church of San Felipe de Neri Old Town Review

Provincial Governor Cuervo y Valdez named the villa in honor of the Viceroy of New Spain, the Duke of Alburquerque. In the early 1800s, the first "r" was dropped from the official spelling. The church of San Felipe de Neri was originally built on the west side of the plaza. In 1793 the site was changed to the present location on the north side. You can walk inside the church; there is also a small museum with relics dating from the 17th century.

OPEN: church - 8AM until dusk; museum - 1-4

Address: 2005 Plaza N.W.

Phone: (505) 243-4628

Native American Shopping Old Town Review

Native American artisans (Pueblo and Navajo) sell jewelry and other crafts under the portico of La Placita Dining Rooms, on the east side of Old Town Plaza.

Quiet Times in Old Town Old Town Review

A maze of cobbled walkways lead to hidden patios and gardens where many of Old Town's 150 art galleries and shops are located.

Old Town Architecture Old Town Review

Adobe buildings, many refurbished in the Pueblo Revival style of architecture in the 1950s, focus around the tree-shaded Old Town Plaza, created in 1780.

Finding quiet spots in Old Town Old Town Review

Although the Plaza can be somewhat crowded with tourists, especially during the summer, it is still possible to find many out-of-the-way spots for some quiet reflection. Once you start exploring the alleys, you can find many spots to practice your photography!

Explore the hidden patios of Old Town. Old Town Review

Old Town was once an area of working artists' studios. There are now about 25 galleries, many housed in older studios along the patios east of San Felipe Road (northeast of the church). These patios are also heavily shaded by trees - a definite plus in Albuquerque which averages around 300 days of sunshine per year. There are also numerous wrought-iron benches on which you can rest after those weary hours of sightseeing and shopping.

Parish of San Felipe de Neri Old Town Review

Constructed in 1793, the Church of San Felipe de Neri is still a working Catholic parish. It is possible to attend church services here on Sundays and on Wednesday evenings. One of these years, I'd like to attend their Christmas Eve Midnight Mass - very beautiful with the entire Plaza decorated with the traditional lumarias (also known as farolitos) - lined-up paper bags with a lighted candle inside illuminating the outside of the bag. The church is open to the public from 8 in the morning until dusk, except during special events.

Address: 2005 Plaza N.W.

Phone: (505) 243-4628

View from the courtyard of San Felipe de Neri Old Town Review

My favorite time to visit Old Town is on Sunday afternoons in the Spring or Fall. Even in summer, the crowds are fairly light as twilight falls. It's very pleasant to enjoy a drink at one of the sidewalk cafes that line San Felipe Road north of the Plaza.

Rattlesnake Museum & Gift Shop Museums Review

The world famous American International Rattlesnake Museum is located in Albuquerque's Old Town. The gift shop is free (if you don't buy anything) and has a nice range of reptile-related souvenirs - from kid-oriented to tacky to scientific. You need to pay to enter the museum portion, but it is definitely worth it!

OPEN: weekdays noon-6; Sat. 10-6; Sun. 1-5
ADMISSION: $2.50

Address: 202 San Felipe NW

Directions: southeast of the Plaza

Phone: (505) 242-6569

Website: http://www.rattlesnakes.com