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Daytime

Old Town History and High Desert Greenery

Start with a classic New Mexican lunch at a historic lunch counter, then wander through the oldest residence in the city and its lush botanical gardens.

Best time: 11:00About 135 min

Timeline

  1. 10:30

    Church Street Cafe

    Grab a bite at Church Street Cafe. It is tucked away down a side alley in Old Town and serves good New Mexican food. Arriving early helps you beat the lunch rush.

  2. 11:00

    La Glorieta

    Walk to La Glorieta. This historic hacienda is believed to be the oldest residence in Albuquerque, standing since at least 1803. It was home to several generations of prominent New Mexicans, including writer Erna Fergusson.

  3. 11:45

    ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden

    Stroll next door to the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden. This expansive oasis features gardens emphasizing high desert plants alongside other varieties. It is a pleasant place to walk and observe the local flora.

Local tip

The Botanic Garden is right next to the Aquarium, so you can easily extend your walk if you wish. Old Town shops generally open around 9:00 or 10:00, so your timing allows for easy browsing before or after.

Check before you go

  • Church Street Cafe is open Mo-We and Su 08:00-16:00; Th-Sa 08:00-20:00.
  • The Botanic Garden is part of the ABQ BioPark; check the BioPark website for current seasonal hours.

Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Albuquerque (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).

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