19 Free Things to do in Albuquerque

The true Southwest awaits you in Albuquerque, but why spend money seeing the sites when there are plenty of free things to do in Albuquerque?

Both playful and laid back, the classy bohemian personality of Albuquerque is a mash-up of Latin, Indian and European flavors fused to road-trip-era Americana.

Gentlemen ranchers don their finest Stetsons to visit the opera and lawyers saunter into work wearing hand-tooled boots.

Visitors will glory in New Mexico’s 310 days of sun a year while breathing in the high-desert air scented with sage and piñon.

Whether you want to shop for authentic Native American jewelry, try hot air ballooning, explore living history museums, sample local cuisines or hit the golf courses and spas, Albuquerque has you covered.

1. ARTScrawl Gallery Tours
   These tours are free on the third Friday of the month.
2. National Hispanic Cultural Center
   Depending on when you are visiting this center may have a free event. Most of the events are celebrating Hispanic Culture, so check before your visit to see what event you can catch.

   
   Photo by tuaussi

3. Old Town New Fun
   This even happens weekly from Wednesday to Sunday. Different events take place each week including live music, cultural history, and cocktail parties.
4. Summerfest
   This is during the summer on Saturday evenings.
5. Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum
   This museum celebrates Hot Air Balloons and their history. Admission is free on Sundays from 9 in the morning until 1 pm, and on the first Friday of each month.
6. Albuquerque Museum of Art & History
   This museum pays tribute to the art and history of New Mexico. Admission is free on Sundays from 9am until 1pm and on the first Wednesday of each month.
7. Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
   Visit this site to watch some Native American dances.
8. National Atomic Museum
   This museum pays tribute to the history of the atomic bomb. The museum is an affiliate of the Smithsonian and was developed in 1969 as a place to educate the public about the development of the nuclear weaponry. Children are free and adults have a small fee.
9. New Mexico Natural History Museum
   This museum has free days throughout the year. If you are interested in visiting check their website to see if you will be lucky and catch a freebie day.
10. Petroglyph National Monument
    Visit this monument during the week to see some of the natural Petroglyph’s in Albuquerque.

    
    Photo by smreilly

11. Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument
    This monument is where the American Indian trade took place between the Tiwa and Tompiro Puebloans.
12. Maxwell Museum of Anthropology
    This museum has a vast collection of different artifacts dating back to ancient cultures.
13. Meteorite Museum
    This Museum has many different Meteorites on display along with information to learn about meteorites.
14. UNM Art Museum
    This museum has different exhibitions throughout the year. All different kinds of art are featured in this gallery including photography, new media art, painting, and sculpture.
15. Tingley Beach
    If you enjoy the outdoors this is a great place to visit while your in New Mexico. Here you can view a beautiful sunrise and sunset and look out over the different fishing lakes.
16. Historic Route 66
    If you will have a rental car on your visit, or if its a road trip take a drive down part of Route 66.

    
    Photo by openthreads

17. Nob Hill
    Although shopping on Nob Hill is not free, window shopping is always free. Have fun looking at the different designs and items as you stroll through this area.
18. Anasazi Fields
    Visit this winery to learn more about the unique wines they produce along with going on a wine tasting.
19. Corrales Winery
    Go on a free tour of the vineyard and tasting of the wines at Corrales Winery. They are open Wednesday through Sunday from noon until 5 pm.