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Historic centre · Albuquerque, New Mexico
Old Town Albuquerque
The nucleus founded by the Spanish in 1706, with the plaza, the adobe church of San Felipe de Neri, and low adobe houses with craft shops, galleries, and restaurants.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Old Town Albuquerque
Albuquerque was founded in 1706 by Spanish settlers on the banks of the Rio Grande and was named for the Duke of Alburquerque, then viceroy of New Spain. The old core, Old Town, preserves the original layout: a plaza with a bandstand, surrounded by low adobe houses and the church of San Felipe de Neri.
The present church was built in 1793 with thick adobe walls and later received towers with Gothic influence. It remains an active parish with regular masses. The houses around the plaza, many from the 19th century, house silver and turquoise jewelry shops, pottery, rugs, and New Mexico–style restaurants.
Indigenous artisans often sell their work under the arcades of some buildings. A short walk from the plaza are the Albuquerque Museum, with regional art and history, and the state natural history museum.
At the end of the year, the old town fills with luminarias — paper bags with candles that line walls and rooftops — a New Mexico tradition.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Two to three hours.
Best time
In the morning, when shops open and there are fewer people. On Christmas Eve, to see the luminarias.
How to get there
It is about 3 km west of downtown Albuquerque and has public parking. City buses connect downtown to the old town.
Tip
To buy Indigenous art, prefer artisans who sell their own pieces directly and shops that identify the origin.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Old Town Albuquerque
When was Albuquerque founded?
In 1706, by Spanish colonists around the plaza that now forms the old town. The name honors the Duke of Alburquerque, viceroy of New Spain.
Can the San Felipe de Neri church be visited?
Yes, outside Mass times. It is an active parish; be quiet and respect services.
What are the luminarias in Albuquerque’s old town?
Paper bags filled with sand and a lit candle, placed on walls, roofs and sidewalks at year’s end—an old New Mexico tradition. The old town is lit up on Christmas Eve.