Albuquerque’s Old Town is a quaint historic area just west of Downtown and east of the Rio Grande. Founded in 1706 by a procession of Spanish settlers, its narrow streets and alleyways have changed little since those early days. When the railroad came to Albuquerque in the 1880s, it brought an influx of people to the new downtown, and locals began calling this older area “Old Town.” Today, Old Town’s revitalized growth attracts tourists and locals who visit its museums, shops, and restaurants. It also has the city’s oldest church.

Bottger Mansion

Begin your walk at the Bottger Mansion at 110 San Felipe NW, just off Central. The Bottger Mansion was built in 1910 by Charles Bottger, who, like many of his day, came to the southwest to improve his health. Today, the Mansion serves as a bed and breakfast offering high tea to visitors and locals alike.

Rattlesnake Museum

Head north on San Felipe, to the corner of Old Town Road, to visit the world-famous Rattlesnake Museum. Here, you can explore the largest collection of live rattlesnakes found anywhere in the world, with no less than 31 species residing behind glass. Moreover, the museum showcases a vast array of snake artifacts, artwork, and memorabilia. Visitors receive an official Certificate of Bravery upon completing their journey through the museum.

Old Town Vendors

Step across Old Town Road and back onto San Felipe Street to experience the Old Town Vendors under the portal of La Placita Restaurant. This area has long upheld a tradition of outdoor vending, featuring multi-cultural artists displaying handmade crafts, jewelry, and pottery, making it difficult to resist the local goods.

La Placita

According to staff at La Placita, this eatery is rumored to have numerous ghostly encounters. Indeed, there are supposed to be so many spirits in Old Town that nightly Ghost Tours cater to those curious about the supernatural.

Main Plaza

Cross the street to Old Town’s Main Plaza, the historic heart of the city. The plaza features a central gazebo often hosting live musicians, flamenco dancers, and local families enjoying the atmosphere. The square closely resembles those in traditional Mexican villages.

Each Christmas Eve, thousands gather to appreciate the luminaria displays. The City of Albuquerque offers bus tours for those not inclined to walk, yet many prefer to stroll through the streets while admiring the simple brown paper bags lit from within. This cherished family tradition encompasses wandering through historic streets, savoring hot chocolate, and listening to festive carolers.

San Felipe de Neri

Directly north of the Plaza stands the San Felipe de Neri Church. This landmark, altered and renovated numerous times since its establishment in 1793, still serves as a neighborhood church and is listed on the National Historic Register. Daily Mass is provided in both Spanish and English, with the midnight Mass on Christmas Eve attracting large crowds.

The church anchors various seasonal events. Each summer, the San Felipe de Neri Festival unfolds in the plaza, featuring food, arts and crafts booths, and a carnival for children.

Cottonwood Madonna

Behind the San Felipe de Neri Church, a hidden treasure awaits discovery. Known as the Lady of the Tree or the Cottonwood Madonna, this folk art treasure was carved into the tree trunk and is seldom noticed by locals. While its exact creation time remains uncertain, it has been a cherished landmark for at least two decades.

Guadalupe Chapel

Leaving the parking lot behind the church, step east along San Felipe Street. Look for the narrow passageway next to Saints and Martyrs store, where signs will direct you to the back of the Albuquerque Museum. Tucked away in this passageway is a quaint chapel, La Capilla de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe. Built in 1975 as part of the Sagrada Arts School, the chapel features a colorful window composed of plexiglass panels portraying the Feasts of the Virgin and lunar phases.

Museum Sculpture Garden

After visiting the chapel, proceed to the back entryway of the ​Albuquerque Museum. Here, you will discover a small Sculpture Garden that connects the museum and Old Town, featuring intriguing sculptures. While in the museum, don’t miss the ongoing array of exhibits, showcasing four centuries of Albuquerque’s history and a diverse collection of artwork by local New Mexico artists from the late 19th century to the present. Notably, one of the most renowned artists in the collection is Georgia O’Keeffe.

The museum’s gift shop also offers an excellent selection of unique gifts and decorative items, many crafted by local artists.