DIY Tour of Breaking Bad Locations in Albuquerque

Over its five seasons, TV series Breaking Bad became a global phenomenon, drawing in millions of viewers from around the world. Despite being off the air for several years now, the show has been back in the headlines recently, following the runaway spinoff success of Better Call Saul entering its final season in 2021 and the feature-length El Camino sequel to the original series released last year.

Creator and writer Vince Gilligan originally set the show in Los Angeles, but when the state of New Mexico offered tax rebates, they relocated to the east. Gilligan stated that over the course of the five seasons, the city of Albuquerque became an integral character within the show. These stunning, stark, and oftentimes lonely vistas have started drawing set-jetters to the Duke City in search of Heisenberg’s hometown.

If the excitement over the final season of Better Call Saul has left you eager to rediscover Walter White’s city, there are numerous ways to tour Albuquerque. It is just as easy to find your own way between the locations featured in the show. So put on your Heisenberg hat and grab your best sunglasses: it’s time for a do-it-yourself Breaking Bad tour of Albuquerque.

Getting Around

Albuquerque is a fairly sprawling city, expanding west and south from the striking Sandia Mountains, which provide an easy directional reference. Despite its historical roots (founded in 1706), Albuquerque operates mainly on a grid system, making navigation by car straightforward. Street blocks tend to be long and, at this elevation (5312ft), even the fittest individuals may find themselves huffing and puffing after a few minutes of walking. Consequently, the easiest way to get around is by car, and fortunately, rentals are quite affordable.

The city is divided into quadrants by two interstate highways: I-25 runs north to south, while I-40 extends east to west. Consequently, all addresses are assigned a quadrant such as NE (northeast) or SW (southwest), which is beneficial information when searching for a location along one of the city’s main drags.

The Breaking Bad locations are dispersed around Albuquerque but predominantly cluster in two areas: the Northeast Heights and Downtown. Therefore, the most efficient way to tour the sites is to explore the Northeast Heights by car, and then either walk or cycle through Downtown.

Districts

Northeast Heights
The most recognizable Breaking Bad locations are located in the Northeast Heights, including Walter White’s house and the A-1 Car Wash. If you’ve hired a car, this is the perfect starting point. Begin at Marie and Hank’s house in the foothills and work your way down to the car wash and the Whites’ house (please respect the private property). Additionally, stop by Savoy for a luxurious lunch at the restaurant where Walter meets Gretchen Schwartz in Season 2. Also situated in the Northeast Heights is Paul’s Monterey Inn, a dimly lit speakeasy where Walter and Jesse meet to discuss dire businesses in Season 3.

Downtown
Albuquerque’s downtown area features a charming grid of leafy, older streets where many classic scenes in Breaking Bad were filmed. Jesse’s house, along with his parents’ residence, the Pinkman house, can be found here. Notably, Tuco’s hideout, which Walter blew up in Season 1, is also located downtown, along with a scenic multi-story car park where Gus Fring realizes Walt has rigged his vehicle with a bomb. While walking here is easy, it is advisable to cycle around as the streets are flat and generally quiet.

Bikes can be rented from Routes Rentals, offering various options from basic two-speed street cruisers to heavy-duty mountain bikes, starting at $15/hr. Additionally, they host ‘Biking Bad’ cycling tours (1.5-2 hrs, $65pp) of the downtown area every other Saturday, focusing on the show’s significant sites. Conducted by partner-owners Josh and Heather, who share an enthusiasm for Breaking Bad, these tours include fascinating backstories and notable highlights regarding scenes at each location. The tour guides use laptops to show clips of episodes filmed at the locations, enhancing the overall experience.

Eating

Twisters: Representing the inimitable Los Pollos Hermanos on the show, Twisters is an Albuquerque chain serving New Mexican fast food specialties, ranging from burritos to burgers.

Savoy Wine Bar & Grill: A perfect spot for an upscale dinner or glass of wine, located in the restaurant where Walt argues with Gretchen in Season 2.

Dog House Drive In: The iconic flashing neon sign of this Old Town drive-in became emblematic of Breaking Bad, notably when Jesse gives away his cash to a homeless man in the final season. The food here is both greasy and affordable.

The Grove: Plan a Sunday brunch at this fresh, seasonally sourced restaurant where Walt and Lydia form a partnership. Enjoy the perfect window seats overlooking Route 66 (Central Ave.) and Downtown.

Garduños: In the final season, the Whites meet here for an awkward meal. Although the food may not be the best representation of New Mexican cuisine, the atmosphere is colorful and fun.

Loyola’s: A classic diner along Route 66 (Central Ave.), this spot serves hearty New Mexican fare and large breakfasts, acting as a refueling point for Mike and Jesse in Season 5.

Drinking

Marble Brewery: Renowned as one of Albuquerque’s top microbreweries, Marble was a popular drinking spot for Bryan Cranston and the crew during filming. The brewery even crafted two Breaking Bad-themed beers to commemorate the show’s final season.

Zinc Wine Bar: Breaking Bad creator Vince Gilligan highlighted this trendy Nob Hill wine bar as one of his favorite places during filming, offering an upscale restaurant upstairs and a lively wine bar downstairs.

Shopping and Pampering

Zen Nail Spa: Get your nails done by Saul Goodman’s actual pedicurist at Zen Nail Spa, which Saul advises Jesse to purchase for money laundering in Season 3. The nail technicians here were extras in the scene, and their pedicures seem to last for weeks.

The Candy Lady: Bring home a bag of “blue meth.” The blue rock candy sold here served as the prop meth in the show.

Gertrude Zachary: Remember when Marie started shoplifting in Season 1? This local jewelry store is where she stole the diamond tiara. Although they don’t sell tiaras in reality, you can purchase exquisite southwestern turquoise jewelry (just remember to pay first).

Sleeping

Crossroads Motel: You may not have the best sleep here at this quirky Route 66 motel, which appeared as a drug den in several episodes, but if you’re after an inexpensive night at a significant Breaking Bad location, this is it. Ideally, it’s more suited for a quick photo opportunity than an overnight stay.

Isleta Resort & Casino: This resort, part of Isleta Pueblo (a Native American reservation) a few miles south of Albuquerque, served as the setting for Jesse’s rehab stint in Season 2 and the hotel where the White family hides in the final season.

It is essential to remember that many of the locations mentioned are actual residences and businesses. While it might be tempting to throw a pizza on the Whites’ house, it is crucial to respect the fact that people live and work here. In essence, tread lightly.

Megan Eaves explored the Breaking Bad sights of Albuquerque as a guest of Routes Rentals. Lonely Planet contributors do not accept freebies in exchange for positive coverage.