Albuquerque, NM

Albuquerque is recognized as one of the most culturally diverse cities in the country. Its ethnic tapestry is reflected in its architecture, art, cultural centers and cuisine. Countless customs and traditions that have been passed down over generations are a vibrant part of daily life in the city, making Albuquerque an epicenter of authentic Southwestern culture. Albuquerque is home to more than the Native American, Hispanic, Latino and Anglo cultures for which New Mexico is well known. Our multicultural city includes African American, Asian, Middle Eastern and other ethnic communities, creating a unique and modern Southwestern blend. In fact, more than 70 different ethnicities call Albuquerque home.

One of the first things many visitors want to explore when they come to Albuquerque is the city's unique cuisine. Its defining ingredient? Chile. Chile comes in two varieties: red or green, with preferences for one or the other depending on individual palates. Don’t like spicy foods? No problem. Albuquerque restaurants span everything from brick-oven pizzerias to pit-smoked barbecue joints, Vietnamese cafés and prime steakhouses. Dining options include vegetarian, Mediterranean, Italian, Spanish, Greek and Chinese cuisine. For nearly 500 years, cooks here have been blending Native American foods—like blue corn and squash—with chile peppers, wheat flour, pork and other ingredients that the Spanish settlers brought with them from Europe and Mexico. The result is what we now know as New Mexican cuisine. Today the smoke-kissed flavor of freshly roasted green chiles and the earthy fruitiness of red chile sauce are essential to our favorite dishes, such as breakfast burritos, stacked enchiladas and stuffed sopaipillas.

As the “Hot Air Ballooning Capital of the World,” Albuquerque offers superb year-round ballooning conditions. It’s the perfect place to embark on a truly memorable balloon ride or attend hot air balloon events. Find a hot air balloon ride company to take you on the experience of a lifetime.