This area has been the heart of Albuquerque since the city was founded in 1706, when a group of Spanish families settled here, not far from the Rio Grande. Today, this popular and historic neighborhood is the city's cultural center, with five museums and more than 100 shops, galleries and restaurants. Those settlers organized their new town in the traditional Spanish colonial way, with a central plaza anchored by a church. When the original adobe church collapsed after the long, rainy summer of 1792, they set about rebuilding it, and the San Felipe de Neri church was completed in 1793. This adobe church is the oldest in Albuquerque, has five-foot thick walls and white towers that mark Old Town from a distance. It remains a functioning Catholic church, and as you wander around the neighborhood, you may see couples posing for wedding pictures in the Plaza's gazebo.
To learn more about Albuquerque and this area, you can visit some of Old Town's museums. The Albuquerque Museum of Art & History showcases the cultural heritage of New Mexico; the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science stands out with the prominent dome of its planetarium; kids of all ages are amazed by over 250 interactive science, technology and art exhibits at Explora; and fans of Southwestern jewelry enjoy the Turquoise Museum, where visitors experience the depths of a turquoise mine and view rare and spectacular turquoise specimens from all over the world.
You can also visit the American International Rattlesnake Museum, which features the world's largest collection of live rattlesnakes! More than 300 years after it was founded, Old Town remains a center for culture, architecture, shopping, art and cuisine. Take advantage of Choice Hotels and all they have to offer you while you are near Old Town Albuquerque. Hotels in the area allow you to stay conveniently close to where you want to be. When you stay at Choice Hotels, you can enjoy affordable rates, many amenities and friendly service. Reserve your guest room today! We look forward to hosting you soon!