The largest state in the entire state of New Mexico and also one of the hubs of business and entertainment in the American Southwest is the city of Albuquerque, New Mexico. The city is home to the University of New Mexico, Kirtland Air Force Base and the Petroglyph National Monument. Albuquerque is rich in terms of its connection to both the Native American culture as well as America’s old west history. The city has a number of wonderful historical sites, important landmarks and beautiful natural scenic areas for visitors that come to it to view and experience. Because of its long association with the great outdoors, Albuquerque also finds itself with more than enough outdoor recreation opportunities to please almost anyone lucky enough to visit the city. Travelers have come to Albuquerque and the surrounding area for decades, if not longer, seeking a connection to the old southwest and the city is more than capable of showing off the region to all that visit.

Here are five great places to visit in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

1. Sandia Peak Tramway

One of the best ways to get a view of the city of Albuquerque is to take a ride on the tram that rises from the lowlands up to the peak of the Sandia Mountains, over 10,000 feet high. At more than two and a half miles in length, this is the longest aerial tram ride in the entire world. This is one of the best experiences available in the Albuquerque area. A particularly popular treat is to take this tram ride after dark so that the city lights of Albuquerque can be viewed.

2. Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

One of the largest hot air balloon festivals in the nation, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a highlight with both locals and visitors to Albuquerque from outside of the region as well. This is of course a weather permitting type event, so visitors should be aware of local weather patterns as the date of the popular festival approaches. Few sights can compete with the vision of hundreds of beautifully decorated hot air balloons flying lazily through the sky over the city of Albuquerque. Travelers who attend the festival can also take the opportunity of participating by purchasing balloon rides too.

3. National Atomic Museum

For one of the more interesting looks at a controversial time in United States history, a trip to the National Atomic Museum located in Old Town Albuquerque is in order. This museum details the history of the famous Manhattan Project as well as other events relative to the history of the development and use of the atomic bomb. This is a great attraction for anyone with an interest in history, particularly the history of the United States of the United States military.

4. American International Rattlesnake Museum

A traveler coming to the city of Albuequerque and looking for a truly unique experience should definitely take some time and visit the American International Rattlesnake Museum. This specialty museum devoted to correcting the common misconceptions about these and other reptiles is home to the largest collection of different species of live rattlesnakes in the world. The American International Rattlesnake Museum offers an experience that cannot be duplicated or recreated any where else in the world. This is a definite must-see attraction for anyone visiting the area.

5. Bien Mur Indian Market Center

One of the more popular purchases that visitors to Albuquerque, and the entire southwestern United States for that matter, seek out is Native American jewelry and other arts and crafts. One of the best places in all of Albuquerque to head to for anyone looking to browse a great selection of these types of items is the Bien Mur Indian Market Center. This street market is popular with locals and tourists alike and offers a great chance to see and view real Southwestern crafts of all sorts that are available for purchase. The authentic treasures available here are very popular with a number of people, not just in America, but around the world.

While Albuquerque is mostly associated with the Native American culture and the old west, it is a thriving modern city at the very same time. From the Petroglyph National Monument to the Sandia Mountains and beyond, Albuquerque is blessed with both the natural beauty and outdoor opportunities to satisfy almost anyone. When it comes to looking for a destination for a family or group to travel to where there is a great deal of activities to do and culture to experience, those that are planning the vacation could do much worse than planning a trip to Albuquerque, New Mexico. This city has exactly what is needed to please just about every single traveler that comes its way.