Albuquerque is a city that rewards curiosity—whether you’re interested in its colorful history, local food scene, or just a fun way to explore. Its diverse neighborhoods, rich cultural mix, and scenic surroundings make for engaging tours that go beyond the usual tourist spots. We’ve rounded up the best city tours to help you uncover Albuquerque’s unique charm. Among our favorites are the ABQ City Guided History Tour, which offers a relaxed, narrative-driven trolley ride, and the Duke City Pedaler beverage tour, a lively way to sample local brews while pedaling through historic areas. These tours stand out because they combine storytelling with local flavor, making your visit both educational and enjoyable.
If you’re after something interactive and different, the Fun City Scavenger Hunts by Wacky Walks or 3Quest Challenge bring a playful twist to sightseeing, turning your exploration into a friendly competition. Meanwhile, the Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience by Operation City Quest is perfect for those short on time but eager to see the city at their own pace. No matter your style or interests, Albuquerque offers a variety of ways to get to know the city better. Below, you’ll find detailed descriptions of each top tour, so you can pick the one that best suits your trip.
Quick Overview
Our list features guided trolley tours, party bike pub crawls, and interactive scavenger hunts—each designed to showcase Albuquerque’s sights and stories in a different way. For a relaxed, narrated experience, check out the ABQ City Guided History Tour. If you prefer a lively social outing, the Duke City Pedaler offers a pedal-powered pub crawl. For active explorers, the Fun City Scavenger Hunt by Wacky Walks and the 3Quest Challenge provide fun ways to discover the city’s highlights. Lastly, Operation City Quest offers a flexible, self-paced scavenger hunt perfect for families and groups.
1. ABQ City Guided History Tour
At number 1 our list is the ABQ City Guided History Tour, operated by ABQ Trolley Co. This is the only open-air trolley tour available in Albuquerque. It’s a fully-narrated, 1 hour and 40-minute journey that explores the past and present of the city. The tour covers historic locations in Downtown Albuquerque, Nob Hill, and the University of New Mexico, with lively stories about how these areas shaped the city. It’s an excellent way to get an overview if you’re new to Albuquerque or want a relaxed way to learn about its culture, architecture, and local quirks.
What makes this tour stand out is the open-air trolley experience—so you can feel the city’s vibe and fresh air while listening to engaging commentary. The tour runs from April to October, and reviews praise the friendly, knowledgeable guide, Blake, and the comfortable trolley. The price is $35, offering good value for a personalized, small-group experience. Keep in mind there’s a minimum of six guests, so booking ahead is wise for the best chance.
Bottom line: If you prefer a relaxed, narrated overview of Albuquerque with a nostalgic trolley ride, this tour offers a fun, informative introduction to the city’s history and neighborhoods.
2. Duke City Pedaler: Beverage Tour to Old Town/Sawmill Albuquerque
For those who prefer their sightseeing with a side of local beer, the Duke City Pedaler is hard to beat. This 14-passenger pedal-powered party bike offers a 2.5-hour tour through Albuquerque’s vibrant Old Town and Sawmill districts. The main focus is on sampling the area’s best local brews and spirits, making it a lively, social way to explore the city. The tour includes stops at Ponderosa Brewing Co., Sawmill Market, and Outpost 1706, where you’ll taste a variety of local beers, enjoy good conversation, and soak up the atmosphere of Albuquerque’s craft scene.
The guide, Chris, is known for fun recommendations and creating a relaxed, friendly environment. The tour costs $40 and includes access to three local watering holes, with ample time at each stop. Reviews highlight how much fun guests have, with one noting, “We laughed, sang, and had a very memorable experience.” It’s perfect for groups, couples, or anyone who wants a casual, social way to enjoy Albuquerque’s buzzworthy breweries.
Bottom line: If you’re looking for a lively, social way to taste local drinks and see some of Albuquerque’s neighborhoods, this pedal bike tour offers great value and fun.
3. Fun City Scavenger Hunt in Albuquerque by Wacky Walks
Next up is the Fun City Scavenger Hunt by Wacky Walks, a perfect choice for active, curious travelers. This app-led activity lasts about 2 hours and challenges you to discover Albuquerque by completing challenges and finding objects around the city. It’s a self-guided experience, so you can go at your own pace—ideal for families or groups wanting to incorporate some fun competition into their sightseeing.
Participants earn points for each task completed, and you can compare your score with others nationwide. The scavenger hunt covers key areas like Old Town and Downtown, with clues that reveal interesting facts and local stories. The review highlights how fun and educational it is, especially for those who enjoy interactive experiences.
Bottom line: If you want to explore Albuquerque in a playful way, testing your problem-solving skills, this scavenger hunt delivers a great mix of entertainment and city knowledge. It’s budget-friendly at just $10 per person.
$10.00 per person
4. Fun City Scavenger Hunt in Albuquerque by 3Quest Challenge
The 3Quest Challenge offers a similar scavenger hunt experience, but with a slightly more structured approach. Using an app, you’ll receive riddles and clues about Albuquerque’s sights and landmarks. Your goal is to solve the riddles, take photos, and complete challenges as you explore different parts of the city. It’s a two-hour activity suitable for families, friends, or co-workers looking for a team-building outing.
The format is flexible—you can complete the quests in any order and at your own pace, making it a good fit for varying schedules and fitness levels. While there are no reviews yet, the concept of combining riddles with exploring makes it engaging and educational. The price is $10 per person, making it a cost-effective way to see Albuquerque without committing to a full tour.
Bottom line: If you appreciate riddles and challenges, this self-paced scavenger hunt offers a fun, interactive way to discover Albuquerque’s neighborhoods and landmarks.
$10.00 per person
5. Albuquerque City Scavenger Hunt by Crazy Dash
The Crazy Dash is all about exploration on your own terms. Using a mobile app, you’ll find items around Albuquerque, take photos, and compete for points. It’s designed for a relaxed, unstructured experience where you decide your own route and pace. Live remote support is available via chat, making it accessible even for first-time scavenger hunters.
Ideal for families or groups wanting a flexible outing, this hunt covers iconic locations in Albuquerque without a rigid schedule. The main draw is the ability to explore in any order, with rankings to compare your score nationally. Reviews are limited, but the concept appeals to explorers seeking independence combined with a guided element.
Bottom line: If you prefer exploring at your own pace and want the freedom to choose your route, Crazy Dash provides a straightforward, enjoyable scavenger hunt experience for $10.
$10.00 per person
6. Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Albuquerque by Operation City Quest
Last on our list is the Operation City Quest scavenger hunt, designed for a quick but comprehensive city experience. This self-guided, app-based game allows you to explore Albuquerque at your own speed, with the help of a remote host if needed. It’s perfect if you’re short on time but still want to see the highlights.
The game involves finding items, completing challenges, and solving clues across key city locations. It’s especially good for families, groups of friends, or coworkers, offering a fun way to stay active while discovering local sights. The activity takes about 2 hours and costs $10 per person, providing excellent value for those on a tight schedule.
Bottom line: If you want a flexible, engaging scavenger hunt that fits into a busy day, Operation City Quest offers an easy and affordable way to see Albuquerque’s main spots on your own terms.
$10.00 per person
How to Choose the Right Tour for Your Albuquerque Trip
When deciding which tour fits best, consider your interests and trip style. For a relaxed, historical overview, the ABQ City Guided History Tour offers storytelling and scenic views. If you’re into social outings and craft beers, the Duke City Pedaler is perfect for a lively afternoon. Active travelers who enjoy puzzles and discovery will love the interactive scavenger hunts like those by Wacky Walks or 3Quest Challenge.
Budget is also a factor—most scavenger hunts cost just $10, making them accessible options. For those on a time crunch, the Operation City Quest provides a self-paced but comprehensive city tour. Booking early is advisable, especially for popular experiences like the trolley tour during peak season.
Final thoughts
Albuquerque’s variety of tours means there’s something for every traveler. If you’re looking for a comfortable introduction, the ABQ City Guided History Tour delivers a lively, informative ride. For a more social, fun atmosphere, the Duke City Pedaler combines local brews with sightseeing. Active explorers and puzzle enthusiasts will find plenty of entertainment in the city’s scavenger hunts, which mix education with competition.
No matter your choice, these tours offer authentic ways to experience Albuquerque beyond the usual. To avoid missing out, especially in peak months, it’s best to book early. Get ready to discover the sights, sounds, and stories that make Albuquerque truly special.