HistoryExperience the beauty & charm of Old Town Albuquerque! The center of community life in the city. Founded in 1706, by Governor Francisco Cuervo y Valdez, Old Town follows the traditional Spanish pattern with a plaza at its center and a church surrounded by homes and businesses. Most of the historic homes are still inhabited and many have been renovated into today's shops, galleries and restaurants. Stroll the Plaza, dine al fresco at our many restaurants, stay at our hotels and B&B's, visit our museums and shop at over 75 fine retail shops and galleries for handmade gifts from the Southwest and around the world. Romantic hidden patios, winding brick paths, vibrant flower gardens and dramatic balconies await your discovery and selfies. Wrought iron benches and adobe bancos welcome you to relax in the shade. Watch the tumbleweeds blow by and bask in New Mexico's wonderful sunshine. Shopping in Old Town is an incomparable ethnographic experience.SpecialtiesVisit our museums and shop at over 75 fine retail shops and galleries for handmade gifts from the Southwest and around the world. Romantic hidden patios, winding brick paths, vibrant flower gardens and dramatic balconies await your discovery and selfies. Wrought iron benches and adobe bancos welcome you to relax in the shade. Shopping in Old Town is an incomparable ethnographic experience. One of a kind handcrafted treasures from around the world, as well as those that are distinctly Southwestern, can be found in so many fine shops, boutiques, galleries and artist studios.