Die-hard fans of the Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul shows rejoice! Many of the film’s primary locations are ones that you can visit, taking your fandom and show knowledge to the next level. Anyone can watch the shows and develop a deep appreciation for the actors and storylines, but once you lay eyes on the shoot locations, the connection you will feel to the material and the cast will deepen dramatically.
Ready to plan your visit to the Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul film locations? The following 10 film locations are the perfect spot to challenge your show expertise and satisfy your curiosity. If you’re looking for interesting nearby things to do as well, we’ve got that covered too.
BREAKING BAD (2008) ALBUQUERQUE LOCATIONS
Clay Gilliland at https://flickr.com/photos/26781577@N07/19028334738.
3828 Piermont Dr NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico (Walter White’s House) – This location is one of the most popular among longtime fans and newbie show lovers alike. Keep in mind, though, that the home is privately owned, and loitering and trespassing is not allowed. Instead, opt for a photo opportunity with friends, or a selfie.
This film location is located near a large downtown area with lots to see and do. Once you’ve started your film tour for the day, you can consider grabbing a quick lunch at the ever-popular Sonic drive-in. If you’re still out and exploring later in the day, you can sit down to a delicious food-truck dinner at the Marble Tap Room while you take in live music and some delicious craft brews.
4257 Isleta Boulevard Southwest, Albuquerque, New Mexico (Los Pollos Hermanos) – This location is perhaps not the most exciting on the list, but it is one of the few locations that is actually a functioning business that is open to the public. You can order a meal and enjoy the ambiance that inspired countless of the show scenes. Fun fact – the real restaurant is named “Twisters!”
Located near the Rio Grande in Albuquerque, Twisters (AKA Los Pollos Hermanos) is a great place to stop and map out several other Breaking Bad locations to visit to round out your fan-based sightseeing trip.
322 16th St Southwest, Albuquerque, New Mexico (Jesse Pinkman’s House) – Just as with Walter White’s house, this location is privately owned, so trespassing on the property grounds is not allowed. Visitors are welcome to take as many photos as they like, though. And the owners have been known to stop and chat with fans and answer questions from time to time.
Located near the Albuquerque Country Club, the Aquarium, and several high-end dining establishments, this is a great location to check out in the morning, so you have your afternoon free to explore the surrounding area. There are even hiking trails and fishing opportunities for those that like to experience outdoor activities.
9800 Montgomery Bl NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico (Ext. Saul Goodman’s Office) – Located in a strip mall, this show location is, unfortunately, not actually a law office. You can still check out the famous film location, though, and take photos of the exterior to add to your show memorabilia collection.
This location is in close proximity to Walter White’s house, so we recommend seeing both since they are so conveniently located. Who knows? You may end up driving the very same route that many of your favorite characters frequented daily while on set!
9560 Snow Heights Circle NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico (Mister’s car wash) – Unlike Goodman’s law office, this is a functioning business. You can satiate your show curiosity by washing your car here and reminiscing at the same time.
This location is surrounded by local parks, so if you need to get out and stretch your legs after a long day sightseeing, you will definitely be able to do so nearby, before continuing on your journey to visit more popular Breaking Bad show locations.
Albuquerque Studios, 5650 University Bl SE, Albuquerque, New Mexico – While you, unfortunately, can’t gain direct access to the interior of this location, the studio does have a fabulous virtual tour available. The studio famously helped bring the show to life and is a popular stop for new fans of the show and seasoned aficionados alike.
Walter White’s Tombstone 6855 4th St. NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico– This fan-created monument is an absolute must-see for fans of the show. While it is technically not a location from the show, most people flock to Walter’s makeshift gravesite. The “grave” is located approximately 7 miles from the center of town, outside Vernon’s Hidden Valley Steakhouse.
BETTER CALL SAUL (2015) ALBUQUERQUE LOCATIONS
Loyola’s Family Restaurant, 4500 Central Ave SE, Albquerque, New Mexico (Café Route 66) – This restaurant is a fully-functioning eatery, where you can go and order a meal and enjoy the interesting ambiance, just like your favorite characters.
Whether you’re a Breaking Bad enthusiast that wants even more behind-the-scenes action, or a fan of the spinoff show Better Call Saul, checking out this recognizable spot should definitely be on your film location travel itinerary list.
1607 San Cristobal Rd SW, Albquerque, New Mexico (Chuck’s House) – Just as with Loyola’s Family Restaurant, this TV shoot location features overlap for fans of both Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul. Located near “Jesse’s House,” this location is great to add into your day if you want to quickly cross several scene locations off of your bucket list.
Cottonwood Mall, 10000 Coors Bl Bypass NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico (Cinnabon, as Gene at Omaha location) – This location is a perfect multi-purpose stop. Not only is it truly a full mall with many excellent shopping opportunities, but it is also the location where several well-known Cinnabon scenes took place on the show.
Whether you’re traveling solo or checking out the sights with a group of like-minded fans, you can hole up at the Cottonwood Mall for dining, shopping, sightseeing, and more. Once you’ve taken a few selfies in front of the Cinnabon, you can unwind in the trampoline park or take in a movie at the Regal Cinema on site.
OTHER THINGS TO DO WHILE IN ALBUQUERQUE
Diehard fans of Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul will agree – hitting all the film location hotspots in Albuquerque is a dream come true. For those that come to town and have extra time available after taking their share of location photos and selfies, you may want to take in these two unconventional activities that the town is also famous for.
- Visit during the famed Hot Air Balloon Fiesta. This incredible spectacle has been delighting locals and visitors alike since 1972. The event takes place over a 9-day span every October, with more than 550 balloons and 650 pilots participating at the most recent event. This is a one-of-a-kind outdoor extravaganza that is absolutely worth planning your TV show location viewing trip around.
- Check out the musical highway. Did you know that there is a stretch of highway where – when you hit the rumble strips just right with your tires – plays the tune of “America the Beautiful? It’s crazy but true, and this “musical highway” is found on a special stretch of Route 66 in Albuquerque. This incredible feat of engineering is worth taking the time to see no matter what time of year you plan to visit.
No matter where your trip takes you in Albuquerque, seeing the Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul film locations will also lead you to countless exciting things to do along the way. From taking photos in front of iconic film locations to taking in hot air balloon sights, your trip to New Mexico is sure to be one you will never forget.