Albuquerque Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Petroglyph National Monument featuring mountains
Nicknamed “Duke City,” Albuquerque beckons visitors with stunning mountain views, a rich multicultural heritage and abundant recreational opportunities.

Sitting about 5,000 feet (1,632 metres) above sea level, Albuquerque benefits from a remarkable natural setting and a mild, dry climate. The peaks of the Sandia Mountains stand on the east and the arid New Mexico mesas (elevated hills with flat tops) stretch out to the west.

The largest city in the state of New Mexico, Albuquerque is best navigated by car. It’s divided into four official quadrants: Northeast, Southeast, Northwest and Southwest, with Central Avenue dividing north from south and Broadway dividing east from west.

To get a sense of Albuquerque’s diverse ethnic heritage, stroll around historic Old Town in the Northwest. This area incorporates the original city of Albuquerque, which was founded in 1706. The narrow streets are dotted with museums, adobe buildings and Hispanic architecture, including the city’s oldest building, the San Felipe de Neri Church.

Discover the region's natural diversity at Old Town’s Albuquerque Biological Park. This complex is home to the Albuquerque Aquarium, Rio Grande Botanic Garden and the Rio Grande Zoo. The BioTrain, which runs from Tuesday to Sunday, carries visitors between the park's facilities.

Native American heritage has a strong influence on Albuquerque, from the presence of more than 15,000 rock carvings at the Petroglyph National Monument, to the pueblo settlements near the city. Learn about the way of life for the descendants of New Mexico’s indigenous peoples at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Centre, located in the Northwest.

Outdoor enthusiasts can escape to the rocky cliffs of the Sandia Mountains. In summer, the peaks attract rock climbers, hikers and mountain bikers, while the winter months see skiers and snowboarders flock to the slopes. Step aboard the Sandia Peak Tramway to experience the range in all its scenic glory. This aerial tramway journeys up to the 10,378-foot (3,163-metre) summit, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the city below.

Albuquerque also boasts a busy events calendar. Highlights include the world-famous International Balloon Fiesta in October and the annual New Mexico State Fair, usually held in September.

Where to stay in Albuquerque

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Northeast Heights

3.5/5(3 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Northeast Heights, Cliff's Amusement Park and ABQ Uptown are top sights worth seeing.

Northeast Heights
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Old Town Albuquerque

Unique features of Old Town Albuquerque include the historical sites and restaurants. Make a stop by Old Town Plaza or New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science while you're exploring the area.

Old Town Albuquerque
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Downtown Albuquerque

4/5(3 area reviews)

Downtown Albuquerque is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Sunshine Theater and El Rey Theater while you're in town.

Downtown Albuquerque
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North Valley

You'll enjoy the mountain views and breweries in North Valley. You might want to make time for a stop at Balloon Fiesta Park or Rio Grande.

North Valley
Petroglyph National Monument featuring mountains

Westside

2/5(2 area reviews)

Travellers come to Westside for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Petroglyph National Monument and Rio Grande while you're in town.

Westside
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Uptown

4/5(1 area review)

Uptown is known for its popular shops, and with sights like ABQ Uptown and Coronado Center, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Albuquerque.

Uptown
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Albuquerque Northeast
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Albuquerque Northeast
2.5 out of 5
5241 San Antonio Dr Ne, Albuquerque, NM
The price is ₹5,323 per night from 2 Jun to 3 Jun
₹5,323
per night
2 Jun - 3 Jun
Stay at this business-friendly motel in Albuquerque. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,384 reviews)
"The front desk helped me when I had to emergency order an electrical transformer cord for my CPap machine which I had forgotten."

Reviewed on 13 May 2024

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Albuquerque Northeast
The Querque Hotel
The Querque Hotel
3 out of 5
1760 Menaul Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹5,761 per night from 12 Jun to 13 Jun
₹5,761
per night
12 Jun - 13 Jun
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Albuquerque. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
7.8/10 Good! (2,151 reviews)
Worn out, but staff is great. A bargain.
"The Querque is an old facility that needs maintenance, but the staff and customer service are top notch. For example our patio door did not latch and the bathtub drain did not seal, but we were quickly moved to a nearby room that was much better. Location is great. Breakfast was better than expected. ..."

Reviewed on 14 May 2024

The Querque Hotel
Nativo Lodge
Nativo Lodge
3 out of 5
6000 Pan American Fwy NE, Albuquerque, NM
The price is ₹9,953 per night from 20 May to 21 May
₹9,953
per night
20 May - 21 May
Stay at this hotel in Albuquerque. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and a 24-hour business centre. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Staff were very friendly and accommodating. Our room faced the road/freeway and was noisy all night long, very little soundproofing thru all the glass windows/patio door. However we travelled with friends who stayed on the opposite side and said it was very quiet. If you stay there request a backside ..."

Reviewed on 15 May 2024

Nativo Lodge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Upper Canyon Inn & Cabins
Upper Canyon Inn & Cabins
3 out of 5
215 Main Road, Ruidoso, NM
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden.
8.8/10 Excellent! (287 reviews)
"Great place. Would definitely go back."

Reviewed on 5 May 2024

Upper Canyon Inn & Cabins
Fort Marcy Hotel Suites by All Seasons Resort Lodging
Fort Marcy Hotel Suites by All Seasons Resort Lodging
3 out of 5
321 Kearney Ave, Santa Fe, NM
Stay at this aparthotel in Santa Fe. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a business centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,106 reviews)
"Away from busy town but within walking distance, just a hike up a hill. Areas that need attention are the leaking kitchen faucet and mold in bathroom near shower."

Reviewed on 8 May 2024

Fort Marcy Hotel Suites by All Seasons Resort Lodging
Crown Point Resort by VRI Americas
Crown Point Resort by VRI Americas
3 out of 5
220 Crown Drive, Ruidoso, NM
Enjoy free parking, a fitness centre and tennis courts. Our guests praise the clean rooms in their reviews.
9/10 Wonderful! (235 reviews)
"Great weather and great views!"

Reviewed on 14 May 2024

Crown Point Resort by VRI Americas
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Albuquerque

3.9
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
4
" "5 - Excellent 26.666666666666668%
4 - Good
7
" "4 - Good 46.666666666666664%
3 - Okay
3
" "3 - Okay 20%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 6.666666666666667%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
14 Mar 2020

Out of season in march. Some places were closed.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
18 Aug 2019

Exiting I-25 to turn left on Eubank Blvd is dangerous, as two signs say there are 2 lanes for exit but in fact there’s just one. This is only evident at the last second.

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