Albuquerque

Travel Guide

Albuquerque showing street scenes
Petroglyph National Monument showing mountains
Albuquerque
Albuquerque featuring heritage architecture
Albuquerque showing signage and modern architecture
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 meters) 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 Center, 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-meter) 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

Autumn at the top of the Sandia Mountains in Albuquerque, NM is not to be missed if you happen to visit at just the right time.  Hope you're not afraid of heights.  

#CeliaLuzPhotography #autumn #Albuquerque #NewMexico #trees #landscape #nature #Hike #Sandias #fall #travel #places #seasons #BestHikesAroundtheWorld

Northeast Heights

While visiting Northeast Heights, you might make a stop by sights like Cliff's Amusement Park and ABQ Uptown.

Northeast Heights
Default Image

Old Town Albuquerque

Unique features of Old Town Albuquerque include the historic 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
Default Image

Downtown Albuquerque

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
Petroglyph National Monument featuring mountains

Westside

Westside is popular for its ample dining options, and you might make a stop by Rio Grande, a top place to visit in the area.

Westside
Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum featuring interior views

Balloon Fiesta Park - North I-25

If you're spending some time in Balloon Fiesta Park - North I-25, Cliff's Amusement Park and Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum are top sights worth seeing.

Balloon Fiesta Park - North I-25
Default Image

North Valley

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

North Valley
Best Western Airport Albuquerque InnSuites Hotel & Suites
Best Western Airport Albuquerque InnSuites Hotel & Suites
3.5 out of 5
2400 Yale Blvd Se, Albuquerque, NM
The price is P4,729 per night from 16 Mar to 17 Mar
P4,729
P5,468 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 16 - Mar 17
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Albuquerque. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,407 reviews)
Best Western stay.
"The hotel was satisfactory and the staff was very responsive to our requests. There is no elevator but they did have a bell hop to assist and a good shuttle service to the airport. Overall I would recommend this hotel."

Reviewed on Mar 11, 2025

Best Western Airport Albuquerque InnSuites Hotel & Suites
The Querque Hotel
The Querque Hotel
3 out of 5
1760 Menaul Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM
The price is P4,589 per night from 17 Mar to 18 Mar
P4,589
P5,306 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 17 - Mar 18
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Albuquerque. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (3,509 reviews)
"Suitable for our needs. High volume of customers makes it hard to keep clean. Good value."

Reviewed on Mar 12, 2025

The Querque Hotel
Nativo Lodge
Nativo Lodge
3 out of 5
6000 Pan American Fwy NE, Albuquerque, NM
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P5,328 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
P5,328
P7,307 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 31 - Apr 1
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Albuquerque. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and a 24-hour business center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,002 reviews)
Dated rooms but beautiful interior of lobby
"Nice, but getting dated. The $50 hold is bs! Drinks are not complimentary if they keep $20 of that 50!! Most of the time we are not getting it back anyways."

Reviewed on Mar 8, 2025

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.
Crown Point Resort
Crown Point Resort
3 out of 5
220 Crown Drive, Ruidoso, NM
Stay at this 3-star condo in Ruidoso. Enjoy free parking, a fitness center, and tennis courts. Popular attractions Pillow's Funtrackers and Wingfield Park are ...
9/10 Wonderful! (286 reviews)
"It was a good place"

Reviewed on Mar 11, 2025

Crown Point Resort
Upper Canyon Inn & Cabins
Upper Canyon Inn & Cabins
3 out of 5
215 Main Road, Ruidoso, NM
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Ruidoso. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Grindstone Lake and Cree Medows Public Golf Course are ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (333 reviews)
"Love the place"

Reviewed on Mar 4, 2025

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 WiFi, free parking, and a business center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,159 reviews)
"This little casa was so cute. Completely decorated with Santa Fe charm. Every detail was thought of. I really liked this location and convenience to the mountain and downtown. Would definitely book again."

Reviewed on Feb 21, 2025

Fort Marcy Hotel Suites by All Seasons Resort Lodging
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

Things to do