Albuquerque Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Albuquerque showing street scenes
Petroglyph National Monument showing mountains
Albuquerque
Albuquerque which includes 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 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

4/5(1 area review)

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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Downtown Albuquerque

4/5(4 area reviews)

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

Downtown Albuquerque
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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 Albuquerque Museum while you're exploring the area.

Old Town Albuquerque
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
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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 Los Poblanos Open Space or Rio Grande.

North Valley
Petroglyph National Monument showing mountains

Westside

3.5/5(3 area reviews)

Westside is popular for its abundant dining options, and you can check out Rio Grande, a top attraction in the neighbourhood.

Westside
The Querque Hotel

The Querque Hotel

3 out of 5
1760 Menaul Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM
The price is AU$172 per night from 26 Sept to 27 Sept
AU$172
26 Sept - 27 Sept
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (4,388 reviews)
"The Querque is a very nice hotel with a classic feeling. The rooms are large and the beds are comfortable. The bathroom is well stocked with fresh white towels and the shower puts out hot water. The heated indoor pool is very refreshing. Thank you for a wonderful stay!"

Reviewed on 19 Sept 2025

The Querque Hotel
Hotel 505

Hotel 505

2.5 out of 5
900 Medical Arts Ave Ne, Albuquerque, NM
The price is AU$105 per night from 28 Sept to 29 Sept
AU$105
28 Sept - 29 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Albuquerque. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,468 reviews)
"It was good value for money. It wasn’t perfect but if you are just passing through Albuquerque and good location then this is a good place."

Reviewed on 16 Sept 2025

Hotel 505
ARRIVE Albuquerque

ARRIVE Albuquerque

4 out of 5
717 Central Avenue Northwest, Albuquerque, NM
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$166 per night from 13 Oct to 14 Oct
AU$166
13 Oct - 14 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Albuquerque. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Popular attractions ABQ Uptown and El Rey Theater ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (572 reviews)
"I’ve stayed here twice in the past two months and it’s my favorite spot in ABQ. The experience is fantastic from the staff, room comfort, surroundings and food. I happily recommend it!"

Reviewed on 17 Sept 2025

ARRIVE Albuquerque
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.
Bricklight District Modern Cottage

Bricklight District Modern Cottage

Albuquerque
Stay at this cottage in Albuquerque. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions ABQ Uptown and Isleta Amphitheater are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
"Bathroom mainly the shower and floor could have been cleaner. Cobb webs in corners."

Reviewed on 18 Sept 2025

Bricklight District Modern Cottage
Charming 2-bedroom condo in wonderful Albuquerque with WiFi, AC.

Charming 2-bedroom condo in wonderful Albuquerque with WiFi, AC.

Albuquerque
Stay at this condo in Albuquerque. Enjoy air conditioning. Popular attractions Isleta Amphitheater and ABQ Uptown are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
"We had such a wonderful experience! Home was clean, comfortable, and had everything we needed. Luis was easy to communicate with, always responsive and the location was perfect. It truly felt like a home away from home. We would definitely stay here again and highly recommend it to anyone looking ..."

Reviewed on 8 Sept 2025

Charming 2-bedroom condo in wonderful Albuquerque with WiFi, AC.
Exclusive views, private pool, desert paradise!

Exclusive views, private pool, desert paradise!

Albuquerque
Book a stay at this ski vacation home in Albuquerque. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a garden. Popular attractions Rio Grande Nature Center State Park and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (33 reviews)
Great view to the west.
"Nice home close to the river. Good space. House can use some updates. Hot tub fits 4 adults. We had a great time there and the hosts were very responsive."

Reviewed on 8 May 2025

Exclusive views, private pool, desert paradise!
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

Activities

Reviews of Albuquerque

4.1
Top destination
5 - Excellent
2
5 - Excellent 20%
4 - Good
7
4 - Good 70%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 10%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

just an overnight stay on my way west, highly recommend this hotel could not fault the hotel.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

We were there for one night just went to old town very close to hotel 

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Drove to top of mountain a really nice drive. Did not use cable tram. Old part of town is interesting

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

We thoroughly enjoyed our road trip through New Mexico and loved our time in Albuquerque.

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