Albuquerque, NM

Travel 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 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

The Querque Hotel
The Querque Hotel
3 out of 5
1760 Menaul Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM
The price is $63 per night from Sep 24 to Sep 25
$63
per night
Sep 24 - Sep 25
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Albuquerque. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the comfy rooms ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,246 reviews)
"Good for this price"

Reviewed on Sep 23, 2023

The Querque Hotel
Sandia Resort And Casino
Sandia Resort And Casino
4 out of 5
30 Rainbow Rd Ne, Albuquerque, NM
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is $269 per night from Oct 16 to Oct 17
$269
per night
Oct 16 - Oct 17
Stay at this 4-star spa resort in Albuquerque. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Balloon Fiesta Park and Sandia Casino ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
"We love staying here is clean staff is great, and we feel safe."

Reviewed on Sep 21, 2023

Sandia Resort And Casino
Baymont by Wyndham Albuquerque Airport
Baymont by Wyndham Albuquerque Airport
2.5 out of 5
2601 Mulberry St Se, Albuquerque, NM
The price is $81 per night from Oct 22 to Oct 23
$81
per night
Oct 22 - Oct 23
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Albuquerque. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the convenient parking ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,771 reviews)
"Very clean and friendly staff"

Reviewed on Sep 20, 2023

Baymont by Wyndham Albuquerque Airport
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.
Hip Modern Loft in Downtown Albuquerque
Hip Modern Loft in Downtown Albuquerque
Albuquerque
Stay at this condo in Albuquerque. Enjoy WiFi, a Smart TV, and 2 bathrooms. Popular attractions El Rey Theater and Holocaust & Intolerance Museum of New Mexico ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (19 reviews)
Nice Condo
"Nice condo in downtown ABQ. Clean and quiet."

Reviewed on Sep 16, 2023

Hip Modern Loft in Downtown Albuquerque
Spectacular Home Northeast Heights- Casino, Golf, Hiking, I-25, Balloon Fiesta
Spectacular Home Northeast Heights- Casino, Golf, Hiking, I-25, Balloon Fiesta
Albuquerque
Stay at this ski vacation home in Albuquerque. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Balloon Fiesta Park and Gruet Winery are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (108 reviews)
Weekend Getaway
"Great, clean property! Would stay again. Highly recommend it if you are visiting Albequerque"

Reviewed on Sep 22, 2023

Spectacular Home Northeast Heights- Casino, Golf, Hiking, I-25, Balloon Fiesta
Newly renovated 3Bed 2Ba Family Home with Mountain View
Newly renovated 3Bed 2Ba Family Home with Mountain View
Albuquerque
Stay at this vacation home in Albuquerque. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a Smart TV. Popular attractions Kids Quest and Route 66 Casino are located nearby. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (17 reviews)
Clean, Comfortable and Convenient
"This is a recently remodeled and clean home that has all you need for a comfortable stay. We were there 4 nights with 4 adults, and it was very comfortable with nice amenities. Just a few minutes from central Albuquerque and many attractions."

Reviewed on Sep 19, 2023

Newly renovated 3Bed 2Ba Family Home with Mountain View
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.

Getting around Albuquerque

Most people get around Albuquerque by car, and renting one is the best way to explore the city and its surroundings, given that taxis are expensive. The city is very sprawling, so walking everywhere is not viable, and while there are bus routes they are more useful for commuters than tourists. The Sandia Tram, Petroglyph National Monument and other popular attractions are best accessed by car. Visit the The New Mexico Department of Transportation website.Browse Albuquerque rental cars.

Best time to visit

Albuquerque is in the desert, and as such it has very hot summers, with average highs in July in the low 90s F (low 30s C). This time of year also sees frequent thunderstorms. The best time to visit is fall, when the weather is warm but not too hot, and you can attend popular festivals like the International Balloon Fiesta. During the winter, snow attracts skiers to the nearby Sandia Mountains.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Albuquerque

4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
1647
" "5 - Excellent 28.02927161334241%
4 - Good
2812
" "4 - Good 47.85568413886998%
3 - Okay
1179
" "3 - Okay 20.064669843430906%
2 - Disappointing
149
" "2 - Disappointing 2.5357385976855005%
1 - Terrible
89
" "1 - Terrible 1.514635806671205%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Jun 7, 2020

Only passing through

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Jun 7, 2020

It was nice just a small desert city

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Jun 4, 2020

I like Albuquerque, the people are great ,worst experience ive ever had at the Ramada

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Jun 1, 2020

They are ok here at motel.. Tp much people here

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
May 31, 2020

ABQ is an ok city. It definitely did not wow me. It truly reminds me as a blue collar working city almost like a Pittsburgh but without all the sunshine. Lot's of homeless people all over the city. I personally would not live here. Weather is ok!

3/5 - Okay

Mr.Honest
May 30, 2020

Albuquerque is an ok city. Lot's of homeless people around the city.

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