Albuquerque, NM

Travel Guide

Albuquerque featuring street scenes
Petroglyph National Monument featuring mountains
Albuquerque
Albuquerque featuring heritage architecture
Albuquerque which includes 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

3.5/5(1,327 area reviews)

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

Northeast Heights
Default Image

Downtown Albuquerque

3.5/5(704 area reviews)

Central business district with highrise buildings, Downtown Albuquerque offers shopping, dining, and nightlife along Central and Gold Avenues. Explore landmarks like KiMo Theater and enjoy convenient public transit options.

Downtown Albuquerque
Default Image

Old Town Albuquerque

Explore historic adobe buildings, dine at numerous restaurants, and shop at various stores in this popular tourist destination. Don't miss the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History, and the nearby New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science.

Old Town Albuquerque
Petroglyph National Monument featuring mountains

Westside

3.5/5(799 area reviews)

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 Gruet Winery 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 Adobe Theater.

North Valley
The Querque Hotel
The Querque Hotel
3 out of 5
1760 Menaul Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM
$70 nightly
The price is $81 total per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
$81 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
Total includes taxes and 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! (4,071 reviews)
"you are getting way more than what you pay for in my opinion, I stay at this hotel when ever in Albuquerque for a business trip."

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2025

The Querque Hotel
Hotel 505
Hotel 505
2.5 out of 5
900 Medical Arts Ave Ne, Albuquerque, NM
$60 nightly
The price is $70 total per night from Jul 9 to Jul 10
$70 total
Jul 9 - Jul 10
Total includes taxes and 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! (1,232 reviews)
"While i believe in you get what you pay for. Hotel 505 could have been cleaner. The upholstered chair should be thrown away it was so gross."

Reviewed on Jul 5, 2025

Hotel 505
ARRIVE Albuquerque
ARRIVE Albuquerque
4 out of 5
717 Central Avenue Northwest, Albuquerque, NM
$109 nightly
The price is $126 total per night from Jul 9 to Jul 10
$126 total
Jul 9 - Jul 10
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Albuquerque. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Popular attractions ABQ BioPark Zoo and ABQ Uptown ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (353 reviews)
"This hotel is awesome. Definitely reccommend. Reasonably priced for what they offered. The staff were great. And valet parking was all done through an app which worked perfrctly."

Reviewed on Jul 5, 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.
Spacious, Quiet Home in Gated Community, Family Friendly, King Bed, 3 Parkings
Spacious, Quiet Home in Gated Community, Family Friendly, King Bed, 3 Parkings
Albuquerque
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Albuquerque. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions ABQ Uptown and National ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (17 reviews)
"Great comfortable oasis in Albuquerque"

Reviewed on Jun 11, 2025

Spacious, Quiet Home in Gated Community, Family Friendly, King Bed, 3 Parkings
Entire Home+Centrally Located+Near HWY+HotTub+FREE WIFI+Pet Friendly+Putt Putt⛳
Entire Home+Centrally Located+Near HWY+HotTub+FREE WIFI+Pet Friendly+Putt Putt⛳
Albuquerque
Book a stay at this golf vacation home in Albuquerque. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and a garden. Popular attractions ABQ BioPark Zoo and Rio Grande Nature ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (12 reviews)
Great clean property in Albuquerque!
"5/5, Absolutely great stay! The property was clean, comfortable, and exactly as described. The host communicated clearly and quickly, making everything super easy. Overall, a wonderful experience, highly recommend staying here!"

Reviewed on Jul 3, 2025

Entire Home+Centrally Located+Near HWY+HotTub+FREE WIFI+Pet Friendly+Putt Putt⛳
Gusto Retreat * Hot Tub - An Irvie Home
Gusto Retreat * Hot Tub - An Irvie Home
2 out of 5
Albuquerque
Stay at this vacation home in Albuquerque. Enjoy private pools, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Balloon Fiesta Park and Paradise Hills ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
"Perfect place to call “home” for the week & made my work trip feel as close to as a vacation as it gets. The yard, spool & hot tub are awesome and it was great to have garage accessibility for when I came home later & wasn’t up to unpacking all my work equipment and wanted to have them secured inside. ..."

Reviewed on Jun 7, 2025

Gusto Retreat * Hot Tub - An Irvie Home
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 TransportationOpens in a new window 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

Things to do

Reviews of Albuquerque

4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
1647
5 - Excellent 28%
4 - Good
2812
4 - Good 48%
3 - Okay
1179
3 - Okay 20%
2 - Disappointing
149
2 - Disappointing 3%
1 - Terrible
89
1 - Terrible 2%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Only passing through

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

It was nice just a small desert city

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

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

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

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

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

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

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

Cities near Albuquerque

Other places like Albuquerque