Albuquerque New Mexico Travel Guide

Albuquerque is found in central New Mexico, at the intersection of I-40 and I-25. With a metro population exceeding 900,000, the city is large but retains its southwestern United States flavor and charm. An outstanding year-round climate doesn’t hurt, either!

Visitors often fly into Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ); if they drive to the city, getting around by car is not difficult. New Mexico Rail Runner Express is a commuter rail service which primarily serves the Albuquerque to Santa Fe route, thereby making visiting both cities in a single trip easily accomplished. City Bus and the ABQ Trolley Co. are both available to help you get around.

Old Town Albuquerque is the city’s heart, offering multiple museums, and a great many restaurants, shops and galleries – why not consider an Albuquerque hotel in this area? The Albuquerque Museum of Art and History features a Sculpture Garden and offers popular outdoor concerts during the summer. ABQ BioPark is also located in Old Town, next to the Rio Grande River; you will find an Aquarium, a Botanic Garden, the Albuquerque Zoo and Tingley Beach within the park. The annual River of Lights holiday celebration is held at BioPark.

A large number of attractions can be found in this Albuquerque New Mexico Travel Guide which are located in this area of the city, including historic buildings such as the KiMo Theatre which is on the National Register of Historic Places. You can enjoy cultural experiences at this venue. Albuquerque is considered one of the top arts destinations in the country, so it’s no surprise that The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is on most visitors’ must-see lists. In April and October, this center offers an Indian Art Market where you can buy handmade goods straight from the artist. Weems International Artfest is another well-known arts event, proferring amazing works from hundreds of artists. And don't miss one of the New Mexico Department of Tourism's Top Ten Attractions, the Rio Grande Arts and Crafts Festivals, held in March, October and November - it's fantastic!

Perhaps the most well-known of Albuquerque’s plethora of annual events is the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Folks travel from all over to ooooh and aaaah at the mass launchings of hundreds of colorful hot air and gas balloons, as well as the beyond beautiful evening balloon glows.

Riding in a balloon is just one way of obtaining panoramic views of the Sandia and Manzano Mountains and the Rio Grande River, flowing through the city, north to south. Consider visiting the Sandia Peak Ski and Tramway, where you can ride high in the sky, absorbing breathtaking vistas. This popular ski area also offers 26 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. Petroglyph National Monument is another option for exploring the wondrous New Mexico outdoors; hike through beautiful canyons to see some of the estimated 15,000 drawings. Albuquerque’s climate is perfect for cycling, and The Paseo del Bosque Trail offers 16 miles of paved trails following the Rio Grande River.

Expo New Mexico is another destination which might have something of interest for you. First, the annual New Mexico State Fair is held here each September, with a great selection of shows and displays, concerts and rodeos. You will also find The Downs Racetrack and Casino at the Expo. Two other popular local gaming sites are the Hard Rock and Sandia Casinos.

For sporting action, you have several options in Albuquerque. First, the University of New Mexico Division 1 Lobo football team plays at University Stadium; the annual New Mexico Bowl is played at this stadium, too. University Arena, known as The Pit, is the venue for Lobo men’s and women’s basketball games. Albuquerque Isotopes minor league baseball games are a big draw during the summer, at state-of-the-art Isotopes Park. Santa Ana Star Center, in nearby Rio Rancho, is home of the NAHL New Mexico Mustangs. You can also see big-time concerts and events at this Center.

Golf is one of the many reasons visitors come to New Mexico, and you need not look any further than the Championship Golf Course at UNM, considered one of the best layouts in the state. For another challenge, travel to Paa-Ko Ridge Golf Club, about a 20 minute drive, for 27 holes offering the bonus of amazing high-desert and mountain views.

A couple other reasons for visiting Albuquerque are the annual Gathering of Nations Pow Wow, one of the largest in the country attracting in excess of 130,000 people, and the New Mexico Wine Festival, a food and tasting event held in September in nearby Bernalillo.

Albuquerque may have a funny name, but the city is serious about offering visitors the time of their life!  Maybe it’s time for you to start planning your exploration of the spectacular Southwest right now.