Albuquerque, New Mexico — Where to Go
Albuquerque Sightseeing Overview
Albuquerque has a handful of neighborhoods suitable for strolling as well as numerous opportunities for hiking, although the best way to explore is by car. The best place to begin getting to know the city is Old Town Plaza (near the intersection of Central Avenue and Rio Grande Boulevard) and the surrounding blocks, which afford a glimpse of Albuquerque's roots. You'll find many galleries, shops and eateries, most specializing in Hispanic or Native American styles, in Old Town.
The Indian Pueblo Culture Center (tel: (505) 843 7270 or 1 866 855 7902; www.indianpueblo.org), near Old Town, houses a museum, shops, galleries and a restaurant that features New Mexican and Pueblo Indian dishes.
If the Rio Grande River is Albuquerque's lifeblood, then Central Avenue (old Route 66), with its many quirky attractions, is its heart. The largest university in the state, the University of New Mexico, is located along Central Avenue, east of downtown. A stroll around campus reveals excellent examples of pueblo revival style architecture. A lovely landscaped duck pond area near the campus center is a great spot for a picnic. Look for the University of New Mexico Welcome Center (tel: (505) 277 1989; www.unm.edu).
Just minutes away by foot to the east of the university, the Nob Hill area (Girard to east of Carlisle) contains some of the city's trendiest shops and restaurants.
Albuquerque Tourist Information
Albuquerque Convention & Visitors Bureau
Old Town Information Center, Plaza Don Luis, Romero Street NW
Tel: 1 800 284 2282.
Website: www.itsatrip.org
A second visitor information center is located at the airport, in the lower level of the Albuquerque International Sunport in the baggage claim area.
Key Attractions in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Historic Old Town
A repository of history a short drive from downtown Albuquerque, Old Town retains the architectural style of the 1700s and is home to more than 150 stores, 25 galleries, plenty of fine restaurants and several museums.
Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
The center interprets the history and culture of New Mexico's 19 American Indian pueblos, and presents ceremonial dances and craft demonstrations on weekends.
2401 12th Street NW
Tel: (505) 843 7270 or 1 866 855 7902.
Website: www.indianpueblo.org
National Hispanic Cultural Center of New Mexico
The largest Latino cultural center in the country, this extensive facility includes state-of-the-art performance spaces and galleries that present a variety of programs and installations celebrating Hispanic culture both locally and regionally. There's also a restaurant serving authentic New Mexico food.
1701 Fourth Street SW
Tel: (505) 246 2261.
Website: www.nationalhispaniccenter.org
The Albuquerque Museum of Art & History
In the heart of Old Town, the museum features art of the Southwest as well as permanent and traveling exhibits detailing 400 years of Albuquerque and Rio Grande Valley history.
2000 Mountain Road NW
Tel: (505) 243 7255.
Website: www.cabq.gov/museum
Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway
The world's longest such conveyance, this 4.2km (2.7-mile) tramway transports visitors above from the city's Northeast Heights neighborhood high into the spectacular terrain of the Sandia Mountains and the Cibola National Forest. There's a popular restaurant at the top.
10 Tramway Loop NE, off I-25 Exit 234 or I-40 Exit 167
Tel: (505) 856 7325.
Website: www.sandiapeak.com
Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum
Hot-air balloons have been used for adventure, scientific experiments, warfare, the arts, espionage and the exploration of space. Albuquerque, considered the world capital of recreational hot-air ballooning, celebrates this heritage with a high-tech museum filled with historic artifacts and impressive interactive multimedia displays.
9201 Balloon Museum Drive, Balloon Fiesta Park
Tel: (505) 880 0500.
Website: www.balloonmuseum.com
Further Distractions
Petroglyph National Monument
This important archaeological site contains the world's largest accessible collection of petroglyphs - ancient Indian images carved into the black rock remnants of extinct volcanoes.
6001 Unser Boulevard NW
Tel: (505) 899 0205.
Website: www.nps.gov/petr
Rio Grande Zoo
Founded in 1927, this 26-hectare (64-acre) facility houses more than 1,000 animals in their natural habitats, including an African savannah and Amazon rainforest. Popular species include seals and sea lions, chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutans, elephants, polar bears, giraffes, hippos, camels, tamarins, koalas, Mexican wolves, mountain lions, monkeys, jaguars, zebras and rhinoceros.
903 10th Street SW
Tel: (505) 768 2000.
Website: www.cabq.gov/biopark/zoo
American International Rattlesnake Museum
This offbeat museum holds the world's largest collection of live rattlesnakes, as well as a wide array of snake-related artwork, artifacts and memorabilia.
202 San Felipe Street NW
Tel: (505) 242 6569.
Website: www.rattlesnakes.com
