Neighborhood Guide

Albuquerque's distinctive neighborhoods reflect the great diversity of our city, from the 18th-century Old Town Plaza to the gleaming new buildings of the buzzing Downtown area, the quiet beauty of the North Valley and the Spanish-style architecture of Barelas. Each of these areas has a unique personality and a variety of places to stay, things to do and delicacies to eat. As you move around the city from one neighborhood to the next, we know you will be amazed by the changes in scenery and the contrasts between historic and modern architecture.

Explore Our Neighborhoods

Historic Old Town

Historic Old Town has been the heart of Albuquerque since the city was founded in 1706. Today Old Town is the city's cultural center, with seven museums and more than 100 shops, galleries and restaurants.

Downtown

Downtown is in the midst of a multimillion-dollar revitalization. Find bustling nightlife along Central Avenue (Route 66), including many nightclubs, theaters and restaurants. The Albuquerque Convention Center is located downtown and is close to several major hotels.

Nob Hill

Nob Hill is a vibrant district with eclectic shops, swanky dining and chic nightspots. Its Route 66 architecture and neon signs, combined with predominantly locally owned shops, galleries and restaurants, make Nob Hill a hip and fashionable area.

Airport Area

The airport area is home to the Albuquerque Sunport (our airport), major sports stadiums and arenas, and Kirtland Air Force Base and Sandia National Laboratories. There are plenty of hotels conveniently located next to the airport.

Midtown/University

The Midtown/University area is centered around the University of New Mexico campus. It has hotels and restaurants that are conveniently located near the I-25/I-40 ("Big I") intersection.

Uptown

The Uptown area encompasses a major business center as well as EXPO New Mexico and two of Albuquerque’s main shopping malls. EXPO New Mexico is home to the New Mexico State Fair, one of the largest state fairs in the country. During the year it is a popular venue for sporting events, festivals and concerts. Coronado Center and ABQ Uptown feature a wide range of shopping opportunities, including local shops and national department stores.

Eastside

The Eastside encompasses the foothills of the Sandia Mountains, which offer great outdoor activities such as hiking and mountain biking. The Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway takes visitors from the base to the top of the mountains on a spectacular ride.

Balloon Fiesta Park/North I-25

The Balloon Fiesta Park/N I-25 area is home to Balloon Fiesta Park and the Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum. Many major hotels and chain restaurants are in this area, offering convenient access to business and entertainment activities.

North Valley/Los Ranchos/Corrales

The North Valley/Los Ranchos/Corrales areas are in a lush green valley that runs along the Rio Grande. This area is known for its wonderful outdoor activities, wineries, farmers markets and spas.

Westside

The Westside is marked by the peaks of dormant volcanoes and the treasures of Petroglyph National Monument, where visitors can walk among ancient volcanic rock etchings.

South Valley/Barelas

Barelas and the South Valley maintain close ties to Albuquerque's Hispanic roots. It is here that you will find many excellent New Mexican and Mexican restaurants, as well as the National Hispanic Cultural Center.

Surrounding Areas

The areas surrounding Albuquerque, including Rio Rancho and the East Mountains, provide many unforgettable experiences, such as the Turquoise Trail and Tinkertown Museum.