Neighborhood Guide

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 several museums and more than 100 shops, galleries and restaurants.

Top Things To Do in Old Town

Walk around Old Town Plaza, including Plaza Don Luis, to browse unique shops and restaurants. Head to Church Street Cafe for delicious New Mexican cuisine, or take a short walk over to Sawmill Market to experience Albuquerque's first food hall.

Downtown

Downtown is where you'll 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.

Top Things To Do Downtown

Grab a bite to eat at 505 Central Food Hall before heading over to the KiMo Theatre for a performance. Wrap up the day by grabbing a beer at Marble Brewery or Rio Bravo Brewing Company.

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.

TOP THINGS TO DO IN NOB HILL

Indulge in delicious Italian food at M'tucci's Bar Roma or a cocktail at Hotel ZAZZ's Z Lounge. Shop at Kei & Molly Textiles, Cowboys & Indians Antiques or And Stuff Retail Collective.

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.

Photo Credit: www.kipmalone.com

Top Things To Do in the Airport Area

There are many great restaurant options near the Sunport, including local favorite Dion's and The Landing with Pizza 9. Attend a concert at Isleta Amphitheater, or catch an Albuquerque Isotopes or New Mexico United game.

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.

TOP THINGS TO DO IN THE UNIVERSITY AREA

Experience Route 66 with a burger and shake from 66 Diner or throw a tea party at Snapdragon Tea. Catch a performance at Popejoy Hall or Outpost Performance Space, take a class at Keshet Dance & Center for the Arts, or rock climb at Stone Age Climbing Gym.

Uptown

The Uptown area encompasses a major business center as well as EXPO New Mexico and three 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, ABQ Uptown and Winrock Town Center feature a wide range of shopping opportunities, including local shops and national department stores.

TOP THINGS TO DO IN UPTOWN

Pay Coronado Center a visit to shop hundreds of stores. Find your way out of an escape room at Escape in Time. Stop by one of the dozens of restaurants in the area, including Mediterranean staple Chello Grill and La Madeleine French Bakery and Cafe.

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.

TOP THINGS TO DO ON THE EASTSIDE

Take the Sandia Mountain Aerial Tramway to the top of the Sandia Mountains, and don't forget to grab a drink or meal at Ten 3 while you're up there. Fun activities for the whole family include bumper cars, arcade games and more at Hinkle Fun Center and attending a New Mexico Ice Wolves hockey game.

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.

TOP THINGS TO DO IN THE BALLOON FIESTA PARK AREA

Treat yourself to some New Mexican cuisine at Tomasita's or Sadie's on Academy. Go wine tasting at VARA Winery & Distillery and don't forget to pick up some chocolates at Eldora Chocolate. Spend your evening at Main Event, Revel Entertainment or Topgolf.

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.

TOP THINGS TO DO IN THE NORTH VALLEY

There are plenty of tasty restaurants to choose from, ranging from Native American cuisine at the Indian Pueblo Kitchen to fine dining at Farm & Table. Spend a spa day at Betty's Bath & Day Spa or Hacienda Spa at Los Poblanos. Learn more about Native American culture at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, and pick your own chile, sunflowers and more at Big Jim Farms.

WESTSIDE

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

TOP THINGS TO DO ON THE WESTSIDE

Explore interactive games at Electric Playhouse. Take a leisurely stroll along the Rio Grande at the Open Space Visitor Center. Grab a beer at La Cumbre Brewing Company, and get some shopping done at Cottonwood Mall.

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.

TOP THINGS TO DO IN THE SOUTH VALLEY

Cultural meccas of the city, the National Hispanic Cultural Center and the South Broadway Cultural Center are both located in this area. Stop by the ABQ BioPark Zoo to see a variety of native and exotic animals.

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.

Top Things To Do in the Surrounding Areas

Visit a New Mexico landmark like the Coronado Historic Site or the Ice Cave & Bandera Volcano. Get out on the water with Big River Raft Trips or New Mexico River Adventures. Visit the Acoma Pueblo and stop by the Sky City Cultural Center & Haak'u Museum.