While they recommend travelers budget $244 a day for lodging and meals for two adults traveling together, for Albuquerque they estimated $179 would do just fine. Actually, you can see the city for a lot less than that.

The city is blessed with all kinds of lodging options. Visitors can get a room in the Econolodge near Old Town, or at the Quality Inn in the North East Search lodging options at: ItsATrip.org

Although a nice dinner with wine could eat up quite a chunk, Albuquerque also has many low-cost dining options.

Flying Star has cafés around the city and is a good choice for any meal. Papa Felipe has good solid Mexican food -- it's another locals-eat-here favorite.

The ethnic eateries in the city abound with good prices. Try Café Trang for Vietnamese, and ABQ Chopstix for Chinese. For lunch enjoy Mediterranean sandwiches and platters at Café Istanbul. It’s more a market than a restaurant, but there are tables in the front. Or get it to go and have a picnic in one of the city parks. Hanker for Italian sandwiches? Tully’s Market is the best in town, and delicious by any standard. Go next door and pick up an Italian pastry for another treat.

For a wide range of inexpensive meals go to the University of New Mexico area, between downtown and Nob Hill on Central Avenue. The Frontier Restaurant is popular with students and area residents. It’s cafeteria style tasty New Mexican, (as well as some burgers and sandwiches). I love their breakfast burritos.

Of course, you’ll want to splurge a bit without going into debt, so head to Old Town and the Church Street Café. Ask to sit in the back patio and enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner. For Nob Hill, our funky and fun shopping district, IL Vicino is perfect for wood-oven pizza and pasta.

Several national chains are also in Albuquerque and provide an inexpensive, reliable dinner or lunch. Furr’s lacks atmosphere, but compensates with an all-you-can-eat buffet. You’ll find all the locals here because the food is great and the prices low. Cracker Barrel fans should know that they can find a outpost here in town.

Albuquerque also has great community theater - take in a play at the Albuquerque Little Theatre without busting your budget, or any of the small venues near the University for definitely quirky shows. Of course, University of New Mexico Popejoy Hall offers a complete year 'round program.