New Mexico City Guides

Albuquerque New Mexico - City Guide

It's not the state capital, but it is certainly the largest and most vibrant city.

Introducing Albuquerque

Hearing the words Mile-High City, most people think of Denver, Colorado. But, the city of Albuquerque is also quite literally a mile above sea-level, and blessed with a four-season climate of sunny days and starry nights. Our mostly temperate weather comes from being in the southern part of the USA, combined with our high desert altitude. So our winters are milder than other parts of the country - tempered by all that sun. Our summers can get hot, but it is the proverbial dry heat, and the desert and altitude means it cools off at night.

Initial impression of this big bustling city may be one of a sprawling desert city, but the mix of Spanish, Mexican, Native American, Anglo, and Asian cultures have created a vibrant multicultural metropolis. Our first-rate museums, vibrant community theater, the University of New Mexico cultural contributions, architectural mix, and offbeat/funky neighborhoods and galleries have produced a city that will surprise and delight.

It rocks in the Albuquerque Summer Events and charms in the winter.

Read more about Albuquerque at: Albuquerque Travel Examiner

Dining in Albuquerque

Albuquerque abounds in dining options. Even if you have no interest in chile you can eat well throughout the city. Italian restaurants and pizza places, Asian cuisines including Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese. We have fusion restaurants and pure French restaurants. Informal and fancy.

But we shine when it comes to our New Mexican cuisine which is not the same as Mexican (read about the differences between New Mexican and Mexican.

There's no shortage of great places - read about some of Albuquerque's mouth-watering restaurants.

Shopping in Albuquerque

The first time I set foot in Albuquerque I took out my credit card and I confess I didn't put it away until I was on the plane back to New York. That's where I was living at the time. I can't say I moved to Duke City for the shopping, but to this day I believe Albuquerque has some of the best shopping in the country. Our Shopping Guide to Albuquerque tells you our favorite places. And before you buy turquoise, read our Guide to Buying Turquoise in New Mexico

Nightlife

Albuquerque is not much of a swinging city. The students of UNM seem to enjoy the nightlife and bars more than the rest of the city, but ABQ is growing up in its entertainment. Casa Ensencia attracts a 20- and 30-something crowd but with a $20 cover, and drinks at $10, it's way more than a bar hopping joint. Hotel Andaluz has entertainment in the lobby (with tapas as well as drinks), and their upstairs roof top bar.

The Arts

Community theater is one of the city's shining stars. With over 30 organizations and venues, there's a theatrical performance for everyone. And the twice-a-month Art Crawls are a favorite for locals and visitors.

For an experience at the intersection of music and spirituality, the Church of Beethoven offers music, poetry, community every Sunday - along with coffee, tea and pastries.

Public Art

Art museums are all very important - fragile art can’t be left on street corners. But what cities really need is art in public places. Art surrounding people as they go about their lives. Enriching, fascinating, or just plain challenging their perceptions and creating moments of delighted discovery.

The movement of a percent for public art started with the federal government about 30 years ago. Albuquerque thought it a great idea and joined other fledgling public art programs across the country. In 2008, Albuquerque Public Art Program celebrated its 30th anniversary. Read more about Albuquerque's vibrant public art program.

Not all of the art that graces the city is part of the Public Art program. In 2003 a fire devastated the Bosque, and Pueblo Montano park, part of Albuquerque’s Open Space program. Trees and vegetation were destroyed. Today, that bleak landscape has been turned into an unusual sculpture park through the chainsaw artistry of Mark Chavez. Chavez was one of the firefighters who fought the Bosque blaze. Today Pueblo Montano Picnic Area and Trailhead is one of the city's little-known gems, thanks to the wood-carving artistry of Mark Chavez.

Multi-cultural Albuquerque

Part of the vitality of this multi-cultural city comes from its mix of heritage - Colonial Spanish, native American, Mexican, Anglo, even Asian cultures have made this city (and the state) home. Each colors the multi-cultural tapestry. Enjoy our truly multi-cultural city.

Museums, Biopark Zoo, and Botanic Gardens of Albuquerque

Explore science, natural history, experience Fractal Friday, enjoy Adult Night at Explora! From the Museums of Albuquerque, to the visit the Biopark Zoo and much more. Easily enough to fill several days.

Albuquerque also has a serious side. The New Mexico Holocaust & Intolerance Museum is the only one in the state, and focuses attention on genocide across time and coutnries. Intolerance knows no geographical limitations.

Pet Friendly Albuquerque

Although the statistics aren't available, New Mexico, and Albuquerque must be one of the country's pet friendliest cities. Almost everyone here seems to have a dog, or two. If you're thinking of visiting with your four-legged companion, read about where you can eat, sleep, and enjoy our great outdoor activities with your dog

Budget-Friendly Albuquerque

Generally New Mexico is not an expensive destination, and the biggest city in the state, Albuquerque, is also one of the most affordable. Which is why we call it Affordable Albuquerque.

Family Albuquerque

Albuquerque, the largest city in New Mexico, is also the city with the most family-friendly fun. Explore the underside of the garden, go fishing in a special pond only for children, learn about ballooning, interact with science, picnic in the mountains, or along the river. There's a reason the city is often named as one of the family-friendly cities in the country. Albuquerque for Family Fun

Tours of Albuquerque

Albuquerque Trolley Company offers a a 66-minute tour of the city. Actually, it's more like 70 or 80 minutes, but that doesn't fit with the Route 66 theme of the city. Read about the tour and how to get a great overview of Duke City at Trolley Tour of Albuquerque

Another favorite for tourists and locals are the Ghost Tours. Facts, legends, and fun stories combined in these evening tours offered by Tours Of Old Town. They also offer history tours and magic tours as well.

Hiking, Biking, and Fitness Trails

There is no shortage of ways to keep physically fit in Albuquerque. Tramway offers miles of walking/biking/jogging on the paved segments that run along the mountains. On the west side of the city, the Bosque Trail winds about 15 miles along the Rio Grande through mature cottonwoods, wetlands and ample open space. The City of Albuquerque lists some of the trails and their level of difficulty.

One of the most popular Open Space parks in the city is Elena Gallegos. The city abounds in picnic spots When the weather is hot, cool off at Cienega Canyon in the Cibola National Forest. Picnic sites, bathrooms, handicapped accessible trails and facilities. It's a beauty.

The Open Space Program is one of the jewels of the city. But perhaps one of the unique parts of the city's committment to fitness is the HealthBeat™ trail of fitness equipment. Introduced with little fanfare, few people even realize it's there in the green space of Tiguex Park. Part of the city’s Prescription Trails Program, but clearly innovative, these 9 pieces of equipment are comparable to what would be found in a gym, only at Tiguex it’s free, outdoors, and open 24/7. Read about Albuquerque's free outdoor fitness center.

Being in the middle of some of the most breathtaking scenery and rich cultural resources, the city of Albuquerque and its citizen groups worked to protect and open the Petroglyph National Monument. Black volcanic boulders have tumbled down the escarpment. Hardy green bushes have sunk their roots into the crumbling protosoil. It isn’t until you begin a walk one of the trails up the rugged rock face at Petroglyph National Monument in New Mexico, that you see the images left by the indigenous carvers. You'll also enjoy the slide show.

Albuquerque New Mexico - City Guide It's not the state capital, but it is certainly the largest and most vibrant city. Introducing Albuquerque Hearing the words Mile-High City, most people think of Denver, Colorado. But, the city of Albuquerque is also quite literally a mile above sea-level, and blessed with a four-season climate of sunny days and starry nights. Our mostly temperate weather comes from being in the southern part of the USA, combined with our high desert altitude. So our winters are milder than other parts of the country - tempered by all that sun. Our summers can get hot, but it is the proverbial dry heat, and the desert and altitude means it cools off at night. Initial impression of this big bustling city may be one of a sprawling desert city, but the mix of Spanish, Mexican, Native American, Anglo, and Asian cultures have created a vibrant multicultural metropolis. Our first-rate museums, vibrant community theater, the University of New Mexico cultural contributions, architectural mix, and offbeat/funky neighborhoods and galleries have produced a city that will surprise and delight. It rocks in the Albuquerque Summer Events and charms in the winter. Read more about Albuquerque at: Albuquerque Travel Examiner Dining in Albuquerque Albuquerque abounds in dining options. Even if you have no interest in chile you can eat well throughout the city. Italian restaurants and pizza places, Asian cuisines including Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese. We have fusion restaurants and pure French restaurants. Informal and fancy. But we shine when it comes to our New Mexican cuisine which is not the same as Mexican (read about the differences between New Mexican and Mexican. There's no shortage of great places - read about some of Albuquerque's mouth-watering restaurants. Shopping in Albuquerque The first time I set foot in Albuquerque I took out my credit card and I confess I didn't put it away until I was on the plane back to New York. That's where I was living at the time. I can't say I moved to Duke City for the shopping, but to this day I believe Albuquerque has some of the best shopping in the country. Our Shopping Guide to Albuquerque tells you our favorite places. And before you buy turquoise, read our Guide to Buying Turquoise in New Mexico Nightlife Albuquerque is not much of a swinging city. The students of UNM seem to enjoy the nightlife and bars more than the rest of the city, but ABQ is growing up in its entertainment. Casa Ensencia attracts a 20- and 30-something crowd but with a $20 cover, and drinks at $10, it's way more than a bar hopping joint. Hotel Andaluz has entertainment in the lobby (with tapas as well as drinks), and their upstairs roof top bar. The Arts Community theater is one of the city's shining stars. With over 30 organizations and venues, there's a theatrical performance for everyone. And the twice-a-month Art Crawls are a favorite for locals and visitors. For an experience at the intersection of music and spirituality, the Church of Beethoven offers music, poetry, community every Sunday - along with coffee, tea and pastries. Public Art Art museums are all very important - fragile art can’t be left on street corners. But what cities really need is art in public places. Art surrounding people as they go about their lives. Enriching, fascinating, or just plain challenging their perceptions and creating moments of delighted discovery. The movement of a percent for public art started with the federal government about 30 years ago. Albuquerque thought it a great idea and joined other fledgling public art programs across the country. In 2008, Albuquerque Public Art Program celebrated its 30th anniversary. Read more about Albuquerque's vibrant public art program. Not all of the art that graces the city is part of the Public Art program. In 2003 a fire devastated the Bosque, and Pueblo Montano park, part of Albuquerque’s Open Space program. Trees and vegetation were destroyed. Today, that bleak landscape has been turned into an unusual sculpture park through the chainsaw artistry of Mark Chavez. Chavez was one of the firefighters who fought the Bosque blaze. Today Pueblo Montano Picnic Area and Trailhead is one of the city's little-known gems, thanks to the wood-carving artistry of Mark Chavez. Multi-cultural Albuquerque Part of the vitality of this multi-cultural city comes from its mix of heritage - Colonial Spanish, native American, Mexican, Anglo, even Asian cultures have made this city (and the state) home. Each colors the multi-cultural tapestry. Enjoy our truly multi-cultural city. Museums, Biopark Zoo, and Botanic Gardens of Albuquerque Explore science, natural history, experience Fractal Friday, enjoy Adult Night at Explora! From the Museums of Albuquerque, to the visit the Biopark Zoo and much more. Easily enough to fill several days. Albuquerque also has a serious side. The New Mexico Holocaust & Intolerance Museum is the only one in the state, and focuses attention on genocide across time and coutnries. Intolerance knows no geographical limitations. Pet Friendly Albuquerque Although the statistics aren't available, New Mexico, and Albuquerque must be one of the country's pet friendliest cities. Almost everyone here seems to have a dog, or two. If you're thinking of visiting with your four-legged companion, read about where you can eat, sleep, and enjoy our great outdoor activities with your dog Budget-Friendly Albuquerque Generally New Mexico is not an expensive destination, and the biggest city in the state, Albuquerque, is also one of the most affordable. Which is why we call it Affordable Albuquerque. Family Albuquerque Albuquerque, the largest city in New Mexico, is also the city with the most family-friendly fun. Explore the underside of the garden, go fishing in a special pond only for children, learn about ballooning, interact with science, picnic in the mountains, or along the river. There's a reason the city is often named as one of the family-friendly cities in the country. Albuquerque for Family Fun Tours of Albuquerque Albuquerque Trolley Company offers a a 66-minute tour of the city. Actually, it's more like 70 or 80 minutes, but that doesn't fit with the Route 66 theme of the city. Read about the tour and how to get a great overview of Duke City at Trolley Tour of Albuquerque Another favorite for tourists and locals are the Ghost Tours. Facts, legends, and fun stories combined in these evening tours offered by Tours Of Old Town. They also offer history tours and magic tours as well. Hiking, Biking, and Fitness Trails There is no shortage of ways to keep physically fit in Albuquerque. Tramway offers miles of walking/biking/jogging on the paved segments that run along the mountains. On the west side of the city, the Bosque Trail winds about 15 miles along the Rio Grande through mature cottonwoods, wetlands and ample open space. The City of Albuquerque lists some of the trails and their level of difficulty. One of the most popular Open Space parks in the city is Elena Gallegos. The city abounds in picnic spots When the weather is hot, cool off at Cienega Canyon in the Cibola National Forest. Picnic sites, bathrooms, handicapped accessible trails and facilities. It's a beauty. The Open Space Program is one of the jewels of the city. But perhaps one of the unique parts of the city's committment to fitness is the HealthBeat™ trail of fitness equipment. Introduced with little fanfare, few people even realize it's there in the green space of Tiguex Park. Part of the city’s Prescription Trails Program, but clearly innovative, these 9 pieces of equipment are comparable to what would be found in a gym, only at Tiguex it’s free, outdoors, and open 24/7. Read about Albuquerque's free outdoor fitness center. Being in the middle of some of the most breathtaking scenery and rich cultural resources, the city of Albuquerque and its citizen groups worked to protect and open the Petroglyph National Monument. Black volcanic boulders have tumbled down the escarpment. Hardy green bushes have sunk their roots into the crumbling protosoil. It isn’t until you begin a walk one of the trails up the rugged rock face at Petroglyph National Monument in New Mexico, that you see the images left by the indigenous carvers. You'll also enjoy the slide show. © 2010
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