Okay, hear us out. We’re about to let you in on a little secret that the New Mexico tourism board would probably frown upon us sharing. They're not exactly Miami or Paris over here in Albuquerque. They don’t have white sand beaches dotted with tanned models. They don’t have haughty waiters serving wine and cheese under the Eiffel Tower. What they DO have is blue skies meeting big red sandstone buttes, fluffy sopapillas dripping in honey, and green chile that’ll burn your face off faster than a dragon's breath (whew, is it hot!). But we’re getting ahead of ourselves.
You may think Albuquerque is just a funny-named dusty old desert town full of tumbleweeds and meth labs (thanks, Breaking Bad). Well, friend, let us tell you that you’d be dead wrong. This city SPARKLES. Allow us to enlighten you about the New Mexico jewel hidden in the high Chihuahuan desert that’s never been fully appreciated by the masses. Our travel guide will open your eyes to the hypnotizing magic that lies beneath Albuquerque’s cactus spines and occasional tourist trap cheesiness.
We’ll wander beneath cotton candy skies in classic Route 66 neon, feast on tacos al pastor from a questionable food truck (don’t worry, Pepto’s on us), and chat with jewel-toned artists showing their funky wares under sunny Portalicos. We may even nab a sighting of Walter White’s dilapidated RV while hot air balloons drift silently above the Sangre de Cristo mountains.
What do you say? Does a Southwestern adventure tickle your fancy? Then saddle up, partner! Albuquerque awaits with open arms and red chile-dusted fingers. Just don’t touch your eyes after eating that taco. Consider yourself warned.
About Albuquerque
Albuquerque is the largest city in New Mexico, with a population nearly double that of the next-largest city, Las Cruces. It's also larger than the state capital, Santa Fe, and is considered the cultural and political hub of the state. The city has been known by two nicknames, "City of Lights" and "Altiplano." It was founded by Francisco Cuervo y Valdes in 1706 and is home to the largest university in the state.
In 1900, Albuquerque had a population of 8,000, but it already had many modern amenities. For instance, it had an electric street railway that connected Old Town and New Town. It also had a university campus and a large train station. In the 1930s, it became a thriving city because of Route 66. Currently, it has a population of about one million.
The city has a rich culture and a diverse population. It is home to many different ethnic groups and is known as the cultural capital of the Southwest. It's sunny 310 days a year, making it an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts. There are numerous festivals, outdoor activities, and sports in Albuquerque.
Why Go to Albuquerque
Founded in 1706, the city of Albuquerque has a long history and a rich culture. Its oldest section, Old Town, features adobe walls and cobblestone streets. This area is rich in Spanish, Native American, and kitsch culture. The city is also home to Route 66, which takes you through the center of the city. Visitors can explore the state fair, which has exhibits, rodeos, and other fun activities.
While in Albuquerque, visitors should make time to explore the city's diverse cultural heritage. There are large percentages of Native Americans, Hispanics, and Latinos living in the city. This diversity is reflected in the city's cuisine, architecture, and art. To see examples of this unique culture, visitors can visit a pueblo and learn more about its history and culture. If you're interested in Native American art, you can also explore the Old Town area or visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center.
Albuquerque is a relatively inexpensive place to visit. The city has several major festivals throughout the year, including the International Balloon Fiesta in October. During this time, you can find special hotel deals and discounts.
Best Time to Go
If you're considering a trip to Albuquerque, you'll want to know when the weather is the most pleasant. Although you can visit Albuquerque year-round, the best time to go is during the spring or fall. While temperatures can reach highs of 92°F in June and July, they are typically cooler at night. You'll also find that the sun is at its brightest during these months. Although the city has a lot of rain in July and August, temperatures are rarely below freezing.
The fall and winter months are the best time to visit Albuquerque, as temperatures remain mild and the fall festivals are at their peak. In contrast, the winter months are a popular time for skiing, which contributes to higher hotel prices. Spring and summer, however, are less popular tourist seasons.
If you're a foodie, you'll be happy to know that Albuquerque's culinary scene is very diverse. There are plenty of dining options available outside and indoors. You can sample a variety of dishes at restaurants, brewpubs, and even a farm-to-table restaurant.
How to Get Around
If you are visiting Albuquerque, you might be wondering how to get around the city. Luckily, there are multiple public transportation options that will get you where you need to go. You can also use ride-hailing apps to get from one location to another. While they're not as plentiful as taxis, you can use them to make short trips within the city.
If you'd prefer to avoid traffic, bike. The city has 400 miles of bike paths, and there are more on the way. While bike paths are available for everyone, some schools discourage biking to school due to safety concerns. However, if you'd like to avoid traffic and enjoy the city's scenery, biking is an excellent option.
If you're unsure of how to get around Albuquerque without driving, you can hire a taxi. Taxis can be hard to find in the city, but you can find them in the Downtown area. You can also use a ride-hailing app like Uber to make your ride more convenient. You can also use public transportation to get to and from school.
Best Restaurants
Cafe Rafael in Albuquerque offers traditional New Mexican cooking. The menu features fresh ingredients and hearty dishes. It also offers a variety of salads and sandwiches. The cafe has been serving the community for more than 40 years. You can visit both locations to enjoy an excellent meal.
The menu at this downtown restaurant features a variety of traditional New Mexican foods. You can find a wide variety of chile dishes at this New Mexican favorite. This restaurant is family-owned since 1972 and has a long history. Its menu has evolved with the times, but the dishes have remained true to the original.
The Antiquity Restaurant is a favorite in old town Albuquerque. It features yucca fries, vegan chimichurri, and patacones (fried green plantain slices). Try their chicharron platter that comes with a fried egg on top. The ambiance at this old-town restaurant makes it a favorite among locals.
Things to Do
There are many things to do in Albuquerque. The city has plenty to offer visitors, from museums to outdoor adventures. Visitors can explore Tinkertown, a museum for creativity and objects, as well as the Downtown Growers Market. A visit to Robinson Park is also worth it, as it is home to the city's oldest farmers' market.
If you love hiking, then there are numerous hiking trails to choose from. The Paseo del Bosque Trail is a 16-mile hiking trail, and it has several art points to see along the way. It's a great way to get outdoors and explore Albuquerque's nature and history.
You can also check out the Balloon School, which specializes in aerial arts. Here, kids can learn to make their own mini lighter-than-air creations. Another great place to visit is Isotopes Park, where you can see the famous baseball team the Albuquerque Isotopes.
Neighborhoods to Know
Whether you're looking for a fun and safe neighborhood or want to be close to the University of New Mexico, there are plenty of neighborhoods to choose from. The city offers a great combination of cultural and modern vibes. Whether you're looking for a cozy and quiet neighborhood or a hip neighborhood filled with shops and trendy restaurants, you'll find it here.
When you move to a new city, you probably have plenty of questions, including "where should I live?" The answer to these questions is that there are a lot of neighborhoods in Albuquerque, and each has its own characteristics. If you're planning to make a permanent move, take a few days to explore the city and get to know its neighborhoods.
The neighborhood is named for a prominent German immigrant, and it has a residential feel. Most of the homes here were built between the mid-1860s and the late-1900s. It's also conveniently located between the Old Town and Downtown areas and is easily accessible via Central Avenue. Some of these homes were even featured in the AMC show "Breaking Bad." Though homes in this neighborhood tend to be big, there are many options for people on a budget. In fact, there are several apartment complexes located in this neighborhood.
