Schmap Albuquerque Neighborhood Guide

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Albuquerque - Neighborhood Guide
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Albuquerque Home
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Albuquerque is a city of diversity, with geographic and historic circumstances that brought Native American, Hispanic and Anglo cultures together to create a unique multicultural community. The land awes and inspires with the Sandia and Manzano Mountains to the east, the river valley cutting through the city and the West Mesa escarpment with its ghosts of volcanic activity. The weather is mild and it is not unusual for a 70-degree day during the winter, when people can be seen snow skiing at Sandia Peak Ski Area in shorts. Albuquerque is a year-round destination for travelers, offering recreational activities such as; white water rafting, the Kodak Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, gambling, hiking, skiing, world class bird watching and great dining. The mixture of old and new architectural styles is stunning. In spite of the size of the city and all of the amenities that go along with big city life, Albuquerque manages to retain a small town charm.

Old Town

Whether you stroll through this historic district on your own, or take a tour with the Albuquerque Museum, Old Town is the perfect place to begin exploring The Duke City. At the heart of this district is the original central plaza that is lined with over 100 quaint little shops. Like everything else in Albuquerque, a visit to Old Town is a delightful mix of old and new, with sights that range from Civil War cannons to the Church of San Felipe de Neri. A stroll around the plaza will give you a glimpse into the rich history of the area as well as a taste of the tremendous artistic talents showcased in places like The Adobe Gallery. Stop in at The Candy Lady for a delectable chocolate. Go further back in time with a trip through the New Mexico Museum of Natural History, or satisfy your childlike curiosity in the Explora! Science Center. You can stay in the area in the modern luxury of the Sheraton Old Town, or in the elegance of a bed and breakfast like the Bottger-Koch Mansion.

Downtown

The hub of business and government activity in the city is the bustling Downtown area. The Civic Plaza also plays host to a myriad of other activities and during summer months, Summerfest is held. This is a celebration of New Mexico's many cultures that showcases the food, music and dance of a different ethnic group every Saturday. While the Civic Plaza is downtown's outdoor venue, the KiMo Theater, renovated in 1999-2000, is the city's crown jewel of indoor venues for the performing arts. The Hyatt Regency, one of the city's newest luxury hotels dominates the Downtown skyline. With two lounges and a restaurant that offers fine dining, this is the ultimate hotel for the business traveler.

Midtown

This region of Albuquerque boomed following the Second World War when Route 66 became an artery for interstate travel and migration to the west. The residential neighborhoods are quaint, tree-lined streets with sprawling, 1950s ranch-style homes and a sprinkling of well-groomed parks. The uptown district is the retail center of the city. Two large, indoor shopping malls, Winrock Center and Coronado Center, lie within a mile of each other. Restaurateurs have taken advantage of the traffic generated by these centers. The Japanese Kitchen sushi bar caters to local businessmen and shoppers alike. The Sheraton Albuquerque Uptown offers a range of rates for all levels of business travelers. If you are overwhelmed by the district's hole-in-the-wall and specialty eateries, try the hotel's Classic Grille, offering meals with a Southwestern flair. If you're visiting over the weekend, be sure to drop in for the Fajitas-and-Margaritas-for-Two special.

Nob Hill/University

This eccentric area is a mix of art deco, Spanish colonial, Pueblo and modern architectural styles. It has undergone a recent facelift and the Nob Hill Merchants Association has revitalized and reclaimed this formerly run-down neighborhood. Once-bland strip malls now house a mix of retailers, galleries and coffee houses that cater to students from the nearby University of New Mexico as well as the locals who drop in for a little gossip. Closer to the university are a variety of restaurants, delis and sidewalk cafes that offer fare from the far reaches of the world. The award-winning Olympia Café has served authentic Greek cuisine from the same location since 1972. Just east of the Nob Hill area lie the New Mexico State Fair grounds, home of the sixth largest state fair in the US.

Northeast Heights

The sheer, pink granite Sandia Mountains provide a picturesque backdrop for this sprawling area, which contains some of the newest developments within the city limits. One of Albuquerque's landmark features is the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway. For an unforgettable evening, punctuated by one of the most awe-inspiring views in the western United States, catch a ride on the tram to the top of the mountains where you can enjoy a sunset meal at the High Finance Restaurant. A drive past the opulent mansions that perch on the boulder strewn foothills of the mountains will take you to the hikers' mecca of Albuquerque. Elena Gallegos Park offers miles of trails through the sage and juniper hills. On the north end of the mountains, La Luz Trail winds to the soaring heights of Sandia Crest, where hang gliders ride the warm air currents that rise from the valley floor.

West Mesa

The silicon age drives the economy of one of the fastest growing regions in the country. The Intel Corporation has sparked a massive boom on the city's west side. As new neighborhoods sprawl across the mesa, their growth is steered by the basalt escarpment of Petroglyph National Monument. A hike down the trails of this unique treasure offers visitors a glimpse into New Mexico's prehistoric past. Shopping abounds at the new Cottonwood Mall, the state's largest indoor mall. The Hilton Garden Inn, across the street from the Intel complex, offers a central location for the visitor with business on the west side. A drive down Coors Boulevard after dark offers a remarkable vista. The city becomes a sea of light that stretches from the distant mountains to the cottonwood Bosque of the Rio Grande.

North Valley/South Valley

The Rio Grande Valley offers the visitor a glimpse of what the Spanish explorers saw in the 16th century when they rode north along the Rio Grande del Norte. The economic diversity of the city unravels as you follow Rio Grande Boulevard from north to south. Some of the homes in the south valley have withstood the test of time for hundreds of years. Nestled among these ancient dwellings are the Albuquerque Country Club and the Rio Grande Zoological Park. A new addition to the south valley is the Albuquerque Aquarium and Rio Grande Botanic Gardens, where you can dine with the sharks in their exclusive restaurant.

The North Valley is home to some of the city's more prominent families. The world famous racing family, the Unsers, have an estate here. Set in the adobe walls that surround the estate are wheels from cars that actually ran at the Indianapolis 500. Giant, ancient cottonwoods shade bridle paths and walking trails. The River Horse Ranch offers visitors an opportunity to take guided or unguided rides along the banks of the river. A nice way to end the day is a visit to the Anderson Vineyards, where you can taste one of New Mexico's premier wines.

East Mountains

Surrounded by majestic ponderosa pines and expansive vistas, this area is growing faster than some people like. Populated with a mix of income groups, age groups, and ethnic backgrounds, the east mountain area is seen as a retreat from the hustle and bustle of the big city. You can ski Sandia Peak Ski Area in the morning and golf at Paa-Ko Ridge Golf Club in the afternoon. Lodging in the East Mountains is limited to bed and breakfasts and Elaine's is a peaceful place to end the day. The frenetic pace of the city is forgotten as visitors can enjoy a hot drink by the fire, or sit on the porch watching the hummingbirds chase each other among the pines.

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Downtown

Albuquerque
United States

The hub of business and government activity in the city is the bustling downtown area. The Civic Plaza also plays host to myriad other activities and during summer months, Summerfest is held. This is a celebration of New Mexico's many cultures that showcases the food, music and dance of a different ethnic group every Saturday. While the Civic Plaza is downtown's outdoor venue, the KiMo Theater, renovated in 1999-2000, is the city's crown jewel of indoor venues for the performing arts. The Hyatt Regency, one of the city's newest luxury hotels dominates the downtown skyline. With two lounges and a restaurant that offers fine dining, this is the ultimate hotel for the business traveler.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Glen Van Etten

Photo: Kristof Michiels

Photo: Sebastian Pires

Photo: Jason Sutter

Photo: Steev Hise

Photo: jacdupree

Photo: Dan Phiffer

Photo: Tim

Photo: elena agustinl

Photo: Erich Campbell

Photo: Brad

Photo: Markus Maien

Photo: Imelda Sisneros

Midtown

Albuquerque
United States
This region of Albuquerque boomed following World War II when Route 66 became an artery for interstate travel and migration to the west. The residential neighborhoods are quaint, tree-lined streets with sprawling, 1950s ranch-style homes and a sprinkling of well-groomed parks. The uptown district is the retail center of the city. Two large, indoor shopping malls, Winrock Center and Coronado Center, lie within a mile of each other. Restaurateurs have taken advantage of the traffic they generate. The Japanese Kitchen sushi bar caters to local businessmen and shoppers alike. The Sheraton Albuquerque Uptown offers a range of rates for all levels of business travelers. If you are overwhelmed by the district's hole-in-the-wall and specialty eateries, try the hotel's Classic Grille, offering meals with a Southwestern flair.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Glen Van Etten

Nob Hill/University Area

Albuquerque
United States
This eccentric area is a mix of art deco, Spanish colonial, Pueblo and modern architectural styles. It has undergone a recent facelift and the Nob Hill Merchants Association has revitalized and reclaimed this formerly run-down neighborhood. Once-bland strip malls now house a mix of retailers, galleries and coffee houses that cater to students from the nearby University of New Mexico as well as the locals who drop in for a little gossip. Closer to the university are a variety of restaurants, delis and sidewalk cafes that offer fare from the far reaches of the world. The award-winning Olympia Café has served authentic Greek cuisine from the same location since 1972. Just east of the Nob Hill area lie the New Mexico State Fair grounds, home of the sixth largest state fair in the US.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Paul Gibson
Photo: Ted Chang
Photo: yosoybones
Photo: Garrison Latimer
Photo: Bridget Childs
Photo: Madison Sams
Photo: King Theodore of Corsica
Photo: peter.disalvo

Photo: psionicnimue
Photo: Fenton Ayres

North Valley

Albuquerque
United States
The Rio Grande Valley offers the visitor a glimpse of what the Spanish explorers saw in the 15th century when they rode north along the Rio Grande del Norte. The economic diversity of the city unravels as you follow Rio Grande Boulevard from north to south. Some of the homes in the south valley have withstood the test of time for hundreds of years. Nestled among these ancient dwellings are the Albuquerque Country Club and the Rio Grande Zoological Park. A new addition to the south valley is the Albuquerque Aquarium and Rio Grande Botanic Gardens, where you can dine with the sharks in their exclusive restaurant. The North Valley is home to some of the city's more prominent families. The world-famous racing family, the Unsers, have an estate here. Set in the adobe walls that surround the estate are wheels from cars that actually ran at the Indianapolis 500.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Paula H
Photo: bhaskins1
Photo: Mara D. Giles
Photo: NewLight1
Photo: Alix King
Photo: M. Renz-Whitmore

Northeast Heights

Albuquerque
United States
The sheer, pink granite Sandia Mountains provide a picturesque backdrop for this sprawling area, which contains some of the newest developments within the city limits. One of Albuquerque's landmark features is the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway. For an unforgettable evening, punctuated by one of the most awe-inspiring views in the western United States, catch a ride on the tram to the top of the mountains where you can enjoy a sunset meal at the High Finance Restaurant. A drive past the opulent mansions that perch on the boulder strewn foothills of the mountains will take you to the hikers' mecca of Albuquerque. Elena Gallegos Park offers miles of trails through the sage and juniper hills. On the north end of the mountains, La Luz Trail winds to the soaring heights of Sandia Crest, where hang gliders ride the warm air currents that rise from the valley floor.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Mark Harris
Photo: Anita
Photo: Cathy

Old Town

Albuquerque
United States
Whether you stroll through this historic district on your own, or take a tour with the Albuquerque Museum, Old Town is the perfect place to begin exploring The Duke City. At the heart of this district is the original central plaza that is lined with over 100 quaint little shops. Like everything else in Albuquerque, a visit to Old Town is a delightful mix of old and new, with sights that range from Civil War cannons to the Church of San Felipe de Neri. A stroll around the plaza will give you a glimpse into the rich history of the area as well as a taste of the artistic talents showcased in places like The Adobe Gallery. Stop in at The Candy Lady for a delectable chocolate. Go further back in time with a trip through the New Mexico Museum of Natural History, or satisfy your childlike curiosity in the Explora! Science Center.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Karl Eschenbach
Photo: Karl Eschenbach
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Photo: James Quinn
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