Albuquerque’s many attractions have earned it frequent spots on “best of” lists. In 2008 Popular Science named it one of America’s 50 greenest cities, AAA Magazine recognized it as the second-most affordable vacation spot, and Men’s Fitness ranked it the third-fittest city. With clean air, more than 300 sunny days a year, scenic surroundings, a rich cultural heritage and a comparatively low cost of living and affordable housing, Albuquerque appeals to both residents and businesses.
Although Albuquerque is New Mexico’s largest city, its metropolitan population of just over 800,000 remains modest by major metropolitan standards. Each October, however, the city swells as roughly 700,000 visitors arrive to witness the International Balloon Fiesta, when hundreds of hot-air balloons fill the sky. Often called the “Balloon Capital of the World,” Albuquerque benefits from a unique landscape of mountains and river valleys that creates ideal wind conditions for ballooning year-round.
Albuquerque is also a center for technology and research. The region hosts leading research facilities and a large community of scientists, including many with doctoral degrees. New Mexico has played a role in the nation’s nuclear history since the 1940s; today, much of the high-tech activity focuses on national security, homeland protection and peaceful applications of nuclear science. Kirtland Air Force Base is among the city’s largest employers and houses the Air Force Material Command’s Nuclear Weapons Center. Sandia National Laboratories, a U.S. Department of Energy research and development laboratory, develops science-based technologies that support national security. The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History documents the evolution of atomic energy from wartime development to civilian uses.
Tourism is a major driver of Albuquerque’s economy. The city draws roughly 5 million visitors annually, supported by an array of museums, historic districts, cultural centers, pueblos, sunny weather and natural attractions. Albuquerque hosts most of New Mexico’s conventions and trade shows, and plans have been proposed to expand downtown convention capacity. A proposed development around Civic Plaza would include a large event center and a branded, full-service hotel to bring downtown lodging and facilities in line with the needs of large national conventions; the connected complex would improve Albuquerque’s ability to attract bigger trade shows.
Transportation links have improved as well. In December 2008 the Rail Runner commuter and visitor train began operating between Albuquerque and the state capital, Santa Fe, reducing road congestion and making travel between the cities easier for residents and tourists alike.
The film industry has recently grown in Albuquerque. The city’s film office offers free assistance to productions, coordinating with municipal agencies and helping with locations, equipment and accommodations. Relatively few permits are required to film in many locations around the city, which makes production logistics simpler. The presence of popular television shows filmed locally has increased visibility for Albuquerque and helped spark additional interest in the region as a filming destination.
LODGING
DOUBLETREE HOTEL ALBUQUERQUE
Located across the street from the convention center, this high-rise hotel features a fitness center, pool and wireless internet. Range: $–$$$
DOUBLETREE HOTEL ALBUQUERQUE
201 Marquette Ave. N.W.
tel 505-247-3344
EMBASSY SUITES ALBUQUERQUE
Spacious suites, a 24-hour business center, high-speed internet and complimentary breakfast make this hotel popular with business travelers. Range: $–$$
EMBASSY SUITES ALBUQUERQUE
1000 Woodward Place N.E.
tel 505-245-7100
HOTEL ALBUQUERQUE AT OLD TOWN
Newly renovated with Southwestern style, this hotel offers luxury guestrooms and suites with views of Old Town and the Sandia Mountains, plus onsite dining. Range: $$–$$$
HOTEL ALBUQUERQUE AT OLD TOWN
800 Rio Grande Blvd. N.W.
tel 505-843-6300
DINING
CHAMA RIVER BREWING COMPANY
Enjoy house-brewed beers with dishes such as endive with citrus butter, barbecued ribs, Southwest chicken pot pie or truffled blue cheese fries. Range: $–$$$
CHAMA RIVER BREWING COMPANY
4939 Pan American Freeway
tel 505-342-1800
SADIE’S OF NEW MEXICO
A local favorite for decades, Sadie’s serves Southwest specialties such as sopaipillas, carne adovada, spicy salsa and popular margaritas. Range: $–$$
SADIE’S OF NEW MEXICO
6230 Fourth St. N.W.
tel 505-345-5339
TUCANOS BRAZILIAN GRILL
Known for Brazilian churrasco and open-flame skewer grilling in a festive atmosphere—come with a hearty appetite. Range: $$–$$$
TUCANOS BRAZILIAN GRILL
110 Central Ave. S.W.
tel 505-246-9900
DIVERSIONS
One of the quintessential Albuquerque experiences is an early morning hot-air balloon ride. Several local operators offer year-round flights, weather permitting. The Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum provides deeper insight into ballooning history and displays both historic and contemporary gondolas and balloon systems.
Cultural institutions highlight the region’s Hispanic and Native American heritage. The National Hispanic Cultural Center is dedicated to the study and presentation of Hispanic arts and humanities, with exhibit halls, a performance space, a library and a genealogy center. The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center preserves and promotes Pueblo Indian history, culture and art, with permanent exhibits and traditional crafts. Pueblo Harvest Café & Bakery is Native American-owned and bakes Pueblo oven bread in traditional hornos daily.
Albuquerque’s museums cover a wide range of interests. The American International Rattlesnake Museum maintains an extensive live rattlesnake collection. The New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science features dinosaur displays and a simulated volcano. The Albuquerque Museum of Art and History explores the city’s past and regional art. Explora is a hands-on science center with interactive exhibits for families. The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History traces the development of nuclear technology from wartime research to contemporary peaceful applications. Old Town Albuquerque, centered on a historic plaza and the San Felipe de Neri Church, features Pueblo and Spanish-style buildings housing shops, galleries and restaurants.
Outdoor recreation is easily accessible within and around the city. Petroglyph National Monument offers trails past an estimated 20,000 rock carvings dating back centuries. For sweeping panoramas of the area, the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway provides a 2.7-mile ride up to 10,400-foot Sandia Peak. Guided off-road tours explore remote landscapes, Pueblo ruins and striking geological formations on nearby private lands.
At Home with Dale Lockett
President and CEO, Albuquerque Convention & Visitors Bureau
WHAT DO YOU SEE AS ALBUQUERQUE’S GREATEST ASSETS?
Albuquerque’s cultural heritage stands out. The city reflects the convergence of Native American, Hispanic and Western traditions, all of which remain visible in daily life. The surrounding natural environment—national monuments, state parks and forest land—offers quick access to outdoor pursuits. And, of course, Albuquerque’s identity as a global center for ballooning, anchored by the International Balloon Fiesta, is a defining asset.
WHAT MAIN INDUSTRIES DRIVE THE CITY?
Government is the largest sector, including Kirtland Air Force Base and Sandia National Laboratories. Hospitality and tourism are also major contributors, generating more than $2 billion annually and supporting thousands of jobs. Green technology companies and research institutions further strengthen the city’s technology sector, and film production has become an emerging economic presence.
WHAT’S NEW IN THE CITY?
Recent additions include the Rail Runner service connecting Albuquerque and Santa Fe and an expanding film industry with increasing production activity. Local studios and ongoing projects have elevated Albuquerque as a filming destination.
WHAT ARE THE FUTURE PLANS FOR THE CITY?
To remain competitive in the convention market, Albuquerque is exploring a major downtown investment to expand convention and event infrastructure. Proposed plans include a large-capacity event center, an expanded headquarters hotel and improved retail development to attract larger national trade shows and conferences.