Albuquerque Tourist Information and Tourism

(Albuquerque, New Mexico - NM, USA)

Albuquerque is a vast city and New Mexico's only major metropolis. Boasting a population of around half a million, Albuquerque is a bustling city, with plenty of tourism and business opportunities. Albuquerque is the largest city in New Mexico (NM) and features a major strip mall area, mountainous scenery, surrounding desert areas and numerous pueblos (American Indian settlements).

Founded in 1706, many important old buildings and structures remain in the city, adding a historic character and strong identity. Also featuring the legendary Route 66, which travels from the East of Albuquerque to California, the city is transformed as night falls, when the numerous shopping districts and cafés become part of a hip and vibrant nightlife scene, appealing to both tourists and locals alike. Albuquerque is known for its popular New Mexico State Fair in September and major Balloon Fiesta each October, attracting literally hundreds of thousands of tourists to the area.





With many hotels and lodging options throughout Albuquerque, accommodation at all levels is widespread. The city's hotels are particularly concentrated throughout the city center and San Felipe area, and also along Central Avenue Northeast, McKnight Avenue, San Antonio Boulevard and the Louisiana Boulevard, with reliable budget motels being located on Cerrillos Road. Further hotels can be found close to the Albuquerque International Airport (ABQ), which is around 4 miles / 6.5 km to the southeast of the city center. More information about Albuquerque Hotels.

The tourism industry has become an important part of the city's overall economy and the main tourist information center is the Albuquerque Convention and Visitors Bureau on Copper Avenue, where you can pick up leaflets and maps, which clearly show the main city districts, such as downtown, the Nob Hill / University district, the North Valley / South Valley district and the Old Town area.

Albuquerque offers numerous popular tourist attractions, including the Sandia Peak Tramway - the longest tramway in the world, traveling high above the scenic canyons and forests; the Albuquerque Aquarium - featuring a vast ocean tank with sharks, sea turtles and other sea creatures; the Rio Grande Zoo - an impressive zoo, housing around 250 species of animals; the Beach Waterpark - a popular way to cool down in the desert sun, with water slides and a wave pool; KiMo Theater - a beautiful Deco-style building which has become a performing arts venue; and Albuquerque's Indian Pueblo Cultural Center - with information about the history and achievement of the Pueblo people, from Pre-Columbian times right up to today.

Other main tourist attractions in Albuquerque include the Coronado State Monument - with the important excavated ruins and artifacts of the ancient Pueblo of Kuaua; the Petroglyph National Monument - including a visitors' center and a number of walking trails; the Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument - ancient ruins providing a glimpse into early contact between the Pueblo Indians and Spanish Colonials; the Church of San Felipe de Neri - a particularly important local church, built in 1793 and also containing a small parish museum; the Albuquerque Rose Garden - beautifully maintained gardens, with a vast collection of fragrant rose bushes; and the Rio Grande Botanic Gardens at the Biological Park - with a desert area, a Mediterranean glass conservatory, a butterfly conservatory and a fantasy garden for children. More information about Albuquerque Tourist Attractions and Albuquerque Landmarks.

Some of the best museums in Albuquerque are the American International Rattlesnake Museum - featuring in-depth information about rattlesnakes and the world's largest collection of live rattlesnake species; the Explora! Science Center and Children's Museum - a major family attraction, with more than 250 hands-on experiences for all ages; the New Mexico Holocaust and Intolerance Museum - an important national institute promoting acceptance; the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science - a truly fascinating attraction with dinosaur skeletons, gem displays, aquariums and science information; the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History - housing America's largest collection of Spanish colonial artifacts; and Nob Hill Gallery - home to over 20 fine artists from the metro area. More information about Albuquerque Museums and Albuquerque Art Galleries.

Tourist attractions located near to Albuquerque include the Acoma Pueblo - a stunning walled adobe village located high above a sheer rock mesa; the Casa Rondeña Winery - standing in the historic cottonwoods of the North Valley, with wine tasting and brewing information; Cliff's Amusement Park - a major theme park with an array of exciting rides, arcades and particularly thrilling side shows; Corrales Village - close to northern Albuquerque, a picturesque village situated within meadows and orchards; Sandia Lakes Recreation Area - offering year-round fishing, picnic spots and scenic walking trails; and the Cibola National Forest - home to many native animals and birds, part of the Southwestern region and within easy reach. More information about Albuquerque Attractions Nearby.

More Albuquerque Information / Fast Facts and Orientation

• Country: United States of America (USA)
• Location: Bernalillo County, New Mexico (NM)
• Status: city, county seat
• Area: approximately 181 square miles / 467 square kilometers
• Population: approximately 480,000
• Language: American English
• Currency: US Dollar (USD)
• Time zone: GMT - 7 hours Mountain Standard Time (daylight saving time is observed)
• Country dialing code: +1
• Telephone area code: 505
• Religion: various religions
• Average daily January temperature: 8°C / 46°F
• Average daily July temperature: 34°C / 93°F