4 Top Areas in 2024 + Hotels
Ready for your next holiday in one of the most exciting cities in New Mexico? Then hop on this guide on where to stay in Albuquerque!
I’ve done a lot of research and compared all the areas in the city, until I found the 4 most amazing ones, along with the best hotels in each of those neighborhoods!
In short, Old Town is the best area to stay in Albuquerque as that’s where you’ll find the main attractions and some of the top hotels in town. But if that’s not your scene, you can scroll down and check the other 3 areas.
This town is a major holiday destination in New Mexico, so I recommend booking your hotels here in advance!
Quick Picks for Your Stay
If you need to book the best places to stay in Albuquerque right now or don’t have time to read the whole post, here are the top choices for each price category.
Here is a handy map showing the areas I will discuss in this post to help give you a quick visualization of the different neighborhoods to stay in Albuquerque, New Mexico:
1. Historic Old Town – where to stay for the first time
Old Town, a small area located just a couple of blocks west of Downtown (around a 20 min walk), right in the city’s heart, is one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Albuquerque!
Since the Spanish colonies settled here all those decades ago, this area is full of historic buildings that will make you feel as if you’re in Spain!
The whole state is so beautiful and its Rocky Mountain heights and vast desert areas have even earned New Mexico the title of Land of Enchantment!
Old Town is where you’ll find most of the museums in Albuquerque, like the Albuquerque Museum, the Rattlesnake Museum & Gift Shop and the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science. All perfect for those of you who want to dive into the history and culture of the city.
Get ready to smell wafts of enchiladas as you walk amongst the earthy-toned buildings that line the area’s tiny winding streets!
If you’ve watched the hit show Breaking Bad, then you’ll recognize a lot of the locations in the city since the TV series is set in Albuquerque.
Start your adventures in the Old Town Plaza (map), where you’ll find the typical American gazebo. And, right next to it, there’s a church that dates back to the 1700s, called the San Felipe de Neri Church, that you should definitely visit.
Then you can just explore the streets in the area, as most of them are packed with souvenir shops, some galleries and even a wine bar (map).
Right near the Old Town, you’ll find a really cool place, ABQ BioPark Aquarium, which is the perfect place to visit if you’re traveling with the family, and not only, as they’ve got lots of cool things for adults too!
Luxury hotel
This beautiful 4-star hotel features a classy modern design, comfortable rooms, and a rooftop lounge area that you might never want to leave! Dine at the on-site restaurant, work out in the fitness center, go for a swim in the outdoor pool and top it all off with a soak in your luxurious bathroom.
Other accommodation in Old Town Albuquerque
mid-range
Deluxe motel with modern rooms, free parking, pool, bar, and a restaurant on-site
budget
This great place has stylish rooms with a flat-screen Tv, an outdoor pool and free parking
airbnb
A lovely house for 2 people that comes with a kitchenette, a backyard and a patio
Hotel Albuquerque: Here’s another great hotel in the Old Town area that offers an outdoor pool, a hot tub, and in-room massages.
Things to do in Old Town Albuquerque
- Spend a day reconnecting with nature and animals at ABQ BioPark
- Learn something new at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History
- Visit the Albuquerque Museum
- Get hands-on at the Explora Museum
- Visit the reptiles at the Rattlesnake Museum
- Explore the Old Town Plaza
- Grab a bite at Sawmill Market (map)
2. Downtown – the best part of Albuquerque to stay for nightlife
Want to enjoy a bit of Albuquerque’s nightlife? Then head to Downtown, which is just a 20 min walk away from the Old Town.
Something super exciting about this place is that the famous Route 66 (now known as the Central Avenue) runs through the middle of Downtown Albuquerque so you can be sure to find some great hotels here.
Did you know that Route 66 was one of the original highways in the United States Numbered Highway System? It was established back in the 1920s!
This vibrant entertainment district is swarming with restaurants, cafes, art galleries, and trendy shops ready for you to explore (all within walking distance of your hotel).
Not only that, the Downtown area of Albuquerque is known for having the best nightlife in the whole of New Mexico! So if you are here to party, put on your dancing shoes and hit the town!
If you’re looking for some places to start the night then head to The Original Cocina Azul (map), to enjoy some delicious Mexican food. Next, head to Sister (map), for some drinks and live music.
Downtown Albuquerque is also known as the city’s business center, so if you are looking for somewhere to stay in Albuquerque with a big city feel (or as close as you will get), this is the neighborhood for you!
It is also the most well-connected part of the city in terms of public transport, so staying here will help you get around with ease.
Luxury hotel
Fancy staying in the tallest hotels in the city? Then check out this place which has a rooftop swimming pool, spacious rooms with large windows that overlook the city, a restaurant and a bar.
Other accommodation in Downtown Albuquerque
mid-range
Spacious rooms decorated in a Moroccan/Spanish style with rooftop lounge and an on-site restaurant
budget
Modern hotel that has rooms overlooking the city, a restaurant, laundry facilities and a free airport shuttle
airbnb
Vintage airstream recently renovated into a comfortable, stationary RV with modern amenities
Things to do in Downtown Albuquerque
- Unwind in an outdoor area with artisanal beer at Marble Brewery (map)
- Ride the New Mexico Steam Locomotive
- Play in the water fountains or catch an event at Civic Plaza (map)
- See the Madonna Of The Trail statue (map)
- Explore wheels of antique vehicles & model trains at Wheels Museum
- Catch an event at the Albuquerque Convention Center (map)
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3. North Valley, Los Ranchos & Corrales – for relaxation
North Valley, Los Ranchos, and Corrales are neighborhoods that run along the Rio Grande River Valley, around a 15 minute drive north of the Downtown area.
I’ve coupled them together since all 3 share a similar vibe and offer the same type of things to do and attractions.
Compared to the busy atmosphere of Downtown or Old Town, the North Valley, Los Ranchos, and Corrales run at a slower pace. These are by far the best areas to stay in Albuquerque if you’re looking for a laid-back stay, close to nature while still being near the city. A great location if you’re with kids.
PRO TIP: If you’re coming for the famous Balloon Fiesta which takes place early October then you could definitely stay in the North Valley area since the festivities will take place in the Balloon Fiesta Park (map), which is located here. For anyone who doesn’t know, the Balloon Fiesta is a world-renowned festival where hundreds of hot air balloons take to the skies! It’s a stunning view and you can also ride in one of the balloons if you want or stay on land and enjoy the festivities and yummy food!
Sit back and relax as you watch the Rio Grande River flow smoothly through green pastures with a backdrop of the Sandia Mountains. If you’re up for some hiking check out the Pueblo Montaño Trailhead (map) or the Bosque Trailhead (map)! Both are idyllic and perfect for a fun picnic!
Then, definitely stop by the Casa Rondeña Winery (map) to try some of their delicious local wine, in a gorgeous setting surrounded by nature and amazing views!
It’s not just the wineries that bring tourists to this part of New Mexico, the area has lots of breweries too! If you’re looking for one in the area, check the Ex Novo Brewing (map) in Corrales, which by the way is considered one of the safest parts of Albuquerque to stay in!
Once you’ve had your fill of wineries and breweries make sure to visit the region’s farmer’s markets! There’s the Corrales Growers Market (map) and Los Ranchos Growers’ Market (map) where you’ll find lots of stands packed with yummy vegetables and fruits.NOTE: If you’re planning to stay in this area and are keen to explore around and head to the central part of Albuquerque, I’d recommend renting a car or doing a road trip as it’ll be much easier and not as time-consuming as it’d be by bus. Uber and taxis are also available
Luxury hotel
Spend a night in luxury at the Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm, located in the heart of the Rio Grande River Valley in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This hotel is surrounded by 25 acres of lavender fields, gigantic cottonwood trees, and a lush garden.
Other accommodation options in North Valley
mid-range
Rooms include a hot tub, sauna, and fireplace. Equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, and views of the garden
budget
Relax in the indoor pool or hot tub of this hotel that comes with family rooms and free parking
airbnb
Comfortable stay for a family, close to the restaurants and the wineries in the area
Things to do in North Valley
- Spend a relaxing day at Betty’s Bath & Day Spa
- Go for a walk in the Rio Grande Nature Center State Park (map)
- Enjoy a rare vineyard experience at Casa Rondeña Winery
- Take in the views at Piedras Marcadas Canyon (map)
- Explore the Taylor Ranch area in Albuquerque North
- Enjoy an exceptional dining experience at Farm & Table (map)
- Have fun at the Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park (map)
- Learn new things at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center (map)
4. Uptown and Nob Hill – where to stay for young travelers
Albuquerque, NM, is an eclectic city, and you’ll completely see why in these neighborhoods.
Did you know that Albuquerque has lots of nicknames? Some of the most popular ones are Duke City, which comes from the town’s baseball team, called Albuquerque Dukes.
Located just 10 10-minute drive East of the Downtown area, you will find Nob Hill, a student area packed with trendy places!
The University of New Mexico is surrounded by a wide range of unique shops, bright cafes, trendy taverns, and art galleries coming together to be one of the significant art and culture hubs in the city of Albuquerque.
Imagine neon lights mixed with history and culture. It’s the best area for nightlife, student life, and boutique shopping. You’ll definitely feel the lively energy in these neighborhoods.
Make sure you start your days at one of the many cafes here! The Flying Star Cafe (map) is a great one and they even offer an all-day breakfast, love that! As is the Michael Thomas Coffee Roasters (map) which serves so many types of coffee.
Moving a bit further east, you will come across the stark contrast of Uptown. Featuring a sea of high-rise hotels and buildings, Uptown is the best area for shopping in Albuquerque! So if you want to do a bit of shopping, definitely head to Winrock Town Center (map).
This area is also often frequented by festivals and large events such as the New Mexico State Fair, one of the largest in the country, which is held in early September at Expo New Mexico (map)! The event features concerts, competitions, rodeos, carnival rides and many other fun things!
If you’re visiting Albuquerque during the festival, you’ll have the time of your life!
Luxury hotel
Start your morning by the outdoor swimming pool or on the outdoor terrace, with a nice cup of coffee while staying at this hotel that offers a free airport shuttle and free parking. The accommodation also provides a free breakfast in the morning.
Other accommodation options in Uptown and Nob Hill
mid-range
A pet-friendly hotel with high-speed Wi-Fi, spacious rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, and a fitness center
budget
Catch a sunset by the outdoor pool of this hotel which comes with a bar and rooms with a kitchenette
airbnb
Perfect for families with kids, this house features a lounge area with a kitchen, an outdoor pool, and a fire pit
Things to do in Uptown and Nob Hill
| 👑 Luxury price: | US$150 |
| 💵 Mid-range hotel: | US$80 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | US$50 |
| 📍 Best area: | Historic Old Town |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | Hotel Chaco |
| 🧳 Best mid-range hotel: | El Vado Motel |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | The Monterey Motel |
FAQs about where to stay in Albuquerque
👍 Which part of Albuquerque is the safest?
Touristy areas like Old Town, North Valley and Corrales are some of the most secure places in the city and where you’ll find the safest hotels in Albuquerque.
🤷 Is it better to stay in Albuquerque or Santa Fe?
This is a common question when visiting New Mexico as both cities have their own charm. Stay in Albuquerque if you are looking for history and a big city. Choose Sante Fe if you are looking for art and culture in a smaller town.
👎 What is the bad side of Albuquerque?
It’s best to avoid the area East of Uptown around Central Avenue, all the way to the canyon. This area has higher crime rates than in the touristy and student areas (those I mentioned in this post).
🛬 Where to stay near Albuquerque airport?
🚶Is Albuquerque a walkable city?
Yes! Albuquerque is one of the most walkable cities in New Mexico! If you stay in the central areas like Downtown and Old Town you can walk from your hotel to the attractions! For the others, you’ll need a bus, a car or an Uber/taxi.
⚖️ Is it better to stay in Old Town or Downtown Albuquerque?
Both are some of the best places to stay in Albuquerque but choose Old Town if this is your first time in the city as that’s where you’ll find the main attractions and Downtown if you want a taste of the city’s nightlife.
📅 How many days should you spend in Albuquerque?
I’d recommend spending between 3 to 4 days in Albuquerque, maybe even more if you want to explore other parts of New Mexico.
🚌 How to get around Albuquerque without a car?
By bus! Their public transport system is super reliable and you can move from area to area, easily by using the bus.
Final thoughts on where to stay in Albuquerque
Congrats, you’ve made it until the end of this guide on where to stay in Albuquerque, New Mexico!
Now that you’ve read the post I’m sure you’re more than ready to hit the road and enjoy all that the city has to offer!
I recommend booking your hotels in advance here! Especially if you’re coming in autumn during the International Balloon Fiesta when people from all over the world come here!
If you’re still not sure which hotels to pick, here are my 2 favorite top-rated hotels, both set in the Old Town:
- Hotel Chaco – a great hotel that has an outdoor pool and stylish rooms
- El Vado Motel – you’ll love this boutique hotel that a bar and a pool
Have fun exploring Albuquerque and as always, I’m just a comment away if you need any help!
Happy exploring,
Kate
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