The Place for Government Per Diem Rate Hotels

City Overview

Government rate hotels are plenty in Alburquerque and offer great hotel per diem rates to all federal travlers and state government travelers. If you are in the military you will also reap the benefits of all the military per diem rates that are offered in the city too.

Albuquerque, New Mexico's largest city, is rich in history and natural beauty, from its majestic mountains to its vast desert mesas. And with an elevation of 1,615m (5,300ft), it ranks among the highest metro areas in the nation.

Take a tram to the top of the 3,050m (10,000ft) Sandia Mountains, and you can look out over nearly 40,000 sq km (15,000 sq miles) of spectacular scenery. Albuquerque enjoys dry, clear skies and averages more than 310 days of sunshine a year, making it a popular destination with artists and photographers, as well as outdoor enthusiasts. Hot-air ballooning, biking, hiking and golf are favourite activities.

Albuquerque has rich Native American cultural ties, which are honoured here through museums, restaurants, shops and festivals. Most of the state's 19 pueblos are within a two-hour drive of Albuquerque, as are a number of small villages where Spanish heritage is vibrantly celebrated.

Getting Around

Airport

Albuquerque International Sunport
Tel: (505) 244 7700.
Website: www.cabq.gov/airport

The airport lies 6.5km (4 miles) southeast of downtown Albuquerque. The terminal contains a handful of fast food and sit-down restaurants, bars, newsagents, ATMs, shoeshine stands and a barbershop. The nearby Sheraton Albuquerque Airport Hotel (tel: (505) 843 7000; www.sheraton.com) has a fully equipped business centre. All the major car hire companies are represented.

Trips into town from the airport take about 10 to 20 minutes by car, depending which neighbourhood you're travelling to. Some hotels provide shuttle service to and from the airport. ABQ Ride (tel: (505) 243 7433; www.cabq.gov/transit) runs public buses between the airport and downtown. Albuquerque Cab Company (tel: (505) 883 4888) and Yellow Cab Company (tel: (505) 247 8888) operate taxis. There are several limousine companies that provide service throughout the area. Sunport Shuttle (tel: (505) 883 4966; www.sunportshuttle.com) operates door-to-door bus shuttle services.

Train

Amtrak (tel: 1 800 872 7245/USA RAIL; www.amtrak.com) operates from the downtown station at 214 First Street SW. Amtrak passes through northern New Mexico twice daily on its route between Los Angeles and Chicago. The station has left luggage, an enclosed waiting area, restrooms, payphones and ATMs. Located in downtown Albuquerque, the station offers easy access to several hotels.

The Rail Runner Express (tel: (505) 245 7245 or 1 866 795 7245; www.nmrailrunner.com) provides commuter train service south to the suburb of Belen and north through Bernalillo and on to Santa Fe. The trains also stop at the downtown station at 214 First Street SW.

By Road

Albuquerque is at the crossroads of two major interstate highways: I-40 runs from Wilmington, North Carolina (2,908km/1,807 miles east) to Barstow, California (1,094km/680 miles west); I-25 extends from Buffalo, Wyoming (1,384km/860 miles north) to El Paso, Texas (426km/265 miles south).

The city is divided into four quadrants, with I-25 and I-40 intersecting just northeast of downtown, at a junction known as the 'Big I'. Legendary Route 66 or Central Avenue runs east-west through the city, bisecting such prominent neighbourhoods as Old Town, downtown, and the Nob Hill/University District.

The American Automobile Association (AAA) (tel: 1 800 222 1134; www.aaa.com) provides information and may offer reciprocal benefits to members of automobile clubs in other countries.

Emergency breakdown services
AAA (tel: 1 800 222 4357/AAA HELP).
The State Department of Transportation (tel: 1 800 432 4269; http://nmshtd.state.nm.us) provides current information about road closures and conditions.

Coach services
The main bus station is at 320 First Street SW (tel: (505) 243 4435) and is served by Greyhound (tel: 1 800 231 2222; www.greyhound.com), with connections to many cities throughout the Southwest and the Rockies.

Local Transport

Public Transport

ABQ Ride Buses (tel: (505) 243 7433; www.cabq.gov/transit) operates more than 35 bus routes throughout the city. The main bus station is at 100 First Street SW. Buses are mostly used by locals, however, as visitors usually find that a car is the most convenient and practical way to explore this sprawling city.

Taxis

Main taxi providers include Albuquerque Cab Company (tel: (505) 883 4888) and Yellow Cab Company (tel: (505) 247 8888).

Car Hire

The minimum age for hiring a car varies from 21 to 25 years. Car hire agencies change an extra premium to drivers under 25. A valid driving licence or an International Driving Permit is required. Costly insurance can be part of the hire arrangement, but you should check your car insurance to see if your policy covers hire cars.

Car hire providers include Alamo (tel: 1 800 327 9633; www.alamo.com), Avis (tel: 1 800 331 1212; www.avis.com), Budget (tel: 1 800 527 0700; www.budget.com), Dollar (tel: 1 800 800 4000; www.dollar.com) and Hertz (tel: 1 800 654 3131; www.hertz.com).

Bicycle Hire

In and around Albuquerque, there are trails, bike routes and paths that provide bike riders with both scenic and practical alternatives to motorised travel. The city has one of the most extensive bikeway systems in the country. Download a copy of the CABQ Bike Map at www.cabq.gov/bike.

You can hire bikes at Tingley Beach (tel: (505) 768 2000; www.cabq.gov/biopark/tingley) near the Bosque Trail (summer only) as well as mountain bikes at the Sandia Peak Ski Area (tel: (505) 242 9052; www.sandiapeak.com), which rents mountain bikes during the summer months.

General Information

Location

State of New Mexico, USA.

Time zone

GMT - 7 (GMT - 6 from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November).

Electricity

110 volts AC, 50Hz; round two-pin plugs are standard.

Average January temperatures

8°C (47°F).

Average July temperatures

33°C (92°F).

Annual rainfall

210mm (8.5 inches).

Things to do

Sightseeing Overview

Albuquerque has a handful of neighbourhoods suitable for strolling as well as numerous opportunities for hiking, although the best way to explore is by car. The best place to begin getting to know the city is Old Town Plaza (near the intersection of Central Avenue and Rio Grande Boulevard) and the surrounding blocks, which afford a glimpse of Albuquerque's roots. You'll find many galleries, shops and eateries, most specialising in Hispanic or Native American styles, in Old Town.

The Indian Pueblo Culture Center (tel: (505) 843 7270 or 1 866 855 7902; www.indianpueblo.org), near Old Town, houses a museum, shops, galleries and a restaurant that features New Mexican and Pueblo Indian dishes.

If the Rio Grande River is Albuquerque's lifeblood, then Central Avenue (old Route 66), with its many quirky attractions, is its heart. The largest university in the state, the University of New Mexico, is located along Central Avenue, east of downtown. A stroll around campus reveals excellent examples of pueblo revival style architecture. A lovely landscaped duck pond area near the campus centre is a great spot for a picnic. Look for the University of New Mexico Welcome Center (tel: (505) 277 1989; www.unm.edu).

Just minutes away by foot to the east of the university, the Nob Hill area (Girard to east of Carlisle) contains some of the city's trendiest shops and restaurants.

Tourist Information

Albuquerque Convention & Visitors Bureau
Old Town Information Center, Plaza Don Luis, Romero Street NW
Tel: 1 800 284 2282.
Website: www.itsatrip.org 

A second visitor information centre is located at the airport, in the lower level of the Albuquerque International Sunport in the baggage claim area.Petroglyph National Monument. This important archaeological site contains the world's largest accessible collection of petroglyphs - ancient Indian images carved into the black rock remnants of extinct volcanoes.

6001 Unser Boulevard NW
Tel: (505) 899 0205.
Website: www.nps.gov/petr

Rio Grande Zoo
Founded in 1927, this 26-hectare (64-acre) facility houses more than 1,000 animals in their natural habitats, including an African savannah and Amazon rainforest. Popular species include seals and sea lions, chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutans, elephants, polar bears, giraffes, hippos, camels, tamarins, koalas, Mexican wolves, mountain lions, monkeys, jaguars, zebras and rhinoceros.

903 10th Street SW
Tel: (505) 768 2000.
Website: www.cabq.gov/biopark/zoo

American International Rattlesnake Museum
This offbeat museum holds the world's largest collection of live rattlesnakes, as well as a wide array of snake-related artwork, artefacts and memorabilia.

202 San Felipe Street NW
Tel: (505) 242 6569.
Website: www.rattlesnakes.com

Restaurants

Artichoke Café
Located downtown on historic Route 66, the Artichoke Café has a cosy, modern décor with rotating art exhibits and a creative Mediterranean and American cuisine.
424 Central Avenue SE
Tel: (505) 243 0200.
Website: www.artichokecafe.com
Price: $$$

High Finance
Reached only via the Sandia Aerial Tramway, High Finance offers fine Continental-inspired cuisine on top of Sandia Peak, with a mesmerising view of Albuquerque.
10 Tramway Loop NE
Tel: (505) 243 9742.
Website:  www.sandiapeakrestaurants.com  
Price: $$$

Range Café
This funky restaurant serves three meals daily, including some of the tastiest breakfasts (including breakfast burritos) in town. Save room for the lavish desserts.
2200 Menaul Boulevard NE
Tel: (505) 888 1660.
Website: www.rangecafe.com  
Price: $

Sadie's of New Mexico
For truly authentic (and spicy) New Mexican cuisine, look no further than this rambling compound that serves such regional specialities as carne adovada (pork cubes baked in a fiery red-chilli sauce) and charbroiled rib-eye steaks.
6230 Fourth Street NW
Tel: (505) 345 5339.
Website: www.sadiessalsa.com  
Price: $

The Grove Café & Market
This smartly decorated café offers all-day breakfast and a selection of healthy salads and gourmet sandwiches. Many ingredients are locally sourced or organic.
600 Central Avenue SE
Tel: (505) 248 9800.
Website: www.thegrovecafemarket.com
Price: $

Zinc Wine Bar and Bistro
A handsome, romantic, yet reasonably priced restaurant in hip Nob Hill, Zinc serves commendable French bistro fare and a wide selection of wines by the glass or bottle.
3009 Central Avenue NE
Tel: (505) 254 9462.
Website: www.zincabq.com  
Price: $$

Night Life

Albuquerque's nightlife consists of a variety of dance clubs, sports bars, microbreweries and restaurants with outdoor patio dining - with a beautiful Southwest sunset as a backdrop. Note that bars and lounges close by 0200.

Anodyne, 409 Central Avenue NW, is a hip spot to shoot pool and listen to music on arguably the best jukebox in town. Head over to intimate Burt's Tiki Lounge, 313 Gold Avenue SW (www.burtstikilounge.com), to listen to live bluegrass, indie rock and alternative music. Caravan East, 7605 Central Avenue NE (www.caravaneast.com), is an enormous honky-tonk where you can two-step to country-western music. El Rey Theater, 620 Central Avenue SW (www.elreytheater.com), presents live-music concerts of all types.

Kelly's Brewpub, 3222 Central Avenue SE (www.kellysbrewpub.com), occupies a former 1930s petrol station. It has a huge patio and serves excellent house-brewed ales. The grandly restored KiMo Theatre, 423 Central Avenue NW (www.cabq.gov/kimo), is a 1920s pueblo deco-style theatre with a wide mix of entertainment. The Launchpad, 618 Central Avenue SW (www.launchpadrocks.com), showcases indie, reggae and blues bands. O'Niell's Pub, 4310 Central Avenue SE (www.oniells.com), is a neighbourhood favourite with a wide variety of live music.

Shopping

As the largest city in New Mexico, Albuquerque offers a wealth of shopping choices, from designer boutiques and handmade crafts shops to art galleries and quirky one-of-a-kind emporia. The city is home several large shopping malls too.

Don't miss Old Town Plaza, where history and modern life merge with narrow brick paths, renowned artwork, fine jewellery, delicious food and unusual speciality shops. Nob Hill is another must for shoppers, with its funky vintage clothiers, modern design shops, antiques stores and avant-garde art galleries.

Albuquerque has a number of trading posts specialising in Native American crafts, art and jewellery; one of the most famous is Skip Maisel's, 510 Central Avenue SW. With an extensive collection of unusual stones, Mama's Minerals, 1100 San Mateo Boulevard NE, also offers jewellery-making and beading.
Be sure to check out ABQ Uptown, a relatively new and quite fancy shopping and dining complex near Louisiana Boulevard and I-40.

Shopping hours
Shop hours vary in Albuquerque but most malls and department stores open from Monday to Saturday 1000-2100 and on Sunday from 1200-1600.

Events

The Albuquerque Convention & Visitors Bureau has a special hotline with information on events taking place in the city. For more information call 1 800 284 2282.

Rio Grande Arts and Crafts Festivals
March, October and November
Prestigious, juried gathering of artisans from around the country.
EXPO New Mexico
Website: www.riograndefestivals.com

Gathering of Nations Powwow
April
Largest gathering of indigenous tribes in North America, featuring performances, pageantry and an arts market.
University of New Mexico Arena
Website: www.gatheringofnations.com

Cinco de Mayo Fiestas
May
Celebration of Mexican heritage, with music concerts, mariachis, parades and great food.
National Hispanic Cultural Center of New Mexico
Website: www.nationalhispaniccenter.org

New Mexico State Fair
September
Agricultural-oriented three-week festival with games, rodeos, farm animals and amusement rides.
EXPO New Mexico
Website: www.exponm.com

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
October
World's largest hot-air balloon exhibition, including rides and a mass ascension.
Balloon Fiesta Park
Website: www.aibf.org

Festival of Cranes
November
Celebrates the return of the cranes.
Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge
Website: www.friendsofthebosque.org/crane

Luminaria Tour
December
Thousands of luminarias line the streets, paths and rooftops.
Old Town
Website: www.albuquerqueoldtown.com

History & Culture

Albuquerque's culture is steeped in its past, with strong ties to both its Hispanic and Native America heritage. You can learn about Hispanic culture at the National Hispanic Cultural Center of New Mexico. An excellent way to get oriented with the region's indigenous culture is to visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center (see Key Attractions).

The city's Public Art Program is one of the oldest in the country and contains more than 400 works of art. A large concentration of the collection is downtown as well as in the University/Nob Hill and historic Old Town areas. Visit www.cabq.gov/publicart to obtain a map/brochure listing the sites.

For information on cultural events, contact the Albuquerque Convention & Visitors Bureau (tel: 1 800 284 2282; www.itsatrip.org) or pick up free newspapers in dispensers around the city.

Music: No matter what music appeals to you, Albuquerque likely offers some form of it - the Albuquerque Philharmonic Orchestra, Albuquerque Youth Symphony, Baroque Chamber Music Society, Opera Southwest and much more. Many performances take place at the University of New Mexico, including a series called Popejoy Presents, a wide range of entertainment at Popejoy Hall, Center for the Arts, at the University (tel: (505) 277 4569; www.popejoypresents.com).

More intimate places to hear classical, chamber, renaissance and liturgical music are the beautiful Cathedral Church of St John (tel: (505) 247 1581; www.stjohnsabq.org) and St Paul Lutheran Church (tel: (505) 242 5942; www.stpaulabq.org).

Dance:The New Mexico Ballet Company (tel: (505) 292 4245; www.newmexicoballet.org) offers performances at the KiMo Theatre (see below) and other sites throughout the city.

Theatre: A seminal example of pueblo deco architecture, the KiMo Theatre (tel: (505) 768 3522; www.cabq.gov/kimo) is the city's architectural gem and plays host to a wide variety of local, national and international performance events. Several other small theatres are located downtown and around the University of New Mexico.

Film: There are plenty of mainstream blockbuster cinemas in Albuquerque, but for alternative stuff and movies that just aren't shown elsewhere in the city, visit Guild Cinema (tel: (505) 255 1848; www.guildcinema.com) and Basement Films Inc. (tel: (505) 842 9977; www.basementfilms.org).

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