Albuquerque Neighborhoods

Featured Neighborhoods in Albuquerque

1 Old Town

Historic adobe buildings reminiscent of the Old West house shops and galleries in Old Town Albuquerque. Once the central heart of the city, this area is now a popular tourist destination with Old Town Plaza and the San Felipe Church, as well as a pleasant shopping district for locals and visitors. Small, locally owned stores are stocked with arts and crafts. Art galleries include the renowned Weems Gallery and the Nizhoni Gallery. Historic walking tours, ghost tours, and trolley tours all provide fun ways to explore the area. [Photo credit Historic Old Town Albuquerque]

2 University

Surrounding the University of New Mexico, this walkable and historic district contains more than the bustling UNM campus, New Mexico’s largest university. The Brick Light District boasts shops, restaurants and bars along its tree-lined streets. Several restaurants feature a variety of ethnic cuisine, and there are trendy bars and galleries in the area. The university is one of Albuquerque’s main cultural centers, with art exhibits, major sports events and live performances. The campus is also home to the renowned Maxwell Museum of Anthropology, featuring an impressive collection of Southwest artifacts, and the University Art Museum, which holds the largest fine art collection in the state. [Photo courtesy of University of New Mexico]

3 Uptown

This neighborhood contains major business centers and two of Albuquerque’s largest shopping malls, Coronado Center and ABQ Uptown. The Downs at Albuquerque racetrack and casino offers exciting betting action in the area. Uptown is also home to EXPO NM, the location of the annual New Mexico State Fair, which is one of the largest State Fairs in the U.S. Over the course of the year, EXPO NM also hosts major sporting events, rodeos, food and art events and concerts at the Tingley Coliseum. Every weekend, a large and popular flea market draws exhibitors and visitors from throughout the region.

4 Downtown

Following Route 66, Albuquerque’s downtown is funky and fun. Downtown offers a mix of trendy art destinations, businesses and exciting nightlife. The historic KiMo Theater, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, is located here with regular performances ranging from theater to rock music. From the Albuquerque Convention Center to the intimate improv at The Box Performance Space, the neighborhood offers a variety of entertainment options. [Photo courtesy of Downtownabq.com]

5 Nob Hill

Quirky and urban, Nob Hill is a bastion of shops, bars and restaurants. Perched just east of the University of New Mexico campus, the sophisticated nightlife scene includes local brewpubs, southwestern cuisine and historic buildings listed on the National Register. The Nob Hill Shopping Center features a lively architectural mix of Moderne and Territorial Revival style with eclectic boutique shopping. Every December, the area serves as home to the annual evening Shop and Stroll, for food, music, and of course, shopping. A music filled Summerfest takes place in July, and the neighborhood hosts the Italian Film Festival in February.

Albuquerque

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