Albuquerque sits in the high desert of New Mexico and is the largest city in the state. It's known for its unique contrast of modern high-rises sitting next to the historic Spanish colony buildings built in 1706 in Old Town Albuquerque.
Things to Do in Albuquerque
If you want to get stunning views of the area, you need to hop aboard the Sandia Peak Tramway. This aerial tramway is on the northeast edge of the city and is the longest aerial tram in the country. To learn a little more about the unique history of the area, head to Petroglyph National Monument. Here you'll find miles of hiking trails where you can see around 24,000 images carved by early Spanish settlers and Ancestral Pueblo peoples.
Traffic and Parking
Like other large cities, Albuquerque has its share of rush hour traffic. Weekday morning rush hour lasts from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., and evening rush hour goes from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Bridge crossings are the worst spots for congestion, with five of them over the Rio Grande. Make sure to plan ahead if you're driving downtown for a meeting or other business. If you're traveling to downtown Albuquerque and need parking, you'll find plenty of options. There's street parking with hourly meters, surface lots, and parking garages that offer both shaded and unshaded parking. Additionally, on nights and weekends, you can park for free on any city street that allows parking.
Business Travel Information
If you're flying to Albuquerque, you'll arrive at Albuquerque International Sunport, which is situated three miles southeast downtown. You can find a free shuttle to the Car Rental Center, where you'll find the National Car Rental counter, just outside of the terminal building. The airport is also five miles southeast of the Albuquerque Convention Center. Here you'll find a parking garage on the east side of the complex with over 700 spaces. Additionally, the Rapid Ride system, historic trolley, and Rail Runner to Santa Fe connect the Albuquerque Convention Center to the surrounding area. When you're hungry, the Artichoke Café and is a sophisticated restaurant near the convention center, serving upscale American cuisine. Maybe you’re looking for something with a little more local spice. In the same area, Cocina Azul is slinging up tradition New Mexican Cuisine for an early breakfast, a business power lunch or a seal-the-deal dinner.
During your trip to Albuquerque, you'll find a fascinating city that offers historic charm and modern conveniences in one spot.