Old Town Albuquerque is a must-see for anyone visiting this desert city. If you plan on coming to this fascinating part of town, the following guide will help you make the most out of your stay here.
Easy Access From Albuquerque International Sunport
Unless you’re close enough to drive to Albuquerque, the easiest way to get to Old Town is by flying to Albuquerque International Sunport. This is the largest commercial airport in New Mexico, and you can always find plenty of cheap flights into Albuquerque from all over the country. Old Town is 8.7 miles away from the airport, and there are three ways you can reach here.
First, you can take bus line 50 toward downtown and transfer to bus line 36. This trip will take one hour and cost $2. Or, you can rent a car from one of the 10 major rental car companies at the Car Rental Center at the airport, and drive directly to Old Town. This drive will take about 15 minutes. Finally, check with the hotel where you’re staying and see if they offer an airport shuttle that can pick you up.
Lodging in the Heart of Old Town
Once you’re in Old Town, you have a few options for lodging. Best Western Plus Rio Grande Inn is in the heart of Old Town. This hotel offers free parking, so if you drove to the area, you can easily leave your car and explore everything on foot. Additionally, the hotel also offers a free shuttle service to any destination within one mile. Another option is Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town. This luxurious hotel is also situated right in the middle of Old Town. As well, it offers free parking, so you can leave your car behind and immerse yourself in the vibrant neighborhood.
Plenty of Dining and Shopping Opportunities
Image via Flickr by mtungate
With over 150 restaurants, galleries and stores, Old Town is known for having the best shopping around. Here, you can buy jewelry, clothing, antiques and art. If you get hungry, there are plenty of restaurants that offer authentic Mexican and New Mexican food. Make sure you stay for happy hour and enjoy the live music in this festive atmosphere. If you want to make sure you hit up the best stores, local tour guides will be happy to create a personalized shopping itinerary for you and help you find the unique treasures you want.
Other Attractions in Old Town
It’s not just shopping and dining in Old Town though. Here, you can also find attractions such as the Turquoise Museum. This little museum is devoted entirely to the beautiful blue stone and boasts the largest collection of turquoise in the world. Old Town is also home to ABQ BioPark. Here, you’ll find a botanic garden, zoo, aquarium and Tingley Beach.
Although Old Town is where Albuquerque was founded, it still maintains a vibrant style that draws visitors from all over. When was the last time you visited this unique area of Albuquerque? Please add your thoughts and tips below!
Author bio: Kristen McCalla is a writer and avid blogger who lives in St. Petersburg, Fla., with her husband, cat and dog. When she’s not writing on her blog, 31 Million Seconds, she enjoys traveling and exploring all over this beautiful country.
