Albuquerque, USA

The southwestern United States doesnt hold much in terms of tourism attraction, but New Mexicos capital city is something of a gem in the midst of the sand and heat. Albuquerque is a mixture of art, authentic cuisines, a bit of industrialism, and an abundance of Native American influence. Bargain hotel prices are key to bringing in visitors to the city, but during your stay, you may be surprised to find just how plentiful the activities and sights are. Though the tourism business is here - as it is in every other capital city in the US and the world - it carries an almost-non-existent appearance, and instead youre taken on a jaunt that is leads to enticing discoveries at every turn, without the distraction of crowds and such. Dont be mistaken; this is not your typical vacation experience, but youre bound to find a part of Albuquerque you can hold onto long after you leave the city.

When to go

The ideal times to visit Albuquerque are in spring and fall, but if you happen to miss out on these seasons, youll do best to avoid summer and opt for winter. From November to March, the temperatures in the city remain rather warm, and as a bonus, the mountains nearby are topped with white powder, creating something of a snowboarders bliss. Summer days can be brutally hot, but when the sun sets, the city transforms into one big cultural hotspot. Autumn holds more festivals than any other season of the year, so if youre inclined to partake in outdoor activities, fit your visit to Albuquerque into your schedule between September and October.

Getting there and around

Albuquerque International Airport services hundreds of flights a day; but sadly, you will find no international connections to the city apart from those of Mexican or Canadian origin. Flights from the UK, Europe, Asia, and elsewhere will have to stopover at a major west-coast or east-coast airport before heading over to Albuquerque. Good news is that the citys terminal is rarely crowded. Bus service is available to/from the city throughout most of the day (more so on weekdays than on weekends), but if youre arriving in the evening, youre going to have to hire a taxi to get to your hotel. If you happen to reserve a room before arrival at one of the citys major hotels youll receive complementary airport shuttle service.

The best way of getting around Albuquerque is via bicycle or trolley. Now, a bicycle may not come in handy when trying to navigate the sidewalks of downtown during rush-hour, but if you stick to riding during daytime hours, you can enjoy some great coasting. Trolleys run up and down Central Avenue from morning until evening, and always opt for a bus over a taxi.

Attractions

Albuquerque is known for its affinity for unique architecture, and the citys own creations are outfitted with what is referred to as Pueblo-Deco. A concoction of the traditional, the modern, and indigenous influences helped create much of the citys establishments, and you can view the best work at the KiMo Theatre, a cinema-turned-performing-arts-center. Items from the desert accent the interior quite beautifully, though if steer skulls arent your cup of tea you may want to stay clear of this site.

To immerse yourself further in Albuquerques historic side, look no further than the Old Town. Existing in a four-block radius are museums and art galleries all offering unique exhibits. The most-visited site in the Old Town is the San Felipe de Neri Church, built nearly three centuries ago. It has received quite a number of exterior alterations, somewhat masking its true, original identity, but to this day the interior remains the same.