Albuquerque's Downtown Is A Rising Walkable Gem With Art, Entertainment, And Nightlife Attractions

Covering over 187 square miles and home to more than 560,000 people, Albuquerque is filled to the brim with visit-worthy neighborhoods. From Nob Hill's historic neon, local flavor, and Route 66 charm to High Desert's high-elevation landscapes and scenic trails, there's something here for everyone. But there's just something about downtown's walkability, combined with its high concentration of art, entertainment, and nightlife attractions that can't be beat, especially for first-time visitors looking to take in Albuquerque's essence.

The neighborhood is also undergoing a major revitalization, and the event calendar is busier than ever, so even those who feel like they've seen everything downtown has to offer might want to reconsider their position. Of course, coming here is still as easy as ever. Central Avenue (Route 66) runs straight through downtown, and Albuquerque International Sunport is just a little over 5 miles away. If you don't feel like getting a rental, don't worry (though they're fairly cheap, starting at about $25 a day). You can cover the distance by taking an affordable, 20-minute bus ride that runs hourly. It takes you right to the Albuquerque Convention Center on 2nd Street NW between Marquette Avenue and Tijeras Avenue, and it lets you take full advantage of the neighborhood's walkable streets. It's by far the more budget-conscious option, too.

Once here, you'll get to see just how much more there is to Albuquerque beyond its Balloon Fiesta and desert landscapes. Local events like the Downtown Growers' Market and the Albuquerque Artwalk help connect you to the community, while the KiMo Theatre and Route 66 bring on the big-city scene and excitement.

There's no better place to start your exploration of downtown Albuquerque than Civic Plaza, created in the 1970s to host events with up to 20,000 people. Today, you'll still find an endless array of fun shows, concerts, and festivals in and around the plaza, so look through that calendar closely — you're bound to find something you'll love. Walk five minutes south of the plaza's center, and you'll find yourself in front of the KiMo Theatre.

Built in 1927, this Art Deco-style landmark hosts everything from live performances to Old Hollywood films. People rave about its beautiful interior, great-sounding concerts, historic allure, and electric atmosphere. Just keep in mind that there's no designated parking on-site and that, due to its century-old design, some of the upper floors can only be accessed through several flights of stairs. The main floor is fully accessible, though, so look through the theater's event calendar to catch a show during your time in Albuquerque.

Art lovers have to attend at least one Albuquerque Artwalk (usually held on the first Friday of each month). The route comprises different artists and local businesses almost every time, and it's the perfect activity to help you appreciate local creatives. But before we move on to the rest of the puzzle that is Albuquerque's buzzing city scene, it's time to explore some of the more nature-focused attractions that are still close enough to downtown for you to enjoy. For instance, there are three New Mexico monuments rich with history, structures, and beauty just outside of Albuquerque. Alternatively, you can go on one of the state's most surreal trails, which rewards hikers with panoramic views, fine dining, and a tram ride down — La Luz, located 16.5 miles away.

Night owls will be happy to learn that there's a treasure trove of places to go to in downtown Albuquerque, even after the sun sets. Bars like Founders Speakeasy line Central Avenue, and this one stays open until 2 a.m. most days. The atmosphere feels exclusive yet homey, and the bartenders receive regular praise for their work. There's a password entry, which adds an extra layer of fun, and don't worry, you can just find the word or phrase online. Prices are reasonable, too, with most patrons paying between $10 and $20.

If your schedule lines up, try to catch a show at Sunshine Theater. Once Albuquerque's first movie palace, the venue now hosts amazing concerts by local and national artists. Just make sure to look over the FAQs before you go, since it has several guidelines in place that you'll need to take into account, including no re-entries allowed and no smoking. 

When you're in the mood for a proper sit-down meal, you can go to Char, a New Mexican cuisine restaurant that's loved for its great food and outstanding service. It's a bit on the pricier side, with meals costing between $50 and $100, but the steaks and sides are absolutely fantastic. For a cheaper, more casual meal, there's always Arepas El Pana, a Venezuelan restaurant with a perfect score from hundreds of reviews on Google. Its empanadas, arepas, and yuca fries are all incredible, and the average meal costs between $10 and $20.  For foodies who want to take their culinary adventures a step further, a 15-minute drive to North Valley is more than worth it. This is one of Albuquerque's best neighborhoods and home to a riverside New Mexico gem with farm-to-table dining.