As the largest city in New Mexico, Albuquerque offers a wealth of shopping choices from designer boutiques and handmade crafts to art galleries and quirky little shops. The city is home to three of the largest shopping malls in New Mexico, with two of them a few blocks apart.

Don't miss Old Town Plaza, where history and modern life merge with narrow brick paths, famous artwork, fine jewellery, delicious food and rare speciality shops. Located beneath the Albuquerque Convention and Visitor Bureau, First Plaza Galeria contains fine restaurants, art galleries and chic boutiques. A split-level shopping centre with speciality stores, restaurants and a spa, The Courtyard, at 1100 San Mateo Boulevard, is a popular spot. With an extensive collection of unusual stones, Mama's Minerals, 1100 San Mateo Boulevard, also offers jewellery making and beading.

Or check out ABQ Uptown (website: www.abquptown.com), the latest shopping and dining complex to open in the Uptown area, near Louisiana & I-40.

Shop hours vary in Albuquerque but most malls and department stores are open from Monday to Saturday 1000 to 2100 and on Sunday from 1200 to 1600.