Albuquerque is a wonderful city for walking and enjoying the attractions - both natural and manmade. The best way to get acquainted with the city is to head to Old Town Plaza for a glimpse of Albuquerque's roots. Located near the intersection of Central Avenue and Rio Grande Boulevard, Old Town Plaza hosts Native American artisans, shops and eateries.

The Indian Pueblo Culture Center (tel: (505) 843 7270; website: www.indianpueblo.org), near Old Town, houses a museum, shops, galleries and a restaurant that features New Mexican and Pueblo Indian dishes.

If the Rio Grande River is Albuquerque's lifeblood, then Central Avenue (old Route 66 with many quirky attractions) is its heart. As the largest university in the state, the University of New Mexico is located along Central Avenue, east of downtown. A stroll around campus reveals excellent examples of pueblo revival style architecture. A lovely landscaped duck pond area in the campus centre is a great spot for a picnic. Look for the University of New Mexico Visitors Center (tel: (505) 277 1989; website: www.unm.edu).

Just minutes away by foot is the Nob Hill area (Girard to east of Carlisle), with some of the city's best shops and restaurants.

Albuquerque Convention & Visitors Bureau
East Convention Center lower level
Tel: 1 800 733 9918.
Website: www.itsatrip.org 

Albuquerque features several visitor information centres. The above address is that of the main tourist information centre in Albuquerque. The Airport Information Center is located in the lower level of the Albuquerque International Sunport in the baggage claim area. The Old Town Information Center is in the Plaza Don Luis on Romero NW, across from the San Felipe de Neri church. 

Other visitor services include the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, 2401 12th Street NW (tel: (505) 843 7270; website: www.indianpueblo.org) and University of New Mexico Information Center (tel: (505) 277 1989; website: www.unm.edu).