Albuquerque is not only renowned for its beautiful parks and interesting museums, there are also Native American sites to visit, a winery where local wines can be sampled, monuments guarding ancient relics and districts full of culture and history. The Old Town will draw you back again and again, while at Nob Hill, you can indulge in top-class food and trendy outfits from chic boutiques.

Acoma Pueblo
This inspiring walled village is located high above a sheer rock face. It is believed that the village has been inhabited since the 11th century, making it the longest occupied community in the whole of America. If you are thinking of visiting, it is important to learn about Pueblo etiquette in advance. Phone: +1 505 552 6604

Albuquerque Aquarium and Rio Grande Botanic Garden
Both the aquarium and the botanic garden attract hordes of guests. Both kids and adults love the impressive sea life which can be seen at the aquarium, home to floor-to-ceiling viewing areas where you can see sharks, rays and other exciting fish. The 20-acre botanic garden is very impressive, with a seasonal butterfly conservatory and plant species from around the world. Phone: +1 505 764 6200

Bottger Koch Mansion
This stunning yet unusual Victorian property is now a bed and breakfast. It has a rich history and is well worth a photo and a bit of exploring. The mansion can be found in the Old Town and is visible from the Plaza. Phone: +1 505 243 3639

Casa Rondeña Winery
This beautiful winery can be found in the ancient cottonwoods of Albuquerque's North Valley. Wine tastings are available by appointment only, but casual visits to the wine tasting rooms can be made on Sundays. Phone: +1 505 343 1823

Coronado State Monument
This monument includes the excavated ruins of the ancient Pueblo of Kuaua. Features on view include a restored kiva, where guests can climb down into the site of sacred rites. There are also numerous murals and a small archaeological museum. Phone: +1 505 867 5351

Nob Hill
At the start of WWII, Nob Hill had grown into Albuquerque’s first suburb. After the war, the population soared and a building boom soon followed. In the late 1940s, Nob Hill’s first modern shopping centre was built and the area soon became the most fashionable part of town.

Today’s Nob Hill is a sophisticated and exciting mix of art galleries, clothing boutiques, antique stores, jewellers, concert halls and theatres. There are many top-class restaurants where you can indulge in some delicious food before sampling some fine wine at one of the trendy bars. Amid the fashionable shops and restaurants of Nob Hill, there are many notable landmarks, especially in the northeast section, which has been designated as a historic district.

Old Town Plaza
This small plaza was first built in 1706 and it was not long before it became the centre of the city. Today, over 300 years later, it is still just as popular. The plaza is brimming with tall trees, wrought-iron benches, stunning white gazebo and always has freshly cut grass. Over 200 shops, restaurants, cafés and galleries can be found in the surrounding lanes and the tempting smell of chillies, burritos and other Mexican delights waft in the air. During fiestas, the Old Town comes alive with music and dancing. It is certainly a place to see and be seen.

Petroglyph National Monument
This area protects five extinct volcanoes, hundreds of archaeological sites and literally thousands of Native American rock drawings which have been inscribed on the rock walls. Archaeologists believe that these drawings were carved between the years 1100 and 1600. Walking trails provide access to the drawings as well as offering a historic journey through stunning scenery. Phone: +1 505 899 0205

Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway
The tramline which takes visitors up the side of the Sandias is the world’s longest aerial tramway and offers stunning views the whole way up. There is an observation deck at the peak, where you can see Santa Fe to the northeast and Los Alamos to the northwest. You can also see birds of prey soaring above you and if you’re lucky, you’ll see mountain lions roaming the cliff sides. A display room at the summit surveys the wildlife and landscape of the mountain as well detailing some trails.
Phone: +1 505 856 7325

Follow the Turquoise Trail
If you decide to drive through the scenic byways, you will come across the Turquoise Trail, which is historic route running from Albuquerque to Sante Fe. It runs through the Sandia Mountains and the revived ghost towns of New Mexico’s mining stretch. En-route, you will find the mining towns of Madrid, Golden and Cerrillos. Website: www.turquoisetrail.org

Relax in a Park
Albuquerque is full of green and lush parks, which are just waiting for you to make the most of. The parks are here for you to have a picnic in the sun, throw a ball around, enjoy a game of Frisbee, go for a stroll or simply chill out and relax. They are a great way to escape the city’s buzz and some of them are so secluded that you will forget that you are even in the city. If you are feeling adventurous, the national parks offer many different species of wildlife as well as nature trails and lakes where you can go fishing. These parks are a little farther out of town, but they are still within easy reach.

Sample the Nightlife
Albuquerque has an excellent array of bars and clubs, many of which are very trendy and can be found in the Nob Hill, downtown and Old Town areas. If trendy bars aren’t your thing, you will find plenty of traditional pubs, which often host bands performing all genres of music. After a drink, make your way to the theatre to watch a play or head for the cinema to watch a film. Whatever you decide to do, you will find that the nightlife scene in Albuquerque offers options for everyone, leaving no one disappointed.

Visit Roswell International UFO Museum
The town of Roswell is a short drive away from Albuquerque and has become the focus of UFO and alien enthusiasts from all over the world since the ‘Roswell Incident’ in 1947. Conspiracy theorists believe government authorities deliberately covered up the crash, which is detailed at the International UFO Museum and Research Center. This museum also features a worldwide UFO sighting map and an extensive library.

Visit the Theatre
The impressive KiMo Theatre is housed in a Pueblo Deco-style building, which was originally built as a luxury movie palace. It has been restored to its original beauty and is now a performing arts venue as well as an Albuquerque landmark. Plays, concerts, opera and ballet can all be seen here.