Old Town
A maze of cobbled courtyard walkways leads to hidden patios and gardens, where many of Old Town's 150 galleries and shops are located. Adobe buildings, many refurbished in the pueblo revival style of the 1950s, are grouped around the tree-shaded plaza, created in 1780. Pueblo and Navajo artisans often display their pottery, blankets, and silver jewelry on the sidewalks lining the plaza.The buildings of Old Town once served as mercantile shops, grocery stores, and government offices, but the importance of Old Town as Albuquerque's commercial center declined after 1880, when the railroad came through 1 1/4 miles east of the plaza and businesses relocated to be closer to the trains. Old Town clung to its historical and sentimental roots, but the quarter fell into disrepair until the 1930s and 1940s, when artisans and other shop owners rediscovered it and the tourism industry burgeoned.When Albuquerque was established in 1706, the first building erected by the settlers was the Church of San Felipe de Neri, which faces the plaza on its north side. It's a cozy church with wonderful stained-glass windows and vivid retablos (religious paintings). This house of worship has been in almost continuous use for nearly 300 years.Though you'll wade through a few trinket and T-shirt shops on the plaza, don't be fooled: Old Town is an excellent place to shop. Look for good buys from the Native Americans selling jewelry on the plaza, especially silver bracelets and strung turquoise. If you want to take something fun home and spend very little, buy a dyed corn necklace. Your best bet when wandering around Old Town is to just peek into shops, but there are a few places you'll definitely want to spend time. An excellent Old Town historic walking tour originates at the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History at 11am Tuesday to Sunday during spring, summer, and fall. Plan to spend 2 to 3 hours strolling around.

Sandia Peak Tramway
This fun and exciting half-day or evening outing allows incredible views of the Albuquerque landscape and wildlife. The Sandia Peak Tram is a "jigback"; in other words, as one car approaches the top, the other nears the bottom. The two pass halfway through the trip, in the midst of a 1 1/2-mile "clear span" of unsupported cable between the second tower and the upper terminal.Several hiking trails are available on Sandia Peak, and one of them -- La Luz Trail -- takes you on a steep and rigorous trek from the base to the summit. The views in all directions are extraordinary. Note: The trails on Sandia may not be suitable for children. There is a popular and expensive restaurant, High Finance Restaurant and Tavern, at Sandia's summit. Special tram rates apply with dinner reservations. Be aware that the tram does not operate on very windy days.

Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
Owned and operated as a nonprofit organization by the 19 pueblos of New Mexico, this is a fine place to begin an exploration of Native American culture. Located about a mile northeast of Old Town, this museum -- modeled after Pueblo Bonito, a spectacular 9th-century ruin in Chaco Culture National Historic Park -- consists of several parts.Begin your exploration in the basement, where a permanent exhibit depicts the evolution of the various pueblos from prehistory to present, including displays of the distinctive handcrafts of each community. Note especially how pottery differs in concept and design from pueblo to pueblo. You'll also find a small screening room where you can see films of some of New Mexico's most noted Native American artists making their wares, including San Ildefonso potter María Martinez, firing her pottery with open flames.The Pueblo House Children's Museum, located in a separate building, is a hands-on experience that gives children the opportunity to learn about and understand the evolution of Pueblo culture. There they can touch pot shards, play with heishi (shell) drills, and even don fox tails and dance.Upstairs in the main building is an enormous (10,000-sq.-ft.) gift shop featuring fine pottery, rugs, sand paintings, kachinas, drums, and jewelry, among other things. Southwestern clothing and souvenirs are also available. Prices here are quite reasonable.Every weekend throughout the year, Native American dancers perform at 11am and 2pm in an outdoor arena surrounded by original murals. Often, artisans demonstrate their crafts there as well. During certain weeks of the year, such as the Balloon Fiesta, dances are performed daily.A restaurant serves traditional Native American foods. I wouldn't eat a full meal here, but it's a good place for some Indian fry bread and a bowl of posole.

Holiday Inn Express ALBUQUERQUE (I-40 EUBANK)
The Holiday Inn Express Hotel Albuquerque offers 104 guest rooms. Several rooms have balconies with unobstructed views of the Sandia Mountains There are 6 Jacuzzi Suites with 27" color televisions and combination microwave/refrigerator/freezer units. Each room has a clock radio, in-room coffee maker, and a wall-mounted hairdryer. Hotel amenities include: Indoor pool, Sauna, Hot tub, Fitness center, Complimentary breakfast bar, and a meeting room that can accommodate 30 persons. Complimentary ...

Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town
Nestled in the historic Old Town Plaza and museum district of Albuquerque, the Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town is adjacent to historic Old Town and located seven miles from the Albuquerque International Airport. This full service hotel offers discriminating guests a hotel experience in a setting influenced by a unique blend of Albuquerque's cultural traditions. Guests can explore over 400 years of history and enjoy more than 200 shops, galleries and restaurants serving both casual and fine ...

Homewood Suites by Hilton Albuquerque / Journal Center
Conveniently located in north Albuquerque's busy commercial corridor. The hotel is in close proximity to small and mid-sized companies, as well as numerous upscale dining establishments. Adjacent to Cracker Barrel ...