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Shopping in Albuquerque

As the largest city in New Mexico, Albuquerque offers a wealth of shopping choices, from designer boutiques and handmade crafts shops to art galleries and quirky one-of-a-kind emporia. The city is home to several large shopping malls too. The best shopping districts for tourists include the Nob Hill, Old Town, and the rapidly gentrifying Downtown.

Key areas

Don't miss Old Town Plaza, where history and modern life merge with narrow brick paths, renowned artwork, sculptures, photography, ceramics, fine jewellery, delicious food and unusual speciality shops. There are over 100 boutiques, galleries and shops in the neighbourhood. Nob Hill is another must for shoppers, with its funky vintage clothiers, modern design shops, antiques stores and avant-garde art galleries. Albuquerque has a number of trading posts specialising in Native American crafts, art and jewellery; one of the most famous is Skip Maisel's, 510 Central Avenue SW. With an extensive collection of unusual stones, Mama's Minerals, 800 20th Street SW, also offers jewellery-making and beading.

Markets

There are a number of farmers markets throughout the city if you’re looking for fresh produce. There is also an artisan market every Tuesday afternoon on 6400 Wyoming Boulevard from June to September.

Shopping centres

The Uptown area is the site of two of the city's major shopping malls, Coronado Center (the state's largest) and the sparkling ABQ Uptown, a fancy shopping and dining complex near Louisiana Boulevard and I-40, which is a beautifully designed outdoor mall that boasts national boutique chains.

Opening hours

Shopping hours vary in Albuquerque but most malls and department stores open Monday to Saturday 1000-2100 and Sunday 1200-1600.

Souvenirs

Native American souvenirs from jewellery to arts and crafts, pottery, rugs, clothing, food products such as chile and salsa products, balloon pins and Route 66 memorabilia are among the souvenirs on sale in Albuquerque.

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Featured Hotels

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Hotel Andaluz

Built just before World War II by local-born Conrad Hilton, as the flagship property for his new hotel chain, this magnificently restored downtown gem is a delightful place to stay. Guest rooms are beautifully furnished and very comfortable, while the public spaces are superb, and include an excellent Spanish restaurant.

Hotel Blue

Just west of downtown along legendary Route 66, this four-storey 1960s hotel has spacious, airy rooms at reasonable rates, decorated with a certain Art Deco flair. The rooms are on the small side, but there's complimentary breakfast, coffee, and a free shuttle service to and from the airport, bus or train station.

Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town

A short walk north of Old Town, this 11-storey hotel blends Native American, Mexican, Spanish and Western cultural traditions and includes a fitness centre, two well-respected restaurants and bars, and an Olympic-size outdoor swimming pool. There's even a wedding chapel, should you decide to get hitched.

Embassy Suites Hotel Albuquerque

One of the city's most attractive hotels, on the northeast edge of downtown, this all-suite property features a full-service day spa and a lovely open atrium with a cascade and meandering water trails. Each of its sizeable suites features a separate living area with sofa bed, armchair and well-lit work/dining table, wet bar, refrigerator, microwave and coffeemaker.

Sandia Peak Inn

There's nothing very fancy about this modest low-slung motel, just across the Rio Grande from the Old Town, but it's clean and comfortable, and offers some of the best value rooms around.

Los Poblanos Historic Inn

Set close to the Rio Grande, amid lavender fields and lush formal gardens, Los Poblanos Inn is one of the most prestigious historic properties in the Southwest. Rooms are designed in a classic New Mexican style with kiva fireplaces, carved ceiling beams, hardwood floors, and antique furnishings. Relax in the enticing Spanish hacienda-style courtyard, or alternatively, explore the extensive gardens and organic farm. A very special place to stay.