I live in Albuquerque. I would say that the best part of Albuquerque is Nob hill because it is pretty popular and it is lined with plenty of shops like the Buffalo Exchange where you can get good name brand clothes cheap, I would also recommend checking out downtown on the weekends. I also say to check out the zoo.
Santa Fe is a very nice community. If you like the food from the area, you will enjoy it. If you have the time, take a run to Taos, especially if you like to shop or engage in winter sports.
One of the greatest aspects of Albuquerque is the blending of so many different cultures- Hispanic, Native American (several cultures) and Anglo. If you only stay at Nob Hill, you only get to experience a tiny piece of what Albuquerque (and New Mexico) is. Definitely come in the beginning of October for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta- the largest single gathering of hot air balloons in the world. It draws balloonists from all over the world- Africa, China, Japan, Germany, Great Britian, France, Russia, the Czech Republic... I could go on forever. It is one of the most amazing things you will ever experience in your life. Bring a camera! The weather in October is perfect as well. Take the tram from the base of the Sandia Mountains to the crest- especially for sunset. Albuquerque is a beautiful city that shouldn't be missed.
Albuquerque doesn't have much going for it except for the area called Nob Hill around the U of New Mexico. A funky, hip enclave of intreresting stores, restaurants and galleries.
You have to be careful in all of New Mexico because it is so old and truly full of beings of enchantment, and full of a lot of old pain and suffering. If you are not strong spiritually, you can come to great harm. Yet if you are strong and full of conviction and compassion, many visions are possible. Truth or Consequences is one of those spiritually volatile places that is like a vortex of hidden and powerful energies. When water comes from deep in the earth, there is surely an unforgettable experience to be had if one drinks and bathes in it.
There are lots of things to do in Albuquerque. What's fabulous about Alb is the bus system. It's so cheap -- like a dollar and you can use the same ticket all day and the buses come like every 15 minutes.
I didn't stay at the hostel but checked out the entire city and loved it. Nob Hill is great as the readers above say, but ALSO check out The Old Town District -- that is right off of Rt66/Central Ave near the hostel -- a 1 minute ride by bus or 15 min walk. The Old Town District is the original, old part of the city that was once a part of the old Spanish Empire. The square looks like a scene from the Old West. Check out The American International Rattlesnake Museum there plus the church across the street from it that has a cool gift shop. Lots of shops and copper-topped bars there too. Also if you're into archaeology or geology -- check out Petroglyph Monument which are these old pictures and paintings from the post-caveman days. It's near the Mesa (ancient, dead…
I had a wonderful time while in Santa Fe. I made many new acquaintances and the Indian Market Events were more than I expected. I will be returning again to Santa Fe.
Albuquerque is unlike any other place in the world. I know cause I've seen it all from the Middle East to Europe and South America and if you never lived in Burque you will never know what its original culture is really like, so approach the locals with the upmost respect or please stay in Nob Hill. You will notice that most everyone from Albuquerque will have a slight Hispanic accent even non-Hispanics. They just have the city in there blood and the locals are a very proud people. Do enjoy the the weather because it really is the best in the world and feel free to order green chile on your Big Mac or pizza. If you plan on staying for a longer period it's a great place to get in shape lots of trails and great altitude, go for a run you'll see what I mean, visit the flea market, take a ride on the tram, eat at the fire house, eat some New Mexican food... or go to McDonalds in Barelas. Whatever you do you will leave Albuquerque enchanted.
Abq's not a city city; if you want real Albuquerque, go walk along the Rio Grande River in the North Valley, drive through the old, junky neighborhoods of the South Valley, or go hiking in the Sandia Mountains.
Truth or Consequences, in one word, backwards. I was so excited at first to get to the river in the middle of the high desert. It is truly stunning but once we got into the town is when things started to sour. We thought it was just the staff at the hostel where we stayed who were unwelcoming but no, it was the whole town. There are so many wonderful places in New Mexico -- White Sands, Carlsbad Caverns, Gila (possibly one of the most amazing experiences I've ever had was in Gila). There is so much to see and do in New Mexico. My recommendation, skip T or C altogether, it's a dark hole that stains this beautiful state.
Come visit for Christmas, if you can. On Christmas Eve, everyone's houses are lined with luminarias (paper bags with candles), and everyone walks through town and visits. It's a beautiful, non-commercial, community-oriented way to spend Christmas!
Also, the best restaurant in town is Fuego, in La Posada de Santa Fe-- but it's VERY expensive.
If you enjoy the arts or architecture, be sure to visit the Santa Fe Opera House. It's a gorgeous semi-outdoors building-- I saw Carmen there, and during her death scene, we were also watching a lightning storm. Cold, but fabulous!
Santa Fe is a great place to visit. Be warned, however, that the shopping is expensive-- and if you don't like pretentious art galleries and boutiques, you probably won't enjoy shopping there at all.
