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I'll be back in my dream city for 11 days in December, staying Downtown. I've got a few things planned, (have done internet searches) but was wondering if anyone had suggestions for things to do that only locals know about, be it cultural, physical activity, whatever. I will be using taxis and public transport, as I don't drive (yet), but have budgeted for taxis so that's not a problem. I love exploring different neighbourhoods in new cities, will do the Nob Hill Shop & Stroll on Dec 4 and Old Town Stroll on Dec 5; any other neighbourhoods I should explore? Thanks to the favourite restaurant thread I have lots of eating places to choose from. Can't wait to have some delicious NM food again, and buckets of Margaritas (I live in a 'dry' country); I just know I'm going to gain weight this trip! Thanks for your suggestions.
If you are staying downtown you won't need to take many taxi's. The Rapid busline will take you to Nob Hill, Old Town and even to the Uptown Mall area. If you want to go to the casinos and you call from your hotel, they will pick you up for free on the shuttle. Have a great time.
I copied this from a previous post I made for a visitor, but I think it speaks to your question (He was specifically asking what a local would do if they only had one day in ABQ.):
Start my day hiking along the Bosque or the foothills of the Sandias (Plenty of good trails, but if you want to find one easy, just follow Menaul East until it stops. One of the better access points for the Bosque trail is on the south side of Alameda. Head south and you can see the new San Juan River water project stuff. Head north and you can get off the paved trail and walk the Bosque right along the Rio Grande.
Breakfast at Weck's (multiple locations). Huevos Rancheros: on a flour tortilla, christmas with a side of carne adovada. Pick up an Alibi on the way to breakfast and see if anything interesting is going on.
Mid AM possibilities:
The zoo (if you're a zoo fan). Zoo opens at 9:00, and the earlier you go, the more active the animals tend to be. They're just trying to stay cool by noon. Seal feeding is at 10:30 and I don't know if it's everyday, but yesterday there was a cool animal show in the open auditorium at 11:00.
If there is something interesting (arts and crafts show, races, etc) might hit that instead of zoo.
Botanical Gardens/Aquarium (same location and connect to Tingley Beach and Zoo by advanced rail)
Lunch:
There's so many great places around town, I usually let my location decide, but Monroe's, Burritos Alinstante, Lotaburger, Dos Hermanos, Kelly's on Central and Range Cafe are favorites.
Afternoon:
Generally shoot for indoors like the Aquarium, the Natural History Museum, swimming, a matinee, etc...
Dinner: So many great places, but if I'm getting a free day off, I'd usually like to be on a patio: Roof top patios of Seasons (downtown) or Monte Vista Fire Station (Nob Hill), Patio of Kelly's (Nob Hill. Plenty of people/cruiser watching.).
Evening: Probably something I found in the Alibi: Performance art, live music at a local pub one of the many mini theaters around UNM.
In general, the outdoors stuff is best in the early morning or the very late afternoon. Temps are mild, light is beautiful and you might get treated to a magnificent sunrise/set. Noon-mid afternoon the light is harsh and the temps are up. If you are going to be out during that time a hat and shades makes it much more enjoyable. While polarization doesn't help much with direct sunlight, it does a great job of filtering out reflections so it can be a valuable addition to your sunglasses in the morning or late afternoon. Also, don't stare straight at the sun for long periods in Albuquerque.
If you are staying downtown you won't need to take many taxi's. The Rapid busline will take you to Nob Hill, Old Town and even to the Uptown Mall area. If you want to go to the casinos and you call from your hotel, they will pick you up for free on the shuttle. Have a great time.
Catch the red line to Uptown, and check out Le Peep (Louisiana & Americas Parkway). Finally tried it last week and it was excellent!
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