If you think you’ve seen what Downtown Albuquerque has to offer, think again. Not only has the area recently undergone a 10-year, multimillion dollar revitalization, but the selection of entertainment, dining, and shopping for all ages has continued to steadily increase. Whether along historic Route 66, or off select, quaint side streets, there are a multitude of theaters, nightclubs, restaurants, and events to prevent you from ever saying “Been there, done that” again. 

Truly the hub for all things Albuquerque, Downtown attracts suburbanites for a night in the city, or visitors for a fun day, night, or weekend. That’s in large part due to the eclectic design motif throughout the area, where many of the original buildings have been renovated into hip living spaces and storefronts that are within walking distance of the area’s high-rise hotels. They’re worth fitting into your itinerary. After all, Downtown dwellers call their neighborhood “home to a unique array of artists, designers, filmmakers, galleries, museums, theaters, musicians, music venues, city festivals, restaurants, food trucks/kitchens, breweries, coffee shops, and creative entrepreneurs living and working in both formal and informal spaces.”  

So where should you start to see them all? We recommend checking off your first few to-dos at Downtown’s Albuquerque Civic Plaza. All week long, you’ve got fun things to choose from, such as yoga on the plaza, food truck picnics in the grass, weekend food festivals, charity walks and runs, outdoor movies, and more. Next, stop in at the famous Pueblo Deco-style KiMo Theatre, which just celebrated its 90th season and offers everything from concerts to magic shows, movies to poetry readings, and more. Several art galleries, small theaters, and eclectic storefronts celebrate both rich history and new ideas, making it a truly unique spot to stop during any New Mexico tour. 

One thing you shouldn’t miss is a chance to acquiesce to the appetite you work up from all the fun to be had. The Downtown area has some of the most memorable food in the country, starting with the traditional red and green cuisine at Monroe’s Restaurant to the decadent bowls at Cocina Azul; our favorite is Frank Sr.’s Creamy Green Chile Chicken Soup. A seasonal, hand-stacked sandwich from Al’s Big Dipper or endless options from globally inspired cuisine up and down the Downtown streets make it hard to eat only one meal. And with plenty of days to pack in the entertainment, who says you should? 

Vibrant community and robust flavor make you want to live there? See what we have available Downtown today!