If you didn’t travel to Albuquerque specifically for a local event like Balloon Fiesta, staying in Santa Fe will be more enjoyable and practical. Although the majority of the hotels are pricey, they also offer a much more distinctive experience than anything you’ll find in Albuquerque (with all due respect to the great Albuquerque hotels).
Unbelievable as it may seem, Santa Fe’s downtown still has affordable accommodation options. Even in high season and on busy weekends, great tiny inns, hotels, motels, B&Bs, and AirBNBs may be obtained for less than $150 per night. All of the main Santa Fe attractions are within walking distance of more affordable hotels, which frequently cost less than one hundred dollars a night.
Walking is popular in Santa Fe. Nearly everything in Santa Fe that tourists would find interesting can be reached quickly on foot or, more commonly lately, by Uber or Lyft. Around two or three miles from the Plaza are most of Santa Fe’s eateries, museums, and other attractions.
This is my personal idea about both places according to my own experience and what I have found on the web. In this article I will dive deep into a comparison of Albuquerque and Santa Fe, helping you to select the best place to travel from those two.
Video of the Day.
Table of Contents
- Video of the Day.
- What are the Unique things to do in Alburquerque?
- What are the unique things to do in Santa Fe?
- Santa Fe vs Albuquerque: Comparison.
What are the Unique things to do in Alburquerque?
The largest city in New Mexico, Albuquerque, is situated in a high desert. In contrast to Old Town Albuquerque, which dates back to the city’s inception as a Spanish colony in 1706, it has a modern Downtown core.
The San Felipe de Neri Church, five museums, and stores selling Native American handicrafts are just a few of the old adobe buildings that can be seen in Old Town. The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center nearby chronicles the history of the local tribes.
ABQ BioPark
According to recent visitors, the ABQ BioPark, which is situated along the Rio Grande river just southeast of Old Town, is the ideal location for a restful day spent outdoors and a must-see. Four different attractions may be found in this expansive park: an aquarium, a botanic garden, a zoo, and Tingley Beach.
Due to its 285,000-gallon shark tank, the aquarium is especially popular with kids, and the zoo’s 200+ species (including polar bears, kangaroos, and snow leopards) are guaranteed to hold their interest.
Balloon Fiesta
The annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta has previously been the subject of a lengthy eulogy on this blog. In conclusion, you ought go go if you have the opportunity.
Of all, the Balloon Fiesta only lasts a short time, so you might assume that the rest of the year is void of all things ballooning. There is no possible way that this is true!
Although viewing 600 balloons ascend simultaneously might not be quite the same, the Albuquerque Balloon Museum is unquestionably a close second.
Sandia Peak Tramway.
The Sandia Mountains, which frame the skyline to the east, are not wimps despite not being as tall as the Colorado Rockies. The craggy peak of the mountain, at 10,378 feet, provides a magnificent vista of metropolitan Albuquerque.
From the eastern side of the city to the summit, the 2.7-mile suspended cable tramway offers a breathtaking trip. Literally, you can see for hundreds of miles.
Hikers who are ambitious and well-prepared can climb the 7.5-mile La Luz Trail to the top and then take the tramway back down to add some workout to the experience.
Breaking Bad filming locations
With a Breaking Bad RV Tour, relive your favorite scenes from Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul.
While going in a replica of the RV from the show, see Walter White’s house, the RV junkyard, a carwash, and more. When visiting Albuquerque, Breaking Bad fans must do this.
San Felipe de Neri Church.
The San Felipe de Neri Church was built in Albuquerque for the first time in 1706 and is situated on the northern edge of Old Town’s plaza.
The current edifice was finished in 1793, one year after the first one collapsed, and over the years, it has grown to include a rectory, a convent, and a school.
Along with displaying religious artwork and relics that originally adorned the church’s walls, this location also houses a museum.
What is Albuquerque best known for?
The International Balloon Fiesta, which takes place in Albuquerque during the first two weeks of October, is its most famous event. There are still many activities available if you happen to be in town at other times of the year. Visit Sandia Peak by riding the longest tramway in the world.
What kind of food is Albuquerque known for?
Dining in Albuquerque is famous for its distinctive regional cuisine, which combines Native American and Spanish flavors, and for its dishes made with our signature ingredients: red and green chiles.
The foundation of New Mexican cuisine is made up of the smoke-kissed flavor of freshly roasted green chiles and the earthy fruitiness of red chile sauce.
What is the hottest month in Albuquerque?
With an average high temperature of 92°F and low temperature of 68°F, July is the hottest month of the year in Albuquerque. From November 21 to February 18, the cold season, which has an average daily high temperature below 56°F, lasts for 2.9 months.
Dominican Republic Vs Puerto Rico; My Honest Comparison.
travo love
What are the unique things to do in Santa Fe?
The city of Santa Fe, New Mexico, is unlike any other and genuinely lives up to its slogan, The City Different.
You’re sure to learn something new about yourself when you visit because of the legendary history and culture that are all around you, the diverse art scene that ranges from traditional to contemporary, the world-class accommodations that still have a local feel, the award-winning cuisine that is both eclectic and decadent, and the countless experiences to be had.
Canyon Road
All things relating to art in the city are centered on Canyon Road. There simply isn’t enough time to visit every one of the area’s 80 art galleries, as many locals will attest.
As we’ve already mentioned, Santa Fe is frequently referred to as the American art hub, and Canyon Road is the city’s art hub. Your time spent exploring won’t ever feel dull or wasted because there is so much variety and passion available.
Santa Fe Plaza
The Santa Fe Plaza has served as the center of the city’s cultural life since its founding in 1610. The plaza continues to be the hub of Santa Fean activities today, from live music to September’s Santa Fe Fiesta, and is surrounded by numerous historic structures like the San Miguel Chapel and the Palace of the Governors.
The plaza, a National Historic Landmark, also hosts community events like concerts and Spanish and Indian markets annually.
Loretto chapel.
The Loretto Chapel, which is situated just south of Santa Fe Plaza, is one of the city’s architectural highlights.
Legend has it that after the Sisters of Loretto prayed for nine days for assistance in finishing the project, a mysterious man appeared at the unfinished chapel.
The man constructed the Miraculous Staircase behind closed doors using only basic tools before vanishing before the sisters could pay him or even thank him. No matter where it came from, the chapel and its staircase are lovely.
Santa Fe vs Albuquerque: Comparison.
| Place | Santa Fe | Albuquerque |
|---|---|---|
| Best time to visit. | The months of September through November are the ideal times to visit Santa Fe. The range of temperatures at this time is from the high 20s to the high 70s. Although spring and fall have comparable weather and hotel costs, fall is the undisputed winner due to the festivals. | September through November are the ideal months to travel to Albuquerque. The Paseo del Bosque Trail is ideal for a stroll in the pleasant fall weather, and the festival season is in full swing, which means there are lots of parties. |
| The overall cost | Based on the daily average price paid by other visitors to Santa Fe, you should budget approximately $127 per day for your trip there. Past visitors have spent, on average, $49 on local transportation and $35 on meals for one day. Additionally, a couple can stay in a hotel for an average cost of $129 in Santa Fe. Therefore, the average cost of a weeklong trip for two people to Santa Fe is $1,778. These average travel costs were compiled from feedback from other travelers to assist you in creating your own travel budget. | The average daily price in Albuquerque is $108 per day, which is what you should budget to spend there while on vacation. Previous tourists have, on average, spent $33 on food for a day and $29 on local transportation. Additionally, a couple can stay in an Albuquerque hotel for $111 on average. Therefore, the average cost of a weeklong trip for two people to Albuquerque is $1,508. These average travel costs were compiled from feedback from other travelers to assist you in creating your own travel budget. |
| Languages | English | English |
| How many days do you need? | In Santa Fe, three days is the perfect amount of time. However, there are plenty of sights, museums, eateries, and shops to keep you busy for a total of 4-5 days in Santa Fe. You can proceed at a slower pace in this way. | Even though Albuquerque is only a medium-sized city, it is still difficult to see all of its cultural and outdoor attractions in just two days. However, a 48-hour tour of the city enables visitors to see the highlights, which are both hip and rich in New Mexico’s history. |
| The overall weather | Santa Fe is located at an altitude of 7,000 feet, where temperatures range from a high of 86°F in July to a low of about 17°F in January. Only 3-6 days a year experience highs of 90 °F or higher, with July and August having the highest average temperatures at 80 to 90 °F. | In Albuquerque, the winters are brief, bitterly cold, and snowy, and the summers are hot and dry. The majority of the time, the city is also cloudless. The temperature rarely drops below 18°F or rises above 99°F throughout the year, typically fluctuating between 27°F and 93°F. |
| Safety | Overall, Santa Fe receives a D- grade; 91% of American cities are safer than Santa Fe, while 9% are riskier. Santa Fe has a 66.3 per 1,000 population annual crime rate. in central neighborhoods, where it is most common to see crime. 1 in 11 people are at risk of becoming victims of crime. | All aspects of crime are high in Albuquerque. The annual crime report from the Albuquerque Police shows that there were 15,765 violent crimes and 46,391 property crimes reported in 2021. This is what? These figures rank Albuquerque among the most dangerous cities in the United States. |
| Nightlife | In the city’s bars, clubs, and eateries, which range from the venerable El Farol on Canyon Road to the beloved Second Street Brewery to the more upscale Vanessie, you can hear the magic of the Santa Fe sound. The majority of the places are small, making live music more intimate. | The neighborhoods of Downtown and Nob Hill in Albuquerque have the most nightlife options if you’re looking for late-night entertainment. Every lively, busy neighborhood offers a unique blend of pedestrian-friendly streets brimming with bars, restaurants, dancing, live music, and entertainment. |
| Transportation | Santa Fe Trails Bus Service is Santa Fe’s public transportation system. Service may be suspended or limited. | Public buses are a widely used mode of transportation in Albuquerque. These roomy vans provide set rates and designated pickup locations at airports and other busy locations. |
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings