Albuquerque, New Mexico features an excellent blend of history, culture, and nightlife—all framed by a beautiful, natural landscape. There is a lot to experience here, from hiking the Sandia Mountains to sampling authentic New Mexican cuisine. Accordingly, don’t forget to visit the historic Old Town, Balloon Fiesta Park, or rural North Valley. Discover the perfect Albuquerque vacation rental, and book your stay today. Here are a few of the most notable neighborhoods in Albuquerque.

1. Downtown

Downtown Albuquerque is a vibrant, bustling neighborhood and an excellent option for a vacation rental if you want to be close to all the city has to offer. You don’t want to miss one of the nightly entertainment options at the fabulous renovated Deco-style KiMo Theatre or any of the festivals held at Downtown Albuquerque Civic Plaza. A great selection of restaurants and shops throughout the district adds to downtown’s appeal.

2. Uptown

A vacation rental in Uptown puts you in the center of the city’s extensive shopping district. The 222,000 square foot ABQ Uptown retail center has a wide range of shopping options, from well-known stores selling national brands to local businesses with unique items. Uptown also hosts major events throughout the year, so no matter when you visit, there will likely be a festival, show, or concert to enjoy. In September, check out the New Mexico State Fair at the State Fairgrounds, or watch a horse show at Tingley Coliseum. EXPO NM holds a flea market every weekend and is the perfect place to score a bargain.

3. Nob Hill

Nob Hill is the place to be if you are searching for upscale dining and shopping combined with a lively nightlife scene. Central Avenue is part of historic Route 66, and it is marked by bright neon arches at both ends. Within these borders is a host of trendy nightspots and unique shops for you to explore. Stroll from your vacation rental to Central Ave for tasty tacos at Zacatecas, or shop for creatively designed jewelry at Sukhmani.

4. University

Centered around the University of New Mexico, the University district is an eclectic mix of trendy boutiques, inviting cafes, and diverse restaurants. Opt to stay a vacation rental in this neighborhood, and you’ll have multiple entertainment options within easy reach. Learn more about the history of the Southwest at the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology, or take in some art at the University Art Museum. In the evening, enjoy a dance performance, play, or music concert on the university’s campus.

5. Old Town

Albuquerque’s first neighborhood, Old Town, is the city’s cultural center, and it is the perfect place for those who want to be right in the heart of culture, art, and history. You have the choice of several museums within walking distance, including the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science and the Turquoise Museum. Stop by the aquarium to view the unique fish, or wander through the flowers at the Botanic Garden. More than 100 restaurants, shops, and galleries line the streets.

6. South Valley

The South Valley includes one of the city’s oldest areas, the colonial Barelas district. Choose a vacation rental here, and you may end up in a historic adobe home that’s more than 400 years old. This neighborhood allows you to be close to the activities happening downtown. It will give you a peaceful place to rest when you are ready to retire for the night. The Rio Grande Zoo is also in South Valley, and it hosts plenty of activities for the entire family.

7. Foothills

Tucked at the foot of the Sandia Mountains, Foothills is an outdoor adventurer’s dream. The area is a popular place for biking, hiking, snowboarding, and skiing. You will find something to during each season. For a spectacular ride, take the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway up to the 10,378-foot mountain peak for a panoramic view of the city and valleys below. Spend a day indoors learning about nuclear science at the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History, or take the kids go-cart racing at the Hinkle Family Fun Center.

8. North Valley

For a quiet getaway close to nature, stay in a vacation home in North Valley. This region is filled with lush, green valleys along the Rio Grande. Walk among some of the country’s oldest vineyards, hike the Bosque Trails, or visit the local art galleries. Farmers’ markets are open throughout the week, so be sure to pick up some fresh produce and bakery items for dinner.

9. Balloon Fiesta Park

Balloon Fiesta Park is one of the city’s newer neighborhoods, and it’s home to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Stay here in October, and you might see more than 500 balloons dotting the sky. Learn more about ballooning at the International Balloon Museum, which hosts plenty of events throughout the year. Other highlights include the rides and arcade games of Cliffs Amusement Park, making this area a fun-filled place to stay.

10. Westside

The highlight of the Westside neighborhood is Petroglyph National Monument, and a vacation home here gives you a gorgeous view of the dormant volcano peaks of this important site. You won’t want to miss a chance to explore this national park. Spend the day hiking the canyons, taking in the prehistoric Native American carvings that line the rocks.

11. Airport

Sports lovers don’t have to travel far to enjoy some of Albuquerque’s finest teams. You can rent a home right near the airport. This way, you will have easy access to AAA baseball at Isotopes Park football at University Stadium, and basketball at UNM Arena. Both Puerto del Sol Golf Course and the University of New Mexico’s Championship Golf Course are nationally recognized and are must-sees for golfers. Spend time hitting the links, then in the evening, head over to Hard Rock Casino Presents the Pavilion for music in its outdoor amphitheater.