topic Re: Albuquerque or Sante Fe? in Travel

Albuquerque or Sante Fe?

bargainsgirl — Sat, 24 Feb 2018 15:28:28 GMT

I have already posted about these two destinations but which one would you spend more time in? We are planning about 6-7 days. Any good side trip recommendations?Thanks!

Re: Albuquerque or Sante Fe?

arizona babe — Sat, 24 Feb 2018 15:36:10 GMT

I have been to both and i have to say I was really disappointed with Santa Fe, however there are some good restaurants there but ALB offers much more and their Old Town is much better- so I would limit your stay in Santa Fe to a day and one night but it is only about an hour north of ALB so you can go back and forth- the only side trip is to Taos which is way up north fo ALB- don't know if altitudes bother you but be prepared the altitude is high in ALB and you will notice it- have fun

Re: Albuquerque or Sante Fe?

granddi — Sat, 24 Feb 2018 15:58:04 GMT

I think a first time visit to Santa Fe could easily be 2 full days. We have been many times and can spend a day easily. I guess it depends upon your interest. If you enjoy art then plan for a half day for this. We recently drove up to the ski area and had dinner at Bishop Lodge. There is outlet shopping and a casino and golf courses. I would go on the weekend. One time they had an antique car show on the plaza with music and vendors. If you are interested in Opera they have summer specials. I've never been to the Ten Thousand Waves Spa but it is a total Japanese experience including restaurant.

As I understand this from a friend who lives in Alburquerque, this city has areas of crime. I know all cities have crime! But it is not this charming city that you can just roam around. Stay around Old Town.

I think 6-7 nights in the area is too long but I do admit to Travelers ADD.

Re: Albuquerque or Sante Fe?

deeva — Sat, 24 Feb 2018 20:51:11 GMT

Sante Fe.

Re: Albuquerque or Sante Fe?

World Traveler — Sat, 24 Feb 2018 20:58:18 GMT

@bargainsgirl Check out @Alter Ego's trip report this date about Santa Fe.

Re: Albuquerque or Sante Fe?

Bridgegal — Sun, 25 Feb 2018 00:42:05 GMT

I'd say Santa Fe but I've spent more time there than in Alb. Alb, to me is like most any other city whereas Sante Fe is full of charm and I feel like I'm in a foreign country when I'm there. We were in SF for 5 days in 2016 and never stopped. There is so much to do and this was in March.

Re: Albuquerque or Sante Fe?

Kachina624 — Sun, 25 Feb 2018 01:48:41 GMT

Each city offers access to many wonderful features. In Albuquerque you can easily drive to a couple interesting pueblos, Laguna with a chapel dating to the 1500s and Acoma which is built on a high mesa and is one of the oldest continuously occupied cities in America (with no water or electricity). I prefer to shop in Old Town in Albuquerque as it more concentrated and prices are better. I'd also recommend a trip on the tram to the crest of the Sandia Mountains on the East side of the city. Also note the volcanos of the West edge of the city. There are about 4 separate cones and they're not extinct; they are inactive with little chance of ever being active. There is volcanic rock all over this entire state. The Petroglyphs National Momument is in this area.

You can get a good idea of what's in Santa Fe by reading @Alter Ego's post. I have to take exception to one statement someone here wrote. There is not any significant shopping at the discount mall in Santa Fe. It's all but out of business.

I have a wonderful backroad trip described for a route between Albuquerque and Santa Fe if anyone wants it. In this one trip you experience everything NM has to offer.