Distance from Routes via bicycle: 10 Minutes
The downtown district features shopping, restaurants, hotels, a range of bars / night clubs (neighborhood to upscale), coffee / ice cream shops, the historic KiMo Theatre, public art spaces (i.e. 516 ARTS), the National Institute of Flamenco, and a fourteen-screen movie theater. Civic spaces include the Albuquerque Convention Center, Civic Plaza, the Main Library, the New Mexico Holocaust & Intolerance Center, and the Alvarado Transportation Center (bus and commuter rail connections(*)).
Central Avenue (historic US Route 66) runs through the center of Albuquerque’s downtown, and blends ‘old west’ architecture with vintage styles and modern kitsch. The area accommodates bikers with large sidewalks, pedestrian malls, and an increasing number of bicycle lanes. Major urban renewal efforts over the past years have begun to reach a critical mass, and vibrancy is evident in the experience of this district – diverse locals and visitors, the smells of tasty food wafting into the street, weekend festivals during summer months, the sound of live music, unique items in the shop windows, etc. A visit to the city’s center is a wonderful compliment to any route, particularly for those interested in urban rambling and a bustling shopping and/or entertainment experience.
(*) Note: The New Mexico Rail Runner (commuter rail system) has amenities to accommodate bicycles at no additional cost, and connects downtown Albuquerque to locations such as the International Balloon Fiesta Park and the vivacious Rail Yard District in Santa Fe.
Additional Resources:
- News from our Blog
- Downtown Action Team
- Kimo Theatre
- New Mexico Rail Runner
- Alvarado Transportation Center
