Tag Archive for: Top Destinations

Acadia National Park #11 in Best Places to Visit in October 2023

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Why Go To Acadia National Park

Vacationing in Acadia National Park turns you into a pioneer: Each trail leads to rugged, untouched land just waiting to be captured by your camera lens. Cobalt waves crash on the jagged granite slabs topped with spruce trees that jut out from the shore. Harbor seals sun themselves on abandoned chunks of bedrock off the coast as peregrine falcons scream down at you from the skies. Rocky trails and rustic carriage roads thread around the inland trees and ponds, begging for exploring. Needless to say, the park is for your typical outdoor enthusiast, with a huge focus on adrenaline-pumping activities like horseback riding, biking, hiking – even rock climbing.

For a very affordable fee, you’re given free rein to explore Acadia’s more than 47,000 acres, including all of its hiking trails and natural attractions. When you need a break from the great outdoors, the quaint New England town of Bar Harbor, Maine, waits for you in the northeast corner of Mount Desert Island.

Best Months to Visit

The best time to visit Acadia National Park is September through early October, after the summer crowds have left but before the temperatures drop below freezing. Visiting in March, April and May can be soggy – fog and rain are common – so you’ll need to pack your waterproof gear. The weather is pleasant come July and August, but it’s by far the most crowded season for the park. The park doesn’t see many visitors in winter, but it’s the perfect time to visit for the dedicated adventure traveler ready to brave the freezing temperatures.

What to Eat

While there aren’t many dining options within Acadia National Park, nearby Bar Harbor, Maine, is chock-full of quaint eateries and bars. Of course, lobster is a must-try dish in Maine, and you’ll find some of the best at Beal’s Lobster Pier, Thirsty Whale Tavern and Galyn’s. Many visitors also recommend the blueberry pancakes and pies from Café This Way and Jeannie’s Great Maine Breakfast. If you would rather pack a picnic lunch for your day in the park, stop at one of the few grocery stores downtown or grab a sandwich from a casual shop like Downeast Deli and Boxed Lunch Co. Keep in mind many Bar Harbor restaurants operate seasonally, so be sure to check the hours and closures before you go.

The only restaurant within the park is Jordan Pond House Restaurant, which overlooks Jordan Pond. The restaurant is famous for its afternoon tea, popovers and seafood. However, be prepared for long waiting times as it’s usually crowded.

Getting Around Acadia National Park

The best way to get around Acadia National Park is on foot. With 158 miles of historic trails made for hiking, Acadia is the perfect place to ditch the car and get outdoors. To reach the park, you can hop on the Island Explorer, a free summer shuttle service that transports passengers from Bar Harbor Village Green to a variety of park destinations. Should you prefer your own set of wheels, you can rent a car at one of the nearby airports, including Bangor International Airport (BGR), located just an hour’s drive northwest of the park, and Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport (BHB), located about 10 miles north of Acadia. Guided tours and ranger-led programs are also available.

On Foot
Walking along the park’s 45-mile carriage road system is the best way to experience the park’s awe-inspiring scenery. For a serene and easy hike, try the Wonderland Trail, which features a lush forest and a rocky ocean views. For a more challenging climb, check out Acadia’s Beehive Trail, which boasts gorgeous vistas, but requires a strenuous hike up steep iron rungs on ledges of exposed cliffs. Novice hikers should only tackle these trails in the spring, summer and early fall when the weather permits a leisurely stroll. Winter hiking is only advised for experienced trekkers.

Bus
The Island Explorer, a fare-free summer bus service, offers 10 bus routes connecting Acadia’s hotels, trails, campgrounds and village centers on Mount Desert Island. Featuring all-propane-powered vehicles, Island Explorer’s environmentally friendly buses will not only drop you off at your desired stop upon request, but will also save you the hassle of trying to find a space in congested parking areas. Bus routes are currently in operation from June 23 through Columbus Day (early October), with a reduction in service in late August. You can find maps and timetables on the official Island Explorer website.

Car
A car is resourceful if you’re planning to visit a variety of attractions within the park. You can drive the nearly 30-mile Park Loop Road if you’re hoping to find spectacular views of Acadia’s ocean, mountains and forests. There are also many observation points where you can stop the car and admire the scenery. Another must-drive spot: Cadillac Mountain, a winding 3 1/2-mile road that features dazzling scenery of the park’s tallest mountain. Keep in mind: Main roads close during the winter, so it’s best to check ahead if you’re planning to visit during this offseason. You can rent a car from any of the airports surrounding the park. Bargain-hunters beware: Bringing a vehicle will set you back $30 (as opposed to the $15 you would pay as a pedestrian, hiker or biker). For tips on navigating the park via car, visit the National Park Service website.

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park #12 in Best Places to Visit in October 2023

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Why Go To Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park spans both Tennessee and North Carolina, with the border running through the center of the 522,427-acre tract. The mountains have a long history of human settlers from the prehistoric Paleo Indians to 19th-century European settlers. Today, more than 10 million people visit the park each year – it’s one of the few free national parks in America – to enjoy scenic drives to Cades Cove or along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail and outdoor activities like hiking, biking and fishing. Pack a picnic for stunning hikes to Abrams or Rainbow Falls, or bike the Cades Cove Loop on Wednesdays between May and September when the road is closed to traffic. Explore the historic gristmill and Cable Mill at the Cades Cove Visitor Center or stop by Sugarlands Visitor Center to see wildlife exhibits, view a film about the park and pick up unique souvenirs at the gift shop.

Best Months to Visit

The best times to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park are the summer (June, July and August) and the fall. July is the busiest month of the summer season while October weekends draw those in search of autumn foliage. Since the park has a diverse topography with elevations ranging from 875 feet to more than 6,000 feet, temperatures can vary by up to 20 degrees from the base to the mountaintop so pack layers and a rain jacket no matter what time of year you visit. Summer is hot with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s in the higher elevations to the high 80s in lower elevations. Winters in the higher elevations can see temps drop into the mid-30s, as well as road closures due to snow, although the lower elevations enjoy a more mild climate with winter temperatures in the 50s. Fall foliage displays usually begin in mid-September, when the summer crowds are gone and the lodging rates are low, making it a great time to visit. However, you’ll see higher rates for crisp fall October weekends. Most of the annual snowfall occurs from January to March. Early spring (March to May) also sees fewer crowds and lower lodging rates. Although the park is open daily year-round, some visitor centers, campgrounds and historic attractions close during the winter months.

What to Eat

There are no restaurants in the park itself, although the Cades Cove Campground Store has a snack bar that serves some breakfast items, sandwiches and wraps, soup, chili, pizza, soft serve ice cream and fountain drinks. The store also sells limited grocery and camping items. Vending machines are located at the Elkmont Campground, the Sugarlands and Oconaluftee visitor centers and at both riding stables.

On the Tennessee side of the park, shops, restaurants, gas stations and grocery stores are located in the nearby communities of Gatlinburg and Townsend, while on the North Carolina side of the park, visitors can find those services in Cherokee.

Getting Around Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The best way to get around Great Smoky Mountains National Park is by car. The park does not offer any guided tours and there is no public transportation to the park from the major cities in the area, so plan to bring your own vehicle. Bicycles are prohibited on all park trails, except the Gatlinburg Trail, the Oconaluftee River Trail and the lower Deep Creek Trail.

On the Tennessee side, the nearest airport – less than 25 miles northwest of the park – is McGhee Tyson (TYS) just south of Knoxville. In North Carolina, the closest airport is the Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), about 60 miles east of the Cherokee entrance. Both airports offer car rentals. There are three main entrances to the park, two in Tennessee (Gatlinburg and Townsend) and one in North Carolina (Cherokee).

Car
You’ll need a car to fully enjoy the scenic drives through the park. Be sure to fill up with gas outside of the park as there are no gas stations in the park itself, although visitors with electric vehicles will find charging stations at the Sugarlands Visitor Center in Tennessee and the Oconaluftee Visitor Center in North Carolina. Car rentals from major companies, including Enterprise, Budget and Hertz, are available at both McGhee Tyson Airport and the Asheville airport.

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Sonoma #13 in Best Places to Visit in October 2023

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Why Go To Sonoma

Sonoma, a county in Northern California known for its bucolic charms and array of wineries, could also be described as Napa’s rustic, less-refined and more-relaxed sister. Its rolling hills, which rise into the Sonoma Mountains and descend to the Pacific shore, also contain a cache of small cities that are worth a visit: Try Santa Rosa for an urban escape, complete with museums and buzzy restaurants, but pop by Glen Ellen for a slice of small-town Americana. In short, if you want a laid-back introduction to stellar vintages and gorgeous properties, Sonoma – rather than Napa – should be your California wine country destination. If you’re only here for a day, consider signing up for a guided tour. A handful of the best California tours feature daylong excursions in Sonoma.

Best Months to Visit

The best time to visit Sonoma is between June and October when the weather is at its finest, with high temps hovering in the mid-80s in June and the upper 70s in October. Unfortunately, this time of year is also when the crowds are the thickest and hotel rates are at their highest. But the good thing is that wineries are open year-round, with the exception of major holidays. For thinner crowds and lower prices, travelers should book their trip between the months of November and May.

What to Eat

Although Napa wins the most praise for its fine dining establishments, Sonoma contains an array of delicious eateries that are, on the whole, more rustic in ambiance. (And that’s just the way locals like them.)

Obviously, the region is known for its wines, especially its zinfandels at places like Ravenswood. But the region is also known for its dozens of breweries, such as Bear Republic Brewing Co. in Healdsburg and Russian River Brewing Co. in Santa Rosa. And if you need a shot of espresso after all of that vino, visitors suggest you swing by Sunflower Caffé Expresso & Wine in Sonoma proper. The region is also home to several popular casual eateries, such as traveler-recommended Picazo Café & Deli (try the burger) and Angelo’s Wine Country Deli. Experts give Bodega Bay’s Terrapin Creek and Petaluma’s Cucina Paradiso high praise for both atmosphere and cuisine. And along with tasting wine in Sonoma, visitors should also sample the locally made cheeses, olive oils and honeys, which are found throughout the region in various shops and farmers markets.

Getting Around Sonoma

The best way to get around Sonoma is by car. It’s both the most economical and the most practical way to traverse this wide swath of Northern California. Still, to fully enjoy days spent winery hopping, it’s best to opt for another mode of transport, such as a bicycle, bus or trolley. To get to the region, travelers can fly into the Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport (STS). Though this airport is small (Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Alaska Airlines and United Airlines are the only four carriers that service the airport), it’s less than 10 miles north of Santa Rosa in Sonoma County. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Oakland International Airport (OAK) are each about 60 miles south of the region. Amtrak and Greyhound also operate in and out of the area.

Car
Visitors to Sonoma are largely dependent on their own vehicles since there isn’t any extensive public transportation system throughout the county that connects all points of interest. Still, considering wine tasting is one of the best things to do, travelers will also likely need to rely on some other transportation, such as a bike, trolley or bus, or they’ll need to appoint a designated driver. Several car rental agencies, including Avis, Budget and Hertz, are stationed on-site at the Sonoma County airport. Visitors can also rent cars at the San Francisco and Oakland airports.

Bus
Sonoma County Transit offers limited bus service throughout Sonoma County, though it’s really more of a commuting alternative for locals than a tourism-oriented option for travelers. Still, visitors might find it useful if they want to visit different towns throughout Sonoma. The color-coded bus routes charge based on a zone system, but a one-way trip through all five zones won’t exceed $5 for adults.

Bicycle
Cycling throughout Sonoma County not only gives travelers a scenic mode of transportation – think rippling hills, crashing waves, farmhouse-peppered meadows – but it also helps them burn off some of those calories from all the wine and cheese. Various bike rental shops offer visitors everything they need for a guided or self-guided tour of area wineries. Sonoma County Tourism also offers a cache of downloadable bike maps for the cyclists who want to venture out on their own. Prices vary, but a half-day guided tour from Sonoma Valley Bike Tours will run you $108, while an all-day bike rental from Wine Country Cyclery will cost $75.

Trolley
The Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley, a reproduction of a 19th century-era San Francisco cable car, takes visitors on a six-hour tour of a handful of wineries. Each seat on the trolley costs $99, and wine tasting fees at the wineries – which vary based on the season and typically cost between $5 and $10 – aren’t included. Travelers will need to book their seats in advance.

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Vienna #14 in Best Places to Visit in October 2023

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Why Go To Vienna

History is at the heart of Vienna both literally and figuratively. The narrow streets of the Innere Stadt (Inner City) snake through antiquated buildings, providing an atmosphere so authentic that you almost expect a Vienna native like composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart or psychologist Sigmund Freud to round a cobblestone corner and greet you with “guten tag.” Extravagant baroque palaces from the Habsburg Monarchy loom over the city, just as Mozart’s classical arias pour from contemporary cafes. If it’s culture you seek, you’ll find it here.

But there’s more to this city than just music and monarchs. Vienna is also a great place to spend some cash, with independent bookstores competing for business alongside haute couture. There are also a surprising number of attractions for young ones, including an amusement park and a top-notch zoo. And although many Viennese retire early in the night, that doesn’t mean you have to; sneak out to one of the bars along the city’s Bermuda Triangle, or drop by one of the wine taverns skirting the Vienna Woods.

Best Months to Visit

The best time to visit Vienna is from April to May or September to October. The mild weather in spring and fall brings mild crowds. Most visitors aim to enjoy the warm, sunny weather that Vienna experiences in the summer months. Between June and August, you can expect the city to fill up and room rates to skyrocket. December also sees a spike in tourism since many Europeans flock to the city for a taste of Christmas spirit served Viennese-style, but chilly temperatures can be a deterrent.

Culture & Customs

You will find that most Viennese tend to dress conservatively. If you are traveling on business, make sure to wear proper business attire, such as a dark-colored suit or dress.

If you’re dining out in Vienna, it is polite to eat most of your food with your fork; a knife is used to hold food in place while using the side of a fork in place of a knife. If you are dining alongside Austrians, do not begin eating until the host says “Gesegnete Mahlzeit” (bless this meal) or “Guten Appetit” (enjoy your meal). It’s not polite to leave food on your plate; however, if you’re full, make sure to leave your knife and fork side by side on your plate. If you are invited to dinner, don’t fight for the bill. Your host expects to pay. If you are paying the bill, gratuity – normally 10 percent – is usually already included. However, it is polite to round the bill up or leave an extra 5 percent for good service.

What to Eat

Dining on delectable Viennese cuisine is one of the city’s major must-dos. But vegetarians beware: Much of Austrian cuisine centers on meat. Traditional Austrian taverns (known as beisls) serve up hearty portions of Tafelspitz (boiled beef), goulash (a rich stew made primarily from beef and potatoes) and wiener schnitzel (deep-fried, breaded veal). If you’re looking for an authentic Austrian meal, recent visitors recommend Lugeck and Ofenloch, both of which are located in Innere Stadt. If you’re looking to save some coin, though, you may want to avoid the Innere Stadt neighborhood. Instead, check out the streets just beyond the city center. Travelers recommend Motto in Weiden and Gmoakeller in Landstrasse. Over the past few years, Vienna has also seen the rise of international cuisines as well, ranging from Asian to Italian fare. No matter where you decided to dine, carry cash; some Viennese restaurants do not accept credit cards.

When it’s time for dessert, cafes cater to customers with a sweet tooth, serving wide assortments of pastries like gugelhupfs (marbled bundt cakes), sacher-faschingskrapfens (sugared doughnuts) and apple strudel. The Viennese are also big fans of wine (more than 1,700 acres of vineyards exist within the city limits and the wine can be enjoyed in tasting rooms, bars and eateries) and strong beer.

Safety

Vienna is considered one of the safest capitals in Europe and it often appears highly on many best quality of life rankings. Still, travelers should use common sense and keep an eye out for petty theft. The Prater amusement park and mass transit are popular hunting grounds for pickpockets.

Getting Around Vienna

The best ways to get around Vienna are on foot and by public transportation. Many historic attractions can be found within the compact Innere Stadt and are easy to reach with just a sturdy pair of walking shoes. But if you are interested in exploring some of the more remote districts, the city’s subway, bus and streetcar routes will get you where you need to go. Taxis are abundant as well. There are also several methods of public transportation connecting Vienna to the Vienna International Airport (VIE) – about 12 miles southeast of the city center – including the City Airport Train (which costs 11 euros for a one-way ride).

On Foot
You can really get a sense for this city by walking. In fact, many of Vienna’s historic attractions – including St. Stephen’s Cathedral and Hofburg Palace – are just a few paces from one another in the Inner City.

Bus and Streetcar
Vienna’s convenient and easy-to-use public transit, the Wiener Linien, is great for exploring the outer limits. Bus and streetcar (strassenbahnen) routes snake throughout the city. You can transfer between modes using the same ticket, which are available at every stop. Single rides cost 2.20 euros or you can purchase a one-, three- or eight-day unlimited pass (prices range from around 7 to 40 euros, depending on the length of validity). Your Vienna Card can also be used on public transport. Should you happen to miss the last streetcar or bus, you can hop on special night buses (marked with the letter “N”), which operate fairly frequently along designated routes.

U-Bahn and S-Bahn
The Wiener Linien also operates a subway system (the U-Bahn), which services the city and a speedy light-rail system (the Schnellbahn or S-Bahn) that services the suburbs. Fares and transfers are the same for the U-Bahn and S-Bahn as they are for the buses and streetcars, and you can use the same tickets on all forms of public transportation.

Taxi
Taxis are easy to find in Vienna, but you should only use them when you really need to because rates add up quickly. Agree on a fare before getting into the cab, otherwise you could be overcharged. It’s also a good idea to ask your concierge what the going rate is to and from various sites. Vienna is also home to ride-sharing services like Uber.

Bike
Like many European cities, Vienna is very bike-friendly, boasting more than 150 miles of marked bicycle paths. In fact, many Viennese forgo their cars in favor of bicycles. You are also allowed to carry bikes on public transportation for free. You’ll find plenty of rental agencies around Prater and along the Danube Canal, and rates begin at around 40 euros per day.

Car
Those of you who opt for your own set of wheels will soon discover why many Viennese hardly use their cars: Vienna’s streets are narrow and difficult to navigate, while traffic in the city center can be a nightmare. Also, unless you buy a parking ticket – which you can purchase at most newsstands and tobacco shops – you will not be able to park anywhere in the central neighborhoods. If you’re planning a scenic country drive, consider waiting to rent a car until you’re ready to leave Vienna; that way, you can avoid having to park in the city.

Rental agencies can be found at the airport, but you’ll have to pay an extra 6 percent surcharge on top of an already steep 21 percent tax on all rentals. Rates are cheaper in town. To rent a car you will need to present a passport as well as a driver’s license that is at least a year old.

Entry & Exit Requirements

U.S. citizens can enter the country for up to 90 days without a visa. If you plan to stay longer, you must obtain the proper visa from the Austrian Embassy prior to departure. You will need a passport that is valid for at least six months after your return, however. For more information concerning entry and exit requirements for Austria, visit the U.S. State Department’s website.

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Albuquerque #15 in Best Places to Visit in October 2023

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Why Go To Albuquerque

Exploring Albuquerque’s history is like reading the rings on a tree trunk: The city has expanded outward over time. At its heart is Old Town, the site where the original city was founded in 1706 and where Native American and Spanish cultures still mingle. You’ll also find a certain level of kitsch, deposited from the heyday of the bona fide Route 66 that runs through the heart of town. Head farther out and you’ll find expansive homes and lush vineyards in the North Valley and Corrales.

Despite this ongoing urban sprawl, Albuquerque stays true to its roots. Hispanic flavors can be found in many of the city’s restaurants (prepare for the ear-popping heat of New Mexico’s favorite ingredient, the chile pepper). Native American arts adorn many a gallery window. But despite its old age – the city celebrated its 300th birthday in 2006 – Albuquerque is nothing short of cosmopolitan, boasting funky boutiques, top-notch performance venues and exciting nightlife. To top it all off, the city’s proximity to the stunning Sandia Mountains makes it a great home base for Southwest discovery.

Best Months to Visit

The best time to visit Albuquerque is from September to November. The fall season sees pleasantly warm temperatures (ideal for a stroll on the Paseo del Bosque Trail) and many a party as festival season goes into full swing. Skiers flock to town in the winter months, hitting the slopes of the Sandia Mountains and contributing to the raised hotel rates. However, tourists often overlook spring and summer, meaning hotel deals are plentiful at those times.

What to Eat

When dining in Albuquerque, you’ll encounter your fair share of strong and spicy flavors, and in doing so you’ll also gain a deeper understanding of how food plays into the city and state’s history and defines its identity. New Mexican cuisine is a combination of Mexican, Native American and Spanish flavors. Dishes are built on a foundation of native ingredients, namely corn, beans, squash and, perhaps most importantly, chiles. The chile comes in two varieties: red and green. If you’re at a restaurant that serves New Mexican cuisine, you’ll likely be asked, “Red or green?” If you want to taste both, say you’d like your dish served “Christmas-style.” High Noon Restaurant and Saloon in Old Town is a favorite New Mexican eatery that’s as popular for its steak as it is its tequila. But if you really want to heat things up, plan on attending the annual National Fiery Foods & Barbecue Show in March, which features more than 200 booths filled with more than 1,000 products related to chile peppers.

Another element that makes Albuquerque’s food scene so unique is the city’s wine. Spanish missionaries planted the first grape vines in New Mexico in 1629, which means the Rio Grande Valley is the oldest wine making region in the country. You’ll find a variety of wineries around Albuquerque and Corrales, New Mexico (the visitors bureau offers a directory), but if you want to sample a bit of everything, consider visiting during the Albuquerque Wine Festival, which takes place in May. Prefer suds to grapes? The city is also home to a variety of craft breweries. You can map out your own brewery crawl, or attend one of the city’s beer events like ABQ Beer Week, ABQ Blues and Brews or the Albuquerque Hopfest.

Beyond its New Mexican eateries, Albuquerque offers a variety of fine dining restaurants. Travelers and locals particularly enjoy Restaurant Antiquity and Artichoke Cafe. If you’d like to sample some authentic Native American cuisine, both travelers and the visitors bureau suggest you head to the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, which has its own cafe and bakery.

Getting Around Albuquerque

The best way to get around Albuquerque is by bus. ABQ RIDE operates bus routes throughout the city, making it easy and affordable to get from one neighborhood to another. Once you’ve reached a specific district, you’ll find it fairly easy to explore on foot. ABQ RIDE also offers transportation to and from Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), which is located less than 5 miles south of the downtown area. If you’d like to take the bus into town from the airport, head to the west end of the lower level and look for the No. 50 bus. Keep in mind: If you’re looking to take a daytrip into the mountains, a rental car will come in handy. Rental agencies are available at the airport and in town. Ride-hailing apps, such as Uber and Lyft, also operate in the Albuquerque area.

On Foot
Albuquerque’s individual neighborhoods are relatively easy to navigate on foot. Old Town attractions are close together: Several notable museums and kid-friendly attractions – including the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science and the ABQ BioPark – are within walking distance. If your feet need a break, you can hop on one of the downtown area’s bike-share rentals, BICI. Trips less than 90 minutes are free; each hour after that costs $3. But if you’re trying to reach attractions outside the downtown area, such as the Sandia Peak Tramway or the Paseo del Bosque Trail, you’ll need a set of wheels.

Public Transport
ABQ RIDE operates numerous bus routes throughout downtown Albuquerque and the immediate suburbs. Most buses run every day from around 5:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., depending on the route. Bus route No. 66, which runs along Central Avenue, runs from 5:30 a.m. to 12:45 a.m. during the week and until 1:45 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. On Sundays, it operates from 6 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. One-way rides cost $1 for adults with discounts for seniors, students and children. If you plan on using the bus frequently, consider investing in a multiday pass; prices range from $2 to $6, depending on the number of days. ABQ RIDE also offers free, looped shuttle service, the D-RIDE, around the downtown area. Shuttles operate from 6:30 a.m. to 5:33 p.m., Monday through Friday. The New Mexico Rail Runner Express offers commuter rail service, which connects downtown Albuquerque to Santa Fe and Belen, New Mexico.

Car
You’ll need a car for traveling outside the city limits. Rentals are available in town or at Albuquerque International Sunport. There are two main arteries through Albuquerque: Interstate 40 runs east to west, while Interstate 25 runs north to south. However, to get a taste of historic Albuquerque, you can also rely on old Route 66, which connects such major areas as Old Town, downtown and the University of New Mexico.

Taxi
If you don’t rent a car, but still need to reach attractions outside the downtown area, relying on taxis or ride-hailing apps may be your best bet. Taxis congregate around hotels, but are few and far between elsewhere. Ride-hailing apps, such as Uber and Lyft, service the Albuquerque area and will be easier to rely on than local cabs.

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