Looking for the best VRBO & Airbnb Albuquerque New Mexico Vacation Rentals for a Southwest getaway? New Mexico, the Land of Enchantment. Being that Albuquerque is the most populous city in the state of New Mexico, there are plenty of places to stay in or around Albuquerque.
Deciding on a vacation rental in Albuquerque will depend on your travel style. Whether you are in town for the infamous Balloon Fiesta, on a family vacation or venturing out on a solo adventure, I’ll help explain the 4 areas in Albuquerque to stay so you can decide the best neighborhood for you.
I recommend staying in these 4 areas of Albuquerque – Old Town, Downtown, Uptown, and North Valley. I’ll get into the specifics of each area making it a swift and seamless process to choose the best Airbnb in Albuquerque for you.

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There are countless reasons to choose to stay in an Airbnb in Albuquerque over a hotel when exploring this part of New Mexico.
First, you get to pick the area of where you want to stay based on why you are traveling to Albuquerque. For example if you want to be in close proximity to must eat restaurants and bars I’d recommend you stay in Old Town, Downtown or Uptown. If you are staying in Albuquerque as a home base to explore the near by attractions like the Sandia Peak Tramway or the Balloon Fiesta, stay in the North Valley & beyond.
Second, you are on your own schedule. Come and go as you like and have privacy. It is the best way to social distance in this new normal that we are all still trying to adjust to.
Third, it’s generally cheaper (especially if you are traveling in a group) to stay in an Airbnb. This allows you the freedom to cook your own meals which can cut down costs, parking is more than likely free and vacation rentals are usually more flexible for larger groups.
Whether you are looking for a cheap place to stay or for a bit of luxury, this list of the best VRBO & Airbnb Albuquerque New Mexico vacation rentals will help navigate your decision making process.
If you are trying to book a room tonight or don’t have time to read the whole article, below I listed a quick list of the best places to stay in Albuquerque, NM for easy booking.

Quick Overview of the Best VRBO’s & Airbnbs in Albuquerque
Below I have listed the top 5 Albuquerque Airbnbs and the reason it made the list. Whether you are looking for an outdoor adventure, in town for a girls getaway or on a family vacation, there’s an Airbnb in Albuquerque for everyone.
- The Best Cheap Airbnb in Albuquerque – Old Town Casita
- The Most Unique Albuquerque Airbnb – Eco Farm House
- The Best Albuquerque vacation rental for the outdoors – Turtlehouse
- The Best Airbnb in Albuquerque for Large Groups – The Entertainment House
- The Best Albuquerque Airbnb for the Family – Uptown ABQ Rental
Many of the properties listed in this post are on multiple booking sites including VRBO, Airbnb & Booking. I linked through the site with cheapest price because it feels damn good to save a little money!

Best Neighborhoods in Albuquerque to Stay
Stay in Old Town District for walking distance to historic sights, museums, restaurants and art galleries. This is a great area to stay if you prefer to explore on foot and not have to drive around.
Things to do in Old Town District:
- ABQ Biopark
- American International Rattlesnake Museum
- San Felipe de Neri Church (one of the oldest surviving buildings in the city)
- Old Town Plaza
- New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science
- Explora Museum
- Ghost Tour
Stay in Downtown Albuquerque to be in the heart of the city. Central location and home to some of the best restaurants and nightclubs in Albuquerque. Great area to stay if you are on business, love nights out on the town and want easy access to public transportation.
Things to do in Downtown Albuquerque:
- Marble Brewery
- Go Bar Hopping down Central Avenue
- New Mexico Steam Locomotive & Railroad Historical Society
- Opera Southwest
- Rio Bravo Brewing Company
- Convention Center
- Tacos, Tacos, Tacos
Stay in Uptown Albuquerque to be close to trendy cafes, brew pubs, taverns & wine bars. Located close to the University of New Mexico which attracts a younger crowd. This area often holds festivals and large events such as the New Mexico State Fair.
Things to do in Uptown Albuquerque:
- The Dinner Detective Show
- Picnic at Hyder Park
- Check out the University of New Mexico
- New Mexico State Fair
- Spaceship Ufo House
North Valley & beyond is the area North of Old Town and Downtown. Stay in North Valley if your main objective of visiting New Mexico is to hike and be in nature.
Things to do in North Valley & Beyond:
- Indian Pueblo Cultural Centre
- Balloon Fiesta Park
- The actual Balloon Fiesta if you are here when it is going on which is usually in October.
- Cliff’s Amusement Park
- Sandia Peak Tramway
- Hike along the Rio Grande
Top VRBO & Airbnb Albuquerque New Mexico Vacation Rentals

Old Town Casita | Old Town Albuquerque
- Location: Old Town
- Price: $91 per night
- Sleeps: 4 people
- Highlights: Location, price
This Old Town Casita is a budget friendly option to stay in Old Town Albuquerque. This charming stay is walkable to the central plaza galleries, shops and several restaurants and cafes. This is perfect if you don’t want to drive anywhere. Better yet rent an e-bike at a nearby shop and explore the area on two wheels.
Eco Farm House
- Location: Foothills of Sandia Mountain
- Price: $72 per night
- Sleeps: 2 people
- Highlights: Unique stay
The Eco Farm House is an adobe/straw bale home. With 12-foot wood ceilings, it is made with adobe floors and earth plastered walls. The South Valley is a unique and special part of Albuquerque. It is filled with shops and businesses that center around Mexican and New Mexican values and products.
The eco farmhouse is less than a mile to the river and the bike path along the river that cyclists enjoy. This is one of the most unique Airbnbs in Albuquerque to stay.
Turtlehouse
- Location: Foothills of Sandia Mountain
- Price: $200 per night
- Sleeps: 6 people
- Highlights: Balloon Fiesta views, Outdoors
Set the beautiful foothills of the Sandia Mountains is the Turtlehouse Airbnb New Mexico. This 3 bedroom, 2 bath home is conveniently located in close proximity to great hiking, mountain biking trails and the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway.
The backyard is an oasis after a day of sight seeing and adventuring through nature. Enjoy your morning coffee on the patio as you listen to the sights and sounds of a new day in the land of enchantment. If you happen to be traveling here during the Balloon Fiesta, you’ll have great views from the property.
The Entertainment House
- Location: Eastside
- Price: $532 per night
- Sleeps: Up to 20 people
- Highlights: Amenities, size and privacy
The Entertainment House is an epic Albuquerque Airbnb overlooking the Sandia Mountains. This stunning home was thoughtfully designed for function and entertainment. Everything you could ever want, this house provides including but not limiting to a private backyard w/ heated pool, hot tub, fire pits ad even a billiards table.
This is an ideal stay for large groups as it can sleep up to 20 people. Not only will the house keep you entertained but there are excellent hiking and biking trails in the Sandia Mountains a few minutes from the house.
Spend your days exploring the nearby attractions of Albuquerque and your evenings cooking dinner and enjoying wine in the hot tub with epic Sandia views. If you’re someone looking for more of an enhanced stay, arrange an in-home massage or home delivered equipment rentals. You won’t be disappointed.
Uptown ABQ Rental
- Location: Uptown
- Price: $250 per night
- Sleeps: 7 people
- Highlights: Location, hot tub
The Uptown ABQ Rental is a newly remodeled stay is filled with modern appliances and charm. There is entertainment, movies, games and a mall all within walking distance which is perfect for the whole family.
The home has 2 king size masters with master bathrooms as well as a half bath and another bedroom. Cook dinner in or enjoy one of the many restaurants down the street. Stay here for a comfortable space to entertain your family in the heart of Albuquerque.
More Standout VRBO & Airbnb Albuquerque New Mexico Vacation Rentals

Hacienda in the City
- Location: Uptown
- Price: $267 per night
- Sleeps: 6 people
- Highlights: Backyard & amenities
If you are looking for a Albuquerque vacation rental that is close to attractions, restaurants and shopping then opt for the Hacienda in the City. This wonderful 3 bedroom house has an amazing backyard complete with an outdoor kitchen and a hot tub.
The location is great, it’s very easy to get to most things in a timely manner. The star of the show is definitely the backyard and all its amenities.
Cellar 74
- Location: Uptown
- Price: $207 per night
- Sleeps: 4 people
- Highlights: Location, modern style
Cellar 74 is a elegant home in the heart of Uptown Albuquerque. The cozy loft can sleep up to 4 people and has 1.5 bathrooms. Located next to I-40 means you have quick and easy access to other parts of Albuquerque and even Santa Fe.
This is a great stay for a couple or single. Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or just passing through, Cellar 74 is a modern stay in the heart of the city. Unwind with wine in the hot tub at the end of the day as you plan your next days adventure.
Bricklight’s Best
- Location: Brick Light District
- Price: $99 per night
- Sleeps: 2 people
- Highlights: Central location, price
Located in the University Heights, the Brick Light District Apartment offers convenient access to the best local attractions, restaurants, University of New Mexico and Nob Hill. The Bricklight District is located on Central and Harvard Blvd.
While exploring the area, you may stumble upon a painted mural or two done by local artists. The Bricklight District is very recognizable due to its exterior red brick design.
The one bedroom stay has a bright and open floor plan. Enjoy your morning coffee on the balcony over looking the Brick Light District and the Sandia Mountains. In between sight seeing and exploration play a game of foosball.
This is the perfect stay if you want to be located downtown where you can walk to most things including restaurants, shops and grocery stores.
Desert Compass
- Location: Old Town
- Price: $103
- Sleeps: 2 people
- Highlights: Price and Location
The Desert Compass is a 6 suite boutique vacation rental property in Old Town, Albuquerque. The historic adobe buildings are surrounded by lush gardens, a cowboy pool, and give off the best desert vibes.
The suites are carefully curated with luxury and relaxation in mind – featuring local artwork, antique furniture, vintage and handmade furnishings, and photogenic spaces. Each space is equipped with a full kitchen, bedroom and bathroom.
If you are wanting a tranquil and peaceful oasis in the desert that is perfect for a couple or solo adventurist, this is your stay.
Casa Mia
- Location: Nor Esta
- Price: $155 per night
- Sleeps: 8 people
- Highlights: Ease to the Balloon Fiesta
If you are looking for a Airbnb Albuquerque that is close to the Balloon Fiesta then opt for a stay at the Casa Mia. The stay is three bedrooms, two bathrooms and has beautiful unobstructed views from the backyard.
The open floor plan gives off a lot of natural light which is peaceful and serene. The stay is equipped with all your modern amenities including a full and stocked kitchen, Wifi, TV and free parking. Stay here for convenience and price for a group or a family.
Luna Loft
- Location: Uptown
- Price: $94 per night
- Sleeps: 2 people
- Highlights: Price, style
Located in the heart of Albuquerque’s University neighborhood, the Luna Loft offers quick and convenient access to the best local attractions, restaurants, and shops. The loft is decorated with an eclectic, New Mexican flair and is just a quick walk to UNM. The cozy loft is close to tasty places to eat and drink. Stay here for affordable luxury, amenities and location.
Nob Hill Guesthouse
- Location: Nob Hill
- Price: $79 per night
- Sleeps: 2 people
- Highlights: Nightlife, budget friendly
The Nob Hill Guesthouse is a great option if you are traveling Albuquerque on a budget. This stay is a guesthouse in the back of a main house. It’s cute, comfy and quiet.
Located close to nightlife, coffee shops, university district, museums and outdoor activities, this stay is perfect for a couple or solo traveler.
Mount Condo
- Location: Downtown
- Price: $92 per night
- Sleeps: Up to 3 people
- Highlights: Central location, price
The Mount Condo vacation rental is a budget friendly option to stay in Albuquerque’s downtown. The industrial design of the stay creates a bright and open space. Decorated with urban art, this a perfect stay for two or three.
The condo is equipped with everything you would need including a fully equipped kitchen, AC, washer/dryer and free parking. Located in a cute neighborhood, staying here puts you in walking distance to restaurants, cafes, breweries and museums. Old Town is also nearby.
Voila! Those are the best Airbnb Albuquerque Vacation Rentals in New Mexico. Do you have a favorite vacation rental in NM? Let me know in the comments below!
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Yes Santa Fe is a great area. I love New Mexico in general for a the choice of Airbnb New Mexico vacation rentals available.