Pittsburgh/ Health & Lifestyle
Published on April 02, 2019
Albuquerque's Gathering of Nations coming soon, a flight away from PittsburghPhoto: iStock

If your ideal getaway includes taking in the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of a one-of-a-kind cultural event, then Albuquerque in late April is the destination for you.

New Mexico's largest city is home to the annual Gathering of Nations Powwow, the largest celebration of Native American culture on the continent. The event draws participants from nearly 800 tribes in the U.S. and Canada for two days of dancing, contests, music, food and crafts.

Now in its 36th year, the powwow welcomes Native and non-Native people alike, and the stages, booths and events are open rain or shine.

The powwow opens April 25 with the Miss Indian World cultural pageant and continues through April 27 at the powwow grounds in Albuquerque. While you're there, you can take advantage of the other attractions in and around the Duke City, from New Mexico's unique fusion of Native, Hispanic and Anglo cuisine to the inspiring vistas on a hike in the high desert.

Using travel site Skyscanner, we’ve sifted through the cheapest flights between Pittsburgh and Albuquerque, including some popular hotel options and other beloved local attractions.

(Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in the articles may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions. Prices and availability are subject to change.)

Cheapest Albuquerque flights

The cheapest flights between Pittsburgh and Albuquerque are if you leave on April 25 and return from New Mexico on April 28. Southwest Airlines currently has tickets for $516, roundtrip.

Top Albuquerque hotels

To plan your accommodations, here are some of Albuquerque’s top-rated hotels, that we selected from Skyscanner's listings based on price and customer satisfaction.

The Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town (800 Rio Grande Blvd. NW)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

If you're looking for an inexpensive place to stay, consider The Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town. The hotel has a 4.8-star rating on Skyscanner, and rooms are currently available for $99.

This Albuquerque spa hotel is located in the historical district, near the Albuquerque Museum, Old Town Plaza and the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science. Additional attractions include the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center.

The Hotel Parq Central (806 Central Ave.)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

There's also the 4.2-star rated The Hotel Parq Central, which has rooms for $120/night.

Situated near the airport, this hotel is also close to the University of New Mexico, the Rio Grande Zoo and the National Hispanic Cultural Center.   

Sandia Casino & Resort (30 Rainbow Road NE)

A third option is the Sandia Casino & Resort. With a 4.3-star rating on Skyscanner, the hotel is one of the most luxurious in the city.  

Local restaurant picks

Don't miss Albuquerque's food scene, with plenty of popular spots to get your fill of local cuisine. Here are a few of the top-rated eateries from Skyscanner's listings.

The Frontier Restaurant (2400 Central Ave. SE)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

If you're looking for a local favorite, head to The Frontier Restaurant, which has an average of 4.7 stars out of 28 reviews on Skyscanner.

The Frontier Restaurant has served the Albuquerque area and the University of New Mexico community since 1971. 

"The five-star rating is for more than just the food. Between its extended hours of operation and kitschy decor, this spot is a delight," wrote visitor Susan.

Antiquity Restaurant (112 Romero St. NW)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

Another popular dining destination is the Antiquity Restaurant, with five stars from seven reviews.

The Antiquity Restaurant is located close to the Old Town Plaza. Look for seafood, steaks, veal, chicken and more in this historic adobe house.

The Grove Cafe & Market (600 Central Ave. SE, A)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

Finally, there's The Grove Cafe & Market, with 4.8 stars from 12 reviews.

"This place uses local and organic ingredients and puts a gourmet spin on some classic breakfast items," wrote Christy. 

Top Albuquerque attractions

Not sure what to do in Albuquerque, besides eat and drink? Here are a couple of recommendations, provided by Skyscanner.

The Sandia Peak Tramway (30 Tramway Road NE)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

First up is The Sandia Peak Tramway, which stretches from the northeast part of the city to the crestline of the Sandia Mountains, giving it its name.

The tramway contains the world's third longest single cable car span. It first entered service in 1966 and makes over 10,000 trips every year.

"No visit to Albuquerque is complete without a trip on the tram!" wrote Alyce. "Travel a distance of 2.7 miles over 15 minutes' time via the tram to an altitude of 10,378 feet. Soak up the 11,000-square-mile panoramic view."

Albuquerque Museum (2000 Mountain Road NW)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

Then, there's the Albuquerque Museum, with 4.9 stars from 22 reviews on Skyscanner.

Located in Old Town, it's dedicated to preserving and educating the public about the region's art and history.

"This is a sweet little museum with a good permanent collection and interesting exhibitions. If you are an art lover, check it out," wrote Kathleen. 

"The gift shop here is the best place to find that special something from Albuquerque for someone back home," wrote Doug.  


This story was created automatically using flight, hotel, and local attractions data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.