The 10 best places to shop in Albuquerque, ranked by local shopping experts
Albuquerque has its fair share of major shopping districts, as well as many small local shops selling art and accessories that you can only find here. From exquisite Native American pottery to Breaking Bad t-shirts, Albuquerque offers unique gifts and treats for yourself. Malls like Cottonwood and Coronado will look familiar to most American shoppers, and Old Town, downtown and other local shops will Send you home with treasures that you can only find in Albuquerque.
Photo courtesy of
If you visit New Mexico, photography will likely play a big part in this vacation. Locally owned Camera & Darkroom in Nob Hill is the go-to place for film and digital photography supplies. Camera and darkroom stores stock 35mm to 4×5 film, lighting equipment, darkroom accessories, digital camera batteries, filters, memory cards, bags, backgrounds, used gear and – surprise – cameras. movie, you might ask? Many fine art photographers travel to New Mexico to capture its beauty on large format film cameras.
Recommended for Best Shopping because: As local photo shops become scarce, Camera & Darkroom offers accessories and advice for film and digital photography.
Steve’s expert tip: Great place to get advice on where to shoot in New Mexico.
Read more about Camera & Darkroom →
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Lilly Barrack, daughter of an engineer and artist, has always been surrounded by art. She studied Studio Art at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. After years of painting, she turned her talent to creating jewelry. Lilly’s world travels have resulted in cross-cultural influences, with Africa playing a large role. Her designs are geometric and simple, yet full of expression and power. Because her pieces are handmade, only a limited number are produced at a time, making each piece unique. Now living in the South West, she designs in a small studio with Indian silversmiths as craftsmen. She creates wonderful original works of art from sterling silver, 14 carat gold and untreated natural stones.
Steve’s expert tip: Popular with Albuquerque locals, Lilly Barrack creates beautiful pieces in silver, a posh Southwest look.
Read more about Lilly Barrack →
This gallery specializes in contemporary works on paper, including photography, painting and mixed media. Both established and emerging artists are represented, and exhibitions change frequently. Past exhibitions have included art by Tom Waldron, Louise Bourgeois, Gabi Brandt, Robert ParkeHarrison, Thomas Barrow, Suzanne Caporael and Stuart Arends.
Steve’s expert tip: There are two locations for Weems – in Old Town and also on Montgomery, near Louisiana.
Read more about the Weems Art Gallery →
Renowned patron of contemporary New Mexican visual arts since 1974. Unique works include fiber art, jewelry, pottery and glass sculpture.
Steve’s expert tip: The jewelry is really worth a look – very unique and cutting edge.
Read more about the Mariposa Gallery →
This gallery specializes in contemporary works on paper, including photography, painting and mixed media. Both established and emerging artists are represented, and exhibitions change frequently. Past exhibitions have included art by Tom Waldron, Louise Bourgeois, Gabi Brandt, Robert ParkeHarrison, Thomas Barrow, Suzanne Caporael and Stuart Arends.
Steve’s expert tip: It’s hard to miss the intricately placed numbers cascading down the roof of this hip building, denoting its address. The gallery is closed from mid-December until New Year’s, so get your shopping done early!
Read more about the Richard Levy Gallery →
Photo courtesy of Palms Trading Company
Quality Native American art store that buys directly from artists. The Palms Trading Company began as a grocery store circa 1933. It has grown into a local meeting place and eventually a trading company specializing in Native American art. It is a local landmark and a true New Mexico treasure.
Steve’s expert tip: All pottery is always half of what is on the label. Here you will find incredible original jewellery, indigenous musical instruments, sand paintings and CDs by local artists.
Read more about Palms Trading Company →
Photo courtesy of Steve Larese
This historic downtown shop buys pottery, jewelry, sculpture and paintings directly from Native American artists so you know the work is authentic and the artists are getting a fair price for their work. Retail prices are among the best in the state for this quality art. The staff is very knowledgeable about the artists and works and is quick to explain the different levels of quality available at different price points. For example, cast pottery is separate from hand-thrown pottery and prices accordingly. You can also see Native American jewelers employed by Skip Maisel working in the shop.
Recommended for Best Shopping because: This historic Albuquerque company buys authenticated art directly from Native American artisans, resulting in a better deal for both the artists and the end buyers.
Steve’s expert tip: Check out the hand-painted murals in the entrance of the store. They were created by well-known Native American painters, including Pablita Verlarde.
Read more about Skip Maisel’s Indian Jewerly →
Local boutiques and restaurants line this stretch of historic Route 66 east of downtown. Fun and hip clothing stores, jewelry and art galleries, retro toy stores, vintage clothing, upscale specialty shops, and quirky shops (tattoos, piercings) make Nob Hill a popular shopping district and meeting place for locals. There is also a variety of restaurants, many with street terraces, allowing you to spend a day shopping in this unique and historic area. The original 1940’s Nob Hill Business Center is home to the popular Scalo restaurant, the natural food co-op and other great shops and saloons at the crossroads of Carlisle and Central.
Recommended for Best Shopping because: Nob Hill is a historic section of Route 66 that’s now filled with fun local shops and restaurants and lots of retro neon.
Steve’s expert tip: Visit the site for events throughout the year, such as B. the Christmas shop and the walk in December.
Read more about Nob Hill Shopping District →
Photo courtesy of ABQUptown
ABQ Uptown is a modern outdoor mall where you can spend a day shopping for designer clothing, jewelry, accessories and even boutique pet supplies. The shop windows include Jos. A. Bank Clothiers, BCBG – MAC Cosmetics, Albuquerque, Coldwater Creek, Ann Taylor, LOFT, White House | Black Market, Lucky Brand, Anthropologie, Nestle Toll House, Pottery Barn, Bebe, Bravo! Cucina Italiana, YoYo Bliss and Apple Store.
Recommended for Best Shopping because: ABQ Uptown is a sophisticated outdoor shopping district with a great mix of shops and restaurants.
Steve’s expert tip: In warm weather, take the kids to play in the outdoor fountain. Be sure to bring a towel and a change of clothes.
Read more about ABQ Uptown →
Photo courtesy of Old Town Albuquerque
This historic heart of Albuquerque is now the place to find local shops and restaurants. The area was founded in 1706 and today numerous shops surround a grassy plaza and pavilion or line the winding streets just off the main square. These shops were dwellings 200 to 300 years ago, and many are built from the original adobe. Merchandise ranges from t-shirts to art and antiques, including antique Native American jewelry and pottery. Old Town is a must for any shopping trip to Albuquerque.
Recommended for Best Shopping because: Old Town is the heart and soul of Albuquerque, and its unique local shops reflect that.
Steve’s expert tip: Many weekends a year, public events, shows and performances also make the old town a cultural destination. The Albuquerque Museum and the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science are within easy walking distance.
Read more about the shopping area in the old town →