Downtown Historical Buildings Walking Tour (Self Guided), Albuquerque

The one-of-a-kind character of Albuquerque is the result of many different forces and centuries of history that have shaped the city. The core of Central Albuquerque is what most of the locals considered “downtown” – a place they lived, worked, shopped, governed and entertained themselves in for almost 80 years, since the arrival of the railroad in 1880.

The vibrant architectural tapestry of Downtown Albuquerque duly reflects the historical patterns of these activities, and is manifested in the variety of banks, hotels, federal and entertainment facilities, and more. Many of these buildings are listed on the State and National Register of Historic Places.

Kimo Theater – the extravagant landmark opened in 1927, whose name means "king of its kind". The Art Deco-Pueblo Revival Style architecture reflects motifs from the popular attractions of New Mexico's indigenous peoples and natural wonders.

The Old Post Office – built in 1908, is the oldest surviving federal building in Albuquerque, featuring Spanish Colonial Revival-style. Occidental Life Building – unique in the U.S., and one of Albuquerque's best-known and best-loved monuments. First National Bank Building – a historic nine-story edifice completed in 1923; the city's first skyscraper and tallest building until 1954.

Sunshine Building – a historic six-story property, one of Albuquerque's first skyscrapers; opened with much fanfare on May 1, 1924. Alvarado Transportation Center (Former Santa Fe Depot) – built in 1902, is a live reminder of the glory days of rail traffic through Albuquerque. Dignitaries such as Theodore Roosevelt and Clark Gable passed through it along with thousands of others en route to the West Coast.

If you wish to learn more about these and other well-known historic landmarks in Downtown Albuquerque, follow this self-guided walking tour.