A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Albuquerque vs. Calgary for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Albuquerque or Calgary?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Albuquerque and Calgary. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Albuquerque

Albuquerque is a cosmopolitan, cultural, and outdoorsy town. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Albuquerque travel costs.

Calgary

Calgary is a western, local, and authentic city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums. See Calgary travel costs.

Albuquerque and Calgary: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Albuquerque or Calgary?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Albuquerque than Calgary. While Calgary is larger than Albuquerque, Albuquerque has more sights and attractions for tourists. Calgary is more touristy than Albuquerque and is popular for its farming and oil industries as well as the Calgary Stampede. Albuquerque is famous for its adobe architecture, artisan shops, fascinating cultural venues, and surrounding desert landscapes. It is also well known for The Old Town.

How is Albuquerque different from Calgary?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Calgary and Albuquerque. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Albuquerque or Calgary?

Albuquerque is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Albuquerque. The old town has a lot of history including the San Felipe de Neri Church. Also worth visiting is the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Unser Racing Museum, and the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Calgary. It's worth visiting the Calgary Zoo, Fort Calgary, the Hangar Flight Museum, and Heritage Park, among others.

Is the Food Better in Albuquerque or Calgary? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Albuquerque is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Calgary is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Albuquerque. The city's local cuisine combines Native American and Spanish flavors to make a variety of unique specialties. You should try the green chili stew, breakfast burrito, sopaipillas, and blue corn pancakes.

Calgary may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The food scene is constantly evolving and you'll find plenty of casual restaurants. The city is known for its beef, so you should definitely sample a local steak.

Is Albuquerque or Calgary Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find nice options in both Albuquerque and Calgary.

If you're looking for night time activities Albuquerque has a few options to choose from. Head downtown and to the Nob Hill neighborhood for wine bars, breweries, and billiard halls. These areas have the best nightlife scene and they're also compact enough to explore on foot.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Calgary. Visitors often head to Stephen Avenue Walk for its bars and pubs. There's also a decent theater scene around town.

Is Albuquerque or Calgary Better for its Old Town?

Albuquerque is an unbeatable place for its old town. However, Calgary does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Albuquerque offers plenty to see. There is a wonderful old town where the city's first neighborhood was established. It dates back to the early 1700's and has its roots in Spanish colonial history. The area has many adobe houses, great local restaurants, and artisan shops.

Calgary does not have a historic old town.

Is Albuquerque or Calgary Better for Hiking?

Albuquerque is a town with good options for its hiking experiences. However, Calgary is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Albuquerque. The desert landscape is varied and beautiful. Popular trails in the area include Tree Spring Trail, Birdhouse Ridge, and West Ridge.

Calgary is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Albuquerque or Calgary?

Albuquerque is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Albuquerque is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city's old town has many cultural artisan shops where you can buy local items. It's a fun and unique shopping experience, and though it sometimes feels a bit touristy, there are many local shops that offer an authentic experience.

Calgary has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are plenty of independent shops around town as well as some great shopping neighborhoods. Make sure you check out Fourth Street and 17th Avenue. There are also large shopping malls.

Is Albuquerque or Calgary Better for Families?

Both Albuquerque and Calgary are nice family-friendly destinations.

Albuquerque offers lots of family activities. The city has a number of nature centers as well as the Albuquerque BioPark Zoo. Outside of town there are many parks and natural areas to explore.

Calgary is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a surprising number of things around town to do with kids such as petting zoos, museums, and even amusement parks. The Calgary Zoo is worth a visit, but also make sure you check out Calaway Park Amusement Park and the Telus Spark science center.

Is Albuquerque or Calgary Better for Couples?

Albuquerque is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Albuquerque frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Surrounded by natural beauty, and filled with culture and charm, this city makes a great romantic getaway. It's particularly wonderful during the famous International Balloon Fiesta.

Calgary is a good town for couples to visit. You'll find outdoor sports, boat tours, and plenty of great restaurants around town. If you're looking for a low key destination with a great vibe, then this is a great city for a weekend trip.

Is Albuquerque or Calgary Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Calgary is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Albuquerque is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Calgary. A surprising number of backpackers end up passing through town, so you'll find a handful of hostels to choose from.

Albuquerque is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are campgrounds around that offer affordable and fun places to stay, but in general this town isn't particularly backpacker friendly.

Is Albuquerque or Calgary Better for Students?

Albuquerque is a town with good options for students. However, Calgary is not popular with students.

Albuquerque is popular with students. It offers a unique cultural environment that students can appreciate. There are also many outdoor recreational opportunities.

Calgary is not popular with students.

Is Albuquerque or Calgary Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Calgary is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Albuquerque is not known for its public transit.

While Calgary offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The public transportation system is relatively efficient with both light rail and buses.

Public transit is generally limited in Albuquerque. ABQ Ride is the bus system around town, but most visitors prefer to have their own car.

Is Albuquerque or Calgary a more walkable city?

Albuquerque is a town with good options for its high level of walkability. However, Calgary is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

Albuquerque is a somewhat walkable place. Walkable areas include the old town, the area around the University of New Mexico, and the uptown area.

Calgary is generally not a very walkable town. While there are a couple of walkable neighborhood's around town, it's definitely not the most walkable city.

For even more information, also check out Is Albuquerque Worth Visiting? and Is Calgary Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Calgary or Albuquerque?

How long in Albuquerque or Calgary?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Albuquerque or Calgary to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Albuquerque than Calgary because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Albuquerque, and 1-2 days is enough time in Calgary.

Families should spend more time in Albuquerque than Calgary. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Albuquerque, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Albuquerque than Calgary. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Albuquerque that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Albuquerque than Calgary if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Albuquerque.

One day in Albuquerque or Calgary?

In Albuquerque, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the western city of Calgary. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Albuquerque or Calgary?

In Albuquerque, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Albuquerque has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic destination of Calgary. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Albuquerque or Calgary?

Albuquerque is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

The local city of Calgary offers museums and nightlife. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Albuquerque or Calgary?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Albuquerque. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Albuquerque. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting Calgary. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada.

When comparing the travel costs between Albuquerque and Calgary, we can see that Calgary is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Albuquerque Expensive? and Is Calgary Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Albuquerque or Calgary?

Calgary has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Albuquerque. When comparing the sizes of Albuquerque and Calgary, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.