Albany Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau
Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State Plaza showing a high-rise building, a pond and modern architecture
Albany showing a statue or sculpture and heritage elements
Albany which includes heritage architecture
Albany featuring night scenes

Come to New York’s capital to marvel at architectural achievements, shop in funky stores or enjoy fine parks and museums.

As the legislative capital of New York, Albany instantly demands respect. However, the city offers more than simply politics. It also has a thriving arts scene, an eclectic mix of restaurants and several historical gems.

Visit Empire State Plaza to admire strikingly modern government buildings and see politics in action, with occasional peaceful demonstrations by concerned citizens. In summer enjoy free concerts or the spectacular July 4th fireworks.

Look beyond the square in any direction to notice how the architecture takes on an older style. Albany was first settled by the Dutch in 1614 and is one of the oldest continually chartered cities in the United States. Walk to State Street to admire 19th-century homes or pay a visit to City Hall, a fine example of Romanesque architecture.

Summer is the best time to enjoy Albany’s well-kept green spaces. Visit Corning Preserve and stroll along the Hudson River or head to Washington State Park. A playhouse within this park holds regular free concerts and theatre productions.

When winter cold arrives, explore the city’s museums. New York State Museum features varied exhibitions including Birds of New York and the floating Day Peckinpaugh canal boat. Albany Institute of History and Art also has excellent exhibits, such as the Hudson River school paintings.

For shopping, head to Lark Street, known as "Albany’s Greenwich Village," where you’ll find alternative, boutique stores with one-of-a-kind jewellery and contemporary art. This popular student area has many good restaurants and bars. Finish off a day’s shopping with Buffalo wings and a variety of local craft beer.

Visit in June for the week-long Capital Pride LGBT festival or September for the larkFEST, New York’s largest one-day street festival.

Most of Albany’s major sights are within easy walking distance. Public buses serve a broad area throughout the city and beyond.

Fly to Albany International Airport or drive 2.5 hours north from New York City. Albany offers access to the four seasons in New York’s upstate area, with Adirondack Mountain skiing and summer hiking just two hours away.

Where to stay in Albany

New York State Capitol Building featuring heritage architecture and a pond

Downtown Albany

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

Downtown Albany is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Hudson River Way and MVP Arena while you're in town.

Downtown Albany
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Pine Hills

Pine Hills might not have many top sights, but Washington Avenue Armory Sports and Convention Arena and New York State Museum are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Pine Hills
Mesa Verde National Park which includes tranquil scenes, landscape views and desert views

Sheridan Hollow

If you're spending some time in Sheridan Hollow, Washington Avenue Armory Sports and Convention Arena and Albany Institute of History and Art are top sights worth seeing.

Sheridan Hollow
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Hudson Park

While there might not be top attractions in Hudson Park, you can explore the larger area and discover places like New York State Museum and The Egg.

Hudson Park
Palace Theater which includes heritage elements

Arbor Hill

If you're spending some time in Arbor Hill, Palace Theater and Ten Broeck Mansion are top sights worth seeing.

Arbor Hill
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Buckingham Lake - Crestwood

Though Buckingham Lake - Crestwood may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Westgate Plaza and Westgate Shopping Center.

Buckingham Lake - Crestwood
Crowne Plaza Albany - The Desmond Hotel by IHG

Crowne Plaza Albany - The Desmond Hotel by IHG

3.5 out of 5
660 Albany Shaker Rd, Albany, NY
The price is ₹12,005 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
₹12,005
₹13,746 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Albany. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,006 reviews)
Nice hotel so close to Albany airport
"I was only there for 5 hours due to late evening arrival and an early morning flight but the hotel was nice and quiet. The shuttle service and proximity to the airport was a nice convenience."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Crowne Plaza Albany - The Desmond Hotel by IHG
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Albany

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Albany

2 out of 5
1606 Central Avenue, Albany, NY
The price is ₹6,021 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
₹6,021
₹6,894 total
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Albany. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Colonie Center Mall and Crossgates ...
4.6/10 (1,006 reviews)
"Was a good stay"

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Albany
Days Inn by Wyndham Albany SUNY

Days Inn by Wyndham Albany SUNY

2 out of 5
1230 Western Avenue, Albany, NY
The price is ₹7,341 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
₹7,341
₹8,406 total
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Albany. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. Popular ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,024 reviews)
"Everything was fine. Close to the highway and UAlbany"

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Days Inn by Wyndham Albany SUNY
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Pine Bush Suites Albany University

Pine Bush Suites Albany University

4.5 out of 5
1379 Washington Ave, Albany, NY
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Albany. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Colonie Center Mall and Crossgates ...
Don't go there!!
"The young lady at the desk was extremely nice, but the building and the room smelled so bad of disinfectant we could hardly breath. The room was not as advertised. One queen bed which looked clean and a small sofa bed with torn arms and the carpets were so dirty. The advertised kitchen had no utensils ..."

Reviewed on 16 May 2022

Pine Bush Suites Albany University
Schuyler Yacht Basin

Schuyler Yacht Basin

3 out of 5
1 Ferry St, Schuylerville, NY
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Schuylerville. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Saratoga Battlefield Monument and Christ ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (15 reviews)
"We stayed in a tiny houss that was well equipped. Upon checking in we met Henry who works on the property. He was great, helped us get settled and answered all our questions. The site is on the Hudson and has nice views. The onsite restaurant was great too! Shout out to Rachel behind the bar and ..."

Reviewed on 7 Jun 2025

Schuyler Yacht Basin
cozy retreat with modern amenties

cozy retreat with modern amenties

2 out of 5
119 Orchard St, Delmar, NY
Stay at this chalet in Delmar. Enjoy a garden and outdoor pool access. Popular attractions Crossgates Mall and MVP Arena are located nearby.
cozy retreat with modern amenties
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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