Albany, NY

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau
Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State Plaza featuring modern architecture, a pond and a high rise building
Albany which includes heritage elements and a statue or sculpture
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 theater 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 jewelry 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(445 area reviews)

Downtown Albany is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to MVP Arena and Destroyer Escort Historical Museum while you're in town.

Downtown Albany
Mesa Verde National Park featuring desert views, landscape views and tranquil scenes

Sheridan Hollow

While visiting Sheridan Hollow, you might make a stop by sights like Washington Avenue Armory Sports and Convention Arena and Albany Institute of History and Art.

Sheridan Hollow
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Pine Hills

While Pine Hills might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Washington Avenue Armory Sports and Convention Arena and New York State Museum.

Pine Hills
Palace Theater featuring heritage elements

Arbor Hill

While visiting Arbor Hill, you might make a stop by sights like Palace Theater and Ten Broeck Mansion.

Arbor Hill
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Buckingham Lake - Crestwood

When in Buckingham Lake - Crestwood, you can plan a visit to Westgate Plaza and Westgate Shopping Center, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Buckingham Lake - Crestwood
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Hudson Park

While Hudson Park isn't home to many top sights, New York State Museum and The Egg are some notable places to visit nearby.

Hudson Park
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 ¥18,724 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
¥18,724
¥21,439 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Albany. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,011 reviews)
"Everything was perfect during my stay"

Reviewed on Jul 8, 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 ¥9,399 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
¥9,399
¥10,762 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Albany. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Colonie Center Mall and Crossgates ...
4.6/10 (1,005 reviews)
"Tv was of no use, one poor station available. Vending machine out of order. No cups provided. Body wash ( soap) container in shower empty. Details like these lacking. Clean, quiet at night for sleep."

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Albany
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Downtown Albany New York
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Downtown Albany New York
2 out of 5
300 Broadway, Albany, NY
The price is ¥15,911 per night from Jul 21 to Jul 22
¥15,911
¥18,217 total
Jul 21 - Jul 22
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Albany. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a free airport shuttle. Popular attractions MVP Arena and Colonie ...
7.8/10 Good! (211 reviews)
"Room was very clean the staff was very pleasant, I would stay here again"

Reviewed on Jul 11, 2025

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Downtown Albany New York
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.
The Rizzy Apartment
The Rizzy Apartment
Albany
Stay at this apartment in Albany. Enjoy free WiFi, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions MVP Arena and Colonie Center Mall are located ...
7.2/10 Good! (5 reviews)
"Great time"

Reviewed on Oct 27, 2024

The Rizzy Apartment
Chic Madison Parkview
Chic Madison Parkview
Albany
Stay at this apartment in Albany. Enjoy free WiFi, balconies, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions The Egg and MVP Arena are located nearby.
9.8/10 Exceptional! (21 reviews)
Great location, great apartment
"Really nice place!! Very cool vibe, exceptionally clean. 10 minute drive to UAlbany. Very responsive host - highly recommend"

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

Chic Madison Parkview
★MODERN 1BR Apt w/ PRIVATE deck! W/D★
★MODERN 1BR Apt w/ PRIVATE deck! W/D★
Albany
Stay at this apartment in Albany. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios, and air conditioning. Popular attractions MVP Arena and The Egg are located nearby.
8.8/10 Excellent! (5 reviews)
Great for the price!
"Really cute and cozy space. Parking lot was easy, right next to the building. Very clean and close to everything in downtown! Brought my dog and it was convenient with the yard and being able to walk him around. The neighborhood is a little sketch, but nothing super crazy. Would book here again!"

Reviewed on Mar 2, 2025

★MODERN 1BR Apt w/ PRIVATE deck! W/D★
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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