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 Hudson River Way and MVP Arena while you're in town.

Downtown Albany
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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
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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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
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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Delaware Avenue

While Delaware Avenue might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like New York State Museum and The Egg.

Delaware Avenue
Hilton Garden Inn Albany Airport

Hilton Garden Inn Albany Airport

3 out of 5
800 Albany Shaker Rd, Albany, NY
$86 nightly
The price is $99 total per night from Nov 2 to Nov 3
$99 total
Nov 2 - Nov 3
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Albany. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,162 reviews)
"It was nice"

Reviewed on Oct 15, 2025

Hilton Garden Inn Albany Airport
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
$107 nightly
The price is $123 total per night from Oct 26 to Oct 27
$123 total
Oct 26 - Oct 27
Total with taxes and 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! (1,017 reviews)
"Airport shuttle was timely and very responsive to all flights regardless of the time of day."

Reviewed on Oct 12, 2025

Crowne Plaza Albany - The Desmond Hotel by IHG
Hyatt Place Albany/Downtown

Hyatt Place Albany/Downtown

3 out of 5
82 MONTGOMERY STREET, Albany, NY
$116 nightly
The price is $133 total per night from Nov 1 to Nov 2
$133 total
Nov 1 - Nov 2
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Albany. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,232 reviews)
"I was there to do the Hudson Mohawk Marathon. The finish line was closely located. The weekend staff, while I was there was a pleasant and efficient demeanor. I have only good things to say about them."

Reviewed on Oct 15, 2025

Hyatt Place Albany/Downtown
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 Bluebirds Nest

The Bluebirds Nest

Albany
Stay at this apartment in Albany. Enjoy an in-room coffeemaker and air conditioning. Popular attractions MVP Arena and Colonie Center Mall are located ...
7.6/10 Good! (6 reviews)
Albany overnight
"Close to downtown and local colleges. Host was quick to answer when we had a couple of questions."

Reviewed on Jul 19, 2025

The Bluebirds Nest
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! (7 reviews)
"Antonio made our stay a great experience from start to finish. He was friendly, responsive, and made everything so convenient for us. The place was exactly what we needed—clean, comfortable, and in a great location.Check-in and check-out were smooth, and Antonio made sure we had everything we needed ..."

Reviewed on Jul 31, 2025

The Rizzy Apartment
2 bed room Apartment

2 bed room Apartment

Albany
Stay at this apartment in Albany. Enjoy free WiFi, patios, and housekeeping. Popular attractions MVP Arena and Colonie Center Mall are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
"Clean rooms, comfortable beds. Easy access location. Quiet neighborhood. Would stay again."

Reviewed on Aug 29, 2025

2 bed room Apartment
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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