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
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 Berkshire Ballet.

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
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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
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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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South End

While visiting South End, you might make a stop by sights like Schuyler Mansion and Mount Zion Baptist Church.

South End
Hyatt Place Albany/Downtown
Hyatt Place Albany/Downtown
3 out of 5
82 MONTGOMERY STREET, Albany, NY
$125 nightly
The price is $143 total per night from Jun 1 to Jun 2
$143 total
Jun 1 - Jun 2
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Albany. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (909 reviews)
Great place to stay
"Nice place clean friendly and good location downtown"

Reviewed on May 11, 2025

Hyatt Place Albany/Downtown
The Albany Hotel
The Albany Hotel
2.5 out of 5
300 Broadway, Albany, NY
$113 nightly
The price is $129 total per night from May 19 to May 20
$129 total
May 19 - May 20
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Albany. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions MVP Arena and Colonie Center Mall are located ...
8/10 Very Good! (64 reviews)
"Very nice. Clean friendly"

Reviewed on May 10, 2025

The Albany Hotel
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
$127 nightly
The price is $145 total per night from May 26 to May 27
$145 total
May 26 - May 27
Total includes 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! (1,005 reviews)
"From the minute I walked in, I had such a good feeling about this hotel. It exceeded my expectations! I really enjoyed my stay here and will definitely come back again anytime I’m in Schenectady/Albany!"

Reviewed on May 9, 2025

Crowne Plaza Albany - The Desmond Hotel by IHG
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.
UNIQUE Gem in HEART of Albany ★ Spiral Staircase
UNIQUE Gem in HEART of Albany ★ Spiral Staircase
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 ...
Brooklyn comes to Albany
"I came to Albany from an event at The Egg. It took me a while to figure out the check-in process. But once inside, I wished to book this property for a longer stay. There's a nice restaurant around the corner and a bar down the block. This is a good spot for walking to downtown Albany."

Reviewed on Mar 22, 2025

UNIQUE Gem in HEART of Albany ★ Spiral Staircase
Chic Madison Parkview
Chic Madison Parkview
Albany
Stay at this apartment in Albany. Enjoy free WiFi, balconies, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions MVP Arena and Colonie Center Mall are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (17 reviews)
All’s well that ends well
"Everything was as advertised. Perfect for our needs. Went to several restaurants in the area they were great. Hopefully no rain next time!!Thx"

Reviewed on May 12, 2025

Chic Madison Parkview
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 ...
"Great time"

Reviewed on Oct 27, 2024

The Rizzy 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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