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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Buckingham Lake - Crestwood

When in Buckingham Lake - Crestwood, you can plan a visit to Westgate Plaza and Washington Avenue Armory Sports and Convention Arena, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

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
$139 nightly
The price is $159 total per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
$159 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
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! (1,019 reviews)
"Enjoyed our stay. Staff are great. Food is excellent. When we go to Albany this always where we stay."

Reviewed on Jul 27, 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
$60 nightly
The price is $69 total per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
$69 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
Total includes taxes and 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 (1,015 reviews)
Travel worker
"Think the floors could be cleaner and they are working on the upgrades while the outside was goo"

Reviewed on Jul 27, 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
$83 nightly
The price is $95 total per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
$95 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Albany. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,048 reviews)
"Good overall experience!"

Reviewed on Jul 28, 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.
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 MVP Arena and Colonie Center Mall are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (22 reviews)
"This was a good deal for the location and space for my family’s stay. It was close to lots of coffee shops, restaurants, and overlooked Washington Park. AC window units and fans made it comfortable in the July heat. Street parking was made easy thanks to the host."

Reviewed on Jul 26, 2025

Chic Madison Parkview
2 bedroom town house with game room

2 bedroom town house with game room

Albany
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Albany. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and a pool table. Popular attractions The Egg and MVP Arena are located ...
5.8/10 (15 reviews)
Terrible host
"Important items about check in was NOT revealed by either host nor VRBO. I still have not received access code.from host as was told would be sent day before checkin. Then host changed and said would send code.day of checkin and had to check my ID. NEVER BEFORE had such issues. Am very, very unhappy. ..."

Reviewed on Jun 24, 2025

2 bedroom town house with game room
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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