Albany

Travel Guide
Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State Plaza showing a high-rise building, a pond and modern architecture
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

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

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

Downtown Albany
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Mansion Area

Though Mansion Area may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like New York State Museum and MVP Arena.

Mansion Area
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South End

If you're spending some time in South End, Mount Zion Baptist Church and Schuyler Mansion are top sights worth seeing.

South End
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Dunes

Dunes might not have many top sights, but Crossgates Mall and Albany Pine Bush Preserve are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Dunes
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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 Washington Park and Washington Avenue Armory Sports and Convention Arena.

Buckingham Lake - Crestwood
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Melrose

Melrose might not have many top sights, but Washington Park and Washington Avenue Armory Sports and Convention Arena are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Melrose
Hampton Inn & Suites Albany-Downtown
Hampton Inn & Suites Albany-Downtown
2.5 out of 5
25 Chapel St, Albany, NY
The price is HK$891 per night from 28 Apr to 29 Apr
HK$891
per night
28 Apr - 29 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Albany. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,010 reviews)
"Amazing staff! So friendly and accommodating! Excellent customer service!"

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2024

Hampton Inn & Suites Albany-Downtown
Hyatt Place Albany
Hyatt Place Albany
3 out of 5
82 MONTGOMERY STREET, Albany, NY
The price is HK$908 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
HK$908
per night
14 Apr - 15 Apr
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Albany. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions MVP Arena and Colonie Center ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (271 reviews)
Exactly what we needed
"Our room was not ready over an hour after check-in but since we were in no rush to get anywhere, we decided to grab a drink and relax by the fire. The manager comp'd us our drinks because of the wait. The hotel is relatively new and well kept. Breakfast is included and while not super robust, does ..."

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

Hyatt Place Albany
Hilton Albany
Hilton Albany
3.5 out of 5
40 Lodge Street, Albany, NY
The price is HK$1,058 per night from 28 Apr to 29 Apr
HK$1,058
per night
28 Apr - 29 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Albany. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
6.8/10 (1,021 reviews)
Great staff, no heat!
"Our room had no heat. It was 36° outside and the AC would not stop running. Attempted to turn on the heat, and nothing happened. Shut the entire system off, and it continued to run for a couple of hours after. Hotel staff was amazing, making sure we had extra blankets and everything we needed to ..."

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

Hilton Albany
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.
2 bedroom town house with game room
2 bedroom town house with game room
Albany
Stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Albany. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and an arcade/game room. Popular attractions Historic Cherry Hill and ...
5.8/10 (7 reviews)
No stay- only fraud
"Owner changed date of my stay without my permission and charged me for this date without my consent. Vrbo was very friendly to refund me immediately. This person should not be allowed to do business on this app."

Reviewed on 2 Jun 2023

2 bedroom town house with game room
MiniMansion newly furnished with Italian furniture 8k slim televisions all rooms
MiniMansion newly furnished with Italian furniture 8k slim televisions all rooms
Albany
Stay at this vacation home in Albany. Enjoy WiFi, a fitness center, and onsite parking. Popular attractions SEFCU Arena and Albany Institute of History Art are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
Large Space
"Sergio's VRBO rental worked great for our friends get together. Plenty of large and comfortable beds and bathrooms and the kitchen was a pleasure to use"

Reviewed on 13 Mar 2024

MiniMansion newly furnished with Italian furniture 8k slim televisions all rooms

Candid Luxury Guesthouse
Candid Luxury Guesthouse
Colonie
Stay at this vacation home in Albany. Enjoy WiFi, 2 bathrooms, and 4 bedrooms. Popular attractions Watervliet Shaker National Historic Site and Shaker Heritage ...
Candid Luxury Guesthouse
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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