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Albany is the capital of New York State, on the west bank of the Hudson River about 150 miles north of New York City. Dutch traders built Fort Orange here in 1624, making Albany one of the oldest surviving European settlements in the original thirteen colonies. It became the state capital in 1797 and grew as a transport hub at the junction of the Hudson River and the Erie Canal.
The New York State Capitol, finished in 1899 after more than 30 years of construction, is one of the grandest statehouses in the country, with its famous Million Dollar Staircase. Next to it, the Empire State Plaza is a striking modernist complex of marble towers, reflecting pools and the Egg performing arts center, with the New York State Museum and a free observation deck at its southern end.
Albany's historic neighborhoods of brownstones and row houses, like Center Square and the Pastures, date back centuries. Washington Park hosts the Tulip Festival every May, celebrating the city's Dutch heritage, the Palace Theatre stages concerts, and the Ten Broeck Mansion and Schuyler Mansion offer glimpses of colonial life.
A grand Romanesque and Renaissance style capitol completed in 1899 after over 30 years of work, famous for its Million Dollar Staircase, Senate and Assembly chambers and carved stone. Free guided tours run on weekdays. Bring photo ID for security, and allow about an hour.
A large modernist government complex built in the 1960s and 1970s, with marble towers, reflecting pools and a large outdoor collection of modern art. The 42nd floor observation deck of the Corning Tower offers free views. In winter the plaza has an outdoor ice skating rink.
A large Gothic Revival cathedral completed in the 1850s, with twin spires, rich stained glass windows and a restored ornate interior. It is the seat of the Catholic Diocese of Albany and stands near the Empire State Plaza. Visit outside Mass times to view the interior.
A large free museum at the Empire State Plaza with exhibits on New York's natural history and people, including a Cohoes mastodon skeleton, a World Trade Center exhibit, Native American life and a working antique carousel on the top floor. Allow two to three hours.
One of the oldest museums in the United States, with collections of Hudson River School paintings, Albany silver and furniture, and two Egyptian mummies. Exhibits trace the city's history from Dutch colonial times onward. Allow about two hours and check for free days.
The 1760s Georgian home of Revolutionary War general Philip Schuyler, where his daughter Elizabeth married Alexander Hamilton in 1780. Now a state historic site with period furnishings and guided tours. Tours are seasonal, so check schedules, and expect interest from Hamilton fans.
A large Victorian-era park laid out in the 1870s, with a lake, a lakehouse, monuments and tree-lined paths next to the Center Square neighborhood. It is the home of the Tulip Festival each May. It is lovely for a walk in any season.
A riverside park along the Hudson River with a paved trail, a boat launch, and the Jennings Landing amphitheater that hosts summer concerts. It connects to the Mohawk-Hudson bike path. Reach it from downtown by the pedestrian bridge over Interstate 787 at Hudson River Way.
A historic neighborhood of 19th century brick and brownstone row houses between the Capitol and Washington Park, with Lark Street's bars, cafes and shops. It is one of Albany's most walkable areas. Stroll the side streets for the architecture, then end at Washington Park.
A restored 1931 movie palace on Clinton Avenue, now hosting concerts, comedy, touring shows and the Albany Symphony Orchestra in its ornate auditorium. It seats around 2,800 people. Check the event calendar and arrive early to see the lavish lobby and ceiling.
A performing arts center at the Empire State Plaza shaped like a tilted egg, one of Albany's most recognizable buildings. Its two theaters host concerts, dance, comedy and theater. Even without a ticket, it is worth seeing from the plaza, especially when lit up at night.
A free festival held in Washington Park each May around Mother's Day, celebrating the city's Dutch heritage with more than 100,000 tulips, the crowning of the Tulip Queen, live music, food and crafts. Visit the park in the days before or after the festival to see the blooms with fewer crowds.
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