Location: Albany
Top Things to do in Albany
10 Things to Do in Albany That You Shouldn't Miss
A rich 300-year history, a thriving arts community and seemingly endless wilderness make this New York capital city on the Hudson River a great weekend getaway. Outdoor enthusiasts come here to ski, hike, canoe and fish; trout and small-mouth bass fishing is among the best in the U.S. Mountains surround the city, and the tapestry of golds and reds on an autumn day is breathtaking. The city is dominated by an elaborate 10-building complex that includes the State Capitol; the New York State Museum, with life-like dioramas such as American Indian life and an Adirondack logging operation; and the oval-shaped Empire State Performing Arts Center, nicknamed "The Egg." History buffs will enjoy the colonial homes, historic churches and museums, and can tour 18th-century mansions, like the Schuyler, a superb example of pre-Revolutionary War architecture. Whether nature or history is your passion, you'll find an abundance of both in this upstate New York gem.
Restaurants in Albany
1. USS Slater DE-766
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 277 reviews
During World War II 563 Destroyer Escorts battled Nazi U-Boats on the North Atlantic protecting convoys of men and supplies. In the Pacific, they stood first in line to defend naval task forces from Kamikaze attacks. Today only one remains afloat in America. Step back in time. Return to 1945 aboard USS SLATER. See how Sailors worked, hear the sounds of a living ship, touch a piece of American history, and walk the decks where hundreds of Sailors have walked before.
Reviewed By Koldslaw - Albany, New York
If you love military history or naval history this is your jam. Beautiful ship with tons of character.Check er out!
2. New York State Capitol
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 680 reviews
The New York State Capitol has served as the seat of government for New York since the 1880's. Over 125 years old, the building is a marvel of late 19th-century architectural grandeur. Built by hand of solid masonry, it took 5 architects and 32 years to complete. Over the years meticulous restoration has been done to maintain and protect the Capitol for future generations of New Yorkers.
Reviewed By ProfessorOT - Hamilton, Canada
We went to the New York State Capitol for an advocacy event. The building was beautiful with its detailed architecture and stunning columns. A must is observing the Senate floor from the viewing gallery. Make sure that you have good walking shoes!
3. New York State Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 907 reviews
Under the leadership of the New York State Education Department, this museum and research center preserves New York State's artistic, social, historical and environmental legacies through such exhibits as "Native Peoples of New York," "The Cohoes Mastodont" and "Black Capital: Harlem in the 20s."
Reviewed By Connie R - Boston, Massachusetts
Spent several hours in this museum which is free to the public but accepts donations. Outstanding special exhibit on Women's Suffrage movement and the role played by New Yorkers. Powerful exhibit on NYC on Sept. 11. Incredibly moving. Also, interesting exhibit on the birds of New York State..
4. Palace Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 155 reviews
Reviewed By Disneybus - Pittsgrove, New Jersey
This is just a beautiful "old school" historic theatre. We had the pleasure of experiencing the Palace on a recent visit to see Lewis Black. Parking is available close by, the restrooms are fairly spacious and ample, and there is surprisingly ample legroom and seating size for an older theatre. Our usher pridefully took some time enlightening us to the theatre's history, design, and cultural value to Albany. The world's foremost theatre architect of the time - RKO spared no expense in the Palace's design, which boasted an ornate Austrian Baroque design with "atmospheric" elements in the auditorium. The Palace has retained most of its original design features, including an impressive brass chandelier in the main lobby, original murals painted by Hungarian artists and plaster beams in the fore-lobby painted to resemble carved wood. The Palace underwent extensive renovations in the early 2000's, including a state-of-the-art LED marquee, replicating the original 1931 design. To fully appreciate the grandiose design, we arrived early to walk around all levels. Magnificent!
5. Washington Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 325 reviews
Reviewed By mama_in_vegas - massachusetts
I walked around Washington Park on a lovely fall day. It is a pleasant place and you can easily traverse the whole park in 45 minutes with leisurely stops at the lake, bridge, boat house and views of the beautiful homes along its edges.
6. The Egg
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 202 reviews
Hovering dramatically over Empire State Plaza, The Egg is a world-class performing arts complex.
Reviewed By Anne M - Hendersonville, North Carolina
My husband and I were staying a night in Albany and wanted to go downtown to see "The Egg". It is a performing arts venue that took about 12 years to build. It was easy to pick it out from other buildings due to its very unusual shape. Its base actually goes down 6 stories and accommodates 2 theaters. Hope to come back sometime!
7. Albany Institute of History & Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 135 reviews
Step inside one of the oldest museums in North America for a glimpse of what life was like in old Albany and the Upper Hudson Valley through an amazing collection of furniture, clothing, paintings, silver and photographs, all celebrating the importance of this region in American history.
Reviewed By jank1 - Williamson, New York
While not as large as the NYS Museum, it held a number of interesting exhibits. The temporary exhibit was early 1900's high society women's dresses and was spectacular. Over 100 gowns, probably 10 to 20 in a room along with some period furniture gave a real feel what society balls must have been like. The main permanent display is a large (~100) collection of Hudson River School paintings, really beautiful, plus a few smaller temporary exhibits.
8. Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State Plaza
Overall Ratings
4 based on 167 reviews
In June 1965, the cornerstone was laid for what would become The Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State Plaza. Marketed at the time as a "Design for the Future," the Plaza exists today as an icon of 20th century Modernist architecture. The Empire State Plaza features 10 state government buildings set on a six-story platform connected by a quarter mile long underground concourse. The Empire State Plaza is complete with historical attractions, walking tours, modern paintings and sculptures, memorials and remembrances, a performing arts center, 42 story observation deck, ice skating rink during the winter and plenty of music and other entertainment in the summer and fall.
Reviewed By Mork001 - Melbourne, Australia
Really nice place for a walk no time of year.
We strolled around the plaza taking in the 4 Agencies, The Egg, Skating Rink, the statues and art pieces.
You can go up the tower to the observation deck, 42 floors up with a great view of Albany.
Like many thing in Albany, the Observation deck is free.
Park across the road after 3pm for free parking in the cathedral cark park.
9. Crossgates Mall
Overall Ratings
4 based on 122 reviews
Reviewed By NYCaliKara - Fort Lauderdale, Florida
I grew up in the Capital District and this was always THE mall to come to. I'm old enough to remember the mall before the expansion 20+ years ago. I used to go to the movie theater wayyy back when it was up on the third floor! It's safe to say this mall has grown quite a bit over the years.
I moved away from the Capital Region to SF, LA & South Florida. I was curious to see how the mall would compare to the other "fancy" malls I have visited in these larger population density areas.
Crossgates is a more mid-range mall, you don't have the higher end stores (Nordstrom, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co) that you would find in more affluent areas like the NYC metropolitan area. That's ok with me, just pointing this out.
I noticed a LOT of new businesses in this mall such as 5 Wits, Dave & Busters, Vera Bradley, the fancy bowling alley and a few others. I was really impressed that the mall had little vacancy. I'm not sure if the mall has had a face lift since I moved, but it was all very bright and clean. The tile flooring looks newer, but that might have been there when I left.
The food court looked a bit smaller than I remember it. Luckily the mall still has a good amount of sit down restaurants, Unos Pizzeria & Grill is still my favorite.
There is a large movie theater down near Macy's. CVS isn't too far from the movie theater incase you want to sneak some treats in your coat pocket.
I visited mid-day and spent some time on the wifi. I thought the internet connection and speed was the best down by JC Penny.
10. Albany Pine Bush Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 78 reviews
One of the most endangered regions in the Northeastern United Sates contains almost 6,000 acres of scenic and dramatic landscape rooted in glacial history.
Reviewed By Fudbutter - Westchester County, New York
Nice easy no elevation walk not far from the populated areas of Albany and Guilderland. Not all that thrilling for views and a bit buggy (wear DEET)
If you have the time, there are probably better places to walk about but if you are local and looking to stretch the legs, this is not bad.
TAGS
