Location: Albany
Top Things to do in Albany
Things to do in Albany, New York (NY): The Best Sights & Landmarks
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. First Lutheran Church
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
2. St. Peter's Church
3. Schuyler Mansion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 121 reviews
Georgian style home of American Revolutionary War Major-General Philip Schuyler and his family. In general, tours begin at 11:00 a.m., are offered on the hour, with the last tour at 4:00 p.m. Site is currently CLOSED for the 2019 season and will re-open for general visitation May 2020. For information about special events, please visit https://parks.ny.gov/historic-sites/33/details.aspx or find us on Facebook.
Reviewed By R4252TRfranks - Brunswick, United States
This gives one a real good insight into the history of the Dutch and their importance to this area. Our guide Ian was great and provided a lot of information not heard in other sources.
4. New York State Capitol
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 835 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 FlaviaPortChester_NY
Recently, I visited for the third time the NY State Capitol and it is just a wonderful place that can be revisited every few years. Also, I have visited the Nation's Capitol as well as several State Capitols and I can attest that this one is even more impressive than our Nation's Capitol. The free, one-hour guided tour is highly informative and, depending on the tour guide, you can get different historical information and information relating to the decorative elements of this unusual, tasteful and ornate Capitol. My recommendation is to make reservations if you visit during the weekends, but you may be able to get on a tour if there are "no show" reservations. Regarding Albany, it is simply a shame that there is no plan to rescue entire neighborhoods built after the Civil War to accommodate the number of craftsmen that moved into the area to build the Capitol. There is exquisite residential architecture that is just simply wasted!
5. Ten Broeck Mansion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
The Historic Ten Broeck Mansion in Albany, New York was built in 1798 for Brigadier General Abraham Ten Broeck and his wife, Elizabeth Van Rensselaer. Operated as a museum by the Albany County Historical Association, tours of the home are available May - October. The Ten Broeck Gardens, maintained by the volunteer Master Gardeners of the Cornell Cooperative Extension are open May-October, dawn to dusk. Workshops, free family programs, concerts, performances, and other cultural offerings are available year-round. Please see our website for more information.
Reviewed By RandyW397 - Albany, United States
Love the local history! Even the spooky aspects. Great connection to Albany’s past. Looking forward to upcoming wine events too.
6. US Route 20
7. New York State Executive Mansion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
The New York State Executive Mansion is located on Eagle Street in downtown Albany. Since 1875, this house has been home to New York's governors and their families. It is a house that is eclectic in style, filled with history and rich with tradition. It remains a fitting symbol of the variety and greatness of the Empire State. SCHEDULE: Tours of the Mansion are offered September through June on Thursdays at 10:00 and 11:00 a.m., 12:00, 1:00, and 2:00 p.m. to groups of 10 or more, up to a maximum of 30 visitors (including chaperones). RESERVATIONS: Reservations are required and must be made at least two weeks in advance. To schedule a tour, please call. SPECIAL RULE: Photo identification is required for all adults. COST: Tours are free of charge. LOCATION: Tours begin at the front center gate of the Mansion, 138 Eagle Street, Albany. LENGTH: Tours last approximately one hour. ACCESSIBILITY: The Executive Mansion is fully accessible for persons with disabilities. Please inform us of any special needs when making your reservation. ARRIVAL: Please plan to arrive 5 minutes prior to the starting time of your tour. If you are going to be late, or must cancel a tour, kindly notify the Plaza Visitor Center. DIRECTIONS and PARKING: The New York Executive Mansion is a short walking distance from the Empire State Plaza. Starting on Madison Avenue in front of the State Museum, walk down the street to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and turn right onto Eagle Street. Entrance to the Mansion is through the front center (pedestrian) gate. Parking is not available at the Executive Mansion. Buses may unload passengers at the front gate. General Tour: The general tour takes the visitor on a journey through the Mansion, examining its roles as both an official residence and a private home to New York's governors and their families. Tour discussion focuses on past and present New York State governors, architectural history, furnishings and artwork, and the Mansion's present existence as a LEED-certified building. Student Tour: The student tour focuses on four key periods in the Mansion's history: the Victorian era, 1920s to the mid-1930s, 1960s to the present, and the 21st Century. Through the use of artifacts, furnishings and art, students will explore the Executive Mansion's significance to the culture and history of New York State. The tour culminates with a discussion about the Executive Mansion in the 21st century, including the importance of sustainable living and the Mansion's LEED-Gold certification.
8. Chester A. Arthur Memorial Tomb
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 62 reviews
Reviewed By 539bonnieh - Fort Worth, United States
Not having seen a picture of the gravesite previously, I was speechless at the beauty and loving care put into the site. I could not stop taking pictures of the angel. It made me want to read about President Arthur because of the thoughtfulness of the site. It is located up high and on a corner lot which was a perfect location for display
9. Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
10. Times Union Center
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 253 reviews
This multipurpose civic center hosts musical performances, ice shows, trade shows and is home to the AHL River Rats, NLP Attack and the Siena Saints MAAC basketball team.
Reviewed By Goaltender32 - Bethel, United States
Great sight lines, easy to get to, just off the interstate and easy parking in two parking garages within a block. Great place for a concert or ice hockey!
