A Day In Albany: The Ultimate Travel Guide To Things To Do In New York's Capital (2024)

This article is part of a directory: East Coast USA: Complete Travel Guide

While Albany is New York’s capital, it is always overlooked. The city is one of the most fascinating destinations, especially for history buffs, cultural enthusiasts, and lovers of arts. Like the rest of New York, Albany’s atmosphere is vibrant and boasts an incredibly diverse population, with numerous beautiful cultural attractions to explore. Vacationers can visit its top-notch museums, impressive architectural jewels, and top-notch restaurants serving the best food.

Visiting Albany’s attractions offer fun experiences while giving vacationers numerous learning opportunities. If looking to spend a day in Albany, here is the ultimate guide to New York’s Capital.

What To Know Before Visiting Albany

Albany, New York

Stay Informed About What’s Going On In The City

Albany is always brimming with music concerts, events, festivals, and lots of other fun things to enjoy on a trip. Visitors should stay informed to ensure they catch every fun moment in the city.

One can check on the website, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

What’s The Best Time To Visit Albany?

Albany is most spectacular during the summer months, between June through late August. The weather is splendid, and there is a lot to see and do. Being the busiest season, the prices for accommodation, flights, restaurants, and excursions are most expensive in summer, but it’s worth it.

Autumn is perfect for those looking to admire all the beautiful colors around, especially in the local countryside. Winter is an incredible season to explore the city, especially for skiers.

Where To Stay In Albany

Albany, New York

TownePlace Suites Latham Albany Airport (Luxury)

TownePlace Suites Latham Albany Airport is one of the best places to stay when exploring Albany. The hotel offers free shuttle rides to the airport, which is located about four miles away.

The hotel is situated only minutes away from numerous shopping opportunities, restaurants, and tourist attractions.

• Accommodation: TownePlace Suites Latham Albany Airport
• Address:5 Forts Ferry Rd, Latham, NY 12110
• Amenities: Indoor pool, fitness center, room service, free Wi-Fi, tea/coffee maker, coffee machine, free parking, free airport shuttle, shuttle service (free), and business center.

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La Quinta Inn & Suites By Wyndham Latham Albany Airport (Mid-Range)

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Latham Albany Airport gives access to the Colonie Center Mall, which means incredible shopping opportunities. The pet-friendly hotel is located near Albany International Airport and is surrounded by top-notch restaurants.

The hotel is also a few minutes away from the city’s top cultural attractions and nightlife.

• Accommodation: La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Latham Albany
• Address:833 New Loudon Road, Latham, NY 12110
• Amenities: Indoor pool, fitness center, free Wi-Fi, tea/coffee maker, coffee machine, free parking, business center, Wi-Fi available in all areas, and a flat-screen TV.

Murphy's BnB (Budget)

Murphy’s accommodations are beautiful and comfortable, and come with a seasonal outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi, and a shared kitchen.

This would be a perfect option for families visiting New York’s capital on a budget. The city is located about 9 kilometers from Albany City.

• Accommodation: Murphy’s
• Address:39 Grant Avenue, Try, New York, USA
• Amenities: Adults only, private pool, outdoor pool, kitchen, terrace/patio, balcony, outdoor dining area, air-conditioned, coffee machine, and laundry facilities.

Albany’s Dining Scene: Where To Find The Best Food

Albany, New York

• Iron Gate Café: Founded in 2004, this family-owned and operated café offers the best breakfast in town. The menu is extensive, and there are a variety of options prepared using creative ingredients. Some of the items to choose from include bacado omelet, caprese omelet, breakfast burrito, gluten-free pancakes, tofu scramble, and more.
• Black & Blue Steak and Crab: For a perfect lunch, head to this amazing restaurant in 1470 Wester Avenue. There are a lot to choose from including, Calamari, crab cake, tuna tartare, and wagyu meatballs for starters. Soups and salads include mixed greens, Caesar, wedge, and she-crab soup. Other items on the menu include filet mignon, ribeye, half rack of lamb, and New York strip.
• Athos Restaurant: Athos Restaurant is one of the best places to take a loved one out for dinner. It’s the only food eatery specializing in serving Greek favorites, and was voted among the best 50 Greek restaurants in the U.S.

Related: 10 Catskills Restaurants Serving Up The Best New York Food

These Historical Attractions Are The Most Beautiful In Albany

NYS Capitol Building

NYS Capitol Building, Albany, NY

Every state’s capital building is always awesome, but a tour of the New York State Capitol is truly magical and worth spending time. The building is the most outstanding, making it an incredibly unique historical attraction to explore in New York’s capital.

Dating back to the 19th century, and while many other capitols in the United States feature a dome, Albany’s capitol features a Mansard roof. The exterior is absolutely stunning but doesn’t match the elegance found in the interior.

Albany Institute Of History & Art

Visitors can experience American art collections, culture, and artworks of the Upper Hudson Valley, dating back to the 19th century.

Most of the paintings were made by a group of talented artists known as Hudson River School, created in the 1850s. The paintings display a lot, including pictures of the region’s best farmlands, wildlife, and domestic life.

Schuyler Mansion

Albany, New York

Located along Catherine Street, Schuyler Mansion to one of the most prominent people in the country, Philip J. Schuyler, once a US Senator and one of the generals in the Revolutionary War.

The family lived there for many years and raised all their eight kids right in the mansion. Today, it is one of the top historic tourist attractions to visit in Albany.

Oakwood & Albany Rural Cemetery

Oakwood Cemetery was discovered in 1848 and has a lot of interesting historic tales to uncover. Some of the country’s legends were actually buried here, including Uncle Sam, Russel Sage, and Emma Willard. It is also home to the burial spots of nine generals of the Civil War.

Albany Rural Cemetery, on the other hand, was founded in 1841 and covers a space of 467 acres. Its burial monuments are some of the most unique and vacationers will find winding roads and wooded hills in this cemetery.

Related: 9 Most Historic Presidential Homes In The US To Visit

How Can You Spend A Perfect Day In Albany?

Albany, New York

Located on the Hudson River’s west bank, Albany is always delightful, and even visitors can only spare a day of their time, there are top tourist attractions to visit. The New York State Capital Building is definitely a must-visit on a day trip to this amazing city.

The building is full of history, including being the most expensive government building in the country when it was completed in 1899.

From there, stroll through 279 Madison Avenue, and explore The Empire State Plaza, a beautiful square that connects the Capitol and the New York State Museum. The square gives access to some of the most impressive artworks, memorials, and historical adventures in Albany’s downtown area.

One can then head to the Corning Tower, and enjoy some breathtaking city views from the 42nd floor, the Observation Deck.

Related: The Hudson River Historic District Is One Of The Largest Historic Districts In The United States

After admiring spectacular views of the capital of New York, vacationers can spend more hours learning more history at the New York State Museum. Later in the day, go bike riding at the Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike Trail for some of the most amazing water views.

Albany, New York’s Capital may not be as fancy as other New York travel destinations, but it does offer one of the best experiences, especially of the Hudson River Region, and has a lot to experience than travelers may realize.

FAQ

Q: Is Albany NY worth visiting?

Absolutely yes, Albany is worth visiting! The city is one of the most fascinating destinations, especially for history buffs, cultural enthusiasts, and lovers of arts. Albany’s atmosphere is vibrant and boasts an incredibly diverse population, with numerous beautiful cultural attractions to explore.

Vacationers can visit its top-notch museums, impressive architectural jewels, and top-notch restaurants serving the best food. Visiting Albany's attractions offer fun experiences while giving vacationers numerous learning opportunities.

Q: What is Albany NY most known for?

Albany became the New York State capital in 1797, and ever since, it's been a hub for international trade, banking, and boasts some of the most impressive historic and cultural attractions, like the first Shaker village.

Albany Institute of Art and History and the New York State Capitol are some of the places to learn about the city's history.

Q: What is downtown Albany like?

Located in Albany County, Downtown Albany is a fun place to live and offers vacationers and locals an incredible urban feel. The place is brimming with bars, restaurants, colorful shops, and beautiful parks to explore. It is one of the best and most popular neighborhoods to consider staying in when exploring New York's capital.

Q: Does Albany have good nightlife?

Nightlife in Albany is diverse and one of the most vibrant, and finding where to spend a fun and unforgettable night is easy. There are several bars, clubs, and pubs to choose from. A good number of concerts also occur in the city from time to time.