Too many travelers focus on New York City and ignore the rest of the state – which is, in our opinion, a shame when areas like Albany exist.
The 400-year-old city has plenty of preserved buildings and educational museums, but it also manages to maintain a modern flair. You can enjoy shows at unique performance centers such as The Egg, relax in its beautiful parks, or soak up the atmosphere of its restaurants and pubs. Here are all of the best things to do see and eat in Albany, NY.
Things to See
Discovery Albany Visitor’s Center
This should be one of the first things you do in Albany, New York. It will familiarize you with the area and its history through its many exhibits. You can also ask questions at the observation deck or take home a souvenir from the gift shop. Visit on the 3rd Saturday of any month to see the Star Show at the Henry Hudson Planetarium.
Capitol Building
This impressive building was completed over 32 years. The process began in 1886 and was completed when Governor Theodore Roosevelt inaugurated it in 1899. It cost $25 million to build, which was even more than the price tag of the U.S. capitol.
This extravagant spending created several architectural wonders, including a Neo-Gothic facade and a Mansard roof. The interior features a mix of Moorish Gothic and Romanesque Revival styles with rounded arches and geometric patterns.
There are also 2 famous staircases; the Assembly Staircase made from sandstone and granite. The Great Western or Million Dollar Staircase features pictures of famous New Yorkers such as Fredrick Douglas, Walt Whitman, and Susan B. Anthony.
The chambers where the government meets are another prominent feature of this building. The Senate Chamber is full of beautiful columns, desks, chairs, stained-glass windows, walls covered in gold-leaf wallpaper, and 2 ornamental fireplaces. The Assembly Chamber lets legislators cast electronic votes and isn’t as attractive but is still worth a visit.
The Hall of Governors houses pictures of former governors and a timeline of the events during their terms. The Hall of New York is a painting gallery full of art that depicts the state’s most important cities and landscapes. The Flag Room houses battle flags dating back to the War of 1812.
The West Capitol Park sits on the grounds of the building. It’s full of tall trees, making it the perfect shaded area for a picnic or a meal from the nearby food trucks.
Albany Institute of History and Art
The Institute is one of America’s oldest museums, established in 1791. Its most famous feature is a group of landscape paintings. They were created by the Hudson River School founded by Thomas Cole around 1850. They depict idyllic pastoral scenes, and there are over 90 of them in the Hearst Gallery on the 3rd floor.
You’ll also get a chance to see a range of art and historical objects from Ancient Egypt to the modern day. You can also stop by the gift shop, get an appointment to visit the research library, or have a meal at the cafe.
The Institute is open Wednesday-Saturday from 10 am-5 pm and on Sunday from noon-5pm.
New York State Museum
This is another old museum, established in 1836. It has the largest exhibition space in New York State. All of that room is used to great effect, with over 16 million natural science items and 1 million objects in its history and anthropology exhibits.
There’s an exhibit for everyone in this museum. If all of that isn’t enough for you, take a ride on the full-size 1912 indoor carousel. You can also stop by the gift shop, cafe, and outdoor terrace.
Admission is free. Open hours are from Tuesday-Sunday from 9:30 am-5 pm.
Historic Houses
The Schuyler Mansion Historic Site on 32 Catherine Street was the home of Catherine Van Rensselaer and Phillip J. Schuyler. They were the parents of Elizabeth Schuyler, wife of Alexander Hamilton. If you want to see this historic building, book a tour in advance anytime from mid-May to the end of October on Wednesday-Sunday from 11 am-5 pm.
The 10-year renovation of the Historic Cherry Hill house was recently completed. It now serves as a museum that displays a range of artifacts to give a sense of life in the home years ago. You can reserve a guided tour from June-November on Fridays from 1-4 pm or Saturdays from 10 am-4 pm.
The Ten Broeck Mansion, also known as 9 Ten Broeck Place, was completed in 1798 by General Abraham Ten Broeck. Formal gardens full of colorful flower beds dot the grounds, and you can visit them for free from the end of March to early November. If you want to see the inside, you’ll have to book a tour from mid-May to mid-October on Friday or Saturday.
The Crailo State Historic Site is a restored 18th-century manor house. It’s also the site of the Museum of the Colonial Dutch in the Hudson River Valley. You don’t need to get a reservation to tour it, but it’s only open from mid-May to October on Wednesday-Sunday from 11 am-4 pm.
The Van Schaick Mansion was built in 1735. It sits on the National Register of Historic Places because of its part in the French and Indian War and the American Revolution. It was a military headquarters where the Battle of Saratoga was planned. Guided tours of the interior are available on the 2nd or 3rd Sunday of every month from 1-4 pm.
Underground Railroad Education Center
New York state abolished slavery in 1827, but the Underground Railroad was the slave’s best hope for freedom before then. Stephen and Harriet Myers were the primary New Yorkers in this movement, and their former home has been turned into the Underground Railroad Education Center. It’s open Monday-Friday from 5-8 pm and noon-4 pm on Saturday. Schedule a tour in advance.
New York Education Building
This impressive building was built between the years of 1908 and 1912. Its front facade is the world’s longest colonnade, and each of its 36 Vermont marble columns is 90 feet tall.
The building offers free 45-minute tours on Saturdays at 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm. The knowledgeable staff will take you through its most impressive areas, including the ornate Chancellor’s Hall, the Regents Chamber meeting room, and the Rotunda Hall with 36 educational murals.
Corning Tower Observation Deck
Go up to the 42nd floor of Corning Tower for views you won’t believe. It has floor-to-ceiling windows which provide picturesque views in all directions, from the Hudson River Valley to the Catskill Mountains in the south to the Berkshire Mountains in the west to the Adirondacks foothills in the north. The deck is open Monday-Friday from 10 am-4 pm.
Irish Heritage Museum
This museum celebrates the contributions of the Irish to the development and history of Albany. Its exhibits show the impact of the famine from 1845-1853, how they helped build the Erie Canal, and more.
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Things to Do
Visit Washington Park
Landscape architect Fredrick Law Olmsted worked on this park from 1870-1888. You may know him for his other work; Central Park in New York City.
Washington Park is an even more natural, beautiful, and shady outdoor space. Its 81 acres include features such as English gardens. The 5-acre lake features a lakehouse that hosts free plays almost every night in the summer. The warmer months are the best time to come; you may get a chance to see over 200,000 tulips bloom during the Tulip Festival in May.
The park is also a perfect place to ride your bike or enjoy sports such as frisbee, tennis, and basketball. You can even cross-country ski through it in the winter.
See a Show At The Egg or the Palace Theater
Since it was finished in 1978, locals have referred to the Center for the Performing Arts by its nickname “The Egg” because of its oval shape. It contains both the Lewis A. Sawyer and Kitty Carlise Hart theaters. Both host a range of concerts, comedy shows, dances, lectures, and other events. There are also plenty of shops, restaurants, and cafes in the surrounding area.
The Palace Theater is a more traditional-looking theater that still deserves to be considered one of the best things to do in Albany, NY. It hosts the Albany Symphony Orchestra, and plenty of major names such as The Rolling Stones and Jerry Seinfeld have performed within its walls.
Take The Alexander Hamilton Tour
Alexander Hamilton flew back into the public consciousness after the success of the musical Hamilton. If you’re a fan and seeing the Schulyer House wasn’t enough for you, there are plenty of other options.
The Walking in Hamilton’s Footsteps tour, hosted by the Historic Albany Foundation, will let you see many of the most important spots in his life. They include The First Church that his in-laws attended and the 50 State Street home where he and Aaron Burr began the arguments that led to their famously fatal duel.
Visit John Boyd Thatcher State Park
John Boyd Thatcher State Park is one natural area that remains one of the best things to do in Albany, NY no matter what time of year it is.
Don’t let the cold of winter keep you away. Marvel at frozen waterfalls and snowy forests. Go skiing or mountain biking or rent a snowmobile from the Emma Treadwell Thatcher Nature Center. Try ice fishing on Thatcher Lake.
The rest of the year is equally beautiful, with flowers in spring and changing leaves in the fall. Stop by the Visitor’s Center to get a map before setting off on a trail to see everything in the park.
Visit the Albany Pine Bush Preserve
There are only 20 inland pine barrens in the world, and this is one of them. When the weather is right, it offers the unique opportunity to ski or snowshoe on snow-covered sand dunes. You can also check out its 20 miles of trails to traverse, spanning 3,300-acres. Visit during the Oien Brush Perspectives to see a unique photo exhibit. You can come any time of the year because the preserve is open 24/7.
Things to Eat
Iron Gate Pub
This family-owned spot was recently rated the top breakfast spot in Albany, and it’s also a perfect place for brunch. It has an extensive menu of food and cocktails, including a large vegan selection. It has a charming vintage interior, walls covered in artwork, and even an entire room dedicated to the 60s and Elvis Presley.
Hollow Bar & Kitchen
The energetic atmosphere and live music add to your experience at this delicious restaurant. It has an extensive menu with a range of vegetarian and vegan options.
Berben & Wolf’s
This vegan deli has a menu full of reimagined classic meat dishes. Options include the Popcorn Mushroom Po’Boy, Seitan Philly, and BBQ Pulled Jackfruit. You can even get dessert or take some of their vegan deli meat home with you.
Old English Pub
This historic eatery sits in the 2nd oldest building in Albany. It has a seasonal menu full of fresh and homemade items. It’s one of the best places to go for brunch, lunch, or dinner,
Markets
Albany has several charming markets, and visiting them is one of the best things to do in Albany, NY if you want something fresh and local to eat.
The Half Moon Market is held every 2 years at the Washington Park Lakehouse. It features over 40 vendors selling handmade crafts and foods of all kinds.
Lark Hall is a recently opened entertainment venue that hosts the Winter Market with over 20 local venues. You can enjoy delicious food and beverages while listening to live music. The next time it’ll be open is February 6, 2022.
The Stueben street market offers fresh salads, sandwiches, produce, dairy products, and more. Pick up a ready-to-eat lunch to bring with you on a bike ride starting at the Corning Preserve.
The Windy Hill Orchard & Farm Market is open year-round with a range of delicious pies, doughnuts, cheese, apples, cider, and more. It also hosts the Brookview Station Winery with award-winning brews, including its famous Joe-Daddy’s hard cider. You can even pick strawberries, raspberries, apples, and pumpkins here when they’re in season.
What is your favorite thing to do, see, or eat in Albany, NY? Let us know in the comments below. Like and subscribe for more.