Being the capital, Albany is a completely great place to go to while visiting a number of the prime spots in New York State. Sure, it’s a metropolis that’s generally overshadowed by its Sibling metropolis, New York, but it surely’s actually value visiting – particularly when driving the japanese fringes in direction of Vermont. Belief me, there’s a heap of the perfect issues to do in Albany that’s simply good for a little bit gander.
From a global perspective, it may be simple to see New York state as simply the ‘Large Apple’. Although, there’s a lot extra to do right here, with Albany being one metropolis that’s completely value exploring.
So, to get you in your means, I needed to share a number of the absolute best issues to do in Albany throughout your go to. Have probably the most unbelievable journey.
1.) New York State Museum
Based in 1836, the New York State Museum is well the most important and oldest state museum in the US. This alone makes it completely value a visit to Albany, particularly for the thousands and thousands of artefacts it holds inside its partitions.
Dwelling to probably the most notable consultants in the US, the museum options collections in several fields, corresponding to archaeology, historical past, sciences, and the humanities. It’s the type of place that’s nice for the entire household – although, plan properly, you may spend hours inside!
Plus, you may simply pop by Lincoln Park that’s proper subsequent door if you happen to’re fancying a stroll in one in every of Albany’s parks.
Getting peckish? Jump over to Dove and Deer for his or her buttermilk hen. It’s so scrumptious.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in New York State
2.) Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
Inside strolling distance of the New York State Museum, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is gorgeous to see. In reality, I’d go so far as saying that visiting is without doubt one of the absolute best issues to do in Albany for its gorgeous structure.
Not solely is the surface completely lovely however the chancel and apse, together with the remainder of the inner construction are simply mesmerising. Oh, and remember to spot The Woman Window which depicts the lifetime of the Virgin Mary.
3.) The Empire State Plaza
The Empire State Plaza is a completely spectacular space that includes monuments and buildings that make Albany so distinct.
One of the crucial notable factors of curiosity is the New York State Capitol constructing, built-in 1899 and has been host to the New York State Legislature and is a Nationwide Historic Landmark.
Guided excursions can be found so you may study all concerning the historical past of the New York State Capitol and the entire area generally.
Plus, you’ll be capable of take a look at the New York State Museum, catch a efficiency on the Egg or strive your hand at ice skating within the winter months.
It’s completely enjoyable… properly if you happen to don’t fall over!
Additionally, for views, take a look at the Corning Tower Commentary Deck that’s open Monday to Friday between 10 am to 4 pm.
4.) Lake George and Saratoga Springs
Okay, hear me out., I do know it’s technically not Albany itself however you must go to Lake George. It’s one of many absolute best issues to do in Albany if you happen to’re fancying a visit to discover the pure fantastic thing about the state. Plus, it’s solely round a 55-minute drive from town.
With the gorgeous Adirondacks mountain vary, Lake George is a well-liked spot in the summertime months, particularly. It’s acquired every thing from water sports activities, ferry cruises, and trails that meander that shoreline and hills.
If you happen to’re one thing of a rambler, head to Shelving Rock Falls, which is epic. Love a hike? Then, be part of the Sleeping Magnificence Mountain Path which has some gorgeous views over the area.
Although, if you happen to’re fancying a extra chilled-out journey; examine into The Sagamore which overlooks Lake George itself.
A few of the hottest actions within the space are whitewater rafting, mountain climbing, and boating. You may also go on an ice-cream path, have a enjoyable outside picnic, or go tenting round Lake George.
Additionally, as you drive up from Albany, make sure that to cease off on the lovely, Saratoga Springs. As soon as right here, you may be to absorb the historic spa and an array of public springs the place you may completely chill.
Plus, Saratoga Springs has a bustling buying district and yummy foodie spots, like Unusual Grounds which has the very best brews and bagels.
Learn extra: Finest hikes in New York State
5.) Capital Repertory and Palace Theaters
Based in 1981 in an deserted market at Pearl Road, The Capital Repertory Theater (or the REP) is a gem to go to. It’s one of many absolute best issues to do in Albany, particularly if you happen to love dwell performances.
Better of all, the Capital Repertory Theater has a full schedule all yr spherical. This implies there’s at all times one thing occurring, so take a look at its checklist of performances earlier than your journey.
Additionally, for an off-the-cuff chew, head to Washington Avenue, Dan’s Place Two. It’s an ideal cease for a hearty breakfast and completely chilled and genuine to Albany. We adore it.
Alternatively, head over to Palace Theater that’s positioned within the coronary heart of Albany itself. Not solely is the venue unbelievable, but it surely hosts award-winning exhibits from throughout the US.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in New York State
6.) Washington Park
Washington Park was established circa 1880 and was designed by Frederick Olmstead and Calvert Vaux. Which, if you happen to’re within the know, are the individuals who conceptualized the well-known Central Park in New York Metropolis. Sprawled over about 81 acres, it’s the proper little chillout area within the coronary heart of Albany.
Oh, and don’t neglect that Spring and summer time seasons are completely vibrant in Washington Park. In spring, you may see tulips which might be simply beginning to bloom – they’re all so fairly.
Plus, in summer time, the Park Playhouse hosts a sequence of performs you can watch at no cost – simply make sure that to take a look at the schedules on-line earlier than your journey.
Learn extra: Finest nationwide parks within the USA
7.) Albany Metropolis Corridor
Perched simply shy of the New York State Senate, seeing Albany Metropolis Corridor is without doubt one of the absolute best issues to do in Albany if you happen to’re within the capital’s historical past. The constructing itself is completely beautiful and properly value taking a gander at while strolling the downtown space.
After taking a nostril round, take a look at the close by Metropolis Beer Corridor that’s so beautiful and quaint. Plus, their grilled octopus is so good.
8.) Albany Pine Bush Protect
Tucked on town’s northwest nook, simply alongside New Karner Highway, the Albany Pine Bush Protect is a must-visit vacation spot for nature lovers and wildlife fans. It’s simply one of many absolute best issues to do in Albany if you happen to’re wanting an escape from the hustle and bustle of metropolis life. Although, to be sincere, Albany by no means actually feels that busy!
Higher nonetheless, there are roughly 18 miles of winding trails within the Albany Pine Bush Protect which might be completely lovely to discover on a sunny day. Now, for me, it’s the summer time months which might be greatest for mountain climbing right here.
Simply make sure that to maintain your eyes peeled for the Karner blue butterfly, which is taken into account a federally endangered species. Although, honestly, I’ve by no means been capable of spot it.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Brooklyn, New York
9.) Albany Institute of Historical past and Artwork
Thought to be one of many United States’ oldest museums, the Albany Institute of Historical past and Artwork was established in 1791 and now hosts an enormous assortment of the area’s heritage. Whereas this museum is most well-known for its work of the Hudson River, it is usually dwelling to a heap of shows and archives which might be fairly superior to go to.
The Albany Institute of Historical past and Artwork chronicles the historical past and tradition of the individuals who have settled within the Higher Hudson Valley from the late 1600s as much as the current day. A few of the greatest reveals completely housed within the museum comprise private objects, manuscripts, furnishings, photographs, and artwork items. It’s like a giant nosey round into the previous!
Afterwards, drop by Umana Yana for a late brunch or lunch in Albany. Their purple curry fish tacos are simply so good.
10.) Schuyler Mansion
For these not within the know, Philip Schuyler was a veteran common of the Revolutionary Battle. Oh, and the US Senator within the 1780s – so a reasonably large deal. After his loss of life in 1804, his mansion underwent completely different ownerships and renovations till it was acquired by the state of New York in 1911 and was a historic museum that’s properly value a go to as we speak.
The Schuyler Mansion faces the Hudson River, offering a stunning city view of the river and town’s skyline. Contained in the mansion are varied artefacts, furnishings, work, and decors courting again to the 18th century. It’s simply the most effective issues to do in Albany if you happen to’re fancying a delve into the previous.
Additionally, for an amazing sandwich, pop by, dp An American Brasserie. Right here, they serve up a tasty Nashville sizzling fried hen sandwich that’ll depart you stuffed (and your mouth on hearth). Plus, their swordfish bites are yummy!
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Vermont
11.) Lark Road
A haven for artists and free souls, Lark Road can also be known as Albany’s “Greenwich Village”. Only a block away from Washington Park, Lark Road has heaps of bars, artwork galleries, vintage retailers, eating places (Wholesome On Lark is a favorite), and cafes the place you may spend all day.
As you stroll alongside the road, you’ll probably come across dwell musical performances (on the weekends) and seasonal festivals in the summertime.
12.) Corning Protect and Thacher State Park
Situated in downtown Albany, Corning Protect is a waterfront park overlaying 15 acres of land alongside the Hudson River. You possibly can discover the Corning Path by biking or mountain climbing, too. On a sunny day, it’s an amazing place to go, with a picnic in hand, and chill.
Oh, and Jennings Touchdown may also be discovered inside the protect. It’s a waterfront amphitheatre that hosts loads of festivals and occasions, particularly within the seasons of spring via fall.
Additionally, if you happen to’re fancying a little bit journey simply exterior Albany, pop over to Thacher State Park. It’s an amazing stopping level as you head additional west via New York and has a heap of trails to stretch your legs.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in New York State
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