The Open Road Travel

Creating a list of the 10 best things to do in Albany is a unique task. Despite being one of the most important, historic cities in one of America’s most powerful states, it is a destination that often gets overlooked in favour of the larger, more famous New York City to its south.

This means even the people who do decide to make the trip have much more difficulty planning a travel itinerary than they should.

That is why I wanted to provide a helping hand and outline some of the very best options that await you in a city affectionately known as “The Cradle Of The Union”.

From historical and cultural delights to some more natural and relaxing opportunities, our list of the 10 best things to do in Albany will help everyone plan a dream vacation. So, if you want to visit Albany yourself and don’t want to miss anything out, this is the article for you.

Albany is the capital and 6th most populous city in the state of New York. Named after the Duke Of Albany, Albany was established in 1664, making it one of the oldest continually inhabited European cities in the United States.

Located on the east bank of the Hudson River, Albany is known for its rich history and culture, as well as a range of historic buildings displaying diverse architectural styles. The area was first settled in 1614 by the Dutch, as a fur trading post, before being captured by the British.

It has served as the New York State Capitol since 1797, making it the 10th oldest capital in the nation. However, with an area of just 21.4 square miles (55.5 square kilometres) and a population of 100,000 people, Albany is also the nation’s 12th smallest and 19th least populated capital city.

Set near the north end of the Hudson River, which connects to the North Atlantic Ocean, and east end of the Erie Canal, which links to the Great Lakes Of North America , Albany was a vital site for commerce and transport in the developing nation, thanks to the prevalence of sea trade at the time.

The best time to visit Albany is from the start of May to late September. This window helps you to avoid the harsh winters that New York state is known for and ensures you can enjoy the city and all of its attractions in the best possible conditions.

This window is also when Albany hosts many of its largest events. The Tulip Festival in Washington Park, the largest festival in the city, is held in May, Freihofer’s Run For Women takes place in June, and the Fabulous Fourth & Fireworks Festival in Empire State Plaza is held in July.

American African Family Day Arts Festival and Latin Fest are both held in August, while the Albany Jazz Festival, Food & Wine Festival, and Lark Fest usually fall within this window as well. This truly makes it the best time to see all that the city of Albany has to offer.

As we move to our list of the 10 best things to do in Albany, I am going to suggest a broad range of options. These will include things to appeal to travellers of all different interests, while ensuring you have something to cover everything that Albany is known for.

Opened in 1899, the New York State Capitol building was the most expensive government building in the United States on completion and remains one of the most iconic capitols.

Built over 32 years, it features a beautiful combination of Neo-Renaissance and Romanesque Revival architecture.

Home of the New York State Senate, the building is one of the most important in the country, as it is where many of the major decisions for one of its most powerful states are made. As a result, it was added to the U.S. Register Of National Historic Places and designated a National Historic Landmark.

Guided tours are offered each weekday, except public holiday’s, creating a fabulous opportunity for anyone interested in U.S. politics. See the chambers and offices where the politicians work and soak in the murals and works of art in both the interiors and grounds, to truly get a feel for the place.

State Street & Washington Avenue, Albany, New York, 12224

Established in 1836, the New York State Museum covers 1.5 million square feet (140,000 square metres) and was created to document and display the cultural, geological, and natural history and evolution of the state of New York. It is the largest, oldest state museum in the country.

Found in the same building as the New York State Library and New York State Archives, its extensive permanent collection is spread over four floors and includes art, ecofacts, geological samples, historic and prehistoric artefacts, palaeontology specimens, and various other historical materials.

With research centres, interactive displays, and various rotating exhibits, the New York State Museum is the place to go for anyone who wants to learn all there is to know about Albany, its surrounding area, and the rest of New York state, from New York City to Niagara Falls.

222 Madison Avenue, Albany, New York, 12230

Built in 1856 in the Italianate style, the house now known as the New York State Executive Mansion was once a private home. However, after being remodelled in the Queen Anne style, it was rented by the sitting Governor Of New York Samuel Tilden in 1875 and bought by the state 2 years later.

Since that time, it has served as the official residence of every Governor Of New York during their tenure, with 29 consecutive New York Governors having called it home. Many even made their own modifications during their stay, to add to the property’s history.

Theodore Roosevelt added a gym, Franklin D. Roosevelt added a pool, Nelson Rockefeller had tennis courts installed, and Al Smith even had a zoo constructed. This led to the house being added to the United States National Register Of Historic Places on the 18th of February 1971.

With free guided tours of the property available every Thursday from September to June, its iconic architecture, beautiful interiors, and collection of historic exhibits make it a perfect stop for anyone interested in U.S. politics or historical architecture or buildings.

138 Eagle Street, Albany, New York, 12202

The Schuyler Mansion was built between 1761 and 1765 for U.S. Senator and Continental Army General Philip John Schuyler, who lived in it from its completion until he passed away in 1804.

Used as a Revolutionary War outpost, it was even visited by former U.S. President George Washington.

Located in the South End – Groesbeckville Historic District, the Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site in its entirety was both declared a United States National Historic Landmark and added to the United States National Register Of Historic Places on the 24th of December 1967.

Having been acquired by the state of New York in 1911, it was opened to the public as a museum and state historic site in 1917. Boasting beautiful Georgian architecture and a collection of historic furniture and artefacts, visitors can take guided tours of both the mansion and its grounds.

Here, you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about the life of Philip Schuyler and one of the most important periods in the history of the United States, in one of the most immersive ways possible.

32 Catherine Street, Albany, New York, 12202

Launched in 1944, during World War II, the USS Slater is a cannon class destroyer escort ship that is the last of its kind to remain afloat in the United States.

The USS Slater’s primary duty was escorting convoys between the United States and the United Kingdom. Having been permanently moored in 1991, it was converted into a museum ship and has been listed as a National Historic Landmark since 2012.

Named after Frank Olga Slater, a U.S. naval officer who perished at the Naval Battle Of Guadalcanal in 1942, the vessel was christened by his mother almost 2 years after his passing.

Visitors can take guided tours around various sections of the boat, such as the galleys, guns, and the crew’s quarters. Having appeared in multiple motion pictures through the years, the USS Slater is a great opportunity to embrace a hugely significant vessel that is famed for its service and much more.

141 Broadway, Albany, New York, 12202

The Albany Institute Of History & Art first opened in 1791, making it one of the oldest museums in North America. Having merged with a number of other organisations through the years, such as the Albany Historical And Arts Society, it is dedicated to the local culture and history of the region.

Its collection is spread throughout three iconic buildings, including a late 1800s Beaux-Arts mansion, a main building from the 1920s boasting Classical Revival and Renaissance Revival architecture, and a contemporary glass building that joins the two.

Added to the United States National Register Of Historic Places in July 1976, its permanent collection has grown to more than 20,000 objects.

This includes books, ceramics, clothes, drawings, furniture, paintings, photos, prints, sculptures, and various other historic artefacts and accessories.

With its iconic architecture and collection supplemented by a range of rotating, travelling exhibitions, the Albany Institute Of History & Art is hands down one of the best places to truly get a better understanding of the city.

125 Washington Avenue, Albany, New York, 12210

Washington Park is a 136 acre city park that is also the heart of the Washington Park Historic District and has been listed on the United States National Register Of Historic Places since June 19th, 1972.

It has also been listed as one of the 100 most important parks in the U.S. by the American Association Of Architects.

Established in the late 19th century, the park centres around the expansive Washington Park Lake and is filled with stunning monuments, memorials, gardens, and features.

Sites like the Dr. James H. Armsby Memorial, Henry Johnson Memorial, Marinus Willett Memorial, Robert Burns Statue, and Soldiers And Sailors’ Monument all honour people with deep historical links to either the park, city, or region, allowing you to learn about them or pay your respects.

You then have sights like the Moses Statue – King Memorial Fountain, Washington Park Lake House, and the open air Park Playhouse to enjoy.

The Albany Bluebanks Skatepark, Washington Park Farmer’s Market, Washington Park Parade Ground, and Washington Park Playground then provide ways for people of all ages to have fun.

With events like the annual Tulip Festival and activities like ice skating, live theatre performances, and various sports constantly held in the park, and a wide range of historic locations to explore in the wider Washington Park Historic District, the area is one of the best to explore in all of Albany.

Washington Park, Washington Park Road, Albany, New York, 12203

With Italian American being one of the most synonymous cultures in New York, the American Italian Heritage Museum provides an opportunity to embrace it, dig a little deeper, and explore its roots.

Located in a historic church, the organisation is dedicated to educating visitors on the experiences of Italian American immigrants from throughout history. It covers everything from language and genealogy to cooking and culture.

Boasting a cultural center and library, as well as classrooms, it contains historic artefacts, exhibits, and photos, plus rotating exhibitions imported directly from Italy. They even frequently host events like festivals, cultural programs, and outreach programs for you to enjoy too.

With passionate, highly knowledgeable, friendly staff, there may not be a better place on Earth to learn about the American Italian people.

1227 Central Avenue, Albany, New York, 12205

The city of Albany lies on the south bank of the Hudson River. One of the most famous rivers in the country, it was heavily used to explore the area by boat in the early days of the United States.

This makes taking your own cruise along it the perfect way to explore the wider region around Albany. The best way to do just that is with a company called Dutch Apple Cruises & Tours .

Named after the Dutch settlers who originally established what was then known as New Amsterdam, you can sail up the river in a vessel that perfectly balances classic and contemporary styles.

Pass under the historic Dunn Memorial Bridge, take in views of some of Albany’s historic buildings from the water, study the local wildlife, and retrace the steps of American pioneers, as you enjoy a peaceful, yet educational voyage along this legendary body of water.

Dutch Apple Cruises & Tours, 141 Broadway, Albany, New York, 12202

The Mohawk Hudson Hike Bike Trail is a 97 mile (156 kilometre) hiking and biking trail that begins in Albany and runs along the banks of the Hudson River, Mohawk River, and Erie Canalway.

Created on stretches of former railroad trails, it is a great way to explore the wider region around Albany.

Designed with biking, hiking, and walking in mind, it is also regularly used for roller blading and even cross country skiing in the winter. The trail provides a great opportunity to enjoy views of the river and the local wildlife, while appreciating the more natural side of New York state.

Estimated to be used by around 250,000 people each year, it is an extremely popular trail that features many historic sites along its length and has become known as the heart of the Capital District’s trail network.

Mohawk Hudson Hike Bike Trail Head, Albany, New York, 12202

The Morgan State House Inn is a beautiful, historic, 4-star hotel that perfectly matches the vibe of Albany. Set in a 19th century building, situated in the Washington Park Historic District, it perfectly balances quality and style with convenient access to many of Albany’s top attractions.

Each of the apartments and suites in the hotel is spacious and boasts a satellite TV, seating area, and work desk, while the apartments feature either a full kitchen or kitchenette. Select suites also have access to the free Wi-Fi which is present in all of the communal areas.

A complimentary continental breakfast is served each morning in the stunning dining room, while dry cleaning and laundry services, as well as free parking, are also offered to all guests.

Albany is a truly fabulous city and a destination that gets nowhere near the amount of love or attention that a destination of its calibre should. Hopefully, our list of the 10 best things to do in Albany will have helped you to understand exactly why that is.

From the very best attractions to visit and things to do when you arrive to where to stay and when to go, you should have all you need to plan a dream travel itinerary. That means all you have left to do is start getting things booked, so that you can look forward to when you visit Albany yourself.