Things to do in Albany

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Albany

Types of activities

Where to stay

Albany travel guide

Albany featuring a lake or waterhole, heritage architecture and a house

Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State Plaza featuring a pond, modern architecture and a high-rise building

Albany which includes a statue or sculpture and heritage elements

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What to do in Albany

Popular places to visit

MVP Arena

Enjoy the sounds of some of today’s biggest performing artists or watch an exciting sports event at a stadium in the very heart of Downtown Albany.

University at Albany

Enjoy the student vibe when you visit University at Albany during your trip to McKownville. Attend a sporting event or visit the shops in this family-friendly area.

Palace Theater

Old World splendor and modern performance standards meet at this renovated heritage theater located in Albany’s downtown. Tour the building or see a show.

The Egg

One of the country’s most unique buildings, this performance space is both an architectural marvel and a great place to catch a show.

Panorama of State legislature building in Albany, New York

Albany Capital Center

Learn about the events happening in Albany Capital Center during your trip to Albany. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene or attend a sporting event.

New York State Capitol Building

Perched atop Albany’s State Street hill, this ornate building has served as the seat of New York State government since the 19th century.

Empire State Plaza Convention Center

Learn about the events happening in Empire State Plaza Convention Center during your trip to Albany. Discover the area's entertainment choices and shops.

Washington Park

Numerous activities await you in this beloved and idyllic Albany green space, a product of the city’s Golden Age in the late 1800s.

New York State Museum

Marvel at New York garnet, greet an ancient mastodon and ride a carousel at this museum that chronicles the past and present of the Empire State.

Areas of Albany

Colonie

You might appreciate the shopping and restaurants in Colonie, and if you're interested in seeing more of the area, Northway Mall and Colonie Center Mall are just a few notable stops.

Downtown Albany

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

Downtown Albany is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Hudson River Way and MVP Arena while you're in town.

Aerial panorama of Albany, New York downtown. Albany is the capital city of the U.S. state of New York and the county seat of Albany County

Sheridan Hollow

If you're spending some time in Sheridan Hollow, Washington Avenue Armory Sports and Convention Arena and Albany Institute of History and Art are top sights worth seeing.

Five Tesla charging stations are now in Colonie Center near the LL Bean store.

Maybe bike sharing next? We saw a lot of bike sharing in Italy in the big cities.

Roessleville

If you're spending some time in Roessleville, Colonie Center Mall and Northway Mall are top sights worth seeing.

Hudson Park

While there might not be top attractions in Hudson Park, you can explore the larger area and discover places like New York State Museum and Alfred E. Smith State Office Building.

Albany cityscape and river view. A stunning aerial perspective of Albany, USA reveals the vibrant cityscape, river, and surrounding greenery on a clear day.

Pine Hills

Pine Hills might not have many top sights, but Washington Avenue Armory Sports and Convention Arena and Alfred E. Smith State Office Building are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Albany worth visiting?

Providing a mix of shopping and history, there are many things to do in Albany. When you're here, visit The Egg, a top attraction in the area.

How do I spend a day in Albany?

Once you've visited major attractions like New York State Museum and Albany Institute of History and Art, spend some time experiencing Albany's shopping and food scene.

What is the top tourist attraction in Albany?

The top tourist attraction in Albany is The Egg, so be sure to include it on your agenda.

Is three days enough to stay in Albany?

You can easily enjoy popular attractions like The Egg, New York State Museum and Albany Institute of History and Art with a three-day stay in Albany. On average, most travellers plan two days here. There's plenty to explore nearby too, so stay a bit longer and check out Latham.

Is Albany a walkable city?

With popular neighbourhoods and major sights within walking distance of the city centre, Albany is a good place to explore on foot. Enjoy wandering between The Egg and New York State Museum. Then take a stroll around Downtown Albany, located 0.16 kilometres from downtown, and Mansion Area, which is about 0.64 kilometres away.

What are some activities to do in Albany with kids?

Planning what to do in Albany with kids is easier than ever. Whether you're getting away with toddlers or teenagers, there's no shortage of family-friendly tours and attractions to keep them happy here.

What to do in Albany for adults?

There's no shortage of things to do in Albany, with activities for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to Empire State Plaza Convention Centre or New York State Capitol Building.

Are there free things to do in Albany?

One of the easiest ways to discover free things to do in Albany is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on vibrant neighbourhoods, parks and other hotspots you can experience without taking your wallet out. Washington Street Armoury is one place that doesn't have an admission fee.