Established in 1624, this historic New York state capital sits along the Hudson River. Home to Dutch colonial architecture and the oldest continuously chartered city in the USA.
Albany, the capital of New York State, sits on the banks of the Hudson River. This city of just over 100,000 residents has grand government buildings, museums, and cultural events. You can walk through the striking Empire State Plaza, see The Egg performing arts center, ice skate in winter, or enjoy the annual Tulip Festival in Washington Park.
Exploring Empire State Plaza
The Empire State Plaza dominates Albany's skyline. This complex of government buildings, constructed between 1965 and 1978, has stark concrete and steel structures characteristic of modernist architecture. At its center stands The Egg, a unique performing arts venue shaped like its namesake. You can visit the New York State Museum, Library, and Archives for free. In winter, you can ice skate on the plaza's reflecting pool, which is popular among locals and visitors.
Discovering Albany's Parks
Washington Park, Albany's central green space, dates back to 1806. Its 81 acres include a lake, playgrounds, and sports facilities. Each May, you can attend the Tulip Festival in the park, which celebrates Albany's Dutch roots with thousands of blooming tulips. Just outside the city, John Boyd Thacher State Park has hiking trails with wide views of the Hudson-Mohawk valleys and the Adirondack and Green Mountains.
Education and Culture
Albany has several colleges and universities. The University at Albany, part of the State University of New York system, is the largest, with over 17,000 students. You can enjoy the city's active cultural scene at venues like the Palace Theatre, which hosts national touring acts, or the Capital Repertory Theatre, which produces professional plays and musicals.
Getting Around Albany
While many residents use cars, Albany has public transportation options. The Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) runs bus routes throughout the city and surrounding areas. For longer trips, you can take Amtrak trains to New York City and other major cities. Albany International Airport, in nearby Colonie, serves the Capital Region with flights to major U.S. cities.
Exploring Albany's History
Albany's past is visible in its architecture. The New York State Capitol, completed in 1899, took 32 years to build and cost more than the U.S. Capitol at the time. You can take tours of this ornate building daily. To experience colonial life, visit the Schuyler Mansion, home of Revolutionary War general Philip Schuyler and his family. The Ten Broeck Mansion, built in 1797, now serves as a museum with Federal-style architecture and period furnishings.
