1. Tour the Iconic Halls of the New York State Capitol
Located on State Street and Washington Avenue, the New York State Capitol houses the New York State Legislature and is a part of the Empire State Plaza in Capitol Park.
Built between 1867 and 1899 under several governors, the ground floor features Classical Romanesque Style, the second and third floor in Renaissance Classical style, and the fourth and roof floors Victorian Romanesque style.
The building is a National Historic Landmark and is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Tours last between 45 and 60 minutes.
State Street and Washington Avenue, Albany, New York, Phone: 518-474-2418
2. Catch a Concert or Show at The Egg Performing Arts Center
Located on State Street, The Egg Performing Arts Center is a part of the Empire State Plaza project and one of the top Albany attractions. It is named for its unusual shape and has become an icon of New York’s Capital District. Built between 1966 and 1978, the Egg appears from a distance to be a piece of sculpture rather than a building.
It houses two theaters: the Kitty Carlisle Hart Theatre can seat 982 is used for large productions such as dance performances, music concerts, and musical theater. The Lewis A. Swyer Theatre, with a seating capacity of 450, is used for smaller events such as chamber music concerts, lectures, and solo performances.
1 State Street, Albany, New York, Phone: 518-473-1845
If you are traveling with kids:
3. Relax and Stroll Through Albany’s Scenic Washington Park
Spread across 84 acres, Washington Park is one of the most beautiful and well-maintained parks in the region. More than 100 species of trees such as giant oaks and miniature bonsais create a picturesque space for a range of activities such as strolling, picnicking, jogging, biking, bird watching, and fishing.
Every spring, the celebrated Tulip Festival brings people from all over the country to enjoy the spectacular display of colorful blooms. The park, especially the unique Lakehouse Amphitheatre, provides a wonderful venue for many special events and concerts.
Enjoy the original statues and important monuments that are displayed all along the paths in the park. Bring the kids for a day of fun in the playground area or enjoy a game of tennis on well-maintained courts.
4. Explore State Culture and Science at the New York State Museum
The New York State Museum explores New York State’s cultural and natural diversity through its significant collections, unique exhibitions, programs, and publications in the fields of history, science, art, and anthropology. After moving to several different buildings, the museum found its current home in the Cultural Education Center with more than 300,000 square feet of exhibition space, superb collections, and public program facilities.
The museum is home to four million scientific specimens such as fossils, minerals, gems, plants, insects, and so much more. Among its eight million artifacts, the museum holds tools, pottery, furniture, Iroquois objects, and farm tools, among other exciting items.
222 Madison Ave, Albany, New York, Phone: 518-474-5877
5. Step Aboard the USS Slater, a WWII Destroyer Escort
USS Slater is a destroyer escort historical museum ship moored on the Hudson River. Launched in 1944, the ship served in the U.S. Navy and then in the Greek Navy.
It is a cannon-class destroyer escort ship named after Frank O. Slater, a sailor killed during the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal. The ship is the only one of its kind still afloat and it was designated as a U.S. National Historic Landmark.
After its use by the Greek Navy, it was returned to the U.S. in 1993. After major restoration, the ship arrived in Albany in 1997. There are one hour guided tours of the museum as well as youth group overnight camps.
141 Broadway, Albany, New York, Phone: 518-431-1943
6. Discover Colonial Life and Stories at Historic Cherry Hill
Historic Cherry Hill was built in 1787 as a home for Philip and Maria Van Rensselaer, and it served as the home of five generations of this rich and powerful Albany family. It is today one of the most important landmarks of this period of Albany history and the history of this remarkable family.
When Emily Rankin, the last family descendant, died, she bequeathed the house and all its contents to the state of New York, and the house was opened as a museum in 1964. It contains more than 70,000 personal objects, art pieces, documents, decorative arts, furnishings, arts, and photographs that paint the life of the Rensselaer family and the times they lived in. The house has a range of educational programs and guided tours for visitors.
5231/2 South Pearl Street, Albany, New York, Phone: 518-434-4791
Romantic Activities and Attractions:
7. See Big Performances in a Classic Setting at the Palace Theatre
Palace Theatre is a historic theater on Clinton Avenue and North Pearl Street in the Clinton Avenue Historic District. The theater has a seating capacity of 2,844 and is operated by the Palace Performing Arts Center. Built between 1930 and 1931, it was restored in 1960 and again between 2002 and 2003.
The theater is known for its Austrian Baroque style interior that includes murals on the walls, red marble staircases and a chandelier in the lobby. Home of the Albany Symphony Orchestra, the theatre presents over 150 events each year including a classic movie series, comedy acts, concerts, plays, and more.
19 Clinton Avenue, Albany, New York, Phone: 518-465-3334
8. Start Your Journey at the Albany Heritage Area Visitors Center
The Albany Heritage Area Visitors Center is an information center, museum, and planetarium located on Quackenbush Square at the corner of Broadway and Clinton Avenue in Albany.
Housed in an old water pumping station, the center provides information to help tourists during their visit to Albany. The center contains museum galleries with exhibits of Albany’s history, the USS Albany Heritage Exhibit, and other special exhibits and events.
The Henry Hudson Planetarium is also located at the center and offers public planetarium shows once per month; private group shows can also be arranged. The center has several spaces, including an outdoor courtyard that can be rented for special occasions such as meetings and parties.
25 Quackenbush Square, Albany, New York, Phone: 518-434-0405
9. Admire Regional and American Art at the Albany Institute of History & Art
Located on Washington Avenue, the Albany Institute of History & Art is devoted to the art, culture, and history of Albany and the Upper Hudson Valley area.
The museum was founded in 1791, making it one of the oldest museums in the U.S. It merged with the Albany Historical and Art Society and became Albany Institute of History & Art in 1926.
The museum is housed in three buildings: the Rice Building, a late 19th century Beaux-Arts mansion; the main building, a 1920s Classical Revival structure; and a modern glass building that connects the two. Its collection of over 20,000 objects includes ceramics, drawings, furniture, historical artifacts, paintings, sculptures, and more.
125 Washington Avenue, Albany, New York, Phone: 518-463-4478
10. Marvel at Modern Architecture and Public Art at the Empire State Plaza
The Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State Plaza is a complex of state government buildings located on Madison Avenue. Also known as the Empire State Plaza and sometimes as South Mall, the complex was built between 1965 and 1976. Buildings that make up the complex include the Cultural Education Center, The Egg, the Legislative Office Building, the Mayor Erastus Corning 2nd Tower, the Robert Adams Building for Law and Justice, and the Swan Street Building.
The plaza also features shade trees, water fountains, memorials, and a skating rink. There are many special events that are held at the plaza, including craft fairs, farmers’ markets, school performances and summer festivals.
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