Location: Albany
Top Things to do in Albany
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The 10 Best Free Things to do in Albany, New York (NY)
A rich 300-year history, a thriving arts community and seemingly endless wilderness make this New York capital city on the Hudson River a great weekend getaway. Outdoor enthusiasts come here to ski, hike, canoe and fish; trout and small-mouth bass fishing is among the best in the U.S. Mountains surround the city, and the tapestry of golds and reds on an autumn day is breathtaking. The city is dominated by an elaborate 10-building complex that includes the State Capitol; the New York State Museum, with life-like dioramas such as American Indian life and an Adirondack logging operation; and the oval-shaped Empire State Performing Arts Center, nicknamed "The Egg." History buffs will enjoy the colonial homes, historic churches and museums, and can tour 18th-century mansions, like the Schuyler, a superb example of pre-Revolutionary War architecture. Whether nature or history is your passion, you'll find an abundance of both in this upstate New York gem.
Restaurants in Albany
1. Beef Jerky Outlet
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By 1971wiel - Sheboygan, United States
Oh my...we were driving past and saw a Beef Jerky sign...I said beef jerky and my kids kids freaked out. We were in heaven!! We got to sample as many items that we were interested in. We didnt sample to bug type items but they looked interesting. We could've spent so much money here. This is our New favorite store in the Dells!!! Here is the info as you can order on line for awesome gifts!
2. Washington Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 358 reviews
Reviewed By dustythoughts - Manchester, United States
We came here for a quick walk to get some fresh air, and while it was maybe the wrong season (too cold for nice weather or flowers, and without the pretty fuss of the Christmas season), the park was still spacious and well-maintained. There were still other people going for walks or runs, and there are bridges over the bodies of water, plus benches for people to sit and enjoy the scenery. In warmer weather, it looks like it would be a lovely place for a picnic.
3. New York State Capitol
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 835 reviews
The New York State Capitol has served as the seat of government for New York since the 1880's. Over 125 years old, the building is a marvel of late 19th-century architectural grandeur. Built by hand of solid masonry, it took 5 architects and 32 years to complete. Over the years meticulous restoration has been done to maintain and protect the Capitol for future generations of New Yorkers.
Reviewed By FlaviaPortChester_NY
Recently, I visited for the third time the NY State Capitol and it is just a wonderful place that can be revisited every few years. Also, I have visited the Nation's Capitol as well as several State Capitols and I can attest that this one is even more impressive than our Nation's Capitol. The free, one-hour guided tour is highly informative and, depending on the tour guide, you can get different historical information and information relating to the decorative elements of this unusual, tasteful and ornate Capitol. My recommendation is to make reservations if you visit during the weekends, but you may be able to get on a tour if there are "no show" reservations. Regarding Albany, it is simply a shame that there is no plan to rescue entire neighborhoods built after the Civil War to accommodate the number of craftsmen that moved into the area to build the Capitol. There is exquisite residential architecture that is just simply wasted!
4. New York State Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,092 reviews
Under the leadership of the New York State Education Department, this museum and research center preserves New York State's artistic, social, historical and environmental legacies through such exhibits as "Native Peoples of New York," "The Cohoes Mastodont" and "Black Capital: Harlem in the 20s."
Reviewed By GypsyJules1111 - Albany, United States
We always enjoy visiting the NY State Museum, from the vast selection of exhibits, children’s play/ learning room, cafe & the top floor carousel, there is always more than enough to see & do to capture the interest & attention of my young son & his mom too! We highly recommend visiting here!
5. Discover Albany Visitors Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 69 reviews
Staffed tourist information center and gift shop. Also features the USS Albany Heritage Exhibit, highlighting ships named for the capital city from 1846 to the present. Special events and tours featuring the history and culture of the Capital Region are scheduled throughout the year. A self-guided walking tour is available in print. The gift shop offers unique Albany gift items, many locally made. The Visitors Center is open daily: Monday-Friday 9am-4pm (3pm Dec-March); Saturday 10am-3pm; Sunday 11am-3pm
Reviewed By karynk2712 - Bridgeport, United States
Whether you know Albany well or not, this place should be your 1st stop to get info on city attractions & happenings. The woman who helped us had a wealth of knowledge on what to do, where to park at different attractions, & some history of the city. If you're a fan of the Hamilton musical, the Schulyers are a big part of this city with a special exhibit running at the Albany Institute of History & Art. Also their mansion is where Alexander married Elizabeth. Albany has colorful murals & dog sculptures at various spots around the city so the staffer gave us maps pertaining to them if we wanted to seek them out. The dog sculptures are now indoors for the winter so we only saw 2 but it would be fun to see these whimsical creations around the city in the spring. The visitor center itself has artwork displayed & a historical exhibit.
6. Albany Pine Bush Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 89 reviews
One of the most endangered regions in the Northeastern United Sates contains almost 6,000 acres of scenic and dramatic landscape rooted in glacial history.
Reviewed By kittykrazy2016 - Altamont, United States
The Pine Bush has great trails through all the preserves. Scenery is great! Perfect for a social distancing hike!
7. US Route 20
8. Chester A. Arthur Memorial Tomb
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 62 reviews
Reviewed By 539bonnieh - Fort Worth, United States
Not having seen a picture of the gravesite previously, I was speechless at the beauty and loving care put into the site. I could not stop taking pictures of the angel. It made me want to read about President Arthur because of the thoughtfulness of the site. It is located up high and on a corner lot which was a perfect location for display
9. The Albany Distilling Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By jessicah557
Honestly if you are in the Albany area you have to try out the tour. It’s rare that you find a owner that’s passionate about his craft as well as warming the hearts of people! One of the owners conducts the tours and is extremely down to earth and welcoming. We just finished our tour and I had to write a review. Make it a point to learn about the process of bottling bourbon, vodka and/or whiskey. Whether you understand the process or not you will be captivated and informed. Then afterwards you will enjoy a variety of tasting ; as well as having the option to purchase what the bar has to offer. I look forward to future visits at the bar as well as what’s in store for the wood fire pizza etc. great place and great people. From my girlfriend and I, thank you for a pre Valentine’s Day gift
10. Nine Pin Cider Works
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
Reviewed By unique698 - Wilmington, United States
There is a decent amount of parking on the side road and across the street of the cidery. There is a great deck/porch area for the summer. Huge variety of ciders and not overwhelmingly sweet. I didn't try all of them, but the earl grey tea was my favorite. It was not overly tea-like. There is a slight hint of tea, but there is a clear apple taste to it. I have had other tea ciders and they were too heavy on the tea. My favorite by far!
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