The capital of New York State, Albany is set around the immense Empire State Plaza on the banks of the Hudson River. It boasts excellent museums detailing New York’s cultural and natural history, as well as a fusion of diverse architectural styles.
Things to do in Albany
Spend an afternoon exploring the Empire State Plaza, home to the New York State Capitol and an outstanding collection of large-scale paintings and sculptures. It’s considered one of the most important collections of modern art in the country, with a particular focus on the abstract New York School of the 1960s and 70s.
Experience one of the largest cultural institutions in the United States at the New York State Museum. Native American artefacts and the evolution of New Yorkers’ lifestyles are on display, together with an impressive collection of Herschell-Spillman carousels.
Step aboard the USS Slater to experience life on a Destroyer Escort boat that was used to defend against Nazi U-Boats and Japanese Kamikaze fighters during World War II. It’s moored on the Hudson River and is the only one of its kind left in the United States, with hour-long guided tours on offer through its history-rich interior.
Want a unique way to sightsee around Albany? Jump on one of the amphibious Albany Aqua Ducks that travel along the streets of the state capital and cruise the waters of the Hudson River. The 90-minute tours go past the Empire State Plaza, Governor’s Mansion and the city’s 18th-century row houses.
Getting around Albany
Albany International Airport is around 20 minutes’ drive north of the city centre and there are regular trains to New York City. Most of the downtown sights are within a short walking distance of one another and buses are available if you’re travelling further afield.