Sights and landmarks in Albany

Sights and landmarks in Albany

1. See

   Albany City Hall

   Designed by renowned architect H.H. Richardson in the Romanesque style he popularized.

2. See

   Albany Pine Bush Preserve

   Western edge of the city. It's a 3,000-acre inland pine barren maintained by controlled fires (which clear out invasive plant species and cause the native pine cones to release their seeds). Trails through the preserve are open to non-motorized uses year-round (except during burns, of course

3. See

   Corning Tower Observation Deck

   The view from the 42nd floor Corning Tower Observation Deck encompasses not only the city of Albany but the foothills of the Adirondacks, the Catskills, and the Berkshires of western Massachusetts. Check-in at the security desk in the concourse under the Corning Tower, photo ID required. Plaza information office.

   daily 10AM-4PM, closed on holidays·Free

4. See

   Empire State Plaza

   The Empire State Plaza is something to behold. It lies between the New York State Capitol building and the New York State Museum. While many critics have found that the Plaza is architecturally intimidating, at best, it can be quite beautiful. Free concerts are often held on the plaza during the summer, ranging from Blues Festivals to Rock concerts. And the Fourth of July fireworks are spectacular.

5. See

   Lark Street

   A center of Albany youth culture and an interesting place to visit. Lark Street is between Washington Park and the Empire State Plaza and is the main drag for a vibrant residential neighborhood. In September, Lark Street hosts one of Albany's most treasured events, "Larkfest", a popular street fair.

6. See

   New York State Capitol

   Free guided tours, M-F 10AM, noon, 2PM, and 3PM; Sa & Su 11AM, 1PM, and 3PM. Free self-guided audio tours M-F, 9AM-3PM (driver license or passport must be left as collateral for audio player). Plaza Visitor Center, Rm. 106 Concourse, Empire State Plaza. Security screening will confiscate pocket knives and other sharp objects.

7. See

   New York State Museum

   The largest state museum in all the 50 states, has some really nice collections.

   Daily from 9:30AM-5PM, closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day·Admission is free; donations are welcome

8. See

   Shaker Heritage Society

   Watervliet was the first Shaker community in the United States. Shaker leader Ann Lee is buried here. Guided tours June through October, Sa at 11:30AM and 1:30PM, when available. Other tours available by appointment; two weeks notice required. See other Shaker villages in the northeast United States through the itinerary Touring Shaker country.

   February to October, Tue-Sat 9:30AM-4PM. November and December, Mon-Sat 10AM-4PM.·Admission is free, donations accepted. Guided tours: adults $3, children under 12 free

9. See

   State Street

   The main street that runs to the Albany Waterfront. Though much of the lower portion is decayed and empty, it retains a regal air and is well worth a visit, particularly as revitalization of the area takes hold. State Street is home to many of the stately 19th-century homes that can be seen in Albany and was once home to writer Herman Melville. Nearby lies Pearl Street, which has undergone a renewal, and which caters to the 20-something bar and club scene. During the summer, the Alive at 5 concert series is an open festival on Broadway near the base of State Street. It draws quite a large crowd, and is generally a fun time for all. You can no longer bring your own beer, however—you must purchase it on site.

10. See

    USS Slater (DE-766)

    Retired World War II US Navy Destroyer Escort, offering tours W-Su during the summer. Recommended ability to climb and descend stairs.

11. See

    Van Ostrande-Radliff House

    Built circa 1728, it is the oldest remaining Dutch building in the city.

12. See

    Washington Park

    A delightful, and for the most part safe, park (care should be taken at night). In the park's center is the Park Playhouse, which offers free, good musicals and plays throughout the summer. May offers "Tulip Fest" a nod to Albany's Dutch heritage that consumes Washington Park with (mostly) tulips as well as a craft fair.

13. See

    Albany Institute of History and Art

    Another nice museum well worth a visit.

14. See

    Irish American Heritage Museum

    370 Broadway

    Wed-Fri 11AM-4PM, Sat Sun noon-4PM

15. See

    New York State Education building

    Impressive neo-classical colonnade.

16. See

    State University of New York (SUNY) System Administration Building

    Formerly the Delaware and Hudson Railroad Building

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Albany (CC BY-SA 4.0).