About Albany
Albany is the capital city of the U.S. state of New York. It is also the county seat of, and the most populous city in Albany County. Albany is located on the west bank of the Hudson River, approximately ten miles (16 km) south of its confluence with the Mohawk River. Its population was 99,224 at the time of the 2020 census and was estimated at 102,305 in 2026.
Places to visit in Albany
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New York State Capitol
LandmarkA monumental seat of state government blending Romanesque and Renaissance styles; free guided tours reveal the carved Million Dollar Staircase, ornate legislative chambers and remarkably detailed stonework throughout.
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Empire State Plaza
LandmarkThis vast modernist complex of government towers, reflecting pools and a large public art collection links the Capitol to the State Museum; the Corning Tower observation deck gives wide views over the Hudson Valley.
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New York State Museum
MuseumA large free museum covering the state's natural and human history, with a mastodon skeleton, Adirondack wildlife dioramas, a working carousel and a moving exhibit on the World Trade Center recovery.
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Washington Park
ParkA classic 19th-century park with a lake, sweeping lawns and historic monuments, surrounded by handsome brownstones; it is especially popular in spring when thousands of tulips bloom during the city's Tulip Festival.
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Schuyler Mansion
HistoricThe Georgian home of Revolutionary War general Philip Schuyler, where Alexander Hamilton married Elizabeth Schuyler, offers guided tours of period rooms and stories of colonial and revolutionary-era Albany.
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Albany Institute of History and Art
MuseumOne of the oldest museums in the United States, it showcases Hudson River School landscape paintings, early Dutch colonial furniture and silver, and a pair of ancient Egyptian mummies that delight younger visitors.
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Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
ReligiousA soaring Gothic Revival cathedral just south of the Empire State Plaza, known for its twin spires, richly colored stained glass windows and finely carved interior woodwork, open to respectful visitors outside services.
Where to stay in Albany
Popular hotels in Albany, out of 89 properties you can book.
Quality Inn & Suites Albany Airport
From $79 per night
Holiday Inn Resort Lake George Adirondack Area IHG
From $127 per night
Hampton Inn & Suites Albany Airport
From $118 per night
Fairfield Inn Albany East Greenbush
From $139 per night
Hampton Inn & Suites Albany Downtown
From $142 per night
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Johnstown
From $121 per night
Doubletree By Hilton Schenectady Downtown
From $139 per night
Staybridge Suites Albany Wolf Rd Colonie Center
From $168 per night
Hampton Inn Albany-Western Ave/University Area
From $153 per night
Hilton Garden Inn Troy
From $141 per night
Homewood Suites by Hilton Albany
From $189 per night
Tru by Hilton Albany Airport
From $139 per night
Best time to visit Albany
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Albany is May and September, when average daytime highs are around 72–74°F and rain falls on about 10 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Albany weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 58° 35° 0%
- Thu 22 Oct 62° 40° 1%
- Fri 23 Oct 54° 40° 2%
- Sat 24 Oct 60° 38° 2%
- Sun 25 Oct 62° 41° 1%
- Mon 26 Oct 66° 46° 1%
Know before you go
- Currency
- United States dollar (USD)
- Language
- English
- Calling code
- +1
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/New_YorkUTC−4
- Capital
- Washington, D.C.
Upcoming public holidays in United States
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
- New Year's Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Presidents DayWashington's Birthday
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Albany
These are the airports closest to central Albany. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- ALB Albany International Airport7 mi (11 km) from the city centre
Getting around Albany
Getting around Albany and the Capital Region entirely depends on where you are staying and what you want to see. If you plan on spending most of your time within the city of Albany, most downtown sights are within walking distance of each other.
By car
Most residents and visitors get around by car. By the standards of larger cities, traffic is light and traffic jams are rare. Finding parking in some neighborhoods, particularly the Center Square area around Lark Street, can be a challenge.
By taxi
Taxi cabs in Albany are not metered and go by a zone fare within the city limits. Some places are geographically not in the city limits but still may be referred to as "Albany" such as Colonie Center which is in the town of Colonie and Crossgates Mall which is in the town of Guilderland. This may at times leave you open to getting ripped off by the driver. It's best to call the company and ask for the fare prior to getting into the cab.
Albany travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Albany?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Albany is May and September, when average daytime highs are around 72–74°F and rain falls on about 10 days a month.
What is the weather like in Albany?
July is usually the warmest month in Albany, with average highs of 86°F (30°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 19°F (-7°C). The wettest month is typically April, with about 138 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Albany?
Albany International Airport (ALB) is the closest airport, about 7 miles (11 km) from the centre of Albany.
What time zone is Albany in?
Albany uses the America/New_York time zone (currently UTC−4). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Albany?
Getting around Albany and the Capital Region entirely depends on where you are staying and what you want to see. If you plan on spending most of your time within the city of Albany, most downtown sights are within walking distance of each other.
What are the best places to visit in Albany?
Top sights in Albany include New York State Capitol, Empire State Plaza, New York State Museum and Washington Park. A monumental seat of state government blending Romanesque and Renaissance styles; free guided tours reveal the carved Million Dollar Staircase, ornate legislative chambers and remarkably detailed stonework throughout.
Where should I stay in Albany?
Popular areas for hotels in Albany include Albany and Airport Area. Well-reviewed options include Quality Inn & Suites Albany Airport and Holiday Inn Resort Lake George Adirondack Area IHG.
How many hotels can I book in Albany?
Destina Holidays currently lists 89 properties in and around Albany, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
