Things to Do in Downtown Albany and the Empire State Plaza
A 17th-century Dutch trading post turned state capital, with a grand Capitol and a marble plaza.
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The New York State Capitol is the place to start. Built between 1867 and 1899 by a succession of architects, including H. H. Richardson, it mixes Romanesque, Renaissance and French styles and is famous for its Great Western Staircase, carved with the faces of notable people and of some of the stonecutters' friends. Free guided tours run on weekdays; bring photo ID for the security check.
Behind the Capitol, the Empire State Plaza stretches a quarter mile south: office towers, reflecting pools and one of the largest public collections of modern American art in the country, displayed outdoors and along an underground concourse. The Erastus Corning Tower has an observation deck with views over the Hudson and toward the Catskills and Adirondacks, and the Egg, a curved concrete performing arts center, hosts concerts and comedy. At the south end, the New York State Museum covers the state's history and natural science, from Adirondack wildlife to a carousel you can ride, and it is free to visit.
Older Albany survives in pockets, often a few steps from modern office blocks. The Albany Institute of History and Art, founded in 1791, holds Hudson River School paintings and Dutch colonial objects. Schuyler Mansion, the 1760s home of Revolutionary general Philip Schuyler, is where his daughter Elizabeth married Alexander Hamilton, and Ten Broeck Mansion in the Arbor Hill neighborhood dates from 1798. Washington Park, laid out in the 1870s, is the city's green center, ringed by brownstones in the Center Square and Lark Street neighborhoods.
Albany's riverfront sits behind the highway, reached by a pedestrian bridge to the Corning Preserve, where a bike path follows the Hudson. Nearby, the USS Slater, the last destroyer escort still afloat in the United States, is moored as a museum, and sightseeing and music cruises leave from the dock beside it in the warmer months.
Don’t Miss
Free tours of the 19th-century Capitol and its Great Western Staircase, plus outdoor art and an observation deck on the Plaza.
Free exhibits on New York history and nature, with a working carousel on the top floor; closed Mondays.
Concerts, comedy and dance inside the Plaza's landmark curved building.
Founded in 1791, with Hudson River School paintings and Dutch colonial history.
A World War II destroyer escort restored as a museum, with guided tours most of the year.
A 1798 Federal-style mansion with period rooms, gardens and events.
A 19th-century park with a lake and lakehouse, home of the Tulip Festival each May.
Top-Rated Tours, Tickets & Activities in Albany
Tours, tickets, prices and reviews from Viator (a Tripadvisor company) and Tiqets — prices are per person, from, and were checked October 31, 2026. Best in Albany may earn a commission when you book, at no extra cost to you.
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Get free trip quotes »Albany — FAQ
Can I tour the New York State Capitol?
Yes. Free guided tours run on weekdays, starting from the Empire State Plaza visitor center. Plan on about an hour and bring a photo ID.
Is the New York State Museum free?
Yes, admission is free, with a suggested donation. It is usually closed on Mondays; check the museum site for current hours.
Where can I take a Hudson River cruise in Albany?
Sightseeing and music cruises leave from the dock near the USS Slater from late spring into fall. See the bookable cruises on this page.
More of the Capital Region
