Things to Do in Albany

New York's capital city has four distinct seasons of beautiful weather, and it isn't saddled with nearly as much snow as some parts of the state. Think of it as a metropolitan college town. It has culture, tons of outdoor recreation, vibrancy, and a love for cheese!

Embrace an Empire State of Mind

No matter your home state, learning about New York's history and politics will help you feel more informed about the world. Start your education at the New York State Museum, where you can study exhibits showcasing the state's native people, cultural history and scientific advancement. If you're there on the third Saturday of the month, you can take advantage of crafts and activities designed for families. You can then take all your newfound knowledge to the state capitol building, where you can join a walk-in tour. They're offered throughout the day, Monday through Friday.

Taste the Local Flavors

Cheese and fruit go well together in salads, but you might not think to dunk fried mozzarella sticks in raspberry jam until you spend time in Albany. This bar food staple is a local delicacy—you'll find it on the menus of wing joints like Scubber's. Snack on pizza at The Orchard, a pub that's been open since 1903, then have dessert at Cheesecake Machismo. Cheesecake is all that's on the menu. Nearby Saratoga Springs is a foodie's paradise, too. Grab a doughboy, a calzone-like creation stuffed with chicken and cheese, at Esperanto.

Stretch Your Legs

The Albany area is popular with bicyclists, thanks to its beautiful scenery and abundant trails. Get a workout on the Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike Trail, a 35-mile stretch of paved trail that runs through Albany, or hike or snowshoe on the 18 miles of trails at the Albany Pine Bush Preserve. You can also head just south of Albany to Schodack Island State Park, where you can kayak and canoe. In winter, ice skate at the outdoor rink at the Empire State Plaza, or drive to a resort where you can ski and snowboard—there are several within an hour's drive of Albany.

Hit the Road

Albany is perfectly positioned for road trips. Drive about 35 miles south to reach the Catskill Mountains, or 35 miles north to Saratoga Springs, where you'll find one of New York's State Parks that offers the perfect setting for a relaxing day, Satatoga Spa State Park. Lake George is a 60-mile drive north of Albany, and it's the gateway to the Adirondacks. Stop in the charming upstate town of Glens Fall, just south of Lake George. If you like wine, spend a day traveling the Upper Hudson Valley Wine Trail. Bring plenty of snacks and a designated driver!

Ready to travel? Find hotels in Albany and Saratoga Springs.