City centre Albany blends political power with rich history in New York's capital city. The striking Empire State Plaza towers over 19th-century brownstones, creating a fascinating architectural contrast. Cultural gems like The Egg performing arts centre and the New York State Museum offer enriching experiences for visitors. Weekdays buzz with government workers while evenings remain peacefully quiet. Explore the Hudson River waterfront at Corning Preserve or catch performances at Capital Repertory Theatre. The neighborhood's walkable streets make it easy to discover both modern and historic treasures.
Centre Square in Albany captivates visitors with its beautiful 19th-century brownstones and terrace houses. Tree-lined streets create a peaceful atmosphere just steps from city centre. Washington Park's 90 acres of fountains and gardens anchor this historic area. Cultural experiences abound with nearby art institutes and galleries. Small cafes and boutiques line the streets, offering local flavours and unique finds. The grid layout makes exploring on foot easy, allowing travellers to fully absorb the neighborhood's authentic charm.
Albany's Pine Hills area offers a vibrant college town experience centred around The College of Saint Rose. Tree-lined streets mix historic homes with modern student apartments. Madison Avenue buzzes with affordable eateries and shops catering to the youthful population. This budget-friendly area provides an authentic glimpse into academic life. Visitors can enjoy the leafy campus quads and peaceful residential streets. While major tourist attractions are limited, city centre Albany's museums and government buildings are just a short bus ride away.
Historic Mansion area offers a peaceful retreat within Albany's urban landscape. The area showcases impressive 19th-century terrace houses and Victorian architecture along quiet, tree-lined streets. Visitors can experience authentic local life away from tourist crowds while admiring well-preserved historic homes. The area sits near cultural gems like the New York State Museum and The Egg. Though dining options are limited within its boundaries, city centre Albany's restaurants are just a short trip away. Travellers seeking architecture, photography opportunities, and a genuine glimpse into residential Albany will find this walkable district especially rewarding.
You might appreciate the shopping and restaurants in Colonie, and if you're interested in seeing more of the area, Northway Mall and Colonie Center Mall are just a few notable stops.
Discover the most popular places to visit in Albany
MVP Arena
8.4/10 (795 reviews)
City centre Albany's premier venue hosts rock concerts to championship basketball games. Experience the electric atmosphere of live events while enjoying modern facilities and dining options.
Albany Capital Center
8.8/10 (451 reviews)
This modern event hub in city centre Albany offers state-of-the-art facilities for conventions and corporate gatherings. Explore nearby historic attractions between sessions to experience the best of the capital region.
Palace Theater
8.4/10 (472 reviews)
This 1931 historic venue captivates with ornate brass chandeliers and intricate architectural details. Experience world-class performances in a setting that blends old-world elegance with contemporary entertainment.
Empire State Plaza Convention Center
8.8/10 (425 reviews)
This versatile venue in Albany's Empire State Plaza hosts everything from intimate gatherings to massive conventions for 10,000 attendees. Visitors can explore the Capitol and Plaza Art Collection just steps away.
The Egg
8.6/10 (721 reviews)
Albany's most distinctive cultural venue, The Egg captivates with its bold architectural design and intimate performance spaces. Enjoy world-class concerts, theatre, and dance in its acoustically superior theatres.
New York State Capitol Building
8.8/10 (357 reviews)
Perched atop Albany’s State Street hill, this ornate building has served as the seat of New York State government since the 19th century.
Colonie Center Mall
8.6/10 (1,248 reviews)
This upscale shopping destination features over 100 speciality stores anchored by Macy's, Boscov's, and Whole Foods Market. Enjoy the Capital Region's only P.F. Chang's or catch a film at the Regal Cinema.
Crossgates Mall
8.6/10 (1,228 reviews)
Crossgates Mall offers 180+ retail stores and entertainment in Albany's largest shopping centre. Browse high-end brands, watch films at the IMAX theatre, or dine at various restaurants.
"Old hotel with personality. Rooms were noisy. Need a deep cleaning. Need a comfy chair in room. No elevator. Limited electric outlets. Wifi was Limited. No restaurant."
"We only stay one night but besides the fact that there was no bacon in the breakfast (my son’s complaint) everything was good. Would stay again
The staff was very nice"
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
You'll find cheap prices on Expedia for your Albany escape. However, a range of factors like your choice of hotel, the season and length of stay will influence how much your holiday to Albany costs.
What are the cheapest months to go to Albany?
You can usually find lower prices and greater availability in November, December and January. Explore our cheap Albany holiday packages and you could score some excellent off-season deals.
How many days is enough for Albany?
We recommend booking an Albany holiday for a minimum of 2 days. This will give you plenty of time to tick off major attractions including Albany Institute of History and Art and Capital Repertory Theatre, and check out neighbourhoods like Downtown Albany and McKownville. You might even be able to squeeze in a day trip from Albany.
Is it worth booking a holiday package to Albany?
Known for its shopping, history and a host of other highlights, you can be certain Albany is a good holiday destination. Some of the top attractions to add to your itinerary? Don't miss MVP Arena and The Egg during your Albany holiday.
How to find the best Albany package deals?
Start your search for an Albany package deal by entering your destination and travel dates under our "Packages" tab. Then select a few filters, like "Guest rating" and "Property type," to tailor the results to your exact needs. You can also sort by "Package discount" and browse offers that come with huge savings. If you don't find the ideal Albany package deal straight away, just play around with your dates and search again. Bear in mind that deals are only available for a limited time, so book early and get your Albany escape off to a flying start.
Is it cheaper to book an Albany holiday as a package?
Expedia holiday packages are designed to help you keep more cash in your pocket. Bundle your flight, hotel and car rental into one great-value price and you could save hundreds of dollars. You'll generally get a better deal than booking each component individually. And you'll still get the flexibility to create a tailored Albany holiday by choosing your preferred accommodation type, airline and car class.
When to book a holiday package to Albany?
If you're considering a spur-of-the-moment Albany holiday, browse our last-minute deals that can be booked up to a week before you go. Prefer not to wait until the last minute? You can score incredible deals on your hotels and flights by booking well in advance.
How to plan a trip to Albany?
Choose the best time to travel: Your schedule, preferred season and the type of weather you like can all impact your decision on when to travel to Albany.
Set your budget: Factor in costs like flights, transportation and food when working out how much to set aside for your trip to Albany. Then, choose a property that matches your budget, whether that's a low-cost stay or a swankier getaway.
Decide how many days away: Start by listing all the attractions and activities you want to get to in Albany. Then, estimate how long you'll need for each, along with any travel time.
Bundle your flights and hotel: Epic destination, check. Length of stay, check. Now all that's left is to choose an Albany holiday package that brings all your bookings together.
For a delightful shopping experience in Albany, visit Crossgates Mall, Northway Mall, and Westgate Shopping Center, all offering a vibrant mix of business, entertainment, and family vibes. If you're up for a drive, explore nearby shopping destinations for even more unique finds.
Recreation
Experience the thrill of ice sports at Albany County Hockey Facility, where the vibrant atmosphere energises your workout. For a different kind of wonder, visit the Henry Hudson Planetarium, offering captivating shows that inspire and entertain the whole family. Don’t miss a performance at the Palace Theater for an enchanting cultural experience.
Adventure
Jennings Landing offers a delightful outdoor experience with scenic views, perfect for leisurely strolls and picnics. For those seeking a challenge, Albany Indoor Rockgym provides thrilling climbing opportunities in an adventurous setting. Meanwhile, Funplex Fun Park, located 6.4km from Albany, promises water-based fun and excitement for the whole family.
Nightlife
Albany's nightlife buzzes with energy, featuring lively bars like The Hollow Bar + Kitchen for vibrant cocktails and the historic McGeary’s Irish Pub for a relaxed pint. For an unforgettable experience, catch live music at The Egg or dance the night away at The Washington Avenue Armory.
Find the best attractions in Albany
Albany is an excellent destination for families, business travellers, and city enthusiasts alike. Visitors can explore a variety of attractions, including modern colleges and historic government buildings, all while enjoying a rich cultural experience. The city offers a blend of outdoor activities and urban exploration, making it ideal for those seeking both adventure and relaxation during their stay.
Albany Capital Center: This modern event venue exudes a professional atmosphere, making it an excellent location for conferences and exhibitions. Its versatile spaces are designed to accommodate a variety of events, providing a unique blend of functionality and sophistication.
New York State Museum: As a treasure trove of history and culture, this museum showcases New York's rich heritage through engaging exhibits. Visitors can explore everything from natural history to art, offering a deep insight into the state's diverse narrative.
Alfred E. Smith State Office Building: This historic civic building stands as a beautiful example of Art Deco architecture. It features an observation deck with panoramic views of Albany, providing a cultural experience wrapped in the city's historical context.
Best time to go to Albany
The best time to visit Albany is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.
Tips to save on your trip to Albany
Take advantage of package deals on Expedia and combine flights, hotels, or car rentals for a convenient and cost-effective trip to Albany.
Consider traveling during the off-peak season (typically March and December to January) for more affordable package holidays to Albany.
Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.
* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages.