The Top 5 Reasons to Visit Albany, New York Now
WRITTEN BY 5 REASONS TO VISIT® EDITORIAL STAFF
PUBLISHED JULY 2022 • 4 min read
Albany has grown from a small Dutch settlement into New York State's Capital City in the heart of burgeoning Tech Valley. Downtown Albany is booming with must-see attractions and a vibrant culture you can revel in the region's rich history with world-class museums, historic homes and fascinating architecture. From the Hudson riverfront to the Empire State Plaza—the city is made up of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own unique vibe and atmosphere.
Image courtesy of Discover Albany
1. THE SHOPPING
More than just shopping, Crossgates is the premier shopping and entertainment destination in New York’s Capital Region. With over ten different entertainment experiences from IMAX to an indoor slide—it’s a full day of fun and excitement for every age.
With over 180 impressive national retailers, Crossgates has everything from designer home goods, unique accessories, trendy apparel and more. From anchors like Macy’s to fashionable boutique such as Michael Kors, to Urban Outfitters and Zara, there’s something for everyone.
2. THE ART
The University Art Museum has been a part of the dynamic learning environment at the University at Albany since 1967. Designed by architect Edward Durell Stone, the museum has become known as an icon of late 20th century modernist architecture and its mission is to advance knowledge and foster understanding in contemporary visual arts through exhibitions, programs, publications, and collections. The museum has presented over four hundred exhibitions and its collection is especially strong in contemporary works on paper.
The University Art Museum in Albany, New York
The University Art Museum collections are comprised of over 3,000 objects and reflect 50 years of modern and contemporary art, including paintings, photographs, prints, drawings and sculpture by many of the most prominent artists of the 20th and 21st centuries.
Albany is looking bright with its vibrant murals that are sprinkled throughout downtown with the goal to inspire the community with uplifting, educational or thought-provoking works of public art. These eye-catching murals and public art add a unique, unparalleled artistic approach to the Capital Region of New York.
3. THE COCKTAILS & CUISINE
As Upstate New York’s premier steakhouse, 677 Prime prides itself using high-quality ingredients and providing exceptional service to give you a definitive fine dining experience in Downtown Albany. Start in the lounge for a cocktail and a bite or join them in the dining room for the evening and explore items from every section of their innovative menu. For your artisanal cocktail fix, we recommend trying the Bourbon Campfire—concocted with bourbon, carpal antica vermouth, amaro taverna, aromatic bitters, and smoked cedar.
677 Prime in Albany, New York
At 677 Prime, you can expect memorable meals thanks to their chef-driven cuisine, world-class wine program, and unparalleled service from a knowledgeable staff. While USDA PRIME steaks anchor the menu, delectable seafood, modern takes on traditional steakhouse classics, and decadent desserts accompany them exquisitely to provide a meal that you will want to savor. Favorite dishes include Foie Gras with carrot purée, spiced crème fraîche, maple toasted walnuts and butter blinis, Seared Jumbo Dayboat Scallops with sunchoke and asparagus purée, roasted sweet corn and yellow pepper coulis, grapefruit, salsify and whole grain mustard cream, 14 oz New York Strip using Prime Greater Omaha beef, as well as Caviar of Siberian sturgeon osetra, buckwheat blinis, toast points, crème fraîche, and traditional garnishes.
Take the time to indulge in your sweet tooth and enjoy one of many decadent desserts such as Bananas Foster made with nightingale “fat banana” cookie sandwich, peanut butter cookie, fresh banana ice cream and half dipped in chocolate.
4. THE GARDENS
Designed during the 1870s-80s by Calvert Vaux and Fredrick Olmsted, famous for New York City's Central Park—Washington Park spans 89-acres and is located just a few blocks away from the Empire State Plaza. Erected in 1875, the footbridge over Washington Park Lake is the oldest and only remaining original structure in Washington Park. The park contains over 100 species of trees ranging from bonsais to large oaks, as well as a 5.2-acre lake in the southwestern corner.
Named as one of the nation's “100 Most Important Parks,” many people visit annually to enjoy the Tulip Festival, Albany’s official flower. The annual Tulip Festival is Albany’s signature spring event, celebrating the city’s rich Dutch heritage and the vibrant colors of the season. With 140,000 tulips in 150 different varieties, the festival is a sparkling showcase of historic Washington Park, the “crown jewel” of the Downtown Albany.
5. THE ARCHITECTURE
Sitting majestically atop Albany’s State Street hill, the circa 1867 New York State Capitol has served as the seat of government for New York since the 1880s. The building is a marvel of late 19th century architectural grandeur—built by hand of solid masonry over a period of 32 years and is noted for its intricate and elaborate carvings.
Blending Renaissance, Romanesque, and French Renaissance Revival styles, the New York State Capitol has been the seat of New York State government for more than a century and is associated with many important events and national history. Take a 45-minute tour of the legislative chambers, Hall of Governors, Governor’s Reception Room, Hall of New York, historic staircases, and carvings.
Sitting atop the tallest building in New York State outside of New York City—you’ll experience breathtaking views of Albany, the Hudson River Valley, the Port of Albany, the foothills of the Adirondacks, the Catskills, and the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts on the 42nd floor of the Corning Tower Observation Deck. The tower dominates the Albany skyline with its glass, marble and angular forms.
WHERE TO STAY IN ALBANY, NEW YORK
Nestled in the heart of the Capital of New York, the Renaissance Albany Hotel is conveniently located at the corner of Eagle and State overlooking the beautiful New York State Capitol building at the base of its steps. The historic hotel, now reimagined, combines old world charm with handsome dark wood paneling and stunning marble floors, with modern touches of convenience and flare. The Empire State Plaza Convention Center, Times Union Center, the New York State Legislative Office Building, and the beautiful Hudson River are all within brisk walking distance from this historic, luxury hotel in Downtown Albany.
