Things to do in Albany, NY

In this article we will discuss various fun and exciting things to do in Albany. Albany is a capital of the US state New York. Albany has attracted visitors for more than 400 years with its rich historic sites, amazing attractions and friendly-family facilities. There are many exciting things to do in Albany, if you know where to find them. You may not find this place as ostentatious as New York City or as pretentious as Buffalo, but attraction of all sorts can be found in this capital region. Sitting on the bank of the great Hudson River, a waterway which is intensely rooted in the country’s history in its years of strategic, military, and economic significance. So, pack your bags and get ready to be here as a wide variety of attractions, event and landmarks in downtown Albany are waiting to mesmerize you with their charm. While you get ready for here, we suggest you best things to do in Albany.

Top 10 Things to do in Albany, NY:

1.) Dutch Apple Cruises

Hop in this Dutch Apple Cruise and sail on the beautiful and remarkable Hudson River. This is the perfect way to see the sights. This vessel proffer you sunshine and zephyr along with the shelter of fully enclosed and heated/AC decks. When you visit here, you can find ample free parking, vessel inspected by U.S. Coast Guard, comfortable seats, clean washroom, full cash bar and light munchies. For safety purpose wear low heeled or soft soled footwear and remember to carry binoculars for eagle sightings. This is going to be one of the most amazing things to do in Albany.

2.) Hudson River Cruise and Motorcyclepedia Museum Tour

Cruise on the Hudson River and visit this Motorcyclepedia Museum for a day trip from New York City to the Hudson Valley. This is going to be one of the best things to do in Albany. In the city of Newburgh, your day will start with a fine lunch and some beer tasting at Newburgh Brewing Company. After that, enjoy the sightseeing of the Hudson Highlands while sailing on a double-decker boat on the river. Also go to a tour of the Motorcyclepedia Museum, which has an unbelievable collection of bikes on display. Round-trip transport will be included in your tour.

3.) Flight Trampoline Park

One of the most fun things to do in Albany, NY with your kids is visiting the Flight Trampoline Park. Flight is the leading trampoline park in the Albany region. With over 15,000 sq ft of trampolines, with launching floor, airbags and basketball hoops. This is the ideal place for your kid’s next birthday party, group excursion or a fun day out.

4.) Empire State Plaza

Wallace K. Harrison, was the principal architect of the plaza as commissioned by Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State Plaza. The Empire State Plaza is among the most incredible capital centers in the country. The Plaza includes 98 acres of land, which provides jobs to more than 11,000 people in 10 amazing buildings. Construction of this Plaza started in 1965, which was finished in 1978. Thousands of tourists and locals visit this plaza every year. It is also known to host the New York State Museum, ice skating (during winters), concerts, festivals, and many other interesting events. Visiting the place will prove to be one of the most awesome things to do in Albany.

5.) Park Playhouse

Every summer, “Park Playhouse” represents a staged musical show in its outdoor amphitheater in the Washington park. The best part about the place is that it is free and full of fun. The shows start around 8.00 pm, just when the sun is about to set. It generally continue until 11 pm or so. Every musical performance is huge and dazzling. The famous ones draw average theater goer. The level of production varies from year to year. This is one of the most awesome things to do in Albany with friends.

6.) State Capitol Building

The state capitol building situated in Albany, NY is among the most beautiful capitol buildings in the US. It is in fact the result of more than 30 years of work by 4 different engineers – Thomas Fuller, Henry Hobson, Leopold Eidlitz, and Isaac Perry. Thomas Fuller made the first 2 floors with an Italian touch, whereas Henry Hobson, Leopold Eidlitz and Isaac Perry made the 3rd and 4th floors with Romanesque style. Perry is named behind “The Million Dollar Staircase”. The capitol building was the most expensive public building when it was built. A terrible fire struck library in the state capital building, which destroyed over 450 thousand books and 270 thousand manuscripts. But still, this is one of the places to visit in Albany.

7.) Alive at Five

Every Thursday evening of summer (i.e. June-August at 5.00 pm), do not forget to visit the Albany Riverfront Park in downtown. It offers a beautiful outdoor free concert right along the river. This Thursday night has gained popularity in recent years. Thus, the place gets filled in a blink. So arrive as close to 5.00 pm as possible. Various food stalls sell all the fine treats of summer like hot dogs, beer, lemonade, ice cream, BBQ, etc. Most of the locals use the night to be with their friends. So do not get irritated on chatting through the event, it’s very casual. Enjoying the convert is one of the most fantastic things to do in Albany with friends. The music played here is always great, and you will easily fall in love with it. Every week there is an entirely new type of music, ranging from classic rock to disco to Irish to acoustic guitar. So, indulge in the different moods of this place.

8.) Fuze Box 

Previously known as a “White Tower” restaurant and afterwords the iconic Albany club the QE2. This place has recently made a comeback as the Fuze Box Lounge. It’s an excellent place for drinking and dancing, along with frequent live music. Plus, they have different theme nights every week. On Mondays it is Indie Rock, karaoke on Tuesdays, Wednesday night is themed as “Happy Hour Night.” Swing Night on Thursday, Friday is themed as Punk Night, and Saturday is “completely 80s”. This is one of the finest things to do in Albany.

9.) Wine Bar & Bistro

This is counted among the best places for drinking in Albany. Here you can find a small maze of comfy tables with a collection of several dozen, very sensibly priced wines by the glass. So, visit this place to get more for less. Going to the place is one of the most amazing things to do in Albany.

10.) The Olde English Pub

Even though the menu is quite limited, but the food is good. The beer and whiskey collection is nice and the atmosphere is quite lovable. The staff here is very friendly and attentive. If you have been to a pub in London or other parts of England, you will surely link this place to them. Spend a nice evening with a couple of beer here for some English touch.