Apart from being the state’s capital city, Albany is actually a pretty cool place to visit in its own right. The architecture, history, and abundance of delicious restaurants make it a great place to spend some time in New York State. Read on for the best things to eat, see, and do in one day in Albany!
Things to do in Albany
Coffee from Stacks Espresso Bar
Start your day off strong with a coffee (and maybe a tasty pastry) from Stacks Espresso Bar. They feature coffees from various different local roasters and are experts when it comes to the art of specialty espresso. Moreover, their drinks are delicious and their staff members are very friendly! It’s obvious that they have a passion for what they do.
Stacks has two locations in Albany — one in the downtown area and one on Lark Street.
Address: 488 Broadway, Albany, NY 12207
Soak in some city history
Originally home to the indigenous Mohican people, the Albany area was officially colonized by Dutch settlers in 1664. In 1797, it became the capital of the state of New York. The city is one of the oldest surviving European settlements from the thirteen original colonies, making it a great place for history buffs to visit.
All throughout the downtown area, you’ll find plaques and signs describing the history of the nearby buildings and streets. I really enjoyed stumbling across these little reminders of our country’s past. It was cool to imagine what life must have been like back then while standing in the exact spot that something happened.
Cider Belly Doughnuts
After a bit of exploring downtown, head on over to Cider Belly Doughnuts for a sweet treat. This locally famous bakery specializes in cider donuts, which are especially fluffy and spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and apple cider. They have tons of different flavors and many sell out throughout the day. The Sugar Daddy (besides having an iconic name) was my favorite — simple and delicious.
Cider Belly offers in-store purchases, curbside pick-up, and catering.
Address: 25 N Pearl St, Albany, NY 12207
New York State Capitol
Probably one of the most major attractions in Albany is the New York State Capitol building. It is massive and stunning in person. Located in the Empire State Plaza complex, the building was completed in 1899 and is a National Historic Landmark. You can take a guided tour of the inside or walk around solo on a self-guided tour. Admission is free!
Address: State St. and Washington Ave, Albany, NY 12224
Empire State Plaza
Just past the New York State Capitol, you’ll find the rest of the Empire State Plaza complex. This gigantic area houses the New York State Museum, the Egg Performing Arts Center, the Corning Tower observation deck, and other various legislative and agency buildings. There’s a lovely fountain in the middle with lots of space to sit and people watch. In the winter, it becomes an ice rink! In the warmer months, you can attend fun events like concerts and markets.
Take some time to walk around the perimeter of the plaza and soak in all the views. The mix of old, historic buildings among the modern skyscrapers makes for a very interesting juxtaposition.
Address: 100 S Mall Arterial, Albany, NY 12210
Top of Corning Tower
The Corning Tower is the tallest building in New York State outside of New York City. From the top, you can see awesome views of Albany, the Hudson River valley, and the foothills of the Adirondacks. The tower was named after Erastus Corning II, who was the mayor of Albany for over 40 years.
The observation deck is open from Monday to Friday, 10 am to 4 pm. Admission to the top is free.
Address: 100 S Mall Arterial, Albany, NY 12210
New York State Museum
The New York State Museum sits at the far end of Empire State Plaza. It is dedicated to the cultural, natural, and geological history of New York. You can find all types of exhibits, from a display of native birds to a history of the World Trade Center on 9/11. The NYSM is also the oldest and largest state museum in the United States.
The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 9:30 am to 5 pm. Admission is free (but donations are gratefully accepted).
Address: 222 Madison Ave, Albany, NY 12230
Eat your way down Lark Street
Lark Street, also known as the “Greenwich Village of Albany,” is a hip foodie destination. You’ll find all sorts of restaurants, cafes, and cuisines within the 10 block radius. Other than food, you can also find unique shops, art galleries, and annual festivals on Lark Street. Spend some time here trying as many different spots as your stomach can handle.
Restaurants to try:
- Son of Egg for modern Korean (try the spicy popcorn chicken!)
- Pōst for wine and light bites
- Sukhothai for authentic Thai
- TapAsia for Asian fusion
- Lark St. Poke Bar for fresh poke bowls
Thanks for reading this Albany, New York travel guide! For more things to do around the world, check out my destinations page.
xoxo Niki
