Albany (New York)

By plane

• Albany International Airport

  phone: +1 518 242-2200
  address: 737 Albany Shaker Rd
  Classified as an international airport due to a handful of flights from Canada. Several expansion projects since 1995 have transformed this formerly spartan little airport into a very attractive port of departure/arrival. Airlines that operate are American, Delta, Southwest, United, Air Canada, and Cape Air. Getting from the airport to the city is best done by pickup from a friend or by taxi; in 2019, a taxi to downtown Albany costs about $35. See also "By bus" below.

By train

• Amtrak

  address: 525 East Street, Rensselaer
  The Albany-Rensselaer station is Amtrak's 10th busiest. It is not in Albany itself but directly across the river in Rensselaer. Taxis from the train station are pricey due to a cab company monopoly, so get a ride if you can. Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) bus route 214 connects downtown Albany to the station M-Sa 6AM-11PM, Su 9AM-7PM. An additional bus route 114 connects downtown Albany, the University at Albany, St. Rose College and Crossgates Mall. Trains serving the stations include the Maple Leaf (New York-Albany-Toronto), the Adirondack (New York-Albany-Montreal), Empire Service (New York-Albany-Niagara Falls), the Ethan Allen Express (Rutland-Albany-New York), and the Lake Shore Limited (Chicago-Buffalo-Albany-New York/Boston).

By car

• Interstate 90 (I-90), the strip of highway that crosses the upper United States, cuts right through the north side of Albany. There are many exits into Albany from I-90, and a lovely view of the skyline between exits 6 and 7.
• Interstate 87 (I-87), which connects New York City and Montreal, intersects with I-90 in Albany. South of Albany, I-87 is a toll road called the Thruway. North of Albany, it is a toll-free highway known locally as the Northway which leads through Montréal (as Québec's autoroute 15) into the Laurentian Mountains.
• Taconic Parkway This 4 lane, rural limited-access highway winds from Interstate 287 in Westchester County up to Interstate 90 near the Massachusetts Border. It can be a pleasant road to travel on to Albany, since there are no trucks or toll plazas.
• Interstate 88 (I-88), which connects Albany to Binghamton, Scranton, Elmira, and Jamestown, intersects with I-90 in Schenectady, just west of Albany.

By bus

• Greyhound Bus Lines

  phone: +1 518 434-8461
  address: 34 Hamilton St
  The Albany Greyhound station is downtown near the waterfront. Boston, New York City, Buffalo and Montreal are all well connected by bus. The NYC-bound Greyhound is invariably cheaper and more punctual than Amtrak.

• Megabus

  address: North Surface parking lot off of East Street, Rensselaer
  Megabus connects Albany with New York City. Fares start at just $1 when reserved far in advance. Parking is available in the surface lots adjacent to the stop.

• Capital District Transportation Authority

  phone: +1 518 482-8822
  CDTA offers very limited bus service to the Albany International Airport. Routes 610 operates from around 6AM to around 11:30PM every 25–30 minutes during the day and almost every hour at night. Weekend service is very infrequent. Route 737 serve the airport during weekday rush hours only and is infrequent as well.

• Chinatown bus (multiple operators)

  address: Multiple Companies on Central Avenue in Albany
  Multiple Chinatown bus companies run from stops near SUNY Albany and near Lark Street on Central Avenue to New York City Midtown and Chinatown with connections to further destinations (US Southeast and Mid-Atlantic states).

Getting around Albany and the Capital Region entirely depends on where you are staying and what you want to see. If you plan on spending most of your time within the city of Albany, most downtown sights are within walking distance of each other.

By car

Most residents and visitors get around by car. By the standards of larger cities, traffic is light and traffic jams are rare. Finding parking in some neighborhoods, particularly the Center Square area around Lark Street, can be a challenge.

• Enterprise

  phone: +1 518 472-1111

• Hertz

  phone: +1 518 454-9701

• Avis

  phone: +1 518 785-3081

• Thrifty

  phone: +1 518 782-7654

By taxi

Taxi cabs in Albany are not metered and go by a zone fare within the city limits. Some places are geographically not in the city limits but still may be referred to as "Albany" such as Colonie Center which is in the town of Colonie and Crossgates Mall which is in the town of Guilderland. This may at times leave you open to getting ripped off by the driver. It's best to call the company and ask for the fare prior to getting into the cab.

• Yellow Cab

  phone: +1 518 434-2222
  Offers a flat fee between different areas of the city.

• Capitaland Taxi

  phone: +1 518 455-8888

By bus (CDTA)

• Capital District Transportation Authority

  phone: +1 518 482-8822
  Many sights outside of downtown and even outside of the city of Albany can be reached by the public bus system, the Capital District Transportation Authority(CDTA). CDTA local fares are $1.50 each way or $3.90 per day with a Navigator card, no matter the distance traveled, and can be paid in $1.50 notes, coins or with a Navigator fare card that can be issued by the transit authority, through participating area retailers, or through the Navigator mobile app at no additional cost. Navigator fares are discounted to $1.30 each way, and after 3 trips, automatically converts to a day pass. There is a bus rapid transit route named BusPlus that runs from Albany to Schenectady 7 days a week. Cash fares for the BusPlus route is $2, while Navigator fares are the same at $1.30 per ride (or $3.90 for the day). CDTA tends to operate M-F 6AM-midnight. Saturday bus service is much more limited, depending on which route is taken (some routes do not run on Saturday). Sunday bus service in Albany is extremely limited is a few routes that run in the city, and between Albany and Schenectady & Albany and Troy. Most places are on bus lines that run about every 20 minutes or less during the day on weekdays and every 30 minutes at night, while on weekends buses run about every 20 minutes or more. It is highly advisable to go the CDTA web site, check Google Maps, and/or get a bus schedule before trying to get a bus that does not run where you want go or when you want to catch it.

Albany is an architectural haven, from historic buildings to newly built high-rise skyscrapers to churches and temples, Albany has got it all for architectural buffs out there.

Architecture

• Albany City Hall

  phone: +1 518 434-5075
  address: 24 Eagle St
  Designed by renowned architect H.H. Richardson in the Romanesque style he popularized

• Empire State Plaza

  phone: +1 518 474-2418
  address: Madison Ave
  The Empire State Plaza is something to behold. It lies between the New York State Capitol building and the New York State Museum. While many critics have found that the Plaza is architecturally intimidating, at best, it can be quite beautiful. Free concerts are often held on the plaza during the summer, ranging from Blues Festivals to Rock concerts. And the Fourth of July fireworks are spectacular.

• New York State Capitol

  phone: +1 518 474-2418
  Free guided tours, M-F 10AM, noon, 2PM, and 3PM; Sa & Su 11AM, 1PM, and 3PM. Free self-guided audio tours M-F, 9AM-3PM (driver license or passport must be left as collateral for audio player). Plaza Visitor Center, Rm. 106 Concourse, Empire State Plaza. Security screening will confiscate pocket knives and other sharp objects.

• New York State Education building

  address: 89 Washington Ave
  Impressive neo-classical colonnade.

• State StreetThe main street that runs to the Albany Waterfront. Though much of the lower portion is decayed and empty, it retains a regal air and is well worth a visit, particularly as revitalization of the area takes hold. State Street is home to may of the stately 19th-century homes that can be seen in Albany and was once home to writer Herman Melville. Nearby lies Pearl Street, which has undergone a renewal, and which caters to the 20-something bar and club scene. During the summer, the Alive at 5 concert series is an open festival on Broadway near the base of State Street. It draws quite a large crowd, and is generally a fun time for all. You can no longer bring your own beer, however—you must purchase it on site.

• State University of New York (SUNY) System Administration Building

  address: The Plaza on State St
  Formerly the Delaware and Hudson Railroad Building

• Van Ostrande-Radliff House

  address: 48 Hudson Ave
  Built circa 1728, it is the oldest remaining Dutch building in the city.

Museums

• Corning Tower Observation Deck

  phone: +1 518 474-2418
  address: Erastus Corning Tower
  The view from the 42nd floor Corning Tower Observation Deck encompasses not only the city of Albany but the foothills of the Adirondacks, the Catskills, and the Berkshire Hills of western Massachusetts. Check-in at the security desk in the concourse under the Corning Tower, photo ID required. Plaza information office

• USS Slater (DE-766)

  phone: +1 518 431-1943
  address: Broadway, Waterfront
  Retired World War II US Navy Destroyer Escort, offering tours Wed-Sun during the summer. Recommended ability to climb and descend stairs.

• New York State Museum

  phone: +1 518 474-5877
  address: Madison Ave
  The largest state museum in all the 50 states, has some really nice collections.

• Albany Institute of History and Art

  address: Washington Ave
  Another nice museum well worth a visit.

• Shaker Heritage Society

  phone: +1 518 456-7890
  address: 25 Meeting House Rd
  Watervliet was the first Shaker community in the United States. Shaker leader Ann Lee is buried here. Guided tours June through October, Sa at 11:30AM and 1:30PM, when available. Other tours available by appointment; two weeks notice required. See other Shaker villages in the northeast United States through the itinerary Touring Shaker country.

Parks and preserves

• Washington Park

  address: Madison Ave
  A delightful, and for the most part safe, park (care should be taken at night). In the park's center is the Park Playhouse, which offers free, good musicals and plays throughout the summer. May offers "Tulip Fest" a nod to Albany's Dutch heritage that consumes Washington Park with (mostly) tulips as well as a craft fair.

• Lark StreetA center of Albany youth culture and an interesting place to visit. Lark Street is between Washington Park and the Empire State Plaza and is the main drag for a vibrant residential neighborhood. In September, Lark Street hosts one of Albany's most treasured events, "Larkfest", a popular street fair.

• Albany Pine Bush Preserve

  phone: +1 518 456-0655
  address: 195 New Karner Rd
  Western edge of the city. It's a 3,000-acre inland pine barren maintained by controlled fires (which clear out invasive plant species and cause the native pine cones to release their seeds). Trails through the preserve are open to non-motorized uses year-round (except during burns, of course

Albany for free

• Public ConcertsHeld at the Empire State Plaza, Washington park and in the Corning Preserve/Albany Riverfront Park on the Hudson River during the summer.

• Playhouse

  address: Washington Park
  Plays held at the park playhouse during the Summer.

• First Fridays

  phone: +1 518 426-3501
  Held every First Friday of the month, this event aims to bring to a wider audience the local artists and local shops of Albany. Artwork exhibitions, live entertainment and gallery openings bring Albany to life. For transportation; A trolley will stop at participating venues throughout Albany. The Trolley leaves from the Upstate Artists Guild at 5PM and duration of the round trip is approximately 30 minutes. After the First Friday event, live music and original films are played from the Capitol Region Film Makers and people dancing.

Sports

• Mohawk Hudson-River BikewayA 86-mile long trail for biking, walking, jogging or skating which starts in the Corning Preserve in downtown Albany, right along the Hudson River, and stretches out to Rotterdam Junction in Schenectady County.

• Corning City PreserveTrails for biking, skating, jogging and walking in the 5-mile long park along the Hudson River, with picnic areas and a boat launch.

Albany has one professional sports team, the Tri-City ValleyCats (baseball). The city has lost its teams in arena football, basketball, and ice hockey.

• Tri-City Valleycats

  address: Troy
  The Valleycats are nearby Troy's minor league baseball team. The team is a Single A team that competes in the New York- Penn League (NYPL). The major league team associated with the Valleycats are the Houston Astros. The Valleycats play at Joseph L. Bruno Stadium. Tickets range in price from $5–15.

The city also boasts an NCAA Division I athletic program:

• Albany Great Danes

  phone: +1 518 442-DANE
  address: 1400 Washington Ave (ticket office)
  Sports teams of the University at Albany (locally called UAlbany), competing in 8 men's sports and 10 women's sports, mostly in the America East Conference. The football team plays in FCS, the second level of D-I football, in the Colonial Athletic Association. Most venues are on campus, with the highest-profile ones being Casey Stadium (football) and SEFCU Arena (basketball).

Theatre

• Capital Repertory Theatre

  phone: +1 518 462-4531
  address: 111 North Pearl St
  N. Pearl St.

• The Palace Theatre

  phone: +1 518 465-3334
  address: 19 Clinton Ave

• The Egg

  phone: +1 518 473-1845
  address: State St
  Downtown.

• The Times Union Arena

  address: S. Pearl St

There are also the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall in Troy and the Proctor's Theatre in Schenectady

Other

• Pick Apples!Autumn is always a good time for apple-picking at any one of the orchards in the area

• Ice-skatingThe reflecting pool of the Empire State Plaza becomes a skating rink during the winter, which might be an equivalent of the Rockefeller Center rink.

• Captain JP Cruise Line

  phone: +1 518 270-1901
  address: 278 River St., Troy, NY 12180
  The Captain JP can accommodate up to 600 passengers and is by far the most lavish vessel in the Capital District. The Capt. JP II has three climate-controlled enclosed decks, along with full service bars and dance floors on each deck. They regularly feature live entertainment on the music cruises and also hold private events.

• Sky Zone Albany

  - located in Albany

• The Linda - WAMC's Performing Arts Studio

  address: 339 Central Ave
  The Linda is on Central Avenue in Albany. Visit the venue for many kinds of events or rent out the space for your own event

• Hoffman's Playland

  - located in Latham

Events

• • • • 
        

• Lark Streethas a few gift shops and other unique stores with an alternative vibe. If you're downtown take a gander and support local shopkeepers by buying a glass pipe, a bustier dress with cherries on it, or a rainbow flag to hang in your front window.

• Stuyvesant Plaza

  phone: +1 518 813-4959
  address: 1475 Western Avenue, Westmere
  The most upscale shopping venue in the area. Independent boutiques and brand stores like Crabtree & Evelyn dominate, with a few chain staples; there is a TGI Friday's right next to the Starbucks. Color Me Mine is a neat little DIY craft shop where you can paint your own ceramics.

• Crossgates Mall

  phone: +1 518 869-9565
  address: Westmere
  Otherwise referred to as "the mall," it's the biggest shopping center in the region and at one point was among the top ten largest shopping malls in the United States. The best spot to park is by Best Buy, which is in the center of the mall. Flagship stores include Macy's, JC Penney, a Forever 21 superstore, Best Buy, H&M, Borders and the Apple store. Crossgates has a Regal Cinemas complex with 17 standard stadium-seating theaters and one IMAX Experience theater. Because local hooligans, after 4PM on Friday and Saturday you must be 18 or older to enter the mall unsupervised, with the exception of the movies.

• Crossgates Commons

  address: 161 Washington Avenue Extension
  An overflow of chain stores located across Washington Ave Extension from Crossgates Mall. Here you'll find the largest Walmart in the US, which looks unremarkable until you realize there is an entire underground level devoted to groceries and toiletries. Worth a visit if you've never seen a shopping cart escalator.

• Colonie Center

  phone: +1 518 459-9020
  Remodelled in an effort to combat its former reputation as a ghost town mall. CC has a new Regal Cinemas complex with 13 stadium-seating theaters. Major stores include Macy's, FYE as well as Boscov's, Sears, LL Bean, Barnes & Noble and Christmas Tree Shops. Eat at PF Chang's or the Cheesecake Factory, which are conveniently adjacent to one another between Sears and LL Bean. Colonie Center draws a more suburban crowd than Crossgates due to Crossgates' better accessibility by public transportation.

• Latham Farms Shopping Center

  address: 579 Troy Schenectady Rd
  Retail part includes Wal-Mart, Dick's sporting goods, Home Depot and restaurant chains.

In the suburbs surrounding Albany, particularly on the drive down Central Ave toward Schenectady, you can find a strip mall wherever you go with chain stores like Target, Marshalls, and Bed Bath & Beyond. Some of the larger ones are Westgate Plaza, Northway Mall, and Mohawk Commons which used to be an indoor mall (Mohawk Mall)

Downtown area

• Cafe Cappriccio

  phone: +1 518 465-0439
  address: 49 Grand St
  An upscale NYC-Style restaurant. Wonderful staff, beautiful live jazz. Dress accordingly, you won't be disappointed.

• C.H. Evans Brewing Company

  phone: +1 518 447-9000
  address: 19 Quackenbush Square
  A restaurant and brewpub in downtown Albany. It serves American style fare burgers, fish and some upscale dishes as well. The highlight is their microbrew, of which they make upwards of 10 different styles and types. The Hefeweizen is outstanding as is their American Brown Ale, Belgian Style Ale and Pale Ale (honestly, all of their beer offerings are good). The building itself is the old Albany Pump Station, which used to pump the water from the Hudson River up to the reservoir, so the building has a ton of atmosphere and history. This place is a local favorite - no trip to Albany is complete without a visit here.

• Debbie's Kitchen

  phone: +1 518 463-3829
  address: 456 Madison Ave
  Superb for healthful, super tasty and interesting sandwiches and wraps. Beautiful desserts to tempt you if you have room after their generous salads and sandwiches. Highly recommended, an outstanding value.

• El Loco

  phone: +1 518 436-1855
  address: 465 Madison Ave
  A good Mexican restaurant, loved by locals. The food can sometimes be a bit expensive for what's being offered.

• El Mariachi 1

  phone: +1 518 465-2568
  address: 144 Washington Ave
  Authentic Mexican cooking. It's not expensive, and the food is exquisite. Recommended!

• El Mariachi 2

  phone: +1 518 432-7580
  address: Hamilton St
  Authentic Mexican cooking. It's not expensive, and the food is exquisite. Recommended!

• Gandhi

  phone: +1 518 449-5577
  address: 1 Central Ave
  Indian restaurant boasts the best weekday lunch buffet in the area.

• Jack's Oyster House

  phone: +1 518 465-8854
  address: 42 State St
  An Albany classic, its walls are adorned with misty photos of Albany's interesting past. The quality and prestige of Jack's has gone down, though it still may be the best place to get fresh seafood at a place that has defined downtown for almost one hundred years. Don't dress like a slob.

• Justin's

  phone: +1 518 472-0662
  address: 301 Lark St
  A very popular spot that offers live Jazz Wednesday though Sunday. Lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch.

• Lombardo's

  phone: +1 518 462-9180
  address: 121 Madison Ave
  Fine Italian dining complemented by a welcoming staff.

• Mamoun's

  phone: +1 518 434-3901
  address: 206 Washington Ave
  A wonderful Middle Eastern restaurant. The dim lighting and brick walls gives this place a unique classy atmosphere. Food is healthy and reasonably priced.

• McGuire's

  phone: +1 518 463-2100
  address: 353 State St
  An upscale restaurant, a bit expensive, but the food is terrific.

• Wolff's Biergarten

  phone: +1 518 427-2461
  address: 895 Broadway
  Wolff's offers a number of authentic German food and beer selections and there is always a futball game on.

New Scotland and Pine Hills area

• Anton's

  phone: +1 518 453-9191
  address: 577 New Scotland Ave
  They call themselves the King of Gyros. Anton's is a small Greek takeout hole-in-the-wall across from Saint Peter's Hospital. Delicious and inexpensive! Friendly staff. Try their daily specials.

• Capital Q Smokehouse

  phone: +1 518 GET-PORK
  address: 329 Ontario st
  BBQ take-out, has 3 different pulled pork, brisket, ribs and a whole lot of tasty sides

• The Ginger Man

  phone: +1 518 427-5963
  address: 234 Western Ave
  A nice atmosphere, a good, diverse menu, a nice selection of wine and beer and it isn't too expensive.

• Honest Weight Food Co-op

  phone: +1 518 482-2667
  address: 100 Watervliet Ave
  For health food shopping, has a variety of health-minded dishes and baked goods made daily. Grab a "meal deal" for under $5. Check out the amazing cheese selection.

• Cafe Italia

  phone: +1 518 459-8029
  address: 662 Central Ave
  An upscale Italian restaurant.

• Junior's

  phone: +1 518 935-2025
  address: 1094 Madison Ave
  A good bar and restaurant. Many will argue their wings (as opposed to Wings Over) are the best in the city. Great burgers and grilled sandwiches.

• Cafe Madison

  phone: +1 518 935-1094
  address: 1108 Madison Avenue # 1
  This is a wonderful restaurant that serves a brunch that is unparalleled in the capital region. Enjoyable patio dining is available during the warm months. Try their breakfast cocktails (their bloody mary is unmatched.) Part of the menu is on a weekly rotation which features creative takes on eggs benedict.

• Pho Yum

  phone: +1 518 465-8899
  address: 272 Delaware Ave
  Vietnamese restaurant.

• New World Bistro

  phone: +1 518 694-0520
  address: 300 Delaware Ave
  An upscale restaurant near the Spectrum Theater. Wonderful food and service, their specials are heavenly. It's never too crowded, the service is always friendly. One of the city's best spots to go out on a date.

• Pepper Jack's

  phone: +1 518 426-5505
  address: 192 North Allen St
  Pepper Jack's has a large variety of inexpensive delicious food. College students and professionals alike love this place. Try their breakfast wraps, simply amazing!

• The Point

  phone: +1 518 729-5383
  address: 1100 Madison Ave
  Restaurant and lounge. Great beer selection and food.

• Restaurant Paradiso

  phone: +1 518 462-5812
  address: 198 Central Ave
  Upscale Italian restaurant featuring superb food.

• Mr. Pio Pio

  phone: +1 518 217-2037
  address: 160 Quail St
  Columbian and Ecuadorian cuisine.

• Ragonese Italian Imports

  phone: +1 518 482-2358
  address: 409 New Scotland Ave
  This is an excellent Italian and Greek deli. You can get sandwiches, subs, soups, and even lasagne. There isn't really any place to sit down, so virtually every customer gets take-out.

• Salsa Latina Restaurant

  phone: +1 518 426-7050
  address: 315 Central Ave
  A well-established Mexican restaurant. Great food, worth a visit.

• Sam's Italian American

  phone: +1 518 463-3433
  address: 125 Southern Blvd
  Reasonably priced, but still satisfying and tasty Italian food.

Colonie, Westmere and Latham areas

• Swifty's

  address: 95 Everett Rd
  They have really good Irish and American pub food. Very relaxed professional and working class crowd.

• Blu Stone Bistro

  phone: +1 518 869-9976
  address: 661 Albany Shaker Rd
  An upscale restaurant next door to the Indigo Hotel, on the corner of Albany Shaker and Wolf Road. Wonderful live music and the food is great too. Blu Stone Bistro can be expensive and the crowd tends to be older.

• Karavalli Restaurant

  phone: +1 518 785-7600
  address: 9 Johnson Rd
  For spicy south India cuisine, this is a nice place to visit. Many will say the atmosphere is lacking but the food will keep you coming back.

• Koto Japanese Steak House

  phone: +1 518 869-8888
  address: 260 Wolf Road, Latham
  A hibachi (teppan-style cooking) and sushi restaurant located right by Albany Airport, and is probably the most popular of its kind in the area.

• Little Anthony's

  phone: +1 518 459-5959
  address: 1095 Central Ave
  Pizza catered to omnivores and vegans.

• Peaches Cafe

  phone: +1 518 482-3677
  address: 1475 Western Avenue, Westmere
  A local favorite, reasonably priced and has excellent breakfast food. Try their Irish Eggs Benedict, it's the best in New York. Careful, this place can be very busy around lunchtime or weekend mornings, although weekdays aren't too crazy.

• Phoenicians Restaurant

  phone: +1 518 464-4444
  address: 1686 Central Ave, Colonie
  Lebanese restaurant. The food here is wonderful and the service is always friendly. Highly recommended. The lunch menu is reasonably priced. Their dinner menu can be on the expensive side, but you get what you paid for: a lot of food and excellent quality. Great healthy option.

• Professor Java's Coffee Sanctuary

  phone: +1 518 435-0843
  address: 217 Wolf Rd
  This is a wonderful cafe and a local favorite. Great atmosphere, the walls are filled with photography or paintings from local artists, all of which are available for sale. The food is excellent. The baked goods are divine. And their coffee and tea selection is endless. Try the Russian Caravan Tea if you dare! Java's typically hosts the indie-college crowd, many of whom come here to write papers and leech off their free Wifi. Very friendly staff. Sometimes, Java's hosts open-mic nights.

• Saati Deli and Catering

  phone: +1 518 783-1600
  address: 586 New Loudon Road, Latham
  Excellent homemade salads, soups and sandwiches. Prices are comparable to places like Panera Bread, but you have much better atmosphere and quality here.

• Smokey Bones BBQ & Grill

  phone: +1 518 464-9971
  address: 1557 Central Ave., Colonie
  Large place with plenty of TVs for watching whatever sporting event happens to be on.

• Sushi Tei

  phone: +1 518 218-0388
  address: 1800 Western Ave
  An excellent place with wonderful food and a relaxed atmosphere. Serve lunch and dinner. Many different choices of sushi and Japanese dishes.

Albany's bar scene is alive and well and, due to crackdowns with ID checks, the face of local nightlife has changed a lot. Make sure you have your license, passport or ID handy.
SUNY Albany is no longer considered the #1 party school in the United States, but between its 11,000 students and the College of Saint Rose, you will meet lots of sloppy and belligerent 18-21 year-olds on a typical night out. Muggers and other opportunists capitalize on vulnerable drinkers, so avoid Washington Park after dark.
The most popular and concentrated place to barhop is probably Lark Street, where more than a dozen bars from cocktail lounges and dives are crowded between Ontario Street and Central Avenue. Good bets include:

• Oh Bar

  phone: +1 518 463-9004
  address: 304 Lark St
  A popular gay and lesbian bar that is friendly and has a nice happy hour. Check out Karaoke night on Thursdays.

• Bombers

  phone: +1 518 463-9636
  address: 258 Lark St
  Popular burrito bar operates a pub upstairs. Its reputation has declined, but the burritos remain huge.

• The Lionheart

  phone: +1 518-436-9530
  address: 448 Madison Ave
  Good on weekends when the Romans come down for their orgy, good happy hour specials, a good selection of beer, and they have dartboards and pool tables. Very crowded on summer weekend nights.

• Susies

  address: 8 Delaware Ave
  A fun subterranean bar with several great microbrews, darts and a great patio during the summer.

• Hollywood Tavern

  address: 275 Lark St
  Attracts an average looking and refreshingly unpretentious crowd. It's more "meet your friends" than "see and be seen." Albany's largest patio in the summer and a large upstairs for the winter.

Pearl Street is another good place to go out. Closer to the large state offices, these bars draw a large after-work crowd, and after the Thursday afternoon waterfront concerts in the summer - Alive at 5 - the streets are cordoned off, made pedestrian-only, and overflow with revelers.

• Albany Pump Station

  phone: +1 518 447-9000
  address: 19 Quackenbush Square
  lets you dine with a few beers. Located just below Pearl St. toward the Hudson.

• Blue 82

  phone: +1 518 445-8082
  address: 80 North Pearl St
  A trendy but nice place to get a martini, or some other fancy drink, and look hot

• The Bayou Cafe

  address: 79 North Pearl St
  New Orleans-style fare and bands. Another good after-work crowd. Fills with older hepcat college students later in the evening, especially on weekends. Good live music.

• McGeary's

  phone: +1 518 463-1455
  address: 4 Clinton Square
  Often has bands playing Celtic folk and/or bagpipe rock and they have an outdoor area for eating, drinking and listening to live bands during the summer.

Some places of interest:

• Waterworks

  phone: +1 518 465-9079
  address: 76 Central Ave
  Another popular gay/lesbian bar.

• The Fuze Box

  phone: +1 518 703-8937
  address: 12 Central Ave
  A club/event space. Here you find Thursday swing dancing lessons, goth nights, and best known for the weekly Saturday '80s nights. Excellent music, mixed and unpretentious crowds. Dance to Cyndi Lauper with your friends. GLBT friendly!

For the College Crowd:

• The Washington Tavern (WT's)

  phone: +1 518 427-0091
  address: 250 Western Ave
  An upper classmen bar. It's usually pretty busy.

• The Pub

  address: 869 Madison Ave
  A nice place to hang out on weekends. It's very busy with the typical college scene, but slightly more subdued than some of the others.

Downtown area

• The Hilton Albany

  phone: +1 518 462-6611
  address: 40 Lodge St
  It is close to the State Capitol, Times Union Center, and a burgeoning downtown area on Pearl Street (Pearl, Jillian's, Skyline, Mad River, the Victory Cafe, McGeary's and the Bayou Cafe are all on or just off of Pearl Street).

• Holiday Inn Express Albany - Downtown

  phone: +1 518 434-4111
  address: 300 Broadway
  Guest rooms and public areas are renovated. Shuttle service and hot breakfast daily. Free parking.

New Scotland and Pine Hills area

• Morgan State House - Luxury Inn

  phone: +1 518 427-6063
  address: 393 State St
  The Morgan State House is an excellent example of late 19th-century elegance and design. It has been restored to provide the most unique accommodations in the Capital District. Voted "Best in the Capital/Saratoga Region", The Morgan State House is an inn in the European tradition. It is centrally located in downtown Albany, on a quiet, tree-lined residential street overlooking Washington Park and was the longtime home of the artist and suffragette Alice Morgan Wright (1881—1975), who lived here from 1888 (when she was 7 years old) until her death. The house was designed by R.W. Gibson, the architect of the Cathedral of All Saints, for her father, Henry Romeyn Wright, who made a fortune in dry goods during the Civil War. The multiple peaked gables and intricate interior details reflect the Japanese-influenced aesthetic of the 1880s. Alice Morgan Wright was a leading figure in the American suffrage movement and once was jailed in London with Emmeline Pankhurst. In 1921 she helped found the New York League of Women’s Voters. An influential artist of the Art Deco style, Wright maintained a studio on the fourth floor of the house, and her works can be found in museums and private collections throughout the country.

• Ramada Plaza Albany

  phone: +1 518 438-8431
  address: 3 Watervliet Avenue Extension
  Pet-friendly. Offers full service restaurant, cocktail lounge, continental breakfast, meeting and banquet facilities. Provides extended stay amenities and services. Walking distance to restaurants and attractions.

• TownePlace Suites Albany

  address: 22 Holland Ave
  Downtown/Medical Center.

Colonie, Westmere and Latham areas

• Albany Marriott

  phone: +1 518 458-8444
  address: 189 Wolf Rd

• Comfort Inn Latham - Albany North

  phone: +1 518-785-0000
  address: 981 New Loudon Rd

• Courtyard Albany Airport

  phone: +1 518 482-8800
  address: 168 Wolf Rd

• Courtyard Albany Thruway

  phone: +1 518 435-1600
  address: 1455 Washington Ave

• The Century House

  phone: +1 518 785-0931
  address: 997 New Loudon Rd., Latham
  An Ascend Hotel Collection Member.

• The Desmond

  phone: +1 518 869-8100
  address: 660 Albany Shaker Rd
  One of the best places to stay in the Albany area (though it is a bit further away than one might like, near Albany International Airport.) The Desmond's charm is in its embracement of the historical group of Shaker's who once were a big part of the Capital Region. The Desmond often hosts weddings and has two quality restaurants on site, Simpson's and Scrimshaw. Free internet in rooms, free wireless internet in lobby. Entirely non-smoking.

• Holiday Inn Albany

  phone: +1 518 458-7250
  address: 205 Wolf Rd

• Holiday Inn Express Albany Western Ave University

  phone: +1 518 438-0001
  address: 1442 Western Ave

• Holiday Inn Express & Suites Latham

  phone: +1 518 783-6161
  address: 400 Old Loudon Rd

• Microtel Albany Airport

  phone: +1 518 782-9161
  address: 7 Rensselaer Avenue, Latham
  The hotel is about 20-30 minutes from downtown Albany, and cab fare is about $20 on average. There is a bus stop about 100 feet from the hotel, but it can take almost an hour to get to the city this way, and the hotel doesn't provide bus schedules or seem very knowledgeable about the area buses.

• Quality Inn Central

  phone: +1 518 456-0811
  address: 1632 Central Ave
  Offers guests free continental breakfast. Near Albany International Airport.

• Quality Inn & Suites Albany Airport

  phone: +1 518 785-5891
  address: 611 Troy-Schenectady Rd
  Features Q Corner Cafe breakfast w/hot items, seasonal outdoor pool, 24 hour fitness center, and three onsite restaurants including the very popular Filet 7 West (providing room service). Complimentary glass of wine or beer each M-Sa evening. Business center, wireless internet access in all areas, voice mail, large work desks and access to copy and fax Services. Banquet and meeting facilities are available. All spacious guest rooms feature irons, ironing boards, coffee makers, hair dryers, microwaves and refrigerators.

Like most cities, Albany has blighted areas with crime problems. Use precautions that one would use in any big city. The areas between Washington Ave. and New Scotland Ave. are generally safe to walk, especially east of Lark Street. However, there have been physical assaults near the SUNY Albany downtown campus. Arbor Hill near Henry Johnson Blvd. is known as one of the most dangerous areas, though it holds no particular interest to travelers. Occasional muggings and armed robberies have been known to happen to drunk suburbanites on Lark, Madison and other bar streets.

Radio

Radio stations serving the Albany area include:

• News/Talk: WAMC 1400 AM/90.3 FM (NPR), WGY 810 AM/103.1 FM (conservative)

Television

Television stations serving Albany include:

• WRGB Channel 6: CBS.
• WTEN Channel 10: ABC.
• WNYT Channel 13: NBC.
• WMHT Channel 17: PBS.

The Albany metro area, the Capital District, has many more attractions.

• The city of Troy offers well-preserved 19th century architecture (making it a location for period films) and fine antique shopping downtown.
• About a 20 minute drive north of Albany is Watervliet and the military arsenal museum.
• The Cohoes Falls are the second-largest in the state (a distant second to Niagara Falls, but impressive nonetheless).
• The area in and around the city of Saratoga Springs (about 40 minutes north of Albany) features wonderful shops, restaurants and bars, a national park (about 15 miles from Saratoga proper) at the site of the Battle of Saratoga (the turning point of the Revolutionary War), a lovely State park with a mud and mineral bath spa run by the state, a par 29 and two championship 18 hole courses as well a stately restaurant.
• Just across the river is Rensselaer.
• Visitors to the Albany area should consider day trips to destinations in the Berkshires of western Mass., including Tanglewood, Mass MoCA, and the Clark Art Institute.
• The Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.
• Adirondack mountains.
• Catskill mountains.
• Several state parks are within easy driving distance, among them Thacher State Park. A scenic 30-minute drive west on route 85, it tops an escarpment and has great views of the city and several beautiful hiking trails, including a lower trail which winds and turns near the bottom of the escarpment and actually goes behind two waterfalls. Spring is the best time to view these falls due to the thaw and increased water volume. Steep inclines and rocky paths on the lower trail could challenge less robust hikers.
• Albany is at one end of the very scenic, and historically important, Erie Canal which runs all the way to Buffalo.

With its impressive industrial heritage, Albany is a part of the American Industry Tour between Boston and Chicago.