Albany, NY Hotels

Albany, NY, has a rich and colourful history, including a stint as an alcohol-smuggling centre during America’s Prohibition period. While exploring Albany, NY, you should definitely be sure to check out the Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State Plaza, or the Empire State Plaza, which is home to a number of unique and modern government buildings. The plaza areas stretch about 39 hectares (96 acres) and has an underground Concourse area that links the different buildings and partially holds the Empire State Plaza Art Collection. The New York State Capitol is located at the northern end of the plaza. The New York State Museum is also part of the plaza and is the largest state museum in the country. If you happen to be in Albany, NY, on the first Friday of the month, you can enjoy numerous open gallery shows and live entertainment downtown. Or you can take a stroll or bike ride along a trail down the Hudson River starting at the Corning Preserve. When you are ready to shop, dine or have a drink or two, head to Lark Street, which has a large range of choices for every taste and budget.

When To Go

Albany, NY, experiences four distinct seasons, which means you can enjoy a variety of activities no matter when you visit. However, locals say spring is a spectacular time to visit, as the flowers will be in bloom following the melting snow. If you want to visit Albany, NY for its many festivals, you may want to go in the summer, when the majority of these take place, although note that summer months can be hot and humid. During autumn, you can admire the beautiful changing foliage and take part in the apple harvest. Ski enthusiasts would be pleased to know that winters in Albany, NY, typically see over 159 centimetres (62.6 inches) of snow.

• Summer (June-August): Highs of 28°C (82°F); lows of 12°C (54°F)

• Autumn (September-November): Highs of 18°C (64°F); lows of -1°C (30°F)

• Winter (December-March): Highs of 2°C (36°F); lows of -11°C (12°F)

Getting There

Visitors heading to Albany, NY, will generally fly into the Albany International Airport. You can get from the airport into the city by taxi, bus, or car rental. Taxis will cost around £16 (USD $25) to get to Albany, NY. The Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) runs ShuttleFly busses from the airports, which are available several times a day. Amtrak or Greyhound bus lines also stop in Albany, NY. If you opt to drive into Albany, NY, you will likely get into town by taking I-90 or the more scenic but less travelled Taconic Parkway.

• By air: Fly into Albany International Airport

• By taxi: A taxi from the airport to downtown will cost around £16 (USD $25)

• By car: I-90 or Taconic Parkway

General Information

Attractions & Activities

Restaurants & Nightlife

Climate