NEWSLETTER
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New York’s capital, Albany, offers the perfect weekend getaway for anyone looking to experience a mix of history, art, nature, and entertainment in a “small” city. Explore iconic landmarks like the New York State Capitol and the USS Slater, savor the flavors at eclectic dining spots, discover local cideries, distilleries, and breweries, and take in live performances at renowned entertainment venues. Do it all and more with our itinerary for 48 hours in Albany!
FRIDAY
3pm: Settle in Downtown
New York State’s capital city offers a variety of lodging options, catering to every preference and budget. Revel in luxury at the Renaissance Hotel, where you can enjoy sweeping views through floor-to-ceiling windows, dine at a high-end restaurant and bar, and soak in the old-world charm complemented by modern amenities. For a more budget-friendly option, the Hampton Inn & Suites provides all the comfort and convenience you need for your stay downtown. If you’re seeking a peaceful, serene retreat, the Morgan State House Inn (pictured) is the perfect place to be. The 1884 New York-style brownstone mansion offers elegant guest rooms, an English garden decorated with perennials, and is situated on the stunning 81-acre Washington Park.
4pm: Wander Center Square
Center Square is a walkable and eclectic neighborhood in downtown Albany, where the charm of old-world elegance meets young energy. The area is home to some of the city's most stunning architecture, with homes dating back to the late 19th century. Just a few blocks from Center Square, you'll discover Lark Street, a lively and dynamic street filled with shops, arts venues, varied restaurants, cozy cafes, and nightlife options.
5pm: Dine at Dove + Deer
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Head over to Dove + Deer, housed in a charming brownstone built in 1854 in one of the city’s idyllic neighborhoods. Peruse the selection of craft beers, specialty wines, and creative cocktails. Savor innovative specials, and flavorful appetizers like Mediterranean shrimp toast, mini wagyu hot dogs, and kung pao Brussels sprouts before indulging in dinner options including beet pasta, roasted airline chicken, NY strip, or the signature D+D smash burger.
6:30pm: Set Sail into the Sunset
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Step aboard the Dutch Apple Cruise for a 2-hour sunset cruise along the Hudson River. With live acoustic music setting the mood plus a full bar, you'll take in the stunning Albany skyline and scenic river views under the stars.
SATURDAY
8am: Fuel Your Day at Jacob Alejandro
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Start your day at Jacob Alejandro, where specialty coffee, freshly baked goods, and a cozy, welcoming atmosphere await. Perfectly situated across from Washington Park, this café will caffeinate you in delectably creative ways. Enjoy a classic pour-over or cappuccino, or indulge in a specialty cold brew like the strawberry milk cold brew (crafted with housemade vanilla strawberry jam and homemade oat milk), or the Fruition mocha, made with rich sipping chocolate from Fruition Chocolate in Shokan, New York.
9am: Delight in Breakfast at Iron Gate Cafe
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True to its name, a charming iron gate ushers you into a tranquil, secluded garden patio in front of a sandstone mansion. Inside, the retro ambiance and music-inspired decor complements menu items like Elvis’ Memphis Scramble or the Ragin’ Cajun Scramble. Opt for a breakfast BLT, raspberry brie French toast, or peruse the diverse vegan selection. In the back, another garden patio awaits, featuring a bird bath fountain and ivy-covered brick.
11am: Discover the Capitol’s Rich Heritage and Architecture
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Experience over 400 years of history as you explore the city’s architectural gems, starting with the Empire State Plaza. Here, you'll find the New York State Museum, The Egg performing arts center, the New York State Capitol (home to the famous Million Dollar Staircase), and the Corning Tower, the tallest skyscraper in New York outside of NYC.
Take a self-guided tour of the New York State Museum, which highlights the state's rich natural and cultural history. It’s the oldest and largest state museum in the country, and admission is free! Throughout the plaza, you’ll spot larger-than-life sculptures from the Empire State Plaza Art Collection. In winter, the plaza becomes the “Empire Skate Plaza”, featuring a large ice rink and festive holiday décor. In summer, the plaza’s three reflecting pools come alive with fountains, and free concerts and events regularly take place.
Fans of Hamilton will want to visit the Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site, where you can experience Hamilton-themed tours in a mansion restored to reflect its role in the 1780 wedding of Alexander and Eliza. And just a short walk away towards the Hudson River, admire the grandeur of "Albany’s Castle," the State University of New York’s System headquarters.
2pm: Find Lunch at Lost & Found
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Take your tastebuds to Lost & Found, a relaxing venue featuring both an indoor dining area and outdoor patio seating, complete with yard games. Share some appetizers like hand-cut fries, empanadas, wings, or housemade pickles, or opt for a heartier lunch option like a falafel burger, crispy chicken sandwich, or artisan grilled cheese. Lost & Found takes pride in using locally-sourced ingredients and crafting homemade dishes whenever possible.
3pm: Experience the Arts
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The arts scene in Albany is thriving, and the best part is, it’s all within walking distance! For over 45 years, the Albany Center Gallery has showcased a dynamic array of rotating exhibits, featuring everything from painting and sculpture to photography, mixed media, video, and more. Immerse yourself in artistic history at the Albany Institute of History and Art, founded in 1791. The museum boasts one of the largest collections of 19th-century American landscape paintings, including iconic works from the renowned "Hudson River School."
For modern artistic expression, don't miss Capital Walls. Enjoy a self-guided walking or bike tour and discover 23 vibrant murals adorning Albany’s outdoor walls, pillars, and bridges, each created by a different talented artist.
5:30pm: Enjoy Dinner at Ama Cocina
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Modern Mexican street food with a twist is what’s on the menu at Ama Cocina. With its colorful, quirky atmosphere and large garage door open during nice weather, the environment is as enticing as the menu. Try dishes like tuna tostadas, shrimp ceviche, birria empanadas, tacos, quesadillas, burrito bowls, and so much more, offering something for every taste.
7pm: Catch a Show
Experience a range of live entertainment across Albany's diverse venues. At Capital Repertory Theatre, enjoy professional theater performances in an intimate, cozy setting. The opulent Palace Theatre hosts everything from major music headliners and comedy acts to symphonies and ballet. At The Egg (closed from July 2025-early 2026 for renovations) revel in world-class acoustics across two theaters, featuring music, dance, theater, art, and comedy. For an up-close experience, head to Empire Live/Empire Underground, where you can enjoy multi-genre shows with a standing-room-only vibe, putting you right in the heart of the action.
10pm: Toast to a Good Day
End your night with a local cider, brew, or craft cocktail in Albany's energetic warehouse district, where cideries, breweries, and bars are all just a couple blocks apart. Nine Pin Cider Works offers a crisp array of ciders made from local apples, so be sure to try a flight! Fidens and Druthers serve up some of the finest brews on tap, and you can grab cans or growlers to take home. Head to Lionheart on the Green where you can enjoy a wide variety of libations all while relaxing in their outdoor space complete with firepits, cornhole, yard games and more.
SUNDAY
9am: Savor Brunch at Cafe Madison
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Albany’s go-to brunch destination is Cafe Madison. Dine al fresco on the patio or relax inside the stylish, spacious dining room. Taste your way through the enticing weekly specials often inspired by the season, holidays, and current trends, alongside popular menu staples like raspberry oatmeal pancakes, biscuits & gravy, cinnamon bread french toast, and Reuben eggs benedict.
11am: Venture into Vibrant Vistas
Escape small city life and immerse yourself in the alluring natural landscapes just outside of Albany. Thacher State Park, with its scenic overlook and popular Indian Ladder Trail, offers breathtaking views, a roaring waterfall, and rich fossil formations along the Helderberg Escarpment. Washington Park, designed by famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, is an 84-acre outdoor oasis, featuring monuments, a lake house with summer performances, playgrounds, bike paths, and the beloved spring Tulip Festival in May. Check out Cohoes Falls from Falls View Park, the second-largest waterfall in New York, offering striking scenery and tranquility.
GETTING THERE
By car:
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From NYC: 2.5 hours
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From Boston: 2.5 hours
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From Montreal: 3.5 hours
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From Philadelphia: 3.75 hours
By plane:
By train:
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Amtrak goes from many cities into Albany-Rensselaer station
By bus: