About Albany, NY

Albany is the jewel in New York's crown. The City, first settled by the Dutch in 1624, was given its charter in 1686 by Governor Thomas Dongan and became Capital of the State of New York in 1797. Albany is built on the site of the Dutch Fort Orange, and its surrounding community of Beverwyck. The English acquired the site from the Dutch in 1664 and renamed it Albany, in honor of the Duke of Albany. Today, Albany remains a center of government and education. Albany is the capital of the U.S. state of New York

For the first time visitor, it is highly recommended that you start your tour of Albany at the Visitor's Center located at 25 Quackenbush Square on Broadway. The Henry Hudson Planetarium at the Center has wonderful shows to introduce you to the City's history and attractions.

You can take a walking tour or board one of the City's trolleys with a guide to describe to you the City's educational and historic sites. The Visitor's Center can also supply you with information on concert and theater performances, on dining and lodging options, or help you book a tour on one of the sightseeing boats that sails on the Hudson River.

For the sports enthusiast, there is hockey, football and basketball at the Pepsi Arena, baseball at nearby Heritage Park or, in August, the thoroughbred racetrack at Saratoga. The City is also noted for its annual Tulip Festival in May and for its free Alive-at-Five concert series at the Corning Preserve on the riverfront in the summer.

Your dining options in Albany are as diverse as this great City's population. From five-star restaurants to intimate cafes, from coffeehouses to elegant banquet halls, Albany has something for you. Our restauranteurs pride themselves on quality and service and they have provided this listing of their establishments for your convenience in selecting your Albany dining experience.