The Albany Area
The Heart of the Capital Region
Albany sits at the crossroads of the northeast's most alluring destinations. As the capital of New York state, Albany is a dynamic city which draws the influence of people and culture from New York City to the Niagara Frontier and beyond. It is the oldest continuously chartered city in the United States and is rich in history. The Dutch founded Fort Orange in 1623 and what became Albany was central to the country's trade and business. Numerous modern corporations also trace their roots back to Albany. The city's political profile grew as New York did; four state governors lived here before becoming U.S. presidents. A stroll through Albany's neighborhoods is itself a lesson in history, with colonial and early American architecture evident at every turn.
Today's Albany remains notable on the national stage. Decisions made at the New York State Capitol impact the country. The people supporting this work through legislation or advocacy are experts in their fields. ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ is among several prestigious colleges and universities in the Capital Region. Students who live and learn near Albany have gone on to be some of the greatest leaders in medicine, science, public policy, education, and innovation.
Our community is proud of its story and continues adding to it. At any time of year, there are events celebrating our culture, landscape, cuisine, and ethnicities. One can easily get lost in one of our museums or galleries exploring the affect our city and region have made on history, the arts, and technology. Theaters bring some of the biggest shows from Broadway right to town.
Albany is also a short drive to some of the most idealized vacation destinations: centrally located between the Adirondack and Catskill mountains, Lake George, the Hudson Valley, the Berkshires, and Vermont. Some of the best hikes you could ever imagine are less than 90 minutes from campus. Saratoga Springs and its famed racecourse draw visitors from around the country each summer.
Not only that, but Albany is just a 2-3 hour ride from New York City, Boston, and Montreal!
Around the Area
Explore everything the city and region have to offer.
Annual Events
- Albany's celebrates the city's Dutch heritage and the colors of spring in Washington Park, right around the corner from ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½.
- The is held each June to celebrate, promote, and empower all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer-identified people in our region.
- In September, the draws hundreds to the banks of the Hudson.
- is upstate New York's largest one-day street festival and a short walk from campus.
- The annual meet at the brings thousands to the Spa City and its historic track.
Day Trips
- New York: , , ,
- Massachusetts: , , ,
- Vermont: , ,
Museums
- One of the oldest museums in the United States, the was founded in 1791 and holds one of the most significant collections of the area's history.
- In nearby North Adams, is a beacon of visual and performing arts with dynamic thought-provoking exhibits.
- in Schenectady celebrates the groundbreaking contributions our area has made in the history of electricity, electronics, and technological change.
- showcases our state's past and present natural and cultural diversity.
- America's story is on full display at the . The artist lived and worked around Albany and in the Berkshires of Massachusetts.
- inspired the art of Frederic Church, who made the Hudson River School style of painting synonymous with early American history.
Music and Theater
- The in Albany seeks to to create meaningful theatre with an authentic connection to the community.
- is the premier entertainment destination in Albany.
- Schenectady's has drawn large Broadway productions right to the Capital Region.
- It isn't an upstate summer without Dave Matthews or other popular acts at the.
- is the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and James Taylor—a friend of Albany Medical Center.
Outdoors
- The has information about some of New York's most storied peaks, as well as kayaking and overnight trips.
- Apple picking is a regional rite of passage every fall at or farms.
- Â has beautiful views, trails, and waterfalls to enjoy year-round. It's just a half hour from Albany!
- Farmers markets in and are great weekend routines!
- sits at the confluence of the Hudson and Mohawk rivers.
- has 450 acres of forests, fields, and ponds.
- The runs in segments from Albany past Schenectady and can be used for biking, running, or walking.
- The is a paved nine-mile trail starting in Albany going toward the Helderberg Mountains.
- is about 45 minutes from campus for nature walks, snowshoeing, and ice skating. It also has a fire tower!
- Skiers can be on the slopes of , , , , , and mountains, as well as , in no time.
The Essentials
What you need to know when making Albany your new home.
has direct flights to more than 20 destinations with connections to anywhere in the world.
- and both have branch locations on our campus.
- has a branch and ATM inside the hospital.
Get around Albany easily—and for free—with There 400 bikes at more than 80 stations around the region. There are three stations adjacent to the ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ campus.
rides are free for any ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ student who swipes their badge.
Both and are options for home TV and Internet service.
Many students find apartments through , which operates numerous complexes in and around Albany, including the Park South Apartments right next to ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½.
The is one of Amtrak's busiest in New York. Trains run on the Adirondack, Berkshire Flyer, Empire Service, Ethan Allen Express, Lake Shore Limited, and Maple Leaf routes.
is the primary provider of electric and gas service in the Albany area.