Welcome to Albany, Capital of New York State!

Welcome to the visitors section of the City of Albany’s official website. 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. 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 or AquaDucks 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 Times Union Center 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.

Please explore the pages found in this section to plan your next trip to the beautiful Capital City of New York State. Also, for more information on area dining, shopping, and attractions, don’t forget to visit the Albany County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

About the Albany County Convention and Visitors Bureau

The Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACCVB) was incorporated in 1976 to promote the New York State Capital as a destination for visitors and convention delegates. ACCVB has been assisting meeting specialists for more than 25 years, acting as a community concierge to attract and assure successful meetings, conventions and events held in Albany. ACCVB staff works with its board of directors, members, volunteers and other hospitality organizations to contribute to the ever-expanding hospitality industry in the Capital Region and beyond.

ACCVB also operates the Albany Heritage Area Visitors Center (located at historic Quackenbush Square, corner of Clinton Ave. and Broadway in downtown Albany) and the Information Desk at the Albany International Airport.

The ACCVB is an independent, not-for-profit corporation and serves as Albany County's official tourism promotion agency (TPA) as well as an administrator of the Capital-Saratoga Region's marketing efforts.

Click here to visit ACCVB Website

Download a list of local Accommodations

Download a map of the Albany Region