Recently I’ve noticed that there seem to be more visitors around the Empire State Plaza these days (presumably since travel abroad isn’t feasible for many at the moment), and I always want to stop and give them suggestions on where to go (but I’d rather they not think I’m nuts); I also had the opportunity recently to share with a co-worker some ideas on things for visitors to do in the area, so I thought it might be worthwhile posting some ideas here as well for anyone who might find it (hello, potential visitor to Albany! It may not look like much, but there are some fun things to do on a trip to downtown that you might not have noticed).

A visit to the Observation Deck in the Corning Tower building at the Empire State Plaza

The Corning Tower state office building is the tallest skyscraper in New York State outside of New York City, and features an observation deck that gives excellent views (with informational signage) of the surrounding region. The elevator to the observation deck on the 42nd floor of the Tower reaches speeds of 16mph, and is accessible from either the plaza or concourse levels (from the concourse, you’ll have to take the escalator to the plaza level to get the elevator). The observation deck is open to the public for free Mondays through Fridays from 10am to 4pm.

A walk around the State Museum

Growing up in the Albany area I just assumed that all states had a state museum in their capital; it turns out that that assumption may not be true! The New York State Museum is run by the state Education Department and features ongoing exhibitions about the history, natural features, and development of the state of New York. It also has a variety of temporary exhibitions that change regularly; and if you venture up to the 4th floor (when it’s open) there’s a carousel for children of all ages to ride.

The New York State Executive Mansion on Eagle Street was built in 1856 as a banker’s private home; it was purchased by the state two years after Governor Samuel Tilden began living in it in 1875. Tours of the Governor’s mansion are available for free to members of the public by making reservations two weeks in advance – check the website or call for additional information.

Take a look around the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, built 1848-52 (and on the National Register of Historic Places), the mother church of the Albany Catholic diocese and a remarkable part of the Albany skyline, with its Gothic towers (tours available by making arrangements in advance).

The New York State Office of General Services also offers 45-minute tours of the Empire State Plaza for free on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 2pm; reservations are (currently!) required. Highlights include “The Egg Center for the Performing Arts, the Plaza’s main platform, Capitol, Robert Abrams Building for Law and Justice, Cultural Education Center, Corning Tower, Legislative Office Building, and agency buildings, as well as the memorials that honor those who have dedicated or given their lives in service to others”, as well as the Empire State Plaza Art Collection.

The New York State Capitol is also open for public tours; guided tours are available at 10am and 12pm on weekdays, or you can choose to wander around on a self-guided tour. The Capitol was built of solid masonry over 32 years, completed in 1899; it was the most expensive government building of its time, and houses the New York State legislature.

It’s worth stopping to have a look at the Art Deco interior of the lobby at the Alfred E Smith state office building at the corner of South Swan Street and Washington Avenue (the Fort Frederick apartments were moved down the road to make way for this building in the 1920s) en route to or from the Albany Institute of History and Art, which has an excellent collection including many works by the Hudson River School painters of the mid-19th centure.

The Empire State Plaza gift shop has an excellent variety of souvenirs produced from across New York State, and can be visited from the concourse level of the plaza (accessible by steps down from the plaza, from Madison Avenue, or by underground walkway from the Capitol building).

Looking for something to eat, there are plenty of excellent options- Logan’s deli on the concourse has good options for everyone, as does A Better Bite on the corner of Washington and South Swan. And while the Hamilton Cafe is a little further off the beaten path on Hamilton Street off Swan, their daily specials are locally popular. If you’re looking for a great breakfast option, the Iron Gate cafe will fit the bill and fill your stomach.

Parking and public transportation: Parking for a $10 daily fee is available in the visitor lot under the Plaza, which is accessible from the 787 Plaza exit ramp or from S. Pearl St. and turning on to Market Street to merge onto the ramp/South Mall Arterial from 787; payment is accepted by credit card only. Alternatively, a small visitor lot is available on Madison Avenue on the north side of the Cultural Education Building (state museum). On-street meter parking is also available on many side streets or on State Street or Washington Ave; payment may be made at the meter or via an app. The Plaza and surrounding area are also easily accessible from many points in the Capital Region by CDTA bus; check their routes and schedules at cdta.org.