A Local's Guide to Albany
Neighborhoods
Charming and boasting new options for dining, entertainment, and shopping, Center Square is a local haven with lots to offer.
13 locals recommend
Center Square & Hudson/Park
Charming and boasting new options for dining, entertainment, and shopping, Center Square is a local haven with lots to offer.
Albany's most historic area, home to state offices, performing arts venues, fine dining, and nightlife.
8 locals recommend
Downtown
Albany's most historic area, home to state offices, performing arts venues, fine dining, and nightlife.
Food scene
A new addition to Center Square, Dove + Deer is a must for elegant cocktails, rotating seasonal menu items, and a warm ambience.
10 locals recommend
Dove + Deer
32 Dove StA new addition to Center Square, Dove + Deer is a must for elegant cocktails, rotating seasonal menu items, and a warm ambience.
A Lark Street hot-spot, Savoy is ideal for cocktail lovers and foodies alike. Featuring classic entrées, late-night pub food, and vegan options, this bar-restaurant is a great place to start or end an evening on the town. Highly recommend their jazz brunch!
14 locals recommend
Savoy Taproom
301 Lark StA Lark Street hot-spot, Savoy is ideal for cocktail lovers and foodies alike. Featuring classic entrées, late-night pub food, and vegan options, this bar-restaurant is a great place to start or end an evening on the town. Highly recommend their jazz brunch!
Great drinks, good vibes, and in-house music make this bar-restaurant a go-to destination for a night on the town. Adjacent to the Palace Theater, the Hollow is also a great place for dinner before a show.
14 locals recommend
The Hollow Bar + Kitchen
79 N Pearl StGreat drinks, good vibes, and in-house music make this bar-restaurant a go-to destination for a night on the town. Adjacent to the Palace Theater, the Hollow is also a great place for dinner before a show.
Known best for its brunch, Iron Gate is a conveniently-located eatery with delicious options for all. Its lovely patios and décor are just an added bonus at this spot—it's certain to please.
19 locals recommend
Iron Gate Cafe
182 Washington AveKnown best for its brunch, Iron Gate is a conveniently-located eatery with delicious options for all. Its lovely patios and décor are just an added bonus at this spot—it's certain to please.
Shopping
Featuring locally-sourced, artisan products, Byron & Gill is a perfect place to window shop as you stroll down Lark Street. Handcrafted jewelry and Albany-themed décor make for great gift options.
Byron & Gill Mercantile
273 Lark StFeaturing locally-sourced, artisan products, Byron & Gill is a perfect place to window shop as you stroll down Lark Street. Handcrafted jewelry and Albany-themed décor make for great gift options.
Drinks
Post is one of the newest additions to the Lark Street scene, and we're so glad to have them. Friendly bartenders and a cozy, chic vibe make this wine bar stand out from the rest. Stop by for a glass or a bottle, and enjoy the beautiful patio seating on a warm night.
Post Wine Bar + Kitchen
200 Lark StPost is one of the newest additions to the Lark Street scene, and we're so glad to have them. Friendly bartenders and a cozy, chic vibe make this wine bar stand out from the rest. Stop by for a glass or a bottle, and enjoy the beautiful patio seating on a warm night.
3Fish is perfect for coffee and a pastry during the week. On weekends, its later hours are ideal for a light snack and wine or beer. The beautiful patio in the back is Albany's best-kept secret.
3Fish Coffee
466 Madison Ave3Fish is perfect for coffee and a pastry during the week. On weekends, its later hours are ideal for a light snack and wine or beer. The beautiful patio in the back is Albany's best-kept secret.
A regular laptop-friendly coffee lounge, Stacks on Broadway is known for an open-air, light atmosphere. Close to Jennings Landing, it's a great spot for a quick coffee before a walk along the Hudson.
15 locals recommend
Stacks Espresso Bar
260 Lark StA regular laptop-friendly coffee lounge, Stacks on Broadway is known for an open-air, light atmosphere. Close to Jennings Landing, it's a great spot for a quick coffee before a walk along the Hudson.
Entertainment
Known for its beautiful architecture and big-name talent, the Palace regularly welcomes touring musicians and groups in its historic space.
31 locals recommend
Palace Theatre
19 Clinton AveKnown for its beautiful architecture and big-name talent, the Palace regularly welcomes touring musicians and groups in its historic space.
Home to world-class performing arts and events, the Times Union is an entertainment staple for the Capital Region.
33 locals recommend
Times Union Center
51 S Pearl StHome to world-class performing arts and events, the Times Union is an entertainment staple for the Capital Region.
Outdoors
Situated in the heart of Albany, Washington Park is a huge part of our community scene. Hosting local events regularly, including festivals and farmers' markets, it offers a calm, green space for families and solo travelers alike.
51 locals recommend
Washington Park
Situated in the heart of Albany, Washington Park is a huge part of our community scene. Hosting local events regularly, including festivals and farmers' markets, it offers a calm, green space for families and solo travelers alike.
A must for anyone interested in hiking or the great outdoors. A short drive from Albany is worth it for Thatcher Park's breathtaking views, especially in autumn.
58 locals recommend
John Boyd Thacher State Park
830 Thacher Park RdA must for anyone interested in hiking or the great outdoors. A short drive from Albany is worth it for Thatcher Park's breathtaking views, especially in autumn.
Sightseeing
A walking promenade in the center of the Capital, the Empire State Plaza has great views of the city and its unique architecture.
7 locals recommend
Empire State Plaza Convention Center
279 Madison AveA walking promenade in the center of the Capital, the Empire State Plaza has great views of the city and its unique architecture.