Capitol Hill - Albany, NY Area Guide

The Capitol Hill area of downtown Albany is quite historic, dating back to the 1600s. The Capitol Building that is currently located downtown is the fourth one since 1777. The current building took 32 years to construct and had its latest renovation in 2012.

The building houses the famous one-million-dollar staircase located near the building's western entrance. The staircase took years to build, with faces of famous entities such as Benjamin Franklin carved into the sandstone.

The building is rumored to be haunted. Guided tours are available to the public five days a week. The tour is a wonderful way to experience the history and grandeur of one of New York's finest architectural wonders.

El Mariachi Mexican Restaurant on Washington Avenue on the outer edge of the Capitol Hill neighborhood has some of the most authentic Mexican cuisine in the Capitol Region. Enjoy homemade soups, salads, chips and dips from this festive eatery. If you love real Mexican food such as pollo San Marco, which is chicken with poblano peppers, oaxacan cheese and Mexican sour cream, then this place should not be missed.

If you are in the mood for a fantastic culinary experience, Sukhothai on Lark Street is for you. This amazing Thai restaurant boasts authentic cuisine, such as classic chicken satae, pad Thai and plenty of curry dishes. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, and you can even place your order online for added convenience.

For a great night out on the town to enjoy drinks, good food and live music, Justin's on Lark Street is a must. Justin's, one of the few places with live jazz music, is a favorite hangout for locals and tourists alike. Here you can enjoy global food, such as Jamaican jerk chicken, vegetable stir fry and sirloin steak. Wednesday through Saturday hosts live DJs, while Tuesday nights feature live music. On Monday nights, you can find great draft beer specials. Justin's also has a late night happy hour from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. every night of the week.

Taxicab companies are plentiful in this part of Albany. The Capitol Hill area of downtown is located near many major roadways where both CDT city buses and larger bus services such as Greyhound run. If you're trying to take a trip to New York City, Boston or Montreal, take a bus or train from here.

The Amtrak train station is only a few minutes' drive southwest from the Capitol Hill area in downtown Albany. You can easily take a train out of New York in any direction to just about any city you wish.

If you're in the mood for a scenic boat tour, you can take a cruise on the Dutch Apple Cruise Line. This ship sails down the Hudson River, offering beautiful views of the Albany area scenery, architecture and wildlife. This is a wonderful option when you want to explore the city in a different way as well as an unconventional way to get around the outskirts of the city.

Four parks are part of the Capitol Hill area of downtown Albany. Lincoln Park is located on the south end of the region, and the rest, West Capitol Park, East Capitol Park, and Lafayette Park, are located on the northeast end of the Capitol Hill neighborhood.

Lincoln Park is a great place to take the family, including your furry friends, during the warm months of summer because it has swimming pools and several sports fields. Enjoy the lake, if you like to fish, and the park has plenty of room for picnicking.

West and East Capitol Parks are both very small and located on either side of the New York State Capitol Building. They are great places for bird watching, strolling on a warm summer night, and relaxing with a nice book. Lafayette Park is located on the north side of the Capitol Building. These three parks are part of the Lafayette Park Historic District, which originated in 1978.

The cost of living in downtown Albany is slightly higher than the rest of Albany because of its close proximity to many of the main New York State office buildings. Many college and university campuses are located in and around this area, so finding affordable housing is possible. A regular one-bedroom apartment can cost anywhere from $900 a month to well over $2,000 a month.

Gas prices in this part of Albany are around the national average. Although some local gas and service stations may run slightly lower in price. Plentiful public transportation makes driving optional.

Downtown Albany in and around the Capitol Hill area is a great place to explore on foot. Take a guided walking tour of the region to discover the city while getting fresh air and exercise with your friends and family.

You can even bar hop, walking from pub to pub in the downtown area. A beer in the area, depending on the night and the bar, can cost anywhere from $2 to over $10. You can find local craft beers as well as bigger-named brands and specialty beers.

Shopping in the Capitol Hill area of downtown Albany provides a great experience for locals and tourists alike. The New York State Museum, located in the heart of the Capitol Hill region of downtown Albany, houses several exhibitions at once as well as a popular gift shop.

The Treasure Chest on Hamilton Street in the heart of the Capitol Hill region sells eclectic antiques, furniture and second-hand merchandise. This gem of a find is a destination that is sure to please all ages.

Price Chopper is the only grocery store located inside the Capitol Hill area of downtown Albany. Locals in Albany and the surrounding areas of Upstate New York patronize this grocery. You can typically find everything you need in this mega market, including a pharmacy, and the store is open 24 hours.

Empire State Plaza holds seasonal farmers markets that feature goods from local vendors and residents. During the colder fall and winter months, the market is held indoors.