Downtown Albany Historic District Albany, NY

It isn't often that a city's downtown neighborhood is also its most beautiful, but it's very true for Albany. Downtown Albany is perched along the Hudson River and is home to cobblestone streets, elegant historic architecture, and tree-lined sidewalks. Located on Broadway, the State University of New York (SUNY) looks like a gothic castle, complete with spires and turrets. The State Capitol building is an equally impressive monolith and is flanked by parks. Head across State Street and you'll discover the Egg -- a uniquely designed, ultra-modern performing arts center. The history of the downtown area is fascinating -- settled during the 17th century, much of the current architecture in this National Historic District was built around 1800.

There's much more to Downtown Albany than its beauty -- it is home to award-winning restaurants, fantastic shops, major businesses, theaters, museums, and a riverfront park with views that will inspire you to sit and watch the day go by. Of course, if you're feeling active, Corning City Preserve is home to the Mohawk-Hudson River Bike Trail, a boat launch, and an amphitheater. And when you want to catch a sports event or see a concert, the Times Union Center provides the perfect destination.