How to Spend a Weekend in Albany, New York

A home from home near the crossroads of Interstate 87 and Interstate 90, the Staybridge Suites are a dream for long-term visitors to Albany. Spacious contemporary suites have all you need to settle in, including a well-equipped kitchenette, a work area, DVD player and complimentary breakfast, while dinner is even thrown in for free between Monday and Wednesday. A complimentary airport shuttle, fitness centre, and heated indoor pool are also all available.

This handsome brownstone on a tree-lined street overlooking Washington Park isn’t just a tasteful hotel, moments from Albany’s restaurants and museums, but also a part of history itself. The house was once home to Alice Morgan Wright, the acclaimed artist and suffragette who was jailed in London with Emmeline Pankhurst and later founded New York’s League of Women Voters. The hotel now offers airy rooms and suites, plus a parlor laden with complimentary drinks and snacks and a refined English garden.

Check into the Renaissance Albany if you’re craving a chic city break in a top-notch location. The downtown hotel is at the base of the Capitol Steps, so within moments of the Empire State Plaza, Hudson River and handy walking tours of New York State’s capital. When you’ve finished pounding the pavements, head back to the hotel’s excellent all-day restaurant to sample the best local produce and classic cocktails with an Albany twist.

An on-board historian will bring this trip to life as you cruise the majestic Hudson River on a Dutch Apple boat once used to ferry passengers between Albany and New York City. Hear the history of the river and the important role it played in the area’s industrial past, while keeping your eyes peeled for eagles gliding overhead or barges chugging by on the water. Sightseeing doesn’t get much more relaxing.

Fancy something more interesting than ticking off the main sights? This scavenger hunt is the most entertaining way to see the landmarks in this 400-year-old city, whether you’re a weekend visitor or a local looking for something a little different. Team up with friends, or compete against them, to answer quiz questions and solve challenges, and see a whole new side to this historic city.

Watch the sun slide beneath the horizon on board a Dutch Apple cruise boat sailing down the magnificent Hudson River. Sit back and hear the history of the region from an on-board historian who will regale you with quirky stories and unexpected facts, all while you take in views of the city skyline and peek at riverfront homes illuminated by the blazing sunset.

Don’t be put off by the queue at the Iron Gate Café. It’s well worth joining to tuck into soups, salads, sandwiches and breakfast dishes at this family-owned café lined with vintage music posters on the edge of Albany’s Center Square. Grab a seat on the pretty patio if you can, then take your pick from vegan French toast, buddha bowls or lobster benedict topped with champagne hollandaise. Don’t skip the drinks menu – the apple cider mimosa and pumpkin pie latte are heaven-sent.

Expect craft cocktails, super-fresh seafood and prime cuts of meat at this glamorous steakhouse in downtown Albany. A no-brainer for date nights and celebrations, this buzzing restaurant is renowned for its Black Angus steaks served with everything from gorgonzola bacon butter to jumbo scallops. Save room for the giant desserts too, including caramelised bananas flambé or salted caramel gelato loaded with gummy bears, Reese’s Pieces and whipped cream.

Hearty pub food comes with live music, a friendly atmosphere and a choice of nearly 30 beers on tap at this popular Irish bar on Clinton Square. Arrive hungry and you won’t be disappointed with the substantial selection of sandwiches, burgers and soups on offer, alongside the pub’s legendary crab cakes served with wasabi dressing, fries and coleslaw.