PLAY in Albany

Sightseeing Tours of Albany

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• Seasonal Cruises of Albany

  Albany Aqua Ducks & Trolleys

  The Ducks are a fun way to see historic Albany before “splashing down” on the scenic Hudson River. For more information on the Albany Aqua Ducks, click here, or check out the Calendar of Events for schedules and rates. Explore this historic and architecturally magnificent area, via trolley. Albany is the oldest chartered city in the U.S. and the second oldest continuously inhabited settlement in the country. From the 17th century site of Fort Orange, and 19th century Underground Railroad sites, to the futuristic Empire State Plaza, these tours provide a look at our ever changing city. For tour dates click here.

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  Captain J.P. Cruise Line
  278 River St, Troy 270-1901 captainjp.com 

  Largest cruise vessel in the Capital Region; four decks, holds 600 passengers, seats 500. 

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  Dutch Apple Cruises
  141 Broadway, Albany 463-0220 dutchapplecruises.com 

  25-passenger minimum sails rain or shine with fully enclosed, heated/AC decks with comfortable seating, full cash bar, & light refreshments. 

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  Lake George Steamboat Company
  57 Beach Rd, Lake George 668-5777, 800-553-2628 lakegeorgesteamboat.comA variety of cruises on three large cruise ships: the Minne-Ha-Ha, an authentic paddlewheeler; the Mohican; & the Lake's largest cruise ship, the Lac du Saint Sacrement; from one-hour cruises to the only complete tour of historic & scenic Lake George.

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• Self-Guided Tours of Albany

  Walking Tours

  Downtown Walking Tours
  Begin at AHAVC, 25 Quackenbush Sq, Albany 434-0405

  Download a free audio tour to your MP3 player or smart phone at albany.org, for a personally guided tour along the streets of Albany! Two versions available: 

  • Full-length version encompasses the Empire State Plaza, the Capitol, & the surrounding neighborhood. 

  • Shorter tour leads you to the steps of the NYS Capitol before returning to the AHAVC.

  Printed tour brochure guides visitors through the development of the city, via its buildings & street patterns; follows the evolution of Albany from its earliest settlements to its current status as a Capital City.

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  The Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State Plaza Tour
  N. Concourse, Empire State Plaza Visitors Center, Albany 474-2418 ogs.ny.gov

  Tours (Acoustiguide) available Mon-Fri, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; ID required for unit rental. 

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  In the Footsteps of Philip Schuyler 
  Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site, 32 Catherine St, Albany 434-0834 nysparks.com

  Tour (audio tour: MP3 schuylerfriends.org or cell 269-4099) brings you back to 1765 when Philip Schuyler, the Revolutionary War major general, begins his rise to social prominence; a period of transition for Albany. S

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  The NYS Executive Mansion Tour
  138 Eagle St, Albany 473-7521 ogs.ny.gov

  Free, one-hour tour available by appointment only; two-week advance reservation is required; Thursdays, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. S

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  Walking Tour of the NYS Capitol
  Information Desk, State St Lobby of the Capitol, Albany 474-2418 ogs.ny.gov

  Download the free brochure & save the files to your audio device prior to your visit, as live streaming in the Capitol can be unreliable; Mon–Fri 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m., 3 p.m.; approx. 45-60 min.

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• Walking Tour Map of Albany

  Walking Tour Map of Albany

• Self-Guided Bike Tours of Albany

  Bike Tours

  Begin at AHAVC, 25 Quackenbush Sq, Albany 434-0405 albany.org

  
  

  Downtown Bike Tours:

  Two tours encompass downtown from AHAVC to the NYS Capitol & from Washington Park to the Empire State Plaza.Mohawk-Hudson Bike TrailNarrow, 30-mile strip of asphalt beginning at the Albany Corning Preserve that runs along the banks of the Hudson & Mohawk Rivers.

• Sample Group Tour Itineraries

  Sample Group Itineraries

  Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACCVB) can help you experience the sights and sounds of touring NYS's Capital/Upper Hudson Valley Region.Albany’s centralized northeast location is the ideal destination. As a hub, Albany makes perfect sense for itineraries that include Cooperstown and the Schoharie Valley, lower Adirondacks, Catskills, Hudson Valley, and the Berkshires.

  
  

  Whether it’s an overnight stop on route to another destination or an extended stay in the area, Albany is a convenient point for visitors and traveling between Montreal and NYC, between New England and Buffalo, or traveling from the Southern Tier and Pennsylvania. Albany's backyard extends into the majestic Adirondack Mountains, the Victorian setting of Saratoga Springs, and the picturesque countryside of the Hudson River Valley Region.For assistance in planning group tours, tour options, and a choice of sample itineraries, visit the Plan a Group Tour section.