Top Albany Car Tours: Explore NY’s Capital Like a Local

So, you’re thinking of checking out Albany, New York, eh? You know, the capital city kinda gets overlooked sometimes, but as a matter of fact, Albany’s full of cool spots and neat historical bits that are, honestly, very worth seeing. Very truly, the best way, almost, to get a really good look at everything is, like your own personal driving tour. It is actually why I have put together, in fact, this little list of some of the best Albany car tours, you know, to really make your trip pop.

Albany’s Historic Downtown Loop

Okay, so first up, there’s the Historic Downtown Loop, and it is almost a great place, seemingly, to just start. Seriously, what you want to do is just kind of, begin at the New York State Capitol Building, you know, it’s a very grand place to just stare. Seemingly, what I mean by grand is a late 19th-century architecture, I am talking ornate details, the kinda thing that actually, might even make your jaw drop. Just a little. The tour arguably continues down State Street. State Street? You know, I’m talking main artery with shops and restaurants, is that right.

As a matter of fact, very cool fact – Ten Broeck Mansion – that’s where you want to, almost, go next. I mean it’s only a few blocks north of downtown and truly shows off Federal-style architecture and also gardens, which is great. Also, for more architectural things to look at, seemingly head west to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception – so grand. From grand cathedrals to ordinary attractions. Very Albany. Read our full review: Albany Historic Downtown Loop Full Review and Details

Oh yeah, arguably, make sure to take a minute at the Corning Tower. I am talking super-tall, and its observation deck tends to give killer views of the city, and like your landscape from every direction. Oh and remember – street parking can be tight so it tends to be easier to, you know, use garages, like parking garages, is that right. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Albany Historic Downtown Loop)

The Scenic Hudson River Ramble

As a matter of fact, now we got what’s, kind of, known as the Scenic Hudson River Ramble, you know, if you like your nature served with, sort of, views and little-town vibes, you get me? The start? Head south from Albany and it seems that you’ll hop onto Route 9W. And Route 9W? Yeah, I’m talking winding roads alongside the Hudson River that, arguably, can be quite pretty. The first thing that could happen: stopping in the town of Bethlehem. That is where, actually, you will catch the beautiful views from the Hudson River. By the way, very great for pictures.

Seemingly, head down a little bit further. Yeah, I am referring to the town of New Baltimore – yeah that offers this really fantastic, and lovely, riverside park that seems, actually, very great for picnics, actually – that, seemingly, looks onto the water. Are you even tired? If you feel that it is the right time to extend the road trip then you arguably can continue onto the town of Hudson. Also in the Hudson. Oh you’ll notice something special. It really brings your road trip to life because it seemingly mixes the antiques and art galleries vibe in this great way – to spend and stop, you know? Read our full review: Albany Hudson River Ramble Full Review and Details

You know, you might find that some bits of the 9W, honestly, can get twisty, but seemingly make sure that you just kind of, drive carefully, actually, very easy driving. You’ll seemingly find these scenic stops all along your way. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Hudson River Ramble)

Architecture and History Tour

Here it comes: you need an Architecture and History Tour, basically if you actually like old buildings. I am referring to that, in a way, you love, like, hearing all about back then – in that case, this here tour is very cool for you. Almost, you may find that you need to, I don’t know, begin with the New York State Museum, is that right? I am referring to learning about New York history, or some stuff. Oh yeah – old, basically. I mean, after, drive over toward, well, Schuyler Mansion, and in fact, is a cool Georgian-style house that really has ties to, very famous Alexander Hamilton.

Seriously, like your next stop could be Albany City Hall – its is pretty great because you get to see government from the 1800’s. I mean government used to do some cool things back then! Okay. You might want to take a moment to see the First Church in Albany – very gorgeous place, it turns out. At the end of the day, there’s also these self-led walking tours in, sort of, spots, I mean, like Center Square, and Mansion Hill are very excellent – for more of these pretty structures and what did, literally, make the world what it used to be like back then. You arguably need to find yourself some parking space – is that right. Read our full review: Albany Architecture History Full Review and Details

But oh yeah I have some driving, very common routes you will enjoy, actually! See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Architecture and History Tour)

The Albany Arts and Culture Crawl

Next – The Albany Arts and Culture Crawl, by the way, the arts, yeah?! Albany also has what could be a fantastic artsy side. Almost, in the first instance, start at the Albany Institute of History & Art, actually, the way that they have both old and new, seemingly makes their stuff kind of stand out! After which, oh, actually take a look at what is, like, downtown – like those local arts groups in action!.

Anyway – how does an old movie place become artsy? I am referring to the Palace Theatre! Why? Because there will typically be events on that are live, is that right? A little further away is the very excellent Empire State Plaza. Very artsy, but kind of in its own way – basically if the structure wasn’t enough then you see, naturally, art stuff just placed there! Read our full review: Albany Arts Culture Crawl Full Review and Details

As a matter of fact, look on websites to ensure, definitely, what times of tours and how stuff is open, actually! See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Albany Arts and Culture Crawl)

Capital Region Brewery Tour

Alright here’s what they tell me is another, also great idea: The Capital Region Brewery Tour – actually, the Albany locale does in some respects, has its kind of cool brew side!. Starting with, very near, downtown Druthers Brewing Company you tend to get brewpub stuff. So how is the brew scene out there! This local is where you begin.

Next – head north a little! Why not check out what happens at Fidens Brewing. Is that the next spot, naturally. There might be this or that option, actually. And very nearly lastly? Call ahead to basically be sure they do what it is you feel to be happy with them! That tends to be your choice, after all! Read our full review: Capital Region Brewery Tour Full Review and Details

But, hey look, do actually make safe to ensure there will actually be a designated driver in some way or another, actually – to, as a matter of fact, abide the regulations! It will, I believe, all be, alright, after. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Capital Region Brewery Tour)

“Traveling — it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” – Ibn Battuta

To be honest, going through Albany by car, almost, is this way to see it. At the end of the day, by the way, each little roadtrip could also provide this little angle, you see? Whether, obviously, you wanna go historical buildings or out, seriously, by some streams and rivers, the right little trip could really get this city singing, basically!.

• Consider traffic and parking: Very downtown can be difficult so prepare beforehand and carefully!
• Time of year actually! Albany does have some very cold winters so this arguably is also what it can be about!
• And so stuff like website updates or openings might also matter, basically.

See the official Albany, New York Website: Albany, NY Tourism Information