Echoes of history carry throughout the beautiful capital city of Albany, New York. Since 1614, pioneers have settled in this riverside community, located on the Hudson River. As one of the original 13 colonies, Albany is the oldest continually-chartered city in the country. It became a city in 1686 and the capital of New York in 1797.
At the heart of Albany is the oldest part of the city, the downtown area. This historic district is 19 blocks long and contains 160 buildings. St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, completed in 1860, is a National Historic Landmark. Other notable buildings include the Van Ostrande-Radliff House, the oldest structure in Albany built in 1728, and the Old Post Office, an impressive building complete with towers, built in 1879.
Albany features 60 city parks, including the popular Washington Park, the site of the annual Tulip Festival where thousands of tulips paint the park in a riot of colors. Known for nightlife, there’s plenty to do in Albany, including performances and concerts at the famous Egg, the Palace Theatre, and Times Union Center.