Trip to Albany
Top 5 things to do on an Albany trip
- Visit the New York State Capitol
- Get a view of the city from the Corning Tower Observation Deck
- Explore the Albany Institute of History and Art
- Shop along historic Lark Street
- Check of Washington Park in Center Square
Albany has often been the setting of many novels, so be on the lookout after your trip – you might find yourself written into one.
An Albany trip provides a historic backdrop in a bustling modern city with plenty to see and do within walking distance.
One of the most beautiful cities in upstate New York, Albany is littered with historical sights and tours.
If you’ve never been to Albany, you owe yourself a proper adventure of exploring the history and culture it provides.
Numerous tours can help you navigate downtown and there are plenty of attractions from shopping along historic Lark Street to visiting the New York State Capitol.
Throughout Albany you’ll be able to marvel at historic architecture, shop and dine downtown, visit museums, and much more.
We’ll try to help simplify your Albany trip by providing some our favorite hotels, shops, and restaurants listed below!
Transportation options in Albany
Our bus to Albany takes you to either SUNY Albany Collins Circle or Rensselaer Station.
A few of our most popular routes in Albany include:
Upon your arrival, getting around on your Albany trip will be a breeze. Besides downtown being easily walk-able, there are many transportation options.
Take advantage of Albany’s public transportation via bus by the Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA).
Alternatively, taxis and ride shares are readily available as well.
Learn more about Megabus' top bus routes.
Best places to stay in Albany
After your long exhaustive day of sight-seeing, you’re going to need a place to crash. Albany is widely known for its amenities and extensive hotel accommodations.
There are plenty of hotels to choose from, making an Albany trip accessible for any traveler.
The most lavish hotels in Albany would be the Desmond or the Crowne Plaza, putting you in a central location to many of the city’s sights.
Alternatively, many hotels such as the Quality Inn, Super 8, or other rentals are available at a lower cost and offer plenty of travel options for your trip to Albany.
Nightlife in Albany
Downtown Albany’s bar scene is consistently livened by the nearby colleges, so you’ll always find something to do.
Whether you’re seeking bars, dives, or clubs, there are countless nightlife options on your trip to Albany.
If you’re looking for a great cocktail bar with ambience, look no further than the Savoy Taproom. It’s a local favorite for its extensive cocktail listing and dining options.
Make sure to check out Susie’s on Lark Street for a no-frills subterranean bar offering microbrews, a great happy hour, and interesting atmosphere.
For live music fans, the Parish Public House is an outstanding bar and venue to round out your Albany trip.
Where to shop on your Albany trip
Whether you’re seeking retail therapy or looking for a quirky souvenir from Lark Street, Albany will be sure to meet your needs.
There will be no shortage of shopping options while you’re in the limits of the city.
For retail and luxury shopping, look no further than the shops in Stuyvesant Plaza. Known as the upscale shopping venue, you’ll find independent stores as well as familiar retailers.
For a more traditional mall, visit the Crossgates Mall, the largest shopping option in the area, offering plenty of chain stores and retailers.
However, you can’t bring up shopping in Albany without mentioning Lark Street. On historic Lark Street, you’ll find a more hip vibe and peruse from several unique specialty stores and gift shops.
Best free things to do in Albany
- Public concerts in Empire State Plaza and Washington Park
- Tour the New York State Capitol
- The New York State Museum
- The Corning Preserve Trails
- Art Galleries on First Friday of every month
Even the most frugal of travelers will find something to love on their Albany trip.
Totally free, take a tour of the New York State Capitol. Visiting the outdoor attractions and beautiful parks and lakes cost you nothing as well. Walk along the trails in the Corning Preserve or explore Washington Square Park.
You can even soak in the culture on your trip to Albany by walking down Lark Street and through Washington Square Park, where it often will be buzzing with activity.
Benefits of taking a bus trip to Albany
- reserved seating
- fares starting at just $1*
When booking an Albany trip, you’re looking for the lowest costs, trip flexibility, and the best means to arrive comfortably and safely.
Look no further, because Megabus offers the easiest and most affordable options for traveling to Albany, with fares as low as $1*.
With the money you save on bus tickets to Albany, you’ll be left with more to spend on your upcoming Albany trip.
Megabus serves more than 100 cities and university campuses across North America, allowing you to choose the bus stop nearest to you and select your flexible schedule for your Albany trip.
This will ensure that when you arrive, you can immediately begin exploring the beauty of Albany.
On your Albany trip, you’ll be offered the highest level of comfort and safety as well as amenities such as onboard restrooms, individual power outlets, three-point seatbelts and reclining seats.
So if you’re planning on taking an Albany trip, book your ticket with us today to reserve your seat and see our first-class amenities firsthand.