There may not be a better way to discover the history of a city or town than through historical tours. With knowledgeable staff members escorting guests to notable landmarks and scenic areas, a scenic tour can provide plenty of information and insight. And there’s no better way of discovering Albany, NY than with a tour. Including walking, boat, and train tours, Albany features many wonderful opportunities to explore New York’s capital city during your Upstate New York getaway.
Discover Albany with these top sightseeing tour options below.
Albany Walking Tours
Ghosts of Albany:
Throughout the month of October, you can take a glimpse of Albany and its rich history through the lore of ghosts that haunt the city. Throughout this guided walking tour, your host illustrates the supernatural mysteries of past politicians and notable characters that continue to spend their time amongst the living. Each tour is one-and-a-half hours long and walking distance is under a mile, so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the tour while taking a leisurely stroll. For more details, call (518) 417-2279.
Albany: A Walking Tour:
This self-guided walking tour takes you on a historic journey throughout Albany, making stops at historic landmarks, centuries-old churches, the state capitol, city hall, famous homes and much more! The tour starts and ends at the Albany Heritage Area Visitors Center, just minutes from the Morgan State House. Guided tours are also available between April and October for $3 per person. Call (518) 434-1217 for more information.
Albany Boat Tours
Dutch Apple Cruises:
Throughout the month of October, you can take a beautiful sightseeing tour down the Hudson River aboard the Dutch Apple II. These scenic trips include insightful narration on the history of Albany and the Hudson River, with beautifully unobstructed, open-air views. The vessel also includes fully enclosed decks with A/C and comfortable seating. Tickets for adults are $19.95, seniors are $18.95, children ages 3 to 10 are $12, and children ages 2 and under are free. Contact (518) 463-0220 for details on the tour schedule and more. Dutch Apple Cruises also offers land tours with private charters for large and small groups.
Hudson River Cruises:
Enjoy gorgeous views of stunning scenery, historic lighthouses, waterfront mansions, and other significant locations as you climb aboard the Rip Van Winkle cruise boat with Hudson River Cruises. This two-hour journey is accompanied by knowledgeable crew members who offer insight into the historic landmarks dotted across the Hudson River. Savor the views from the shaded deck, or head to the top deck for open-air vistas. Tickets are $26 for adults, $18 for children, and $23 for seniors and military. For more information on scheduled tour dates and times, call (845) 340-4700.
Albany Train Tours
Catskill Mountain Railroad:
Just a short drive south of Albany is the Catskill Mountain Railroad in Kingston, New York where you can take a wonderful round-trip tour of the Catskill Mountains to Hurley Mountain. Special foliage and holiday trips are available during the fall and winter months, including Fall Foliage, Pumpkin Patch, and Polar Express excursions. For more details on ticket prices and scheduled departure dates, you can contact (845) 688-7400.
Adirondack Scenic Railroad:
Offering multiple expeditions to the north and west of Albany is the Adirondack Scenic Railroad. Guests are given the opportunity to discover the Adirondack Mountains at a more leisurely pace, providing stunning views from Utica all the way up to Lake Placid. The scenic trips offer foliage trains, day trips, and holiday trips, among others. Call (800) 819-2291 for more details on departure dates and ticket pricing.
