Albany

Albany is the capital of the State of New York and one of the oldest cities in the United States. Located on the banks of the Hudson River, it has a history of more than 400 years that dates back to the arrival of the Dutch and the establishment of the trading post of Fort Orange. The city was chartered in 1686 and officially became the permanent capital of the State of New York in 1797.

Its development was long tied to its strategic position on the Hudson. The river, the Erie Canal and the arrival of the railroad in the 19th century made Albany an important center of transportation and commerce. Even today, the waterfront and the Port of Albany play an important role in the city's identity.

The downtown area brings together many historic buildings, museums, cultural institutions and neighborhoods with varied architecture. Among the main points of interest are the New York State Capitol, the Empire State Plaza, the New York State Museum, the Albany Institute of History & Art and the historic downtown district. Albany also has an active culinary and cultural scene, as well as several public spaces along the Hudson, including the Corning Preserve and Jennings Landing.