Magazine cover titled new york by rail featuring a scenic illustration of a river, boats, a train, and mountains in the background. The Elementor Header highlights "Available Now" with an arrow pointing to the magazine.
Text logo reads new york by rail in large dark blue letters with a shadow effect, styled as an Elementor Header, and GET ON BOARD in smaller red letters to the lower right. White background.
Sign up for Newsletter
Main Menu
Flyout Menu

Overnight in Albany

A person with white hair takes photos of vibrant yellow and orange tulips in a garden, partially obscured by the flowers in the foreground, perhaps capturing memories from their overnight in Albany. Another person stands nearby, out of focus.

Established as a colony in 1624 named Fort Orange for the House of Orange, the Netherlands royal family, Albany has come a long way. To reach this metropolis, take Amtrak to the Albany-Rensselaer Station, then hop on a CDTA bus or an Uber or Lyft for a short ride to downtown Albany.

A street view of a café called Daily Grind with outdoor seating, neon signs, and a person sitting in the large front window above the entrance—perhaps unwinding after spending the night Overnight in Albany. A tree partially obscures the front.
The Daily Grind

Your first stop in Albany is The Daily Grind on Lark Street, a breakfast and lunch spot enticing travelers with the Big Banger and Steak Bomb egg sandwiches. Lark Street is its own attraction, with shops and restaurants that evoke the style and spectacle of old Greenwich Village

Bronze statue of a robed figure with raised arms atop rocks in a park, surrounded by smaller statues and blooming flowers, with people walking and relaxing nearby under trees—an inviting scene for those enjoying an overnight in Albany.
Washington Park

A 15-minute walk west brings you to Washington Park, an 81- acre green space with ice skating, walking and biking paths, a children’s playground and tennis and basketball courts.

A historic building with red-roofed towers sits under a blue sky in Albany. In the foreground, colorful tulips bloom in a garden, and a statue stands prominently on a pedestal at the center of a broad staircase leading to the buildings entrance.
Albany Tulip Festival

An annual park event like no other is the Albany Tulip Festival. The 78th edition of this signature gathering is set for May 9-10 and will showcase 140,000 tulips in 150 different varieties.

A futuristic, bowl-shaped building stands by a reflective pool under a blue sky with scattered clouds in Albany, surrounded by modern architecture and trees—the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable overnight in Albany.
Empire State Plaza

A 23-minute stroll east brings you to the Empire State Plaza, an expansive 98-acres that combine concrete, reflecting pools and skyscrapers to create the physical cog of state government. Framed by the New York State Capitol to the north and New York State Museum to the south, the plaza is home to The Egg Center for the Performing Arts—yes, it’s shaped like a colossal egg (unforgettable, really). Upcoming shows include Iron & Wine May 10, Brett Dennen May 15 and Maria Bamford November 13. Downtown Albany is also home to the MVP Arena and Palace Theatre.

A cozy bar with wooden stools, colorful lights, and festive decorations—just the place to unwind after an overnight in Albany. Bottles line the shelves behind the bar as a person sits at the counter, while a red mat with text greets guests near the entrance. The tiled floor completes this inviting atmosphere.
El Mariachi

After all this excitement and activity, you’re hungry. El Mariachi Mexican restaurant, just across South Swan Street from the Empire State Plaza, offers generous portions of carefully curated culinary offerings. You’re partial to tapas? El Mariachi Tapas— back on Lark Street—is your spot.

Now it’s time to hit the hay. The Renaissance Albany Hotel and Hilton Albany—neither far from the Capitol— are both solid lodging options that keep you close to the action.

Getting to Albany

Take Amtrak to your weekend getaway in Albany via the Albany-Rensselaer Station. Also, don’t forget to use the See New York and Save 15% discount!

Get picked up from Albany-Rensselaer Station and taken to your reserved NYTRAIN Enterprise Rent-a-Car. Click here to reserve your car or call the Albany office today at 518-427-3893.

View more great weekend getaways that you can take by Amtrak from New York City.

See New York & Save 15% Discount - Book Today! | Amtrak