| There are only three cities in the USA that are older | | | | The Albany skyline is dominated by the 589-feet high |
| than the New York State capital of Albany: Santa Fe, | | | | Erastus Corning Tower of the Empire State Plaza. |
| St. Augustine and Jamestown. With a long and | | | | Conceived and named after New York State |
| colourful heritage, historic Albany was given its city | | | | Governor Nelson Rockefeller, the Plaza was built |
| charter way back in 1686. First known by the charming | | | | between 1965 and 1978, and also includes four smaller |
| Native American name of Penpotawotnot, Albany is | | | | towers and 'The Egg'. This is the focal point for live |
| located 136 miles north of New York City in the heart | | | | entertainment, acting as the city's contemporary arts |
| of New York State. | | | | theatre. Nearby the Times Union Centre provides an |
| The area around Albany was originally claimed by | | | | even bigger venue for large name US and international |
| Henry Hudson on behalf of the Dutch East India | | | | bands, as well as staging many local community |
| Company in 1609. The Dutch built Fort Orange, which | | | | gatherings and trade shows. Albany is well-known for |
| the English later took in 1664 and renamed Albany in | | | | its nightlife and boasts a 4 am last call, as opposed to |
| honour of James II, then Duke of Albany who later | | | | 2 am in most other US cities. |
| became King. | | | | If you are planning a driving vacation around New York |
| Albany became State capital of New York in 1777 | | | | State make sure that you allow time for a visit to the |
| taking over the mantle from Kingston, some 50 miles | | | | historic State Capital - you won't be disappointed. |
| to the north. The city has developed largely due to its | | | | Albany is a popular place to visit all year round but its |
| prominent location next to the Hudson River. Once the | | | | outlying areas are particularly picturesque in the |
| Eire Canal was completed in 1825, it placed Albany on | | | | autumn. Despite its popularity, it is not difficult to book |
| a direct water route from New York City to the Great | | | | into a top hotel in Albany at most times of the year. |
| Lakes. It is in a prime location, also known as the | | | | And to get the best out of your stay, look to stay near |
| 'crossroads city' due to the fact that it's almost | | | | the airport from where you'll be able to easily visit the |
| equidistant between the massive conurbations of New | | | | best the city has to offer. |
| York, Montreal, Boston and Buffalo. | | | | |