Rensselaer

To get a sense of what makes Albany tick, pull on some comfortable shoes and discover nearby neighborhoods like Albany, Rensselaer, and Downtown Albany.

The Egg, perhaps one of the most recognized tourist attractions in the country is only 1 mile (2 kilometers) to the northwest.

Do make the effort to see some of the nearby museums and galleries, which help make the area such a unique vacation destination. Visit the museums and exhibit spaces the New York State Museum, USS Slater and the Historic Cherry Hill. Enjoy seeing established and up-and-coming artists strut their stuff at the Albany Berkshire Ballet and the Capital Repertory Theater. Often talked about art galleries, include the Albany Institute of History and Art.

To surround yourself with nature, head to some of the nearby green spaces. These are great places to relax and unwind. Enjoy some of the tranquil city parks such as Washington Park and the Albany Riverfront Park.

The area is the home ground of the much-loved Siena Saints college basketball team in winter and Albany Devils ice hockey team. Both teams play regular matches at Times Union Center. This multi-purpose stadium is also a popular live performance venue, so check the schedule of events to see what’s on during your visit.

Finding somewhere suitable to stay close to the Rensselaer area is simple. For a good night’s sleep check out the amenities at the Hampton Inn & Suites Albany-Downtown, the Hilton Albany, and the popular Hilton Garden Inn Albany Medical Center.