New York's capital city of Albany is more than just a collection of imposing, 1960s-style government buildings, it is also home to world-class museums, galleries, eateries and quaint neighborhoods with unique, 19th-century architecture.

Capitol Hill

This area is home to the ultra-modern public space of the Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State Plaza (usually shortened to simply Empire State Plaza), the New York State Capitol Building, and the Alfred E. Smith Building. The central part of the city known as Midtown is booming with over 12,000 government employees who fill this 96-acre area on weekdays, and with visitors galore at nighttime during performances at The Egg.

Downtown

The area around Broadway by the Hudson is the site of the first Dutch settlement in Albany. Unfortunately, none of the 17th-century buildings remain. However, there are other historical buildings in the area, including the 1915 Delaware and Hudson (or D&H) and Albany Evening Journal Buildings, which were originally constructed to hide the factories and incoming ships into the port of Albany. Today, the D&H Building is headquarters of the State University of New York (SUNY) College system. The Hudson River Way and Riverfront Park have been part of an enormous revitalization project by introducing tree-lined walking and cycling paths as well as a 800-seat amphitheater that overlooks the Hudson. One reason most people come to this part of the city is to attend sporting events, concerts and conventions at the Times Union Center.

Lark Street: Center Square & Hudson/Park

Situated right behind Empire State Plaza are the two neighborhoods of Center Square and Hudson/Park. Intersecting the two is the popular Lark Street Business Improvement District. This unique seven-block strip from Washington Avenue to Delaware Avenue has everything you need, day or night. During the day, there are small bookstores, interesting knickknack shops, restaurants, eclectic bars and minimal chain outlets (just Ben & Jerry's and Dunkin' Donuts). Lark Street is also home to LarkFEST in September and Capital Pride in the month of June. These two districts are full of beautifully maintained, mid-19th-century townhouses.

Mansion

This small, scenic area borders Capitol Hill and is named for the New York State Executive Mansion that is located here at Eagle Street. You will not find many places to eat, shops or anything of that nature in this area, but it's a popular residential area with lovely homes that are easily accessible from Empire State Plaza.

Pastures

Another residential area that goes down to the Hudson is the historic district of Pastures with its Federal-style houses, which has been on the National Register of Historical Places since 1972. During the 17th Century, the area was just that: pastures. Although the neighborhood fell into disrepair for many years with derelict houses and unkempt public grounds, Pastures is currently experiencing urban revitalization thanks to the nearby Albany Housing Authority and the introduction of tennis courts, a children's playground and efforts to tidy up the buildings and sidewalks.

Arbor Hill

This neighborhood is located in the hilly northern part of Albany and is where you can easily find gorgeous 19th-century homes that have been restored to their former glory. The Palace Theatre, a former RKO movie house on the corner of North Pearl and Clinton Avenues, which opened in 1931 and closed in 1969. Thanks to new owners interested in its preservation, The Palace underwent an enormous restoration project and has reopened as the home of the Albany Symphony Orchestra. The Palace also hosts numerous music events and screenings of classic films.

Ten Broeck Triangle

So named for the small triangle of streets that surround the Ten Broeck Mansion, the Ten Broeck Triangle Historic District is a residential section filled with pre-Civil War townhouses. The Mansion on the hillside was built in 1798 and is home to the Albany County Historical Association.

Cherry Hill & Krank Park

At the far end of Albany there are two other historic residences, Cherry Hill (1787) and the Schuyler Mansion (1762). The Georgian-style Cherry Hill was occupied until 1963 when its owner Catherine Rankin passed away. The home was also where an infamous love triangle murder took place in 1827, which resulted in a closely-followed and well-publicized trial. Home to Revolutionary War hero Philip Schuyler and his wife Catherine Van Rensselaer, the Schuyler Mansion is a great example of Georgian brick design and one of the best mansions to visit in the area. Tours of both historic houses are available.