Albany Flights:
Flights to Albany
Albany is the capital city of the state of New York and is situated 219 kilometres (136 miles) north of New York City. Although Albany is not as well known as New York City, it’s a nice city to visit all the same and has a range of attractions.
International flights to Albany arrive at the Albany International Airport (airport code: ALB). Flights to Albany from South Africa are indirect with one or two stops. Travellers can choose airlines such as Continental Airlines, US Airways, Northwest Airlines, KLM, BMI, United Airlines, and Air France to fly to Albany from South Africa via one connection. Flight routes differ according to the airline, for example, Continental Airlines flies via Newark, and US Airways via Charlotte.
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The Tourist Attractions in Albany:
The New York State Capitol
If you think you’ve seen one state capitol so you’ve seen them all, that certainly is not the case with the New York State Capitol! This very impressive building was completed in 1899 and cost $25 million to build, making it the most expensive government building of its time. It was inspired by the City Hall (Hotel de Ville) in Paris, France and takes on several different architectural styles. One of the main features inside is the Million Dollar Staircase! Visitors can tour the state capitol with the help of a free audio guide.
Other Albany Architecture
The state capitol is connected via underground tunnels to other buildings government buildings, one on Empire State Plaza, and the Alfred E Smith Building. The latter is directly opposite the state capitol and is a large art deco style building that was completed in 1928. The Empire State Plaza includes several skyscrapers, plus some shorter buildings. You’ll also find an interestingly shaped performing arts venue here, called The Egg. The Corning Tower is also on the Empire State Plaza and is popular with visitors for its views over Albany and the surrounding area. There’s an observation deck on the 42nd floor and best of all entry is free!
New York State Museum
The New York State Museum is the largest state museum in the country and has lots of interesting collections to see. Entry to the museum is free, although donations are always welcomed. The museum is part of the Cultural Education Center that is also situated on Empire State Plaza.
Parks in Albany
Albany has a great collection of nice parks, landscaped in similar ways to New York City’s Central Park. Washington Park is one example and in its centre you’ll find the Park Playhouse. During the summer this is a free venue showing musicals and plays and in May it’s a particularly nice park as Albany’s Tulip Fest is held here. Visitors can see hundreds of tulips as well as visit a craft fair.
Other lovely parks in Albany include the Buckingham Lake Park with its scenic lake and fountains; Albany Riverfront Park, and Lincoln Park.
When Should You Visit?:
Albany has a humid continental climate which means that summers and hot and humid, and winters are cool to cold, usually with lots of snow. Precipitation is fairly consistent throughout the year though statistically February is the driest month. July is the hottest month of the year with an average high of 27.7 C (82F), and low of 15.5 C (60F).