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Albany Hot Spots

Information on the most popular shopping, recreation and entertainment hot spots in Albany New York

Discover these Albany New York Hot Spots That Sizzle! Visitors to Albany, New York quickly discover what residents have known for hundreds of years -- Albany perfectly blends city excitement with its historical and governmental role while maintaining the beauty and charm of Upstate New York. Listed below are just a few of Albany's Hot Spots for you to explore. Take virtual tours around the city's hotspots here!

Lark Street
Lark Street
Whether planning a stay for business or for pleasure, plan a trip to Lark Street in downtown Albany. This is an eclectic residential / commerical area with 19th century brownstones, cobblestone intersections and plenty of year round activity, forming the perfect backdrop for many cafes, nightclubs, ethnic restaurants, art galleries and one-of-a-kind shops. Lark Street is hopping day and night, offering a little something for everyone!
Empire State Plaza
Empire State Plaza, Albany NY
In the heart of downtown Albany lies the awe-inspiring Empire State Plaza. The plaza features two giant reflective pools, several art sculptures and and an array of intriguing architectural buildings distinctive to the Albany NY cityscape, including The Egg Performing Arts Center, The Capitol Building, NYS Museum and others. The Plaza is also the site of many special events in Albany year round.
The Egg
The Egg
When you are driving into Albany or perusing the downtown shops, you can help but notice The Egg. Aside from being an architectural wonder and tourist attraction, it is also an arts and entertainment hot spot in the Capital Region. Hosting a wide range of events, from world-class to local performances, The Egg offers Albany visitors and residents a first-rate performance venue in a setting like no other.
Times Union Center
Times Union Center
The Times Union Center (formerly Pepsi Arena) is home to the Albany River Rats, Sienna Saints and Albany Conquest sports teams and is a preferred concert venue for some of today's top performing artists. This large sports and entertainment complex opened in 1990 with none other than Frank Sinatra christening the Arena to a sell-out crowd that definitely did NOT have the "little town blues", and the TU Center hasn't stopped since.
The Palace Theatre
The Palace Theatre
The Palace Theatre in Albany brings nationally acclaimed music artists, comedians and other popular acts to downtown Albany.
Proctor's Theatre
Proctor's Theatre
The popular Proctor's in Schenectady features touring Broadway shows and other enriching performing arts events.
Washington Park
Washington Park In Albany
Located right in the heart of downtown Albany, Washington Park is within walking distance to many popular restaurants, shops and hot spots on Lark and surrounding streets. Washington Park is home to many of the Capital Region's most popular special events, including the Albany Tulip Festival, LobsterPalooza, Capital Holiday Lights In The Park and many others.
Albany Riverfront Park
Riverfront Park In Albany
Concerts, festivals and other special events are hosted at the Albany Riverfront Park from spring through fall each year. Home to the Riverfront Jazz Festival and Alive At Five summer concert series, Riverfront Park features an 800-seat amphitheatre and a picturesque setting on the banks of the Hudson River. For upcoming events, check out our Albany events calendar.

Crossgates Mall
Crossgates Mall
Crossgates Mall is a large two-story indoor shopping center with over 250 shops and restaurants. The clothing stores at Crossgates range from positively trendy and upscale to the very eclectic and unique. The wide-ranging variety ensures every shopper finds their niche. Movie goers enjoy Crossgate's many theatres, which allow countless options for viewing box office hits while offering many different show times on any given day.
Colonie Center
Colonie Center Mall
Having undergone a multi-million dollar upgrade and expansion, Colonie Center Mall is stealing more and more shoppers' hearts in the Albany area. The mall has a new upscale feel to it with soft couches, flat-screen TV's and other eye-pleasing luxuries. But which mall is hotter, Crossgates or Colonie? Our Crossgates vs. Colonie Center Battle of the Malls article shows the many reasons why Capital Region residents choose one mall over the other.

Whether you live in Albany NY or are just visiting, you'll find there is always plenty of activity at these local hot spots and hangouts. For more lively adventure, browse these Albany attractions and upcoming events.

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