Today was one of those days where we felt like true city explorers, discovering Albany on foot and taking in some of its best museums, landmarks, and even a sweet treat at the end.

We started our morning with a walk over to the Albany Institute of History & Art, one of the city’s gems. The museum is full of fascinating exhibits, from Hudson River School paintings to local history treasures. We spent a couple of hours wandering through the galleries, appreciating both the art and the stories of the region.

After our visit, we strolled back to our Airbnb for a light lunch and a short break before heading out again for the afternoon. Our next stop was the New York State Museum, a sprawling and diverse space that gave us a deep dive into the culture, history, and natural beauty of New York. From exhibits on Native American heritage to displays about modern New York life, it offered a lot to take in.

From there, we walked through the Empire State Plaza Concourse, checking out the modern public art that lines its corridors.

The concourse led us directly to the New York State Capitol Building, where we joined a tour. The Capitol’s intricate architecture, grand staircases, and ornate chambers made it well worth the visit, and we left with a much better appreciation of its history and importance.

As the evening settled in, we headed back to our Airbnb for dinner, but our day wasn’t quite finished. Afterward, we took one more short walk—this time to a nearby Ben & Jerry’s—to cap the night with some ice cream.

It was a day full of walking, learning, and enjoying what Albany has to offer. Each stop had its own character, and seeing how close everything was made the city feel especially welcoming.