History & Culture · Capital Region
Tour the State Capitol and Empire State Plaza for Free
Albany's State Capitol offers free guided tours most weekdays, and the Empire State Plaza next door adds art, fountains, marble halls, and a skyline view.
Published June 21, 2026 · Last verified June 21, 2026
Albany’s capital story is easiest to see at the New York State Capitol. The building took 32 years to build and was finished in 1899, with hand-carved “Million Dollar” staircases and grand chambers where lawmakers still meet today. Small-group walk-in tours are free.
Guided walk-in tours run on weekdays at 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m., and they usually last about 45 minutes. No reservation is needed for small groups; parties of 10 or more should call ahead at 518-474-2418. There are also monthly Friday evening tours. The Capitol is open Monday through Friday, and you pass through security screening on the way in, so leave extra time.
Right outside sits the Empire State Plaza, a long marble concourse lined with a major public art collection, plus reflecting pools and the egg-shaped performing arts center. The official tour pages carry current times and access details.
Ride up to the Corning Tower observation deck on a clear day and the whole capital setting opens up: Capitol stone, plaza marble, agency towers, downtown Albany, and the Hudson Valley beyond them.
Where to see it
New York State Capitol, State Street, Albany. Free walk-in tours weekdays at 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m.; open Mon-Fri 7 a.m.-7 p.m. with security screening at entry. Groups of 10+ call 518-474-2418. The Empire State Plaza and Corning Tower observation deck are next door.