Empire State Plaza Visitor Center & Gift Shop — Local services in City of Albany

Over the summer, I had the pleasure of taking my 7-year-old goddaughter on the New York State Capitol Tour, hosted by the Empire State Plaza Visitor Center & Gift Shop. Despite her usual dislike for walking, she made it through the entire experience—and thoroughly enjoyed herself!

The tour was informative and engaging, offering a rich dive into New York’s political and architectural history. A highlight was visiting the Senate chambers—an area you can’t just walk into like you might assume. Coming from Baltimore, where access to such spaces typically requires formal approval, it was a unique and memorable opportunity.

The Capitol building itself is stunning. The craftsmanship, stained glass, and historical details left us both in awe. I recommend arriving with a full stomach—the tour includes approximately 40 minutes of walking, and there are limited spots to sit. Comfortable shoes are also a must!

Whether you're a local or just visiting, this is a wonderful way to explore history and civic life in a truly...

I drove my car there. Visitors should park in the P3 parking lot. Parking fees are waived if the parking duration does not exceed 90 minutes. After taking the elevator to the lobby floor, the gift shop is located on the left-hand side at the concourse level. Since the indicators were unclear, I asked for directions and found everyone to be very kind-hearted in assisting me. The clerk was very friendly, and my online order was carefully wrapped and placed in a paper bag with the...

Tour's of the capital building meet here so it's easy to find someone who knows a lot about the history of Albany. They have a good selection of souvenirs at a reasonable price. The staff were very friendly. They held my purchases while I was on my tour and allowed me to come back and...