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Getting around Albany and the Capital Region entirely depends on where you are staying and what you want to see. If you plan on spending most of your time within the city of Albany, most downtown sights are within walking distance of each other. Many sights outside of downtown and even outside of the city of Albany can be reached by the public bus system, the CDTA. CDTA fares are $1.50 each way or $4 per day, no matter the distance traveled, and can be paid in $1.50 notes, coins or with prepaid cards of various denominations.
If you are traveling to Saratoga Springs or the Adirondacks, however, renting a car would probably be easier. Having access to a car is helpful in this region - The area is served by an efficient auto infrastructure, and traffic is not often encountered except during rush hour.
Lark Street has a number of nice gift shops and other unique stores, and is a perfect spot to pick up souvenirs or interesting artifacts...It is considered Albany's cultural melting pot, but it might have been on the stove a bit too long.
Crossgates Mall also offers the usual American consumer goods, so help the economy by maxing out your credit cards there. Beware of skateboard wielding vandals who like to play bumper cars with the senior citizens. There is a Regal Cinemas complex with 17 standard stadium-seating theaters and one IMAX Experience theater. Key stores include Borders, Macys, JC Pennys, FYE and Best Buy. Key restaurants include UNO Pizzaria, Johnny Rockets, Friendly's, Sbarros and a food court.
Colonie Center was recently remodelled as the upscale alternative to Crossgates Mall. The center has a newer Regal Cinemas complex with 13 stadium-seating theaters. Throughout the new center you'll find living room-style lounges with fireplaces and sofas. It also has a Macys, FYE as well as Boscovs, Sears, LL Bean, Barnes & Noble and Christmas Tree Shoppe. Key restaurants include Cheesecake Factory, PF Changs and a food court.
Generally, Colonie Center is less crowded than Crossgates, as Crossgates has two direct bus routes from downtown Albany going into it plus a route from Troy and a direct route from SUNY Albany campus. Colonie Center has a single bus route that hits it less frequently than Crossgate's routes. Crossgates is more popular with residents who ride the bus (including college students and high schoolers) than those who have to drive.
There are plenty of stores and restaurants up and down Wolf Road, including Red Lobster, Olive Garden, Macaroni Grill, Fuddruckers, Capital Chinese Buffet and Toys R Us.
A decent downtown scene has developed over the past few years. Albany's serious drinking scene congregates around two downtown streets and around the city's colleges. Never wear open-toed shoes or sandals, as you will likely have to step over some lightweight freshman's vomit while crossing the street.
The best place to barhop is probably Lark Street, where more than a dozen bars from cocktail lounges and dives are crowded between Ontario Street and Central Avenue. Good bets include:
Pearl Street is another good place to go out. Closer to the large state offices, these bars draw a large after-work crowd, and after the Thursday afternoon waterfront concerts in the summer - Alive at 5 - these places can be pretty busy
Some places of interest:
For the College Crowd: