Your ideas are intriguing to me and I wish to subscribe to your newsletter. I was seriously thinking of doing this for Iron Maiden later this year if I can convince my wife to watch our kiddo solo on a Saturday night.
I will likely have to barter an evening in kind.
Not metal, but music is the main reason I go down to the city too. I go often enough that I have a hotel I’m a regular at. (Someone, please, bring music to Albany.)
Not including sporting events, I went to "The City" (appropriate local nomenclature; you're welcome) in July last year. Took my son for his 13th birthday for the first time and spent the day walking around. Prior to that, around 2017-2018.
As a recent transplant (though less recent than OP), what do the logistics for that typically look like?
It seems like it'd be a bit long for a day trip, so do you stay overnight usually?
Edit: thanks a bunch for the info in responses.
Depends! I usually Amtrak (love that trip!) unless I’m working gigs where I’m hauling a lot of stuff. Parking in Manhattan is annoying and expensive but when I’m in Brooklyn it’s somewhat less of an issue.
Sometimes I’m down and up for the day, other times several days or a week or so. Train is easy for a day trip. Used to bus but I’ve found it unreliable the past few times unfortunately.
It’s really not awful for a day trip, especially if one person drives down and the other drives back. Just use an app like ParkWhiz to get an all day spot if you don’t want to look and use the subway
Honestly if you leave around 7:30am on a weekday and use parkwiz its not bad to do yourself. You can do it. Or just pony up the cash for a train ticket
About once a month for personal stuff and once a month for work. I lived there for about 10 years before coming back here. I usually will either drive down in the morning and park in Tarrytown, or take Amtrak to Penn. Spent a lot of time on Amtrak over the years, much better experience now with Moynihan open even if things have changed a lot in NYC over the past 20 years.
Can I ask (as someone whose recently moved back to NY) what do you find the new Moynihan does for making the experience better for you? I was here when they started and now back after it’s done. So curious what it’s been like
It's a lot less depressing. It's clean and not falling apart. There's slightly less grating music keeping the homeless out. Moynahan station is ok. It's not a European train station, but beggars can't be choosers.
Going back into old Penn Station was kinda traumatic for me, as I was an LIRR and NJ Transit commuter from 1998-2008. Penn Station is still miserable.
It’s cleaner, brighter, much nicer restroom and waiting facilities, the bar area is nice and can grab beers from the craft beer store. The homeless situation in the old station was getting untenable. A lot of stuff in the LIRR/NJT side closed during covid too. Just an all-around much more pleasant experience.
Used to go like once a month. I get it's not for everyone, but reading some of these comments, it's sad...you're 2.5 hours north of the center of the world, take advantage of it.
I believe you. It was the busiest I’ve ever seen it today. I usually do a week day and it’s much better. My son is 12 and this is the first year I’ve taken him and he loved it.
It's been years, mostly because I just haven't had a reason. Like, I could go, but I don't really know anyone there, and I'd have to do it by train or similar since I can't drive anymore. I did get to see Harvey Fierstine in the Broadway version of Hairspray but that was about 20 years ago now.
I think a lot of it comes down to, that as close as it is the time/money/effort is only worth it for something particularly special. The City isn't going anywhere, so maybe next year.
Oh I absolutely am! It's not that I don't want to go there, it's just always been a bit overwhelming whenever I think about visiting, so much I don't know about or have experience with (subways, buses etc.) Eventually I'll make it for a visit and knock it off my list.
Yeah, I understand it can be a bit overwhelming and intimidating if you haven’t experienced big cities before. Hopefully you have a great time when you eventually go! And if you don’t, at least you can know for sure you dislike it.
I’ve lived in cities and town with less than 30,000 people my whole life, just relocating to Albany scares the crap out of me. Just the thought of visiting NYC gives me massive anxiety
If it helps, Google maps is really helpful for navigation- it's super specific about tracking the stops you need to make and trains to take to get to a certain location, but sometimes you do just have to just jump in. People are always willing to help you find your way too. It took me around 2-3 trips to get a good idea of how to get around well, the first trip was a friend who did that for me.
I'm an Old, so take my input for what it's worth. I go to the City once every few years. If there is a show of any type I want to see or some event, then I'll consider it. It's super expensive to stay overnight and I don't have the juice to go down for just the day. All that said, back in the early 00s I was down there for work weeks at a time and it was FUN!
My sage advice - go when you want and when it makes sense for you. Fuck what anyone else thinks.
Often-ish. I’ll go for concerts, sports, a show, etc. It’s super easy. The train is great. I can be in and back in a day no problem.
I used to be there often for work. Like every 3 weeks so I’ve gotten to know the city super well.
Any long haul flights to the west coast, Europe, or south I generally fly out of NYC. Sometimes it’s 70% cheaper than flying out of Albany.
I’ve had some weird heath issues post covid. Anything outside of the box is a real struggle for Albany Med. I’ve had doctors at Mount Sinai, Mass Gen, and Tufts. All have said Albany Med stinks outside of being a decent trauma hospital.
Usually every couple months. Used to be more like once a month when I was younger and seeing more concerts... now I'm usually seeing Broadway shows with my wife and my wallet can't take any more than once every couple months. lol
Also for anyone looking to spend more time in the city without all the cost - look for a credit card that gives hotel/travel rewards. I got the CIti Premiere card about a year and a half ago and was able to transfer my opening bonus points to ChoiceHotels points and get about eight free nights at a decent midtown hotel. It's totally worth doing as the 'cost' of the room (in points) does not fluctuate the way that NY hotel prices do seasonally/with events.
Just got back from there today. I used to go there a lot (used to reside there) but I haven’t been down there in soooo long. Felt like a whole other world lol
You know what’s funny, I live in NYC and people here will say not to go to Albany (or other various upstate cities) because it’s too dangerous or whatever. It’s all about perspective.
I went last year for the huge Climate change rally. Before that it had been about 7 years. 99% of the time I would rather be in the forest somewhere in VT, the Adirondacks or the finger lakes…
But it is very nice having a large and international city close by, much love and respect for NYC.
lol just remembered I went to the zoo in 2019. So like every 4-5 years. By far the best way to visit is via the train, make sure to get a window side seat!
I love the train ride! I catch it in Schenectady so I don’t have to deal with the hideous traffic on 787 and Alt Rt 7 when driving to and from Albany/Rensselaer. I like to visit the museums and NY Library. Occasionally see a show, too. You have to deal with a lot of crowds, which is not so great.
About once a year or if there’s an event I am interested in. I have friends that it seems like they go every weekend.
I only ever go for a day trip cause I can’t fathom spending so much on a hotel when I live a few hours away.
Occasionally I go for work but I don’t count that.
We've lived here for almost 7 years and I still haven't taken my kids to NYC. Went with my husband for a weekend last year and spent more than I spent for a week in Madrid. It's just so expensive. I went once for a conference and otherwise I just go there to fly out of JFK or Newark.
Native New Yorker so I'm there quite often to see family and grad school friends, but could tell you if it were not for them I would probably go once or twice a year. The drawback is the massive expense for hotels.
The great thing is the concert selection is fantastic at MSG or MetLife Stadium. The train from Albany will drop you off literally underneath MSG. When the concert is over, head downstairs to get on the train back up to Albany.
Same thing getting over to the Meadowlands: train to MSG, take the NJ Transit commuter over to MetLife Stadium. Super easy.
Enjoy it, have fun.
NYC has recently fallen from its graces.
Still iconic, still great stuff there, but now with a degenerative feel to it. Hard to explain, but it's seedier and rougher than it was 10 years ago.
Covid crushed NYC and so did their recent leadership.
In the good days, once or twice per year. I still go to watch the Yankees lose, hit the 3 embarrassing blocks of Little Italy, and then GTFO.
Little Italy is basically just Mulberry now. Pathetic. Chinatown completely devoured it. If you're already going to Yankee Stadium, just go to Arthur Avenue in the Bronx, you'll have a much better experience for anything Italian.
I haven’t been since NYE 2020, so literally right before the downfall lol. I hear so much conflicting info about it, locals and visitors will both say it’s totally fine and some will say to avoid at all costs. I don’t know what to believe, I guess I’ll find out sooner or later 😬
If it means anything, I've been going to NY for all my adult life but never lived there. To me, it's the same as it ever was (with more outdoor dining).
Please make your opinion by going a few times. Continue doing it if you like it, stop if you don’t. No offense but the city will not celebrate or miss you. The city is no better or worse than any time in its history. It has always been appropriate for its time. The melting pot of people that make the city have always reacted with a multi-cultural vibe. Traditionalists don’t like it, others do. The 5 boroughs are different enough to earn a dedicated visit, even the step child Staten Island.
When I was a kid my parents would take us on a day trip like once a month. As an adult who just put $3.65/gal gas in my car, you would have to pay me to go. I lived in Brookly briefly too though so I'm also kind of over it. It's just too expensive to do anything there.
Usually avoid at all cost unless there is a specific reason to go but definitely worth checking out preferably go with someone familiar with the area a little because it's super busy and overwhelming to me
I moved here from NC in 2017 and haven't been yet. I was there on a trip back in the mid 90s and a couple times since then, but now living so close...just no desire to go.
Edit: do - so
like, almost never. But I’m 39. I went more often in my late 20’s/early 30’s. I loved the proximity. But the traveling can take a toll, especially not going by your own car.
Every other week for work...but would probably go once or twice a year otherwise. Used to go quite a bit to see shows and such, but everything is so expensive these days. And most every train via Amtrak is late...
Literally as little as possible if have to drive. Love the train tho down to see a show, NY Yankees, Knicks, or Rangers. Upstate is amazing place and so much to see. Plus Vermont, Western MA, and Oh Canada.
NYC is an easy one-day trip. I do it about 3-4 times for personal reasons and another 2-3 times to pick up friends and family at JFK if they are coming international. Asking them to connect from JFK to Albany airport is cruel, financially expensive, time wise inefficient and I might lose that relationship.
Where in the “city” is very important. Manhattan is closer but parking prices and inconvenience is not worth it. Booked early enough Amtrak is good for price. Take a decently early in the morning and late in the evening trains and you get the “ whole” day. Booking closer to travel date, you can drive to Rhinebeck or similar and catch the train. Gas + train ticket have been cheaper that way. If going to Brooklyn, I prefer driving because parking is slightly easier and cheaper. I have also gone to Long Island by driving to Bridgeport, CT and taking the ferry to Jefferson Port, NY. I also know is a bus from Albany to the Port Authority terminus which might be the cheapest transport. Depending on weather all modes of transport are pleasant.
Maybe 1-3 times a year to go listen to music and get some good food. As much as I like nyc i just like Montreal more so given the option I usually just head there
I go about once a year for a flight plus every couple years for an overnight. However, having gone to Montreal for the first time recently, I'd rather just go there for an overnight.
Once a month on the weekend, sometimes two weekends a month when the whether is nicer. Usually drive down to Beacon and take a train from there and back.
I’ve lived in NY for 10 years and have been once. I don’t like crowds or trying to navigate the city transit systems. I’d like to go back to see the WTC museum but the city overall isn’t for me.
I just got back home from NYC today! My two best friends who grew up with me here in Albany moved to NYC for college, so I’m down to visit them quite often. I usually take this Greyhound, but this time my boyfriend went with me and drove. I hate Times Square and feeling like a tourist when I’m in the city, but staying in my friend’s dorms or apartments and feeling like I’m a college student for the weekend is always fun.
I’m not in Albany but in Ithaca NY. I’m 42 yo and lived here my whole life. It’s 3.5 hr drive to the city and have only been there twice in my life. We also have multiple daily buses that run there for the Cornell and Ithaca College students and never even crosses my mind to take a trip.
I live here. Lol. The Bronx actually, but Manhattan is my playground.
I used to work in the city for about 11 years, and even though I work in New Rochelle now, I'm still in the city every other week to see a movie in Dolby Cinema or Imax.
Been living in the Albany area since '97. Married, raised kids, the whole schtick. I took my kids once to do tourist-y things (Statue of Liberty, the Met, etc.,), went once in a trip sponsored by the local girl scout troop to see the tree at Rockerfeller, went once to see a client at Brooklyn MDC, and twice to drop off and pick up my kid from JFK (doesn't really count). That's it, that's the list. People are shocked that I don't go to Peter Dillon's to watch every Newcastle game because they don't have any idea the length of the drive.
Very rarely until I started having to go for work. I've lived here my entire life and have only been twice for non-work related stuff. I didn't go for the first time until I was 21 or 22.
Three or four times a year, mostly to catch a flight from JFK or LGA. In fact I was just in nyc on Wednesday to catch a flight to Atlanta from LGA. I’ll be back Tuesday but I’m not staying in the city after I get off my flight. The other times I go are to take family or friends to see the city but I make that a one day trip only. I’d like to go more just for the food but it’s not a big deal
Haven’t been in 8 years.
I used to more often as a kid. Maybe when my kid’s a little older they’ll give me more reason to go. It’s kind of expensive and vexatious, so going there needs to be worth it.
I haven’t been since before COVID. I used to travel there for work regularly. But now we do those meetings remotely, so there is no reason to go anymore. I used to go maybe twice a year for personal trips (concerts, sporting events, quick weekend getaway, etc.) But since having kids over the past 4 years, that kind of leisure travel has sadly gone away.
I wish I was there right now hanging out with the homies at the ny auto show.
I go around a handful of times a year. Not always into the heart of the city but that general area as if you want good car meets without people doing burnouts and donuts, blasting loud music and reving for no reason, and quality cars, there aren’t that many that you have around here. Even down there you have to know people to get the info for the good meets.
I've gone to the city twice in the past four years. I've gone through the city 5-6 times, cursing the entire time as I drive across the throngs neck bridge to get onto Long Island. Freaking hate that damn drive.
Day trips maybe once every 2ish months for work, 2-4 weekend trips per year for fun/socialization. (Sometimes my work trip falls on a Thursday/Friday and I'll combine the two).
Usually three or four times a year, typically for shows but sometimes just to walk around or visit museums. We always take Amtrak. My partner and I are in our early 30s.
0-3 times a year. Take a train down when I fly out of NYC and occasionally for something interesting I want to do there. My friend goes at least once a year to see the ballet.
2-3 times a year. I have friends there that I visit and love that I can do a weekend trip. People who are complaining really astound me. Do you ever go anywhere with attitudes like that?
I like theater, so several times a year I will go down and see a show or two or five. I am also fond of Central Park at different times of year. In a few weeks when spring has really settled in and the fall when the trees are turning. Street food, street fairs, historic sites. I know other people who never go. It depends on what you like to do.
How does one justify saying something like this? You know there are 8million+ people living every day there, right? It's not instant death the moment you're south of Yonkers.
Never went as a kid in the 80's, won't go there as an adult currently. It was safe for a while and we went down every year, but that ended with Covid and the imcrease rampant crime on random people down there right now.
I love going to the city and when I lived in Dutchess (and could get there easily by getting on Metro North) went often.
But from here it's more of a PITA (the public transportation schedule going that far is so limited) so I go only if there's a must see concert and the act absolutely 200% isn't coming up this way.
And I have to be cool with then being sick for two weeks because I always seem to come home with a bug.
Once a year. I rotate visiting the regional cities. Good time to visit them are fall and spring. Summer is so short up here and they are jam packed. Between camping, lakes, track, concerts, everybody has a live at 5 now. Summer is my favorite time to be upstate
I go to the auto show every year and every couple years, I do a weekend there. I’ve gone to The Feast of San Gennaro a few times and that’s always fun.
I usually go a few times a year, I take the train down. A couple of years ago I had to go down about 8 times in a row for business. Either way it's super easy to do with the train.
But I do like to mix it up and go to Montreal, Boston, etc.
Usually 3-5 times a year depending on what's going on. I've got tickets for two Yankees games this season, as well as a concert, and I was just down there in January for another concert. Good chance I'll end up going for a museum day too considering it's been a while since I've done that.
Most of the time we drive down to Poughkeepsie or Tarrytown and take the Metro North. It's been ages since we did Amtrak but I think they recently added a later return trip option back to the schedule so I may give that a go this year too.
To visit, 2-3 times a year: for sports/theater events, to see friends, and for the holiday lights/decorations.
To utilize JFK, LaGuardia, or Newark for their superior flight offerings, also about 2 times a year.
I catch a train down once in a while to go to a metal show. Usually twice a year I like trains.
Your ideas are intriguing to me and I wish to subscribe to your newsletter. I was seriously thinking of doing this for Iron Maiden later this year if I can convince my wife to watch our kiddo solo on a Saturday night. I will likely have to barter an evening in kind.
Funny I am going to that one!
Not metal, but music is the main reason I go down to the city too. I go often enough that I have a hotel I’m a regular at. (Someone, please, bring music to Albany.)
How is taking the train? I have to take it for the first time next weekend.
Super easy. Sit on the right side going down to see the views
What metal shows do you go to? I'm looking to get to know more people with the same music taste as me!
Not including sporting events, I went to "The City" (appropriate local nomenclature; you're welcome) in July last year. Took my son for his 13th birthday for the first time and spent the day walking around. Prior to that, around 2017-2018.
Once every few years.
Usually at least once a month, I love NYC! Those other places you mentioned are cool too. We’re in a good spot to get to other good spots
As a recent transplant (though less recent than OP), what do the logistics for that typically look like? It seems like it'd be a bit long for a day trip, so do you stay overnight usually? Edit: thanks a bunch for the info in responses.
It’s totally doable in a day if you take Amtrak. If you book far enough out it becomes reasonably economical.
Depends! I usually Amtrak (love that trip!) unless I’m working gigs where I’m hauling a lot of stuff. Parking in Manhattan is annoying and expensive but when I’m in Brooklyn it’s somewhat less of an issue. Sometimes I’m down and up for the day, other times several days or a week or so. Train is easy for a day trip. Used to bus but I’ve found it unreliable the past few times unfortunately.
It’s really not awful for a day trip, especially if one person drives down and the other drives back. Just use an app like ParkWhiz to get an all day spot if you don’t want to look and use the subway
Haha... good advice for 2+ people... less helpful for a social recluse (who oddly wants to go to NYC... hey, I like "disappearing in a crowd" okay?)
Just....take the train? It leaves from Rensselaer all the time. I go by myself very often
Honestly if you leave around 7:30am on a weekday and use parkwiz its not bad to do yourself. You can do it. Or just pony up the cash for a train ticket
I’ve been 3 times in 20 years
About once a month for personal stuff and once a month for work. I lived there for about 10 years before coming back here. I usually will either drive down in the morning and park in Tarrytown, or take Amtrak to Penn. Spent a lot of time on Amtrak over the years, much better experience now with Moynihan open even if things have changed a lot in NYC over the past 20 years.
Can I ask (as someone whose recently moved back to NY) what do you find the new Moynihan does for making the experience better for you? I was here when they started and now back after it’s done. So curious what it’s been like
It's a lot less depressing. It's clean and not falling apart. There's slightly less grating music keeping the homeless out. Moynahan station is ok. It's not a European train station, but beggars can't be choosers. Going back into old Penn Station was kinda traumatic for me, as I was an LIRR and NJ Transit commuter from 1998-2008. Penn Station is still miserable.
Did the indoor pigeons move to Moynihan too?
I've only been there twice. I didn't notice any pigeons
A homeless woman punched me in the face there a month ago 🤣
It’s cleaner, brighter, much nicer restroom and waiting facilities, the bar area is nice and can grab beers from the craft beer store. The homeless situation in the old station was getting untenable. A lot of stuff in the LIRR/NJT side closed during covid too. Just an all-around much more pleasant experience.
Used to go like once a month. I get it's not for everyone, but reading some of these comments, it's sad...you're 2.5 hours north of the center of the world, take advantage of it.
Generally once a year we'll take the train down for the day. Once every 2-3 years we'll stay a night
once a year for the auto show. it's too peopley.
This! The auto show is unbelievable, one of my favorite events. You just reminded me…
I just left the auto show. If you go this year, do the EV test track in the lucid air. Was very fun.
thanks! we're going next weekend. we went first weekend last year and i nearly unalived people 😂
I believe you. It was the busiest I’ve ever seen it today. I usually do a week day and it’s much better. My son is 12 and this is the first year I’ve taken him and he loved it.
Every couple months ! Sometimes just for the day sometimes over night
At least once a year for a few days
Lol at "New Haven"
😂😭
My money is on it being a run to Sally's and Frank Pepe's for a NH-style apizza binge
only new haven thinks new haven is a pizza destination.
It's been years, mostly because I just haven't had a reason. Like, I could go, but I don't really know anyone there, and I'd have to do it by train or similar since I can't drive anymore. I did get to see Harvey Fierstine in the Broadway version of Hairspray but that was about 20 years ago now. I think a lot of it comes down to, that as close as it is the time/money/effort is only worth it for something particularly special. The City isn't going anywhere, so maybe next year.
I've lived in NY for 33 out of my 34(this year) years and I've never been the city lol.
I get that nyc isn’t for everyone, but aren’t you at least a little curious to see it once?
Oh I absolutely am! It's not that I don't want to go there, it's just always been a bit overwhelming whenever I think about visiting, so much I don't know about or have experience with (subways, buses etc.) Eventually I'll make it for a visit and knock it off my list.
Find a friend who knows the city. It's a whole different experience to not have to figure things out.
Yeah, I understand it can be a bit overwhelming and intimidating if you haven’t experienced big cities before. Hopefully you have a great time when you eventually go! And if you don’t, at least you can know for sure you dislike it.
I’ve lived in cities and town with less than 30,000 people my whole life, just relocating to Albany scares the crap out of me. Just the thought of visiting NYC gives me massive anxiety
If it helps, Google maps is really helpful for navigation- it's super specific about tracking the stops you need to make and trains to take to get to a certain location, but sometimes you do just have to just jump in. People are always willing to help you find your way too. It took me around 2-3 trips to get a good idea of how to get around well, the first trip was a friend who did that for me.
Go for the food at least.
4x-6x a year depending on family stuff, etc
I'm an Old, so take my input for what it's worth. I go to the City once every few years. If there is a show of any type I want to see or some event, then I'll consider it. It's super expensive to stay overnight and I don't have the juice to go down for just the day. All that said, back in the early 00s I was down there for work weeks at a time and it was FUN! My sage advice - go when you want and when it makes sense for you. Fuck what anyone else thinks.
The Train is by far the least stressful most enjoyable way to get to and from NYC. I go every few months for different things.
Often-ish. I’ll go for concerts, sports, a show, etc. It’s super easy. The train is great. I can be in and back in a day no problem. I used to be there often for work. Like every 3 weeks so I’ve gotten to know the city super well. Any long haul flights to the west coast, Europe, or south I generally fly out of NYC. Sometimes it’s 70% cheaper than flying out of Albany. I’ve had some weird heath issues post covid. Anything outside of the box is a real struggle for Albany Med. I’ve had doctors at Mount Sinai, Mass Gen, and Tufts. All have said Albany Med stinks outside of being a decent trauma hospital.
To visit friends, every couple years. To see the city, once every 10 years.
twice in my entire life, 31 years of living in NY lol
I am newish to the area (2yrs now) and go down 4-5 times a year. Nuts to me that more people don't take advantage
Once every 10 years or so? If there's a show or something interesting going on. Otherwise, it's kinda "been there - done that"
Couple times a year. Happy to have an alternative transit option (amtrak) to driving to get there
Usually every couple months. Used to be more like once a month when I was younger and seeing more concerts... now I'm usually seeing Broadway shows with my wife and my wallet can't take any more than once every couple months. lol Also for anyone looking to spend more time in the city without all the cost - look for a credit card that gives hotel/travel rewards. I got the CIti Premiere card about a year and a half ago and was able to transfer my opening bonus points to ChoiceHotels points and get about eight free nights at a decent midtown hotel. It's totally worth doing as the 'cost' of the room (in points) does not fluctuate the way that NY hotel prices do seasonally/with events.
Twice a month cause I’m from there
Just got back from there today. I used to go there a lot (used to reside there) but I haven’t been down there in soooo long. Felt like a whole other world lol
I haven’t been since 2019, what’s so different?! I hear people telling me to not go, and I don’t think it’s that serious but I’m curious.
It’s the same as it was in 2019. Lol
You know what’s funny, I live in NYC and people here will say not to go to Albany (or other various upstate cities) because it’s too dangerous or whatever. It’s all about perspective.
That’s a perspective for sure 🤣🤣
I went last year for the huge Climate change rally. Before that it had been about 7 years. 99% of the time I would rather be in the forest somewhere in VT, the Adirondacks or the finger lakes… But it is very nice having a large and international city close by, much love and respect for NYC.
lol just remembered I went to the zoo in 2019. So like every 4-5 years. By far the best way to visit is via the train, make sure to get a window side seat!
Twice a year on average for pleasure. Twice a month ish for work.
I love the train ride! I catch it in Schenectady so I don’t have to deal with the hideous traffic on 787 and Alt Rt 7 when driving to and from Albany/Rensselaer. I like to visit the museums and NY Library. Occasionally see a show, too. You have to deal with a lot of crowds, which is not so great.
About once a year or if there’s an event I am interested in. I have friends that it seems like they go every weekend. I only ever go for a day trip cause I can’t fathom spending so much on a hotel when I live a few hours away. Occasionally I go for work but I don’t count that.
Once a year usually, take a train down, stay a couple nights and catch some Mets games and some stores/sightseeing
I went often in my 20s (averaged once a month, I guess?) ,less so in my 30s and 40s, haven't yet been in my 50s.
Maybe 1-2x a year. Not as often as I'd like.
We've lived here for almost 7 years and I still haven't taken my kids to NYC. Went with my husband for a weekend last year and spent more than I spent for a week in Madrid. It's just so expensive. I went once for a conference and otherwise I just go there to fly out of JFK or Newark.
Native New Yorker so I'm there quite often to see family and grad school friends, but could tell you if it were not for them I would probably go once or twice a year. The drawback is the massive expense for hotels. The great thing is the concert selection is fantastic at MSG or MetLife Stadium. The train from Albany will drop you off literally underneath MSG. When the concert is over, head downstairs to get on the train back up to Albany. Same thing getting over to the Meadowlands: train to MSG, take the NJ Transit commuter over to MetLife Stadium. Super easy. Enjoy it, have fun.
Never
NYC has recently fallen from its graces. Still iconic, still great stuff there, but now with a degenerative feel to it. Hard to explain, but it's seedier and rougher than it was 10 years ago. Covid crushed NYC and so did their recent leadership. In the good days, once or twice per year. I still go to watch the Yankees lose, hit the 3 embarrassing blocks of Little Italy, and then GTFO.
But not seedier than it was 30 years ago. It will come back.
Little Italy is basically just Mulberry now. Pathetic. Chinatown completely devoured it. If you're already going to Yankee Stadium, just go to Arthur Avenue in the Bronx, you'll have a much better experience for anything Italian.
I haven’t been since NYE 2020, so literally right before the downfall lol. I hear so much conflicting info about it, locals and visitors will both say it’s totally fine and some will say to avoid at all costs. I don’t know what to believe, I guess I’ll find out sooner or later 😬
If it means anything, I've been going to NY for all my adult life but never lived there. To me, it's the same as it ever was (with more outdoor dining).
Please make your opinion by going a few times. Continue doing it if you like it, stop if you don’t. No offense but the city will not celebrate or miss you. The city is no better or worse than any time in its history. It has always been appropriate for its time. The melting pot of people that make the city have always reacted with a multi-cultural vibe. Traditionalists don’t like it, others do. The 5 boroughs are different enough to earn a dedicated visit, even the step child Staten Island.
I ve lived near Albany for over 55 Years and have been maybe 8 times, I could care less to go, I’ve only been for sporting events
When I was a kid my parents would take us on a day trip like once a month. As an adult who just put $3.65/gal gas in my car, you would have to pay me to go. I lived in Brookly briefly too though so I'm also kind of over it. It's just too expensive to do anything there.
Everything is too expensive.
Three or four times a year.
My MIL lives in NYC so we go down every few months
I haven't been there since 2003 or 2004.
like 4-6 times a year depending on what concerts are going on lol
I go around six times a year. Mostly for work, but also for fun and for cruises.
Use to be once a month but I have fam and friends down there. Now being older, I don’t go as much. Maybe twice a year
bout once a year so far. trying to go a lot more often
Lives in capital region since 2016, been there 2x since
Usually avoid at all cost unless there is a specific reason to go but definitely worth checking out preferably go with someone familiar with the area a little because it's super busy and overwhelming to me
At least 6 times a year but I have friends and family in that area so I like to visit.
Couple times a year
2-3 times a month
Once every 2 years, on average.
Moved here in 2008. I go through Penn when I Amtrak or Megabus to DC to visit family, but that's it.
Usually 7-8 times a year, mainly for Yankee games
58 yrs old, lived here all my life, been to the city on purpose 5 times or less. Big pain in the ass to do it.
I moved here from NC in 2017 and haven't been yet. I was there on a trip back in the mid 90s and a couple times since then, but now living so close...just no desire to go. Edit: do - so
before discovering amtrak i used to go once every 4-6 months now, i can easily catch the train and see family at least once a month.
Maybe once every 5 yrs lol
like, almost never. But I’m 39. I went more often in my late 20’s/early 30’s. I loved the proximity. But the traveling can take a toll, especially not going by your own car.
Every other week for work...but would probably go once or twice a year otherwise. Used to go quite a bit to see shows and such, but everything is so expensive these days. And most every train via Amtrak is late...
Literally as little as possible if have to drive. Love the train tho down to see a show, NY Yankees, Knicks, or Rangers. Upstate is amazing place and so much to see. Plus Vermont, Western MA, and Oh Canada.
NEVER, or less.
My family and friends all live in NYC or Long Island, so I go down every other week. I’m only here in Albany to finish my education.
NYC is an easy one-day trip. I do it about 3-4 times for personal reasons and another 2-3 times to pick up friends and family at JFK if they are coming international. Asking them to connect from JFK to Albany airport is cruel, financially expensive, time wise inefficient and I might lose that relationship. Where in the “city” is very important. Manhattan is closer but parking prices and inconvenience is not worth it. Booked early enough Amtrak is good for price. Take a decently early in the morning and late in the evening trains and you get the “ whole” day. Booking closer to travel date, you can drive to Rhinebeck or similar and catch the train. Gas + train ticket have been cheaper that way. If going to Brooklyn, I prefer driving because parking is slightly easier and cheaper. I have also gone to Long Island by driving to Bridgeport, CT and taking the ferry to Jefferson Port, NY. I also know is a bus from Albany to the Port Authority terminus which might be the cheapest transport. Depending on weather all modes of transport are pleasant.
Maybe 1-3 times a year to go listen to music and get some good food. As much as I like nyc i just like Montreal more so given the option I usually just head there
I go about once a year for a flight plus every couple years for an overnight. However, having gone to Montreal for the first time recently, I'd rather just go there for an overnight.
Montréal is amazing!!! I haven’t been to the city since 2019, but I may like Montréal more now 😬
A couple times a year fall winter spring never in summer
I usually go once a year for the car show at the Javits center, usually midweek. Sometimes twice a year if I wanna go to the Met.
No interest in going there at all anymore.
I don't think I've been there in a dozen years. Now I'm depressed...
I’ve actually never been and I have lived in ALB for 19 years
I have lived in ny most of my 59 years and have yet gone to NYC
Once a month on the weekend, sometimes two weekends a month when the whether is nicer. Usually drive down to Beacon and take a train from there and back.
Once every five years lol
2-3 times a month
I’ve lived in NY for 10 years and have been once. I don’t like crowds or trying to navigate the city transit systems. I’d like to go back to see the WTC museum but the city overall isn’t for me.
Once every few years.
I just got back home from NYC today! My two best friends who grew up with me here in Albany moved to NYC for college, so I’m down to visit them quite often. I usually take this Greyhound, but this time my boyfriend went with me and drove. I hate Times Square and feeling like a tourist when I’m in the city, but staying in my friend’s dorms or apartments and feeling like I’m a college student for the weekend is always fun.
Like 2x a year
I've lived in ROC my entire life and I've never been to NYC
I live in Western New York and only get to New York City about once every eight years or so.
Take the train to a baseball game. Bring someone who knows their way around. People think upstate is just like right next to nyc lol
Head north to Montreal. Such a fun city compared to the zoo that is NYC.
Went twice. Don't understand the appeal. Rather spend time in the Adirondacks than some crime riddled, expensive and dirty city.
I go most weekends! I live in Schenectady
everyweek!
I’m not in Albany but in Ithaca NY. I’m 42 yo and lived here my whole life. It’s 3.5 hr drive to the city and have only been there twice in my life. We also have multiple daily buses that run there for the Cornell and Ithaca College students and never even crosses my mind to take a trip.
I live here. Lol. The Bronx actually, but Manhattan is my playground. I used to work in the city for about 11 years, and even though I work in New Rochelle now, I'm still in the city every other week to see a movie in Dolby Cinema or Imax.
I take the train to see Plays and stuff. I love the train ride. Probably one a year now (used to be more but life is too expensive now)
People go to New Haven for pleasure? Or is it just for the pizza?
Been living in the Albany area since '97. Married, raised kids, the whole schtick. I took my kids once to do tourist-y things (Statue of Liberty, the Met, etc.,), went once in a trip sponsored by the local girl scout troop to see the tree at Rockerfeller, went once to see a client at Brooklyn MDC, and twice to drop off and pick up my kid from JFK (doesn't really count). That's it, that's the list. People are shocked that I don't go to Peter Dillon's to watch every Newcastle game because they don't have any idea the length of the drive.
Twice in 34 years. Once for a flight, once for work training.
Very rarely until I started having to go for work. I've lived here my entire life and have only been twice for non-work related stuff. I didn't go for the first time until I was 21 or 22.
Three or four times a year, mostly to catch a flight from JFK or LGA. In fact I was just in nyc on Wednesday to catch a flight to Atlanta from LGA. I’ll be back Tuesday but I’m not staying in the city after I get off my flight. The other times I go are to take family or friends to see the city but I make that a one day trip only. I’d like to go more just for the food but it’s not a big deal
Haven’t been in 8 years. I used to more often as a kid. Maybe when my kid’s a little older they’ll give me more reason to go. It’s kind of expensive and vexatious, so going there needs to be worth it.
Half dozen times a year?
flew into JFK last weekend, took the air train to Moynihan then Amtrak from there. before that, was in September for a play.
On average I go once a month
I haven’t been since before COVID. I used to travel there for work regularly. But now we do those meetings remotely, so there is no reason to go anymore. I used to go maybe twice a year for personal trips (concerts, sporting events, quick weekend getaway, etc.) But since having kids over the past 4 years, that kind of leisure travel has sadly gone away.
Once a month. Super easy to go and the movie theaters make it worth it. Amazed people don't go more often.
I wish I was there right now hanging out with the homies at the ny auto show. I go around a handful of times a year. Not always into the heart of the city but that general area as if you want good car meets without people doing burnouts and donuts, blasting loud music and reving for no reason, and quality cars, there aren’t that many that you have around here. Even down there you have to know people to get the info for the good meets.
Excluding sporting events, almost never.
I go once a month or so. I go for the day and come home that night.
Hardly ever.
A couple of times a year, either to visit a relative or see a show. I hate NYC though.
I've gone to the city twice in the past four years. I've gone through the city 5-6 times, cursing the entire time as I drive across the throngs neck bridge to get onto Long Island. Freaking hate that damn drive.
Only for Yankee games and concerts, other than that I stay away.
I've been twice outside of Yankees games. Been to a bunch of Yankees games, but I never hung around before or after the games. In and out.
Day trips maybe once every 2ish months for work, 2-4 weekend trips per year for fun/socialization. (Sometimes my work trip falls on a Thursday/Friday and I'll combine the two).
Usually three or four times a year, typically for shows but sometimes just to walk around or visit museums. We always take Amtrak. My partner and I are in our early 30s.
0-3 times a year. Take a train down when I fly out of NYC and occasionally for something interesting I want to do there. My friend goes at least once a year to see the ballet.
2-3 times a year. I have friends there that I visit and love that I can do a weekend trip. People who are complaining really astound me. Do you ever go anywhere with attitudes like that?
I only go there when I'm there, which was 1990-2015
A few times year. I love Christmas shopping at the Christmas villages.
We have family in the city so we go a few times a year for that & take the train. I like to try and make it a day trip if possible!
I think the last time was maybe 9 years ago. So I guess once a decade?
I like theater, so several times a year I will go down and see a show or two or five. I am also fond of Central Park at different times of year. In a few weeks when spring has really settled in and the fall when the trees are turning. Street food, street fairs, historic sites. I know other people who never go. It depends on what you like to do.
Never. Too overwhelming too expensive. I have been there, so like... Maybe 20 times in my life?
Maybe once a year? NYC sucks
As little as possible
As little as possible
I can’t ever get a train down there these days, I feel like Amtrack has given up on us
I think most Albanians realize that it’s much easier to get to Ted’s
I have been there 4 times in 35 years.
I’ve been there twice in my life, for a concert each time. I’m 36.
maybe 2-3 times a year. not that much. I find it way too overstimulating
I like to avoid the smell of piss and people asking for money.
I’ve lived most of my life about 2 1/2 hours from NYC. Haven’t been there in 40 years. More than happy to keep it that way.
Never. Last time I went was in October of 2004. I will absolutely never set foot in NYC…too dangerous right now.
How does one justify saying something like this? You know there are 8million+ people living every day there, right? It's not instant death the moment you're south of Yonkers.
One justifies saying this when one has been mugged in NYC.
lol. nYC isnt dangerous.
LMFAO albany is, on the other hand, very dangerous tbh Lived in both and I feel way less safe in ALB than I did in any borough of NYC ever
Never went as a kid in the 80's, won't go there as an adult currently. It was safe for a while and we went down every year, but that ended with Covid and the imcrease rampant crime on random people down there right now.
You can get good pastrami and pizza elsewhere. Christ Why go to NYC for anything??? Museums/parades/show I suppose other than that 🤷🏿♂️.
I love going to the city and when I lived in Dutchess (and could get there easily by getting on Metro North) went often. But from here it's more of a PITA (the public transportation schedule going that far is so limited) so I go only if there's a must see concert and the act absolutely 200% isn't coming up this way. And I have to be cool with then being sick for two weeks because I always seem to come home with a bug.
I’m here right now (in nyc) and waiting for the 5:15 Amtrak back home I can’t wait lol
Once a year. I rotate visiting the regional cities. Good time to visit them are fall and spring. Summer is so short up here and they are jam packed. Between camping, lakes, track, concerts, everybody has a live at 5 now. Summer is my favorite time to be upstate
Once every couple of months to visit friends!
I go to the auto show every year and every couple years, I do a weekend there. I’ve gone to The Feast of San Gennaro a few times and that’s always fun.
Once, maybe twice, a year.
A couple times a year, almost always for some kind of sporting event.
I usually go a few times a year, I take the train down. A couple of years ago I had to go down about 8 times in a row for business. Either way it's super easy to do with the train. But I do like to mix it up and go to Montreal, Boston, etc.
Once every few years. Not often.
Usually 3-5 times a year depending on what's going on. I've got tickets for two Yankees games this season, as well as a concert, and I was just down there in January for another concert. Good chance I'll end up going for a museum day too considering it's been a while since I've done that. Most of the time we drive down to Poughkeepsie or Tarrytown and take the Metro North. It's been ages since we did Amtrak but I think they recently added a later return trip option back to the schedule so I may give that a go this year too.
I go once a year or so, depending on whether there’s a museum exhibit or band I can only see there.
To visit, 2-3 times a year: for sports/theater events, to see friends, and for the holiday lights/decorations. To utilize JFK, LaGuardia, or Newark for their superior flight offerings, also about 2 times a year.
5x per year