Day trip to Troy from Albany
Troy is 10 miles across the river and has become the region's most convincing revival story — a Saturday farmers market, brick 19th-century streets, and better coffee than Albany.
Troy Waterfront Farmers Market crowd
Getting there
Drive 15 minutes across the Hudson via the Menands Bridge or I-787. CDTA bus 22 or 85 from downtown Albany runs every 15 minutes for $1.50 and drops you at Monument Square. Park at the Uncle Sam Atrium garage ($3 for 3 hours) if you drive.
What to do
Saturday mornings from 9am to 1pm the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market takes over River Street year-round — outdoors May through October, indoors at the Atrium the rest of the year. Any day, walk River Street and Monument Square for the cast-iron architecture. The Rensselaer County Historical Society ($5) and Emma Willard School's campus (free) are quick stops.
Where to eat
Coffee at Superior Merchandise Co. or Little Pecks. Lunch at Sweet Sue's for pancakes any hour ($12) or Ali Baba's for kebabs ($14). Dinner at Donna's Italian on Broadway ($24 mains) or Peck's Arcade for a tasting menu ($75). Beer at Rare Form Brewing on 4th Street.
Frequently asked questions
What people ask before they set off on this one.
The downtown core around Monument Square, River Street, and 2nd Street is safe day and evening. North Central Troy, further from downtown, is not a tourist area.
Yes. It's one of the best in New York State, with 80-plus vendors and prepared food from local restaurants.
Absolutely — many locals live in one and eat in the other. Half a day each works.
Restaurants and coffee are about the same. Hotels are limited; the Hilton Garden Inn on 1st Street is basically the only option and runs $150 to $180.
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