Albany Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Albany.
Healthcare System
Albany operates within the U.S. healthcare system, which is primarily private and insurance-based. Healthcare facilities are modern and of excellent quality, but services can be extremely expensive for those without insurance. Emergency rooms must treat patients regardless of ability to pay, but bills will be issued afterward.
Hospitals
Albany Medical Center (43 New Scotland Ave) is the primary hospital and trauma center. St. Peter's Hospital (315 South Manning Blvd) is another major facility. Multiple urgent care centers are available for non-emergency situations, including Albany Med Express Care locations throughout the city, which are more affordable than emergency rooms for minor issues.
Pharmacies
Major pharmacy chains include CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid, with multiple 24-hour locations. Many common medications available over-the-counter internationally may require prescriptions in the U.S. Pharmacists can provide advice on over-the-counter alternatives for minor ailments.
Insurance
Travel health insurance is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED for all international visitors and essential for those from countries without reciprocal healthcare agreements with the U.S. Medical costs can be extraordinarily high - a simple emergency room visit can cost $1,000-$3,000+, and serious treatment can reach tens of thousands of dollars.
Healthcare Tips
- Always carry your insurance card and identification; hospitals will ask for insurance information before treatment for non-emergencies
- For minor issues, use urgent care facilities ($100-200) rather than emergency rooms ($1,000+) to save significantly on costs
- Prescription medications should be kept in original containers with labels; bring copies of prescriptions in case you need refills
- CVS MinuteClinic and similar walk-in clinics at pharmacies can treat minor conditions for $89-139 without appointment
- If uninsured, ask about self-pay discounts and payment plans before receiving treatment when possible
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Car break-ins and theft from vehicles are the most common property crimes affecting visitors, particularly those with out-of-state plates or rental cars. Thieves target vehicles with visible valuables, luggage, or GPS devices.
Pickpocketing is relatively uncommon in Albany compared to larger cities, but opportunistic theft can occur in crowded areas, at events, or in busy restaurants and bars. Bag snatching is rare but possible.
Albany experiences harsh winters with significant snowfall (average 60+ inches), ice storms, and temperatures often below freezing from December through March. Visitors unfamiliar with winter driving or walking on ice face risks of accidents, slips, and cold-related injuries.
Theft from hotel rooms is uncommon but can occur. More common are thefts of opportunity when doors are left propped open or items left unattended in lobbies or fitness centers.
Albany has a visible homeless population, and visitors may encounter panhandlers, particularly downtown. While most interactions are harmless, occasionally individuals may be persistent or make tourists uncomfortable.
Albany's road system can be confusing with many one-way streets, aggressive local drivers, and poorly marked intersections. The I-87/I-90 interchange is particularly complex. Pedestrian accidents occur when visitors are unfamiliar with traffic patterns.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Scammers place fake parking tickets on cars that look official but direct payment to fraudulent websites or phone numbers. They prey on out-of-state visitors who are unfamiliar with local parking enforcement procedures.
Unlicensed taxi drivers at Albany International Airport or bus stations offer rides at inflated prices or take circuitous routes to increase fares. Some refuse to use meters.
Fake hotel booking websites or phone calls claiming to be from your hotel asking to 'verify' credit card information. Some scammers create listings for non-existent properties near popular venues during events.
Individuals approach tourists claiming to collect for local charities, youth programs, or to be deaf/mute selling trinkets or cards. They may carry official-looking clipboards or ID badges.
Devices are attached to ATMs to capture card information and PIN codes. While not extremely common in Albany, it occurs periodically, particularly at standalone ATMs in convenience stores or less-monitored locations.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Downtown and Walking Safety
- Downtown Albany is generally safe during business hours but quiets significantly after 6-7 PM on weekdays; stick to well-lit main streets in evening
- The Lark Street area (restaurant/bar district) is active and safe in evenings, especially on weekends
- Use the CDTA bus system (Capital District Transportation Authority) for safe evening transportation; buses run until late evening on main routes
- Walk confidently and stay aware of your surroundings; avoid using phones while walking in less busy areas
- The Empire State Plaza is patrolled by State Police and is very safe during the day; it's largely empty after dark except during events
Transportation Safety
- Albany's public bus system (CDTA) is safe and reliable; download the CDTA Navigator app for real-time tracking
- Taxis and ride-sharing (Uber/Lyft) are readily available and safe; always verify vehicle and driver match app before entering
- If renting a car, be aware of aggressive driving on I-87 and I-90; local drivers often exceed speed limits
- Parking enforcement is strict downtown; read all parking signs carefully to avoid tickets
- The Albany International Airport is small and easy to navigate; allow 90 minutes before domestic flights, 2+ hours for international
- Amtrak train station is in safe area but somewhat isolated; use taxi or ride-share for transport to/from station
Accommodation Safety
- Downtown hotels near the Capitol and Empire State Plaza are in the safest, most convenient area for tourists
- Hotels along Wolf Road (near airport) are safe but require a car; this area is primarily commercial with limited walkability
- Always use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and valuable electronics
- Verify identity of anyone claiming to be hotel staff before opening door; call front desk if uncertain
- Book hotels through reputable platforms; be wary of deals that seem too good to be true
- Check recent reviews on multiple platforms before booking, paying attention to comments about safety and cleanliness
Money and Valuables
- Credit cards are widely accepted everywhere; carrying large amounts of cash is unnecessary and risky
- Notify your bank of travel dates to prevent card blocks; have backup payment methods
- Use ATMs inside banks during business hours when possible; avoid standalone ATMs in isolated locations
- Tipping is expected in the U.S.: 15-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, $2-5 per bag for hotel porters
- Keep photocopies or digital copies of important documents separate from originals
- Don't leave bags or valuables unattended, even briefly, in restaurants or public spaces
Health and Wellness
- Tap water in Albany is safe to drink and meets all federal standards
- Restaurants are inspected regularly; check Albany County Health Department ratings online if concerned
- Pollen allergies can be severe in spring (April-May); bring antihistamines if sensitive
- Lyme disease from ticks is present in the region; use insect repellent if hiking, check for ticks afterward
- Air quality is generally good, but summer ozone alerts occasionally occur; check AirNow.gov if you have respiratory conditions
- Pharmacies can help with minor ailments; pharmacists can recommend over-the-counter treatments
Cultural Awareness
- Albany is a diverse, politically liberal city with a welcoming attitude toward visitors from all backgrounds
- English is the primary language; Spanish is widely spoken in some neighborhoods and businesses
- Smoking is prohibited in all indoor public spaces, restaurants, and bars; designated outdoor areas only
- Albany observes all major U.S. holidays; government buildings and many businesses close on federal holidays
- Tipping culture is strong; servers, bartenders, taxi drivers, and hotel staff expect tips
- The legal drinking age is 21; ID will be checked; the legal cannabis age is also 21 with licensed dispensaries in the area
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Albany is generally safe for women travelers, including solo female visitors. The city is accustomed to business travelers and tourists of all genders. Women hold prominent positions in local government and business. Standard urban precautions apply, but women should not feel unsafe exploring Albany's main tourist areas. Harassment is uncommon but can occur, particularly in bar districts late at night.
- Downtown and tourist areas are safe for solo women during daytime; Lark Street restaurant district is active and safe in evenings
- Use ride-sharing or taxis rather than walking alone late at night, particularly in quiet areas
- Trust your instincts; if a situation feels uncomfortable, leave and seek a public space or business
- Hotel staff are professional; it's safe to travel alone and stay in hotels without concerns
- The Lark Street and Pearl Street bar areas can get rowdy on weekend nights; be aware of your drink and surroundings
- Jogging alone is common and generally safe in popular areas like Washington Park during daylight hours; use populated, well-lit routes
- If you experience harassment, Albany police take such reports seriously; don't hesitate to call 911 if you feel threatened
- Women-only facilities like gyms and co-working spaces are available if you prefer those environments
- Business attire and casual wear are both normal; dress however you're comfortable without concern for unwanted attention
LGBTQ+ Travelers
New York State has comprehensive LGBTQ+ protections including marriage equality, anti-discrimination laws in employment and housing, and legal gender marker changes. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2011. Albany and New York State are among the most LGBTQ+-friendly jurisdictions in the United States.
- Albany holds an annual Pride parade and festival in June with strong community participation and support
- Lark Street has several LGBTQ+-friendly bars and restaurants; Rocks, Waterworks Pub, and others are welcoming establishments
- The Capital Region Pride Center (332 Hudson Avenue) offers resources, events, and community connections
- Hotels and businesses throughout Albany are welcoming to LGBTQ+ travelers; discrimination is illegal and rare
- While Albany is generally safe, use same caution with public displays of affection as any couple would in unfamiliar areas
- Healthcare providers in Albany are accustomed to serving LGBTQ+ patients; Albany Medical Center has LGBTQ+ health services
- The surrounding Capital District (including Troy and Schenectady) is also LGBTQ+-friendly
- Gender-neutral restrooms are increasingly common in public buildings, restaurants, and venues
- If you experience discrimination, report it to the New York State Division of Human Rights at (888) 392-3644
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for all visitors to Albany, and absolutely essential for international travelers. Medical costs in the United States are among the highest in the world, and a single emergency room visit or hospital stay can cost thousands to tens of thousands of dollars. Trip cancellation due to winter weather is also a real possibility during November-March. Unlike many countries, the U.S. has no universal healthcare system, and visitors will be billed full price for medical services.
Travel insurance for adventurous travelers • Coverage in 200+ countries