For the first time visitor to Albany, there are two ways to get a wonderful view of the town.  The observation deck at the Corning Tower  in the Empire State Plaza is on the 42nd floor, and gives great views of downtown Albany, the Hudson River and the hills around Albany.  It is free too, and is a good start to a visit to the State Museum, the plaza itself, and the New York State Capitol Building.  Be aware that photo ID is required of everyone 16 years and older.  From anywhere in Albany it is hard to miss the Corning Tower, which is the highest building in Albany.  For parking information, see http://www.ogs.state.ny.us/visiting/c...

But there is another way to see the area, which on a clear day even gives distant views of the Adirondacks, Green Mountains, etc. that circle the Albany basin.  John Boyd Thacher State Park is on a ledge in the nearby Helderbergs, with a wonderful  easy walk all around the top of the Escarpment.   Although the park itself has a small fee for day use, there is a free viewing parking lot which allows a short visit with the best views, even from the car.   But pay the small fee (tollbooth in the picnic area at the other end of the park) and enjoy not only the great top of the escarpment views, but the Indian Ladder Trail below it (bring shoes with some good soles for this trail) for the more adventuresome.  This trail requires that you climb about 3 flights of stairs.  The picnic tables nestled in trees with green grass around will tempt you to a picnic so grab some lunch before you go.  But don't forget a camera.  Park  located on Route 157 off route 85, just a short 15 miles south of Albany.