In the mid-1800s, commerce was king on the Willamette and Calapooia rivers, where countless riverboats shuttled crops and food between the likes of Corvallis, Salem, and Portland. Arguably, the heart of this thriving industry was the city of Albany—which sat at the confluence of the two waterways and boasted five of its own vessels that shipped provisions across the Willamette Valley.
Shipping traffic has slowed considerably in the decades since, but Albany—named for the state capital of New York—retains much of its historic charm and has shifted its focus to more community-minded offerings for modern-day travelers. That means you’ll enjoy fresh, locally sourced fare at a number of homegrown restaurants, get a front-row seat to Albany’s past in its four historic districts, and go shopping in the city’s bustling downtown.
Here’s your guide to fun stops, bites, attractions, and more around downtown Albany.
Get a feel for the city’s rich past with a self-guided tour of Albany’s four historic districts—which are collectively home to more than 800 buildings, some of which date back to the 1840s. That represents the most diverse lineup of architectural styles anywhere in Oregon.
The Monteith District, for instance, is home to the Monteith House Museum (filled with furniture from the mid-1800s), churches adorned with original stained glass windows, and the Cathey House—nicknamed "the White House" for its resemblance to the famous building in Washington, D.C.
Learn more about the districts, and start your self-guided tour with the Albany Visitors Association's Albany Explorer mobile app. And if the timing works, you can sign up for some of the historic home tours offered in summer and over the winter holiday season.
Bring an appetite to Albany, where numerous restaurants source fresh ingredients from nearby farms and serve them up in flavorful dishes all day long.
Start your day with upscale takes on down-home breakfast and lunch classics at Brick & Mortar Cafe—dishing omelets, Benedicts, crepes, sandwiches, and other items inside a brick-lined dining room.
A few blocks away, the elegant Sybaris Bistro has earned national acclaim for its seasonal takes on Pacific Northwest dishes. Sybaris is led by Matt Bennett, a James Beard Award-nominated chef who prides himself on pairing the restaurant's ever-changing menu with an outstanding wine selection.
For something a bit more casual, the upbeat Greyhound Tavern offers a fun night out with wood-fired pizza, a handful of old-school arcade games, a full bar, and a packed calendar of boisterous events—like line dancing, karaoke, '80s dance parties, and live music.
Getting hungry? Learn all about the culinary experiences, farmers markets, and great restaurants in Albany, Oregon. And if you’re looking to try the region’s celebrated wine, check out our guide to wineries and tasting rooms in Albany and the nearby city of Salem.
Albany is home to a thriving vintage and antique scene—where more than a dozen local retailers run thrift stores, charming markets, and antique shops around downtown.
Start your search for old-school cool at the Albany Antique Mall, which showcases two jam-packed floors of heirlooms, collectibles, and clothing from more than 100 vendor booths. Newer to the scene is Stay Awhile Vintage Mercantile, which opened in 2023 and features antiques that span decades—including crystal stemware, farmhouse decor, and retro fashions.
Perhaps there is no more beloved local family attraction than the Historic Carousel & Museum—where kids and kids at heart can ride more than 40 hand-painted and hand-carved creatures, including a giraffe, a zebra, a frog, and a unicorn.
Another fun stop is Talking Water Gardens—where a water treatment wetland has been reimagined as a thoughtful, educational outing. There, more than two miles of trails head past native oak trees and through a serene wetland while explaining the water treatment process, detailing the site's role in that effort, and showcasing local wildlife—including turtles, mink, and great blue herons.
Stock up on your favorite tunes at Rainbow Records, which first opened in 1986 and has since grown its offerings to include vinyl, CDs, cassettes, T-shirts, and gifts; the store's expansive selection includes a crowd-pleasing mix of classic records and new releases.
Looking for the latest fashions? Emma Downtown specializes in women's clothing, purses, jewelry, home decor items, and other trendy accessories; the boutique even offers a fitting-room reservation tool where you can select clothing items that catch your eye—and reserve a fitting room for when you'd like to try them on.
Nearby, Krafty Mary sells a mix of hand-made and hand-selected glassware, stationary items, stickers, phone accessories, and other fun trinkets.
Getting inspired? Start planning your getaway today—and learn about hotels, campgrounds, and RV parks around Albany, Oregon.
