Schenectady Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the beautiful region of upstate New York, Schenectady is a captivating city that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. With a rich heritage dating back to the 17th century, this charming destination is a hidden gem waiting to be explored.

One of the highlights of Schenectady is its vibrant arts scene. The city is home to the renowned Proctors Theatre, a stunning historic venue that hosts Broadway shows, concerts, and performances by world-class artists. Immerse yourself in the magic of live theater and experience the thrill of a standing ovation in this iconic cultural hub.

For history enthusiasts, Schenectady is a treasure trove of fascinating stories. Take a stroll through the Stockade Historic District, where you can admire beautifully preserved colonial-era houses and learn about the city's role in the American Revolution. Don't miss the Schenectady County Historical Society Museum, which offers a captivating journey through Schenectady's past.

Nature lovers will find solace in the breathtaking landscapes surrounding Schenectady. Just a short drive away, you can explore the majestic Adirondack Mountains, offering endless opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife spotting. Discover hidden waterfalls, pristine lakes, and trails that lead to panoramic vistas, immersing yourself in the beauty of the great outdoors.

Food enthusiasts will be delighted by the culinary scene in Schenectady. The city boasts a diverse range of restaurants, from family-owned Italian trattorias to trendy farm-to-table eateries. Indulge in mouthwatering dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients and savor the flavors of the region.

Schenectady is also known for its festive spirit. Join in the excitement of one of the city's many events and festivals, such as the Electric City Food Truck Festival or the Schenectady County SummerNight. From live music performances to art exhibitions, there is always something happening to entertain and inspire visitors of all ages.

Alternative names: Settled: 1661Population: 65.3 thous.Area: 10.98 mi²Elevation: 240 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 42°48'46"N, 73°56'27"W

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New YorkUnited States

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Schenectady Top Attractions

Schenectady Attractions - What to See and Explore

Schenectady offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Proctor's Theatre, Nott Memorial, First Reformed Church of Schenectady, First Presbyterian Church. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Concerts and shows • Theater • Performing arts
Proctor's Theatre
Proctor's Theatre is a theatre and former vaudeville house located in Schenectady, New York, United States. Many famous artists have performed there, notably Mariah Carey, Britney Spears, Hal Holbrook, Ted Wiles, and George Burns, as well as many others. It has one of the largest movie screens in the Northeast.
Memorial • Museum • Art gallery
Nott Memorial
The Nott Memorial is an elaborate 16-sided stone-masonry building which serves as both architectural and physical centerpiece of Union College in Schenectady, New York.
Church • Stockade
First Reformed Church of Schenectady
First Reformed Church of Schenectady is located at 8 North Church Street in the Historic Stockade District of Schenectady, New York and is a member of the Reformed Church in America. The church was first organized in 1680 by Dutch settlers and was the first church established in the Mohawk Valley.

Church • Stockade
First Presbyterian Church
First Presbyterian Church in Schenectady, New York is a historic Presbyterian Church in America congregation. The roots of the congregation go back to the 1730s. Episcopalians and Presbyterians had used the St. George's Episcopal Church building, with each group using different entrances to the building.
City hall • Downtown Schenectady
Schenectady City Hall
Schenectady City Hall is the seat of government of the city of Schenectady, New York, United States. Designed by McKim, Mead, and White, the building was constructed between 1931 and 1933.
Observatories and planetariums • Eastern Avenue
Dudley Observatory
Dudley Observatory is an astronomical observatory originally located in Albany, New York, and now in Loudonville, New York. It is no longer operating as a scientific observatory, but remains the oldest non-academic institution of astronomical research in America.
Museum • History museum • Observatories and planetariums
Museum of Innovation and Science
miSci - The Museum of Innovation and Science is a museum and planetarium located in Schenectady, New York. miSci's exhibitions and educational programming focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics. The Museum's President is Gina C. Gould, Ph.D.
Cemetery • Eastern Avenue
Vale Cemetery and Vale Park
Vale Cemetery is a historic rural cemetery and the largest cemetery in Schenectady, New York. It opened on 21 October 1857 when the Rev. Julius Seely dedicated what was then termed "the Vale". It has tripled its size since opening and today it holds the remains of some of the most notable persons in Upstate New York.
Specialty museum • Museum • Military museum
Empire State Aerosciences Museum
The Empire State Aerosciences Museum is a non-profit museum which strives to "educate, entertain and excite with experiences in air and space".
42°48'32"N • 73°57'8"W
General Electric Research Laboratory
General Electric Research Laboratory was the first industrial research facility in the United States. Established in 1900, the lab was home to the early technological breakthroughs of General Electric and created a research and development environment that set the standard for industrial innovation for years to come.
42°48'53"N • 73°56'60"W
Elston Hall
Elston Hall, formerly the Hotel Van Curler, is located on Washington Street in the city of Schenectady, New York, United States. It is a tall brick building constructed in 1925 in the Classical Revival architectural style.
42°48'41"N • 73°56'25"W
Foster Building
The Foster Building, originally the Hotel Foster, is located on State Street in Schenectady, New York, United States. It is a commercial building in the Beaux-Arts architectural style.
42°49'19"N • 73°57'18"W
Freedom Park Scotia
Music venue • Park
42°48'48"N • 73°56'56"W
Schenectady Armory
The Schenectady Armory is located on Washington Avenue in the city of the same name in the U.S. state of New York. It is a brown brick building dating to 1936. New York's state architect at that time, William Haugaard, used the Art Deco architectural style for the exterior of the building and the Tudorbethan mode for the interior.
42°48'32"N • 73°59'9"W
Via Aquarium
Park • Aquarium • Zoo
Specialty museum • Museum
Edison Tech Center
The Edison Tech Center is an interactive learning center with a central theme of electricity and engineering. The organization was founded in 2001 under the name Edison Exploratorium, and changed to Edison Steinmetz Center and finally the Edison Tech Center in 2009.
Neighbourhood • Union Street
General Electric Realty Plot
The General Electric Realty Plot, often referred to locally as the GE Realty Plot, GE Plots or just The Plot, is a residential neighborhood in Schenectady, New York, United States. It is an area of approximately 90 acres just east of Union College.
42°48'53"N • 73°56'20"W
United States Post Office
The U.S. Post Office in Schenectady, in the U.S. state of New York, is located at Jay and Liberty streets just north of City Hall. It serves the 12305, 12307 and 12308 ZIP codes, which covers the city. It is a brick Classical Revival building erected in 1912 and added onto extensively in 1933.
Bridge • East Glenville
Bridge 10
Bridge 10 over the Erie Canal and Mohawk River in Schenectady. Bridge 10 is a railroad bridge used by the Canadian Pacific Railway. The rails on the bridge were realigned as part of a clearance project in the late 1990s. The double track was removed and replaced by a single set of rails in the center of the bridge.

Day trips

Schenectady – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Schenectady, it's worth seeing attractions such as: The Great Escape and Hurricane Harbor (Lake George), Clark Art Institute (Williamstown), New York State Capitol (Albany).

39 milesN
Amusement, Amusement park, Theme park
The Great Escape and Hurricane Harbor, Lake George
Nestled in the scenic Adirondack region, The Great Escape and Hurricane Harbor in Lake George, New York, offers an exhilarating blend of thrills and spills for visitors of all ages. This amusement park, known for its family-friendly atmosphere and diverse attractions...
38 milesE
European and American art on display
Clark Art Institute, Williamstown
Nestled in the picturesque Berkshires of Williamstown, Massachusetts, the Clark Art Institute stands as a beacon of culture and education. Known simply as "The Clark," this art institute is not only a museum with an exceptional collection of European and American...
14 milesSE
Grand government building
New York State Capitol, Albany
The New York State Capitol, located in the heart of Albany, is a stunning architectural masterpiece and a beacon of political life in the state. Completed in 1899 after a prolonged construction period that began in 1867, this grand edifice stands as a testament to the...
43 milesS
Natural attraction, Park, Waterfall
Kaaterskill Falls, Hunter
Nestled in the lush landscape of the Catskill Mountains in New York State, Kaaterskill Falls is a breathtaking two-tiered waterfall that has been a source of inspiration for artists, photographers, and nature lovers for centuries.
15 milesSE
Arenas and stadiums, Sport venue, Sport
Times Union Center, Albany
The Times Union Center stands as a bustling hub of entertainment and sports in the heart of Albany, New York. This indoor arena, with its capacity to accommodate up to 17,500 spectators, has been a landmark of the city since its opening in 1990.

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Best Time To Visit Schenectady

Learn when is the best time to travel to Schenectady weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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June and July are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in March, April, May and August.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in February. Most of it rains in May, June, July and August.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Schenectady?

The top attractions to visit in Schenectady are:

What is the best time to visit Schenectady?

June and July are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in March, April, May and August. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.