Cohoes Travel Guide

Plan the perfect trip to Cohoes, NY with this comprehensive travel guide featuring top attractions, food and drink options, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to Cohoes

Located in the Capital District of New York, Cohoes is a charming city that offers a mix of natural beauty, cultural significance, and historic landmarks. It’s a city that blends small-town charm with modern amenities, making it a great destination for travelers looking for a unique experience in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States.

List of Places to Visit in Cohoes

When in Cohoes, be sure to visit these top attractions:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Cohoes Music Hall: A historic theater that has been restored to its original grandeur. It now hosts a variety of live performances, ranging from musicals to stand-up comedy.

  • Cohoes Falls: A breathtaking natural landmark that draws visitors from all over the world.

  • Harmony Mills Historic District: A beautifully restored 19th-century mill complex that offers a glimpse into Cohoes’s industrial past.

  • Olde Schafer Farm: A living history museum that showcases Cohoes’s rural heritage.

Natural Attractions of Cohoes: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Peebles Island State Park: A beautiful park that offers hiking trails, picnic areas, fishing opportunities, and scenic views of the Hudson River.

  • Mohawk River: A popular spot for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing.

  • Van Schaick Island Pond: A serene pond that attracts birds and wildlife. It’s a perfect spot for a peaceful afternoon of bird-watching or fishing.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Cohoes

Cohoes is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Some of the best hiking/biking routes in the area include:

  • Cohoes Heritage Trail: A 4-mile trail that runs along the Mohawk River and offers beautiful views of Cohoes Falls.

  • Peebles Island State Park: offers scenic hiking trails that wind through forests, meadows, and along the Hudson River.

Best Things to Do in Cohoes: Activities and Tours

  • Cohoes Farmers Market: A weekly market that offers fresh produce, baked goods, and artisanal products from local vendors.

  • Cohoes Artisans Market: A monthly market that features handmade crafts, jewelry, and other unique gifts made by local artisans.

  • Cohoes Public Library: A beautifully restored library that offers a variety of programs and events for adults and children, including book clubs, children’s storytimes, and more.

Week-Long Itinerary for Cohoes

Day 1: Spend the day exploring the city’s cultural heritage. Visit Cohoes Music Hall and the Harmony Mills Historic District.

Day 2: Go hiking in Peebles Island State Park and enjoy a picnic lunch with a view of the Hudson River.

Day 3: Take a tour of Olde Schafer Farm and learn about Cohoes’s rural heritage.

Day 4: Spend the day fishing on the Mohawk River.

Day 5: Visit Cohoes Falls and have lunch at one of the nearby restaurants.

Day 6: Visit the Cohoes Artisans Market and explore some of the local shops and boutiques.

Day 7: Attend a live performance at Cohoes Music Hall or catch a movie at the historic Cohoes Theater.

Food and Drink Scene of Cohoes

Cohoes’s food and drink scene is a mix of traditional American fare and locally sourced, farm-to-table cuisine. Don’t miss these must-try dishes:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Cohoes-style pizza: A unique take on New York-style pizza that features a sweeter sauce and a thicker crust.

  • Clam strips: Fresh, locally sourced clam strips that are lightly battered and fried.

  • Cannolis: Delicious Italian pastries that are made fresh daily at many of Cohoes’s bakeries.

Local Beverages

  • Brown’s Brewing Company: A local brewery that offers a variety of beers and ales, including their popular Oatmeal Stout.

  • The Olde Mechanic Coffee Shop: A cozy coffee shop that serves delicious coffee and fresh pastries.

Where to Stay in Cohoes: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Cohoes offers a variety of options for every budget, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Some top picks include:

  • The Hotel at the Falls: A cozy hotel that offers scenic views of Cohoes Falls.

  • Carriage House Inn: A beautifully restored Victorian mansion that offers comfortable guest rooms and a complimentary breakfast.

  • The Olde Schafer Farm: A charming bed-and-breakfast that offers guests a unique glimpse into Cohoes’s rural heritage.

What to Buy in Cohoes: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Cohoes Falls T-shirts: A variety of T-shirts that feature Cohoes Falls and other local landmarks.

  • Cohoes-style pizza sauce: A unique pizza sauce that is sweeter than traditional New York-style pizza sauce.

  • Handmade jewelry: Beautiful, handmade jewelry made by local artisans.

Local Culture and Customs of Cohoes

Cohoes is a friendly, welcoming community that takes great pride in its heritage and culture. When in Cohoes, be sure to:

  • Respect the city’s historic landmarks and natural beauty.

  • Try some of the local cuisine, including Cohoes-style pizza.

  • Attend a local event or festival, such as the Cohoes Music Hall Summer Concert Series.

Best Time to Visit Cohoes

The best time to visit Cohoes is during the summer months when the weather is warm and sunny. However, fall is also a beautiful time to visit, especially if you want to see the leaves changing colors.

Do’s and Don’ts of Cohoes

Do:

  • Respect the city’s historic landmarks and natural beauty.

  • Try some of the local cuisine, including Cohoes-style pizza.

  • Attend a local event or festival, such as the Cohoes Music Hall Summer Concert Series.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the city’s natural landmarks and historic buildings.

  • Leave your pets unattended in public spaces.

  • Ignore parking signs and regulations.

Safety and Health

Safety in Cohoes

Cohoes is a relatively safe city, but as with any urban area, it’s important to take precautions to ensure your safety. Some tips to keep in mind include:

  • Avoid walking or hiking alone at night.

  • Secure valuables such as wallets and phones.

  • Lock your car doors and avoid leaving valuables in your car.

Health in Cohoes

Cohoes has a variety of medical facilities and pharmacies. In case of an emergency, dial 911.

Getting to Cohoes: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Cohoes

  • Albany International Airport is the nearest major airport to Cohoes, located about 10 miles away.

Bus Stations Near Cohoes

  • Greyhound and Trailways both have bus stations in Albany, which is about 10 miles from Cohoes.

Other Options

  • Amtrak trains run to Albany, about 10 miles from Cohoes.

How to Get Around in Cohoes

Cohoes is a walkable city, but if you need transportation, you can use ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft. Taxis are also available, as are car rentals.

Where to Go Next from Cohoes: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Visit nearby Albany and explore the state capital’s rich history and culture.

  • Take a scenic drive to nearby Adirondack Park, located about 75 miles north of Cohoes.

Conclusion

Cohoes, NY is a hidden gem that is waiting to be discovered. From its beautiful natural landmarks and scenic hiking trails to its historic landmarks and unique cuisine, Cohoes has something to offer to every traveler. Plan a trip to Cohoes and experience the city’s charm and hospitality for yourself.

Cohoes Falls Cohoes Falls Part of the Downtown Cohoes Historic District Part of the Downtown Cohoes Historic District Cohoes City Hall Cohoes City Hall