Poughkeepsie is a friendly city set on the Hudson River. Hip galleries, boutiques, cafes and eateries occupy the city’s repurposed factories and warehouses. Stroll around the historic downtown district, enjoy a show at the heritage-listed opera house and walk across one of the longest cantilever pedestrian bridges in the world.
Things to do in Poughkeepsie
Stroll around the Union Street Historic District and admire a wealth of 18th-century architecture. Many of the industrial buildings are beautifully renovated and reimagined as cafes, brasseries and brewhouses. You can enjoy spectacular views from the Walkway Over the Hudson. The two-kilometre-long steel bridge stretches across an old railway track and is one of the longest elevated pedestrian walkways in the world.
Entertain kids at the Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum. The museum features interactive exhibits on art, science, natural history and more. Learn about how waves form, create your own magnetic sculptures and get creative in the art studio.
Enjoy a night of entertainment at the historic Bardavon 1869 Opera House. It’s one of the oldest continuously operating theatres in the United States and hosts performances by the Hudson Valley Philharmonic symphony orchestra, as well as a varied program of opera, music, dance and theatre. The theatre is beautifully restored to its former splendour and features gleaming marble floors and plush red velvet curtains.
Rent a bike and explore Dutchess County and the picturesque Hudson River Valley. Trails wind through the region and take you past charming towns and villages. You’ll find options for every occasion, from family-friendly trails featuring flat terrain and beautiful views to challenging routes with lots of elevation.
Getting around Poughkeepsie
Downtown Poughkeepsie is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot. Bikes are a fun and eco-friendly way to get around the city and explore the Hudson River Valley and Dutchess County. Trains run between Poughkeepsie and Downtown Manhattan in two hours and John F. Kennedy International Airport is a two-hour drive away.