While most people travel to the Empire State to experience that distinct New York City vibe, this East Coast treasure offers so much more than just the region's biggest, noisiest, and most recognisable metropolis. There are many wonderful cities in New York State to visit, and they are all jam-packed with intriguing tourist attractions, from the miniature MoMA in Long Island City to the serene serenity of Lake Placid to Ithaca's ideal blend of nature and culture.
Whatever your interests, from fine dining to shopping to hiking, you can find it in the gorgeous state of New York. Ski in the Adirondacks and Catskills, swim in the Finger Lakes, or chow down on delectable cuisine in Rochester's gastronome-friendly restaurants. Like shopping? Each of the top cities on this list offers opportunities for retail therapy, with New York City, of course, topping the list as the finest city for shopping.
With the help of our ranking of the top New York cities, pick the ideal destinations for your trip.
1. in New York
The most visited tourist destination and one of the top locations to visit in New York State is Manhattan, the proverbial "apple of the state's eye." It's also possibly one of the best cities in the entire globe, not just New York.
You may absolutely find whatever you could possibly want in New York City, from the most exquisite entree to the rarest antique cufflinks.
The museums in New York City are unparalleled. Three of the top museums in New York City are the American Museum of Natural History, Guggenheim Museum, and Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Running around Central Park, getting lost in the Ramble, watching the sea lions perform at the Central Park Zoo, seeing a show on Broadway, taking in the view from the top of the Empire State Building, taking the Staten Island Ferry to see the Statue of Liberty up close, and shopping until you drop on Madison or Park Avenue are all things you can do there. For more unusual treasures in the galleries and custom shops of SoHo, go there.
Get a nibble in Hell's Kitchen when you're hungry, or spend a fortune at Momofuku Ko or Jean-Georges. Even if it could leave you with little money left over to return home, a stay at the magnificent The St. Regis New York hotel will round off your trip in style.
2. Alps of Ada
Lake Placid, which is really more of a village than a city, is arguably the most picturesque town in all of New York State. Lake Placid is the place to be if you're searching for a picturesque location to eat delicious food, browse quaint shops, and spend the day skiing down hills or kayaking on a lake.
Tall skyscrapers prevalent in larger towns are replaced with lush forests and enormous, rugged mountains (ahem, Manhattan). A tranquil sound of snowfall or birds chirping in woods replaces the clamour of blaring horns and shouting. Lake Placid, with its serene surroundings and breathtaking vistas, is the spot where troubles vanish. It is understandable why it was selected to host the Winter Olympics in 1932 and 1980.
Unsurprisingly, Olympic-related activities are among the top things to do in Lake Placid. We challenge you not to hold your breath as you watch young skiers train at the magnificent Olympic Jumping Facility, where they can soar as far as a football field. The enormous Olympic Center is located in the middle of the city. It boasts ice skating rinks and an Olympic athletes museum.
When COVID-19 hit New York last March, our frontline workers kept our city running.
— Eric Adams (@BKBoroHall) July 7, 2021
Today’s #HometownHeroes parade honors their sacrifice, and reminds us that even in our darkest moments, we can come together as New Yorkers to overcome the greatest challenges. pic.twitter.com/r06OWRc4RA
Amazing things happen in the Olympic Sports Complex. Events including the bobsled, luge, and skeleton are held here. What's best? Participation is open to people of all athletic abilities. Register for a spin on the track or ride the upcoming, slightly more controlled Lake Placid Mountain Coaster.
Go to adjacent Mirror Lake when you're not buried in sports information. Stunning year-round, the fall foliage makes this lake all the more picturesque. It is fresh, clear, and sparkly. Without a doubt, this is among the top tourist destinations in New York.
3. Buffalo
Buffalo has had a bit of a poor rap for a while. This large city in New York, which was once a financial powerhouse (getting its energy directly from Niagara Falls), struggled economically and now has a number of run-down neighbourhoods and empty buildings as a result.
Those days have long since passed in this thriving metropolis, which is the second largest in the state. Restoration efforts have preserved architectural treasures by Frank Lloyd Wright, RH Richardson, and Louis Sullivan, and the city's professional sports teams draw tourists from all over the country.
A dynamic entertainment scene, mouthwatering restaurants, and intriguing art galleries and museums are just a few of Buffalo's attractions. Buffalo is a city on the beaches of Lake Erie. Visit the Buffalo Zoo to keep the youngsters happy. Taste the city's signature chicken wings, and make time to visit the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens.
Visit the Pierce-Arrow Museum to learn more about the city's brief history as a pioneer in the auto industry. Visit the Albright-Knox Art Gallery if you enjoy art.
Insider's tip: Most guests extend their stay by taking a trip to the neighbouring Niagara Falls (the famous landmark is only a half-hour drive north).
4. Ithaca
Visitors can enjoy an all-inclusive vacation in Ithaca that includes dining, entertainment, culture, and some of the state's most breathtaking countryside. This lively college town is located on the breathtaking southern shore of Cayuga Lake, the biggest Finger Lake in New York. A serene city that is so stunning that it will make your camera shake with excitement. You'll want to stay days, not just hours, in this magnificent location.
Ivy League institutions Cornell University and Ithaca College are located in Ithaca. Imagine studying while surrounded by vast canyons and tumbling waterfalls. Not a bad setting to ease exam anxiety.
Do you feel stressed? Take a trek, go paddleboarding on the lake, or try your hand at fishing. That makes sense why "Ithaca is gorges" bumper stickers are plastered all over the place.
You might anticipate being astounded by Ithaca's abundance of magnificent museums and art galleries given that it is a college town. Visitor attractions in the city include the Museum of the Earth, Sciencenter, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, and Cayuga Nature Center in addition to Cornell's historic clock tower and Johnson Art Museum.
Yet as they stroll the streets, visitors will discover something even more varied than the antiques they had the chance to see: a setting that fuses art with learning and has a decidedly bohemian feel. Several festivals, Ithaca Commons, a pedestrian mall, and canoe and kayak rentals are all nearby.
5. Springs, Saratoga
Want to regain your youth? Go swimming in Saratoga Springs's waters. The waters from the springs in this lovely city in New York were previously supposed to cure diabetes, heartburn, and renal diseases, among other ailments, by the Mohawk and Iroquois tribes. Although none of these claims have been verified, they did contribute to Saratoga Springs becoming a popular tourist destination in New York State by the 19th century.
In the Roosevelt Baths & Spa in Saratoga Springs Spa State Park, tourists can today put these theories to the test for themselves. Not a fan of spas or the high costs that frequently come with a visit? Almost 21 mineral springs are among the city's biggest tourist attractions.
Visit the lovely Yaddo Gardens in the city or indulge your inner car nut at The Saratoga Car Museum when you're not trying to drink from or take a dip in the fountain of youth.
6. Rochester
If you're a kid, Rochester is extremely fun to explore. First off, it has one of New York State's best waterfalls, High Falls, a roaring 96-foot cascade. Stand next to this beauty and you'll always feel tiny!
The young and incredibly entertaining Strong National Museum of Play is the next activity on the list of fun things to do in Rochester. Who wouldn't want to go to a museum with toys and games as its focus? Even the National Toy Hall of Fame and the World Video Game Hall of Fame are located in this fantastic location.
Families love Seabreeze Amusement Park, the sizable Seneca Park Zoo, and the Rochester Museum & Science Center.
Traveling without little children with you? The historic homes, the George Eastman Museum, and Highland Park will be a blast for you. Take a trek, gaze upon the local waterfalls, or engage in a round of golf. Nothing will weary you. We swear!
This exciting New York metropolis also has a huge selection of outstanding restaurants, making it a Mecca for foodies. To experience everything the city has to offer, be sure to sample a variety of them. Both Pasta Villa's and Sinbad's Mediterranean Cuisine serve exquisite cuisine.
7. Niagara Falls
Most people have heard about Niagara Falls. Every second, a refreshing 150,000 gallons of water cascade over this well-known iconic waterfall. You did read that correctly. Each SECONDS! These extraordinary falls ought to be seen by everyone at least once in their lifetime.
The American city of the same name offers a more serene, magnificent experience, despite the fact that the Canadian Niagara Falls is thought to have the best perspective of the aqueous beauty. For good cause, it has been dubbed the "Honeymoon Capital of the World."
Undoubtedly, the impressive falls are the main tourist attraction. You won't be let down by the incredible choices for sightseeing in this tiny but mighty New York city, whether you take a boat tour to the base, go to the Cave of the Winds for a wet and up-close view of Bridal Veil Falls, or reserve a helicopter tour to see the falls from above.
There are other stunning features in this lovely area besides the falls. Plan time to visit Goat Island and hike the Niagara Gorge Trail while you're in town.
8. Syracuse
Syracuse, the fourth-largest city in New York, has all the noteworthy features of a large metropolis, including notable museums (such as the Erie Canal Museum and the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology), top-notch dining options, and specialty stores. The 43-acre Rosamond Gifford Zoo, which has enough indoor attractions to keep kids entertained in all weather conditions, is also located there. It is understandable why Syracuse is regarded as one of the top cities in New York given the abundance of fantastic tourist attractions it offers.
The downtown core is home to boutiques, cafes, and eateries as well as stunning old structures that have been painstakingly renovated to evoke the calmer times of yore. In Onondaga Lake Park, Clark Reservation State Park, and Hiawatha Lake, where they can swim, fish, boat, climb bluffs, or go on hikes through the woods, outdoor enthusiasts might be more interested.
A trip to Destiny USA, a sizable shopping mall and entertainment complex, is frequently cited as one of the highlights of a trip to Syracuse. Visitors to this retail paradise can go karting or swing through a rope suspension course in addition to shopping until they drop.
9. Albany
The Egg and Empire State Plaza, among other modern architectural wonders, may be seen in lovely Albany. Albany is a historic paradise. Maybe its most well-known building is the New York State Capitol, a magnificent landmark perched atop State Street Hill. The construction of this masterpiece in the late 1800s lasted more than 32 years.
It's like walking through a history book to stroll through the city's streets. There are notable residences, churches, and other significant structures all across. The magnificent New York State Museum is not to be missed. The oldest state museum in the United States, it is housed in a distinctive and unusual structure. Also, it ranks well among the Hudson Valley's best attractions.
Take a river tour to see the city from the water, according to an insider tip. There are many cruise options, and it is located on the Hudson River's west bank.
10. Yonkers
The fourth-largest city in New York is Yonkers, which is also one of the greatest. This New York City neighbour, which is located on the east side of the Hudson River, is a refuge for commuters who work in Manhattan.
Yonkers' residents (and visitors) enjoy peaceful slumber without the clamour of the major metropolis, as well as breathtaking views of the river and Palisades that have served as the inspiration for numerous works of art.
Some of its more well-known inhabitants have included Mary J. Blige, Jon Voight, Ella Fitzgerald, and W.C. Handy. Here, in 1853, Elisha Otis created the first elevator with "safety" features.
The Hudson River Museum (don't miss the planetarium or the period house) and Untermyer Gardens Conservancy are two of the city's must-see tourist attractions (the Walled Garden is particularly stunning, as are the Temple of Love and the Greek-inspired amphitheater).
11. Binghamton
Those who enjoy science and technology will adore Binghamton. You can practically feel the creativity soak into your soul as you walk through its streets. Not to mention the science underpinning virtual reality, IBM was founded in this location.
The confluence of the Chenango and Susquehanna rivers is in Binghamton. The 97-mile Chenango Canal, constructed by inventive minds in the middle of the nineteenth century, connected Binghamton and Utica. Visitors can now go on a five-mile stroll along the Towpath Trail and tour a self-guided museum in Hamilton.
The Phelps Mansion Museum is an opulent, 19th-century masterpiece that cries out to be captured on camera. It was formerly the residence of prosperous businessman and mayor Sherman D. Phelps. You may get a picture of life during the Gilded Age inside.
After entertaining the kids at the Discovery Center or Ross Park Zoo while you are in town, be sure to have a picnic in Otsiningo Park.
12. New Rochelle
Another well-liked commuter city in New York is New Rochelle, which is just around 25 minutes from midtown Manhattan. It's also one of the state's oldest settlements. This seventh-largest city in New York is tucked away in Westchester County, and its streets are lined with grand historic mansions and the Long Island Sound.
The downtown area is attractive and has enough independent stores and eateries to keep you occupied for at least a few hours. Sailboats and other crafts can be seen greeting one another from the New Rochelle Harbor during the warmer months.
One of the best things to do in New Rochelle, particularly in the summer, is to visit Glen Island Park. You'll want to spend the entire afternoon lying on the smooth sand, so pack your beach gear. A drawbridge is required to access the park, which is located on a 105-acre island.
If you're looking for history, you'll find it in abundance here. The lovely Thomas Paine Cottage Museum has intriguing exhibits on the region's illustrious past, and the city's centre is home to "the largest recognised historic district in Westchester."
13. Schenectady
Schenectady, a little community in upstate New York's "Capital Region," really knows how to cram a lot of fun within its boundaries. There are plenty of enjoyable things to do in this well-known New York city, from top restaurants to noteworthy tourist attractions to a quaint historic area.
Visit Proctor's Theater for a nighttime performance. Inside its historic walls, this famous location has played host to live concerts, musicals, plays, dance acts, and much more. It is the well-lit centre of downtown.
In its three local locations, the Schenectady County Historical Society regularly has exciting events planned. It is worthwhile to visit the Mabee Farm Historic Site, Museum & Library, and Brouwer House Creative.
Make sure you schedule some time to stroll through the Central Park Rose Garden if the weather permits. This natural beauty, one of the nicest locations to see in Schenectady, has thousands of bushes with hundreds of different rose kinds. Especially when the flowers are in bloom, it is simply breathtaking (usually in early June).
14. White Plains,
Whatever you're looking for, you'll find it in White Plains. This thriving New York community offers it all, from exquisite eating to luxury shopping to farmers markets to golf to skating. One of Westchester County's major cultural centres is located in this inner suburb, which is only 35 miles from New York City (or slightly over an hour if traffic is bad).
You should go to ArtsWestchester if you want to let your inner Picasso out. Be motivated by the original art displays and performances of anything from dance to music.
On the other side, Cranberry Lake Preserve will enable you to wander aimlessly for a while. This tranquil area, a 190-acre park, is the ideal place to unwind and admire nature.
Want to have more outdoor fun? Explore the Silver Lake Preserve's trails and forests, or have a round on the Maple Moor Golf Course.
15. Montauk
Speaking about idyllic The location where anxieties vanish is Montauk. This delightful piece of heaven, surrounded by the glistening Long Island Sound, sprinkled with sandy (but slightly pebbly) beaches, and brimming with charm, is a weekender's dream location. It is situated in East Hampton on the southernmost point of the South Fork.
The small community of Montauk, a laid-back beachfront refuge, is a well-liked summer vacation spot, especially for stressed-out New Yorkers searching for a break. Beachgoing, swimming, seeing the recognisable Montauk Lighthouse, viewing seals in Montauk Point State Park, and eating an abundance of mouthwatering food are all popular activities in Montauk.
Another must-see is Camp Hero State Park. The park, which was formerly a military outpost during World War II, has trails that go through wetlands and forests.
16. Long Island City,
The Big Apple's quieter, smaller cousin, Long Island City, is located in Queens, one of its boroughs. Take the G line from Brooklyn or the W, N, or 7 trains from Manhattan to get here.
One of the top sights in the city is Gantry Plaza State Park. It provides guests with a spot to relax, walk, run, play basketball, or simply enjoy a cup of coffee. What's best? The 59th Street Bridge and the New York City skyline serve as an amazing background to all of this activity.
Art lovers will like the MoMA PS1. It's a scaled-down, considerably more compact counterpart of Manhattan's MoMA, where you may enjoy experimental and modern art. Still yearning for imagination? See the Sculpture Center, a museum of modern art that is bound to move you.
17. Poughkeepsie,
The largest city in the Hudson River Valley, Poughkeepsie, is chock-full of fun things to do. We apologise for the forced pun. It was once Franklin D. Roosevelt's house and is now a centre for historical significance. Visitors swarm to this location to see his former residence and the FDR Presidential Library and Museum. They are situated in Springwood, a neighbourhood where the illustrious president had resided.
But the spectacular (and extremely long) Walkaway Across the Hudson (or Walkway, as it's known to locals) attraction is even more well-known than FDR's home. The Walkway, the longest footbridge in the world, was initially constructed in 1889 as a railroad. When the tracks were destroyed by fire in 1974, it was reconstructed, and in 2009 it became a State Historic Site. At this breathtaking location, which is perched 212 metres above the Hudson River, you cannot top the views of the Catskills and Hudson Highlands.
See the expansive and scenic Locus Grove Estate while you're in town. This museum and natural preserve is home to an Italian villa from the mid-1850s.
Spare some time to see a performance in the venerable Bardavon Opera House (circa 1869)
18. Mount Vernon,
Both the Bronx and Hutchinson Rivers are hugged by Mount Vernon, giving visitors several opportunities to take in lovely water vistas. This lively New York city, which is also located in Westchester County, is located just north of the Bronx and is hence regarded as an inner suburb of New York City. As a result, it ranks among the most populous cities in New York.
The Saint Paul's Church National Historic Site is the most well-liked tourist destination in Mount Vernon. This famous location, which served as a hospital for British soldiers during the American Revolutionary War, is the most popular tourist attraction in the area. Go downtown if you're seeking for food, attractive stores, and cosy cafés.
Take some time to go on a hike or have a picnic in Hunt's Woods or Willson's Woods Park if you want to combine a little bit of nature with your urban experience. The latter offers access to a water park, plenty of green space, swimming, and fishing.
19. Cooperstown
Spend at least two days exploring quaint Cooperstown. This small city in New York is popular with baseball enthusiasts and kids of all ages, most notably because it is the location of the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
Take in a game at Doubleday Field, sometimes referred to as the home of baseball. Then, hit it out of the park by giving your kids a day at Cooperstown Fun Park where they can play mini golf, drive go-carts, and ride bumper boats. You may kayak, fish, or take a bath to cool down in Ostego Lake.
The well-established stores, cafés, and eateries in this tiny town radiate an artsy vibe through their walls. Take some time to unwind, sit back, and let it all sink in. Cooperstown is a pleasant destination to visit because it is both a small town and a city.