Statue of liberty in front of New York city

USA – New York

Your Complete Guide to Exploring the Best of New York

New York, a state of diverse attractions and vibrant culture, captivates with its iconic landmarks, scenic landscapes, and rich history. From the bustling streets of New York City to the serene beauty of the Adirondacks, New York offers a blend of urban excitement and natural tranquillity. Explore world-class museums, savour diverse cuisine, and experience lively festivals. The state’s charming towns, stunning waterfalls, and renowned wine regions make it a top destination for travellers seeking both adventure and relaxation. New York’s unique charm ensures an unforgettable travel experience.

When to visit

Temp Range

Currency

Min Budget

Apr – May
Sep – Nov

-10 – 30°C
-14 – 86°F

US Dollar (USD)

$80-120/day

  1. Top Attractions
  2. Map
  3. Transport
  4. Budget
  5. Seasonality and Weather
  6. Must Try Dishes
  7. Language
  8. Other Destinations in North America
  9. Useful Pages

Top Attractions

See below for a selection of the top attractions in New York, review the map to see where these are located to help plan your trip.

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

The Statue of Liberty, a symbol of freedom, stands tall on Liberty Island in New York Harbour. Nearby, Ellis Island served as the primary gateway for immigrants arriving in the United States. Visitors can explore these historic landmarks, learn about immigration history, and enjoy panoramic views of Manhattan and the Statue itself.

Access from – New York City

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls, straddling the border between New York and Ontario, Canada, consists of three majestic waterfalls: the Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. Visitors can embark on boat tours like Maid of the Mist, witness the thunderous cascades up close, and explore surrounding parks, attractions, and scenic overlooks.

Access from – Niagara Falls

The Adirondack Park

The Adirondack Park in Upstate New York is the largest publicly protected area in the contiguous United States, covering over 6 million acres of wilderness, mountains, and lakes. It offers outdoor enthusiasts opportunities for hiking, boating, camping, and wildlife viewing, as well as charming villages, historic sites, and cultural experiences.

Access from – Various towns in the Adirondacks (e.g., Lake Placid, Saranac Lake)

The Met Cloisters

Nestled in Fort Tryon Park, The Met Cloisters is a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art focusing on medieval European art and architecture. Its serene setting includes gardens designed to evoke medieval horticulture, showcasing sculptures, tapestries, and stained glass from the Middle Ages, offering visitors a tranquil escape into history.

Access from – New York City (Manhattan)

Watkins Glen State Park

Located in New York’s Finger Lakes region, Watkins Glen State Park features a stunning gorge trail that winds past 19 waterfalls, rock formations, and lush greenery. The park offers visitors a chance to hike amidst natural beauty, explore stone pathways, and experience the awe-inspiring force of nature in a serene, picturesque setting.

Access from – Watkins Glen

Finger Lakes Wine Region

New York’s Finger Lakes Wine Region is renowned for its scenic vineyards and award-winning wineries. Visitors can tour vineyards, taste a variety of wines, and enjoy panoramic views of the lakes and rolling hills. The region also offers opportunities for outdoor activities, gourmet dining, and exploring charming lakeside towns.

Access from – Various towns in the Finger Lakes (e.g., Seneca Lake, Keuka Lake)

Saratoga Race Course

Located in Saratoga Springs, Saratoga Race Course is one of the oldest thoroughbred horse racing tracks in the United States. It hosts the prestigious Travers Stakes and offers visitors thrilling races, elegant architecture, and a rich history dating back to 1863, making it a renowned destination for horse racing enthusiasts.

Access from – Saratoga Springs

Storm King Art Center

The Storm King Art Centre, situated in New Windsor, is an open-air museum renowned for its large-scale sculpture collection set amidst 500 acres of rolling hills, woodlands, and fields. Visitors can explore over 100 sculptures by renowned artists, enjoy hiking trails, and immerse themselves in art and nature.

Access from – New Windsor

West Point Military Academy

The United States Military Academy at West Point, located on the Hudson River, is a historic institution renowned for its rigorous academic programs and military training. Visitors can tour the campus, visit the West Point Museum, and witness cadets in training, while learning about its pivotal role in American military history.

Access from – West Point

Letchworth State Park

Known as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” Letchworth State Park spans 14,427 acres along the Genesee River. It features stunning waterfalls, deep gorges, and scenic vistas, offering opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and hot air ballooning, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Access from – Castile

Howe Caverns

Howe Caverns in Schoharie County, offers visitors an underground adventure through limestone corridors and caverns carved by water over millions of years. Guided tours take guests on boat rides along subterranean rivers, past stalactites and stalagmites, providing a fascinating glimpse into the geological history of the region.

Access from – Howes Cave

The Strong National Museum of Play

Located in Rochester, The Strong National Museum of Play is dedicated to the exploration of play and the ways in which it encourages learning, creativity, and discovery for people of all ages. It features interactive exhibits, a butterfly garden, and a vast collection of toys, making it a unique destination for families and enthusiasts of play history.

Access from – Rochester

Corning Museum of Glass

Located in Corning, the Corning Museum of Glass is dedicated to the art, history, and science of glass. It features a vast collection of glass artefacts spanning over 3,500 years, live glassmaking demonstrations, and interactive exhibits where visitors can explore the beauty and versatility of glass as an artistic medium.

Access from – Corning

Central Park

Central Park, located in the heart of Manhattan, is a sprawling urban oasis offering a peaceful retreat from the bustling city streets. Visitors can explore its iconic landmarks, including Bethesda Terrace, Strawberry Fields, and the Central Park Zoo, while enjoying scenic views, recreational activities, and cultural events throughout the year.

Access from – New York City (Manhattan)

Empire State Building

A quintessential icon of New York City’s skyline, the Empire State Building offers breath-taking views from its observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors. Visitors can marvel at panoramic vistas of Manhattan and beyond, learn about its Art Deco architecture, and experience its historical significance as a symbol of American ingenuity and ambition.

Access from – New York City (Manhattan)

Thousand Islands

Located along the border of the United States and Canada, the Thousand Islands region is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and picturesque islands dotting the St. Lawrence River. Visitors can enjoy boat tours, visit historic castles like Boldt Castle, explore charming waterfront villages, and indulge in outdoor activities such as fishing, kayaking, and hiking amidst scenic landscapes.

Access from – Alexandria Bay

Map

See map of New York to review top attractions. For the best experience save locally to open with google maps/share with your friends to help plan your next adventure! Some locations are hidden behind others, click map to reveal full details:

Transport

In New York State, tourists can use extensive bus networks and trams within major cities like New York City and Buffalo. Intercity travel is facilitated by a robust train system and long-distance buses connecting cities such as Albany, Syracuse, and Rochester. Domestic flights are available between major airports, including JFK, LaGuardia, and Buffalo Niagara. Primary taxi and ride-hailing apps like Uber and Lyft are widely available for convenient city travel. Public transportation in New York City, especially the subway system, is efficient and affordable for getting around the metropolitan area.

Budget

Traveling in New York State varies widely in cost; budget travel can be around $80-120 per day, covering hostels and budget meals. Mid-range travel averages $150-250 daily, including 3-star hotels and restaurants. Luxury travel can exceed $300 per day, with high-end accommodations and dining experiences. Costs vary significantly between upstate and New York City.

Seasonality and Weather

New York State experiences a diverse climate. Winters (December to February) are cold with average temperatures in New York City around 0°C (32°F) and colder upstate. Summers (June to August) are warm, with temperatures of around 24–29°C (75–84°F). Spring (March to May) sees gradually warming temperatures and blooming landscapes. The best time to visit is during Autumn (September to November) for its vibrant colors and mild weather, or late spring (April to May) for pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists.

Must Try Dishes

Bagel with Lox
New York Pizza
Cheesecake

Language

The main language spoken is English.

Other Destinations in North America

Useful Pages

Image Attributions
ImageAuthor, License
West Point Military AcademyHolzman Moss Bottino ArchitectureCC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Howe CavernsxxxANDISxxx, Attribution (CC BY 2.0), via Flickr
Thank you to the authors for allowing their works to be used
↑ Top