While New York has become synonymous with its most popular city, New York City, the state itself is no less of a hotspot. Few places equal New York in its popularity, appeal, and marvellous diversity, attracting several thousands of tourists, business travellers, students, and possibly all kinds of travellers from across the world. Right from the swanky Manhattan to world-renowned skyscrapers, thriving cultural scene to a plethora of museums and galleries, a world of fantastic culinary offerings to riveting party life, there’s just about everything here. We’ve listed the best places to visit in New York, USA, that’ll enliven your trip and leave you reeling for more.
1. New York City (from USD 99.0)
New York City (NYC) – the city needs no introduction. It’s glitz, ritz, glam, and all things fab. The urban village, the Big Apple, the city that never sleeps, and famously “concrete jungle where dreams are made of”, are some of the many monikers it goes by. With bespoke black and yellow cabs crowding its streets and several of the city’s neighbourhoods recognizable from TV shows and movies, the city has tons to offer. Cruise down the Hudson River and admire the city’s skyline or catch scintillating views from the top of the Lady Liberty, browse through the Museum of Modern Art (MoMa) or marvel at the stunning Empire State Building, stroll down the Wall Street or step into one of the many fantastic cafes and restaurants (Central Perk feels, maybe?), the list of things to do here is endless. Although, for a time-pressed traveller, a one-day sightseeing tour, which includes a tour of the major attractions, might also work.
New York City Sightseeing Bus Tour from Manhattan
Duration: 6 hours
2. Montauk
Posted by Robert Ford on Saturday, 13 August 2016
You’d have definitely heard a New Yorker heading to the fashionable Hamptons for a getaway and that’s where this is. Montauk is popular as a getaway destination for NYC-dwellers, looking to get a break for the city’s hustle-bustle. It is perched at Long Island’s easternmost point and is a pleaser for those who love their beach bumming, fishing outings, and surfing sessions. Plus, a paradise for vintage shopping lovers as well. While Montauk is most crowded during summertime, head there in early fall, when the crowds are considerably less, to get the best of experience. Ditch Plains is where you’ll find the beach and the many activities that come with the beach.
3. Poughkeepsie
Occupying the eastern shore of the Hudson River is Poughkeepsie, another popular hideout for New Yorkers. The city boasts of stunning riverside views and tours along with other activities that make days there those filled with utter relaxation. Plus, an ideal place for soaking in some local flavour. Going down for a walk along Walkway Over the Hudson is probably the most amazing experience you can have here; the former railroad bridge offers some superb views of the Hudson River. Then, exploring local history at Locust Grove might also be fun. As for local flavours, nothing matches the waffles at The Poughkeepsie Grind, delish Italian fare at Rossi’s, and a mixed bag of yummies at Twisted Soul.
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4. Ithaca
Perched at the southern tip of the glittering Cayuga Lake is Ithaca, about four hours northwest of NYC. This small town has about 150 waterfalls within a 15-km (10-mile) radius of the downtown and some of the most beautiful gorges you’d have seen. A true nature creature’s paradise, Ithaca is everything a town can offer in terms of relaxation and unwinding. There will be nothing better than exploring the town on foot, and especially so because Ithaca hosts some of the most vibrant open-air concerts and festivals and farmers’ markets that make for excellent places for people-watching and soaking in the local flavours. Boating, hiking, shopping, and walking tours of various gardens are some of the other things you can do in Ithaca. Fun fact: Did you know that Ithaca is where the famous Cornell University’s campus is!
New York Tour Guide
Annie Leguennec
My name is Annie. I am a local Tour guide based in Philadelphia enjoying fully what the city has to offer with its deep history, street arts, murals, architecture, traditional food, black history, Farmer Markets, green space, a melting pot of neighborhoods and its great locals. I am looking for to welcome you and show you this incredible city where you will gain a better understanding of the city's rich heritage and its continuing legacy as the birthplace of the United States of America. Book my tour. Explore and learn about this unique city where you will walk on the footsteps of our America's founding Fathers. My tours are conducted in English, French and Italian.
Tours by Annie
5. Syracuse
Syracuse stems from a rich heritage with the Iroquois Confederacy’s Onondaga tribe calling the town their home before Europeans occupied it in the 1600s. Today, it is a mishmash of peoples, cultures, and vibes. Right from fabulous ethnic festivals to a rocking nightlife, Syracuse’s spectrum covers it all. And, talking about the practical side of things – there are virtually no traffic snarls in the city! It’s really possible to drive from one side to the another in a matter of minutes and this really helps, since attractions are scattered all across.
6. Narrowsburg
Another one of New Yorkers’ favourite hideout is Narrowsburg, about 2.5 - 3 hours from the city. Narrowsburg is comfortably nestled between the Pocono and the Catskill Mountains, on the Delaware River, and is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts as well as lazy loungers. Hike up the Tusten Mountain Trail to soak in some remarkable views of the river or canoe/kayak/tube down the Delaware River. Else, Narrowsburg’s Main Street is home to a vibrant shopping scene, with several top-notch boutiques, antiques’ shops, and artisanal product stores; Maison Bourgogne, Nest, and Mayer Wasner are only a few to name. A trip down Mildred’s Lane – the town’s art hub – might also be just as interesting.
7. Lake George
Sprawled on the foothills of the Adirondack, Lake George is the ultimate family-trip destination. You’re welcomed into the town by a green board with “Welcome to the village of Lake George” flashing in golden and theme parks, interesting museums, plentiful malls and eateries, and several fun activities encompassing its many offerings. Otherwise, there’s always water activities at the lake! Hitching a steamboat ride on the lake is another one of the things visitors like indulging in. Thrill-seekers, you can drive out about 25 minutes to Bolton Landing and undertake one of Adirondack Extreme’s fantastic outdoor adventure activities.
Lake George Steamboat Paradise Bay Cruise
8. Albany
New York state’s capital and among the most important commercial and industrial centres, Albany has plenty to offer to its visitors. Among the most prominent callings of the city is the New York State Museum, housing a fab collection of modern public art, and the Empire State Plaza building, which is every bit a sight to behold. Architecture buffs can also head over to check out the majestic St Peter’s Episcopal Church or the Romanesque City Hall as well. Else, the city’s craft brewing scene is excellent too. Hitch a tour of the C.H. Evans Brewing Company or Druthers and bathe yourself in crisp and yummy freshly crafted beer.
9. Rochester
Abundant park systems, myriad museums, plentiful cultural sites, and rich industrial past, Rochester is well worth a visit. One outing that makes for an absolutely insightful and fun visit is a trip to the Strong National Museum of Play, a hands-on, interactive centre, where you can delve into the world of theatre, especially in relation to American culture. This one’s also for those with little kids. Otherwise, photography enthusiasts can also head to the International Museum of Photography, which is housed in the former residence of George Eastman House, founder of the famed Eastman Kodak Company. The museum has an extensive collection of video holdings, still photographs, cameras, and several books on photography. Apart from this, outings to the Highland Park, Susan B. Anthony Museum & House, and Rochester Museum and Science Center will also be equally rewarding.
10. Buffalo
Just an hour’s drive south of Niagara Falls is Buffalo, which doesn’t always land on tourists’ itineraries, but makes for a pretty interesting destination. It occupies the Buffalo River and Lake Erie’s confluence and has quite a bit of fun activities that you can get busy with. The Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society showcases several exhibits that provide insight into the town’s rich industrial and ethnic heritage. And, the nearby Albright-Knox Art Gallery, housing a great collection of North American paintings, is also quite an exciting place to check out.
Taste the many flavours of THE American state
The pace and the pulse of New York can get slightly daunting for a first-timer, but soon this hullabaloo is what you fall in love with. Every city and neighbourhood here has something fresh to offer, so no matter where you head, you’re in for a treat. Savour the many flavours of the state by heading to one of these best places to visit in New York, USA.
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