New York Travel Guide

United States of America
Metropolitan Museum of Art featuring a skyscraper, a city and central business district
The Empire State is a region rich with history, full of breathtaking landscapes and home of the thriving and always exhilarating New York City.

New York is a state that has become synonymous with its largest city, the “Big Apple.” A visit to this shining metropolis is near compulsory, but the rest of the state is equally filled with the promise of adventure. Venture north of New York City to discover dramatic waterfalls, tranquil lakes and mountains covered in hiking trails.

New York State played a crucial role in the formation of the new United States, as it was the home of multiple revolutionary battles and the first banks. Visit places such as the National Museum of the American Indian and the Iroquois Indian Museum to learn about the long and storied history of the state before Europeans arrived.

Gaze in wonder at the bright lights and glistening skyscrapers of New York City. Wander around historic neighborhoods such as iconic Manhattan and creative Brooklyn and catch a show in world-famous Broadway. Central Park, the Empire State Building and Grand Central Station are just a few of the instantly recognizable landmarks in this awe-inspiring metropolis.

Travel directly north of NYC into the Hudson Valley to visit historic houses and charming towns. Explore the stately homes of Olana State Historic Site and the Vanderbilt Mansion.

Trek through the Catskill Mountains in the center of the state or summit the peaks of the Adirondacks in the far north. Ride the Catskill Mountain Railroad or mountain bike across numerous trails. Hike up Mount Marcy, the highest point in the state, for unparalleled views of the region.

Western New York is equally full of alluring destinations. Cruise along the Saint Lawrence River between the Thousand Islands or visit the vineyards that line the Finger Lakes. The town of Ithaca is famed for its waterfalls, wineries and universities. In the far west, visit the city of Buffalo, your gateway to the spectacular Niagara Falls.

JFK International Airport offers flights to hundreds of destinations around the world, making New York accessible from almost anywhere on the globe. Visit New York City in winter for magical celebrations and upstate New York in fall for stunning foliage.

Popular cities in New York

New York
New York
Known for Entertainment, Theatres and Museums
One of the world’s most exciting cities positively shines with shopping, shows, museums, sports, and the beautiful and spacious Central Park.

Reasons to visit

  • Manhattan Cruise Terminal
  • Times Square
  • Broadway
Buffalo showing central business district and a city
Buffalo
Known for Waterfalls, Theatres and Live music
Tour Frank Lloyd Wright’s “opus,” the cemetery where Millard Fillmore is buried and the house where Theodore Roosevelt was inaugurated.

Reasons to visit

  • Buffalo Zoo
  • Buffalo AKG Art Museum
  • University At Buffalo - North Campus
Pont de Rennes Bridge which includes a bridge, a sunset and landscape views
Rochester
Known for Universities, Entertainment and Live music
This upstate New York city features top-rated cultural attractions, beautiful natural areas and a very special supermarket.

Reasons to visit

  • Strong
  • Rochester Museum and Science Center
  • Memorial Art Gallery
Albany featuring a fountain, a lake or waterhole and heritage architecture
Albany
Known for Universities, Theatres and Entertainment
Come to New York’s capital to marvel at architectural achievements, shop in funky stores or enjoy fine parks and museums.

Reasons to visit

  • Palace Theater
  • MVP Arena
  • The Egg
Bridal Veil Falls showing landscape views, a waterfall and a city
Niagara Falls
Known for Waterfalls, Dining and Casinos
Nicknamed the world’s honeymoon capital, this spot is a natural wonder attracting newlyweds, families, cross-country travelers and waterfall fans.

Reasons to visit

  • Niagara Falls State Park
  • Rainbow Bridge
  • American Falls
Clinton Square featuring a city, a garden and heritage architecture
Syracuse
Known for Shopping, Universities and Sports
This city in Central New York’s Finger Lakes region offers college sports, summer sunshine and plentiful winter snow for year-round indoor and outdoor activities.

Reasons to visit

  • Syracuse University
  • Carrier Dome
  • New York State Fairgrounds