20 Best Cities in New York
While most visit the Empire State to catch some of that one-of-a-kind, New York City vibe, this East Coast gem boasts so much more than its largest, noisiest, and most iconic metropolis. From Long Island City's mini MoMA to Lake Placid's tranquil beauty to Ithaca's perfect mix of nature and culture, New York State boasts a long list of great cities to explore, and they are packed with exciting tourist attractions.
No matter what you fancy – from eating good food to antiquing to hiking, you'll find it in lovely New York State. Go skiing at top resorts in the Adirondacks and Catskill Mountains, swim in the Finger Lakes, or mow down on excellent dishes in foodie-friendly Rochester. Love to shop? You can practice some retail therapy in each of the cities on this list, with the best city for shopping being the Big Apple, of course.
Choose the perfect places to visit with our list of the best cities in New York.
1. New York City
The proverbial apple of New York State's eye, Manhattan is the most popular tourist destination, not to mention one of the best places to visit in New York State. It's also one of the best cities in New York and, arguably, the world.
It's in New York City that you'll find literally everything your heart desires – from the rarest antique cufflinks to the most delicious entrée to grace your lips.
The Big Apple also offers unbeatable museums. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Guggenheim Museum, and American Museum of Natural History are three of the best museums in New York City.
You can run laps in Central Park, get lost in the Ramble, watch the sea lions perform at the Central Park Zoo, catch a show on Broadway, admire the view from atop the Empire State Building, board the Staten Island Ferry to see the Statue of Liberty close up, and shop till you drop on Madison or Park Avenue. Head to SoHo for more eclectic finds among the bespoke shops and galleries.
When hunger pangs hit, grab a bite in Hell's Kitchen or break the bank with a meal at the Momofuku Ko or Jean-Georges.
Author's Tip: Booking an Airbnb is a great idea for those traveling with kids. New York hotel rooms are small and lack kitchens, which can come in handy for breakfast and snack prep. Also, if you're not a fan of noise, opt for a quieter hotel locale on the Upper West or Upper East Side. While staying near Times Square is convenient, it can get crowded and noisy.
2. Lake Placid
Technically more of a village than a city, Lake Placid is perhaps the most beautiful town in New York State. If you're looking for a scenic spot to eat good food, shop in small boutiques, and spend the day skiing down hills or kayaking on a lake, Lake Placid is the place to be.
Lush forests and giant, craggy mountains replace the tall skyscrapers found in bigger cities (ahem, Manhattan). The cacophony of horn-honking and shouting is traded for serene sounds of snow falling or birds chirping in trees. With such a tranquil and stunning backdrop, Lake Placid is the place where worries melt away. No wonder it was chosen to host the Winter Olympics in 1932 and 1980.
Not surprisingly, the top things to do in Lake Placid are Olympic based. We dare you not to hold your breath while watching young skiers practice jumping and flying (as far as the length of a football field) at the impressive Olympic Jumping Complex. In the center of town, you'll find the massive Olympic Center. It boasts skating rinks and a museum dedicated to past Olympic athletes.
The Olympic Sports Complex is an amazing place. This is where bobsled, luge, and skeleton events take place. The best part? You don't have to be an athlete to participate. Sign up for a turn on the track or jump on the soon-to-be-opened, Lake Placid Mountain Coaster, which is a bit more controlled.
When you're not being immersed in sports knowledge, head to nearby Mirror Lake. A stunner in all seasons, this crisp, clear, sparkling lake is especially picture-perfect during the colorful fall. This is by far one of the best places to visit in New York State.
3. Buffalo
For years, Buffalo has had a bit of a bad rap. Once an economic powerhouse (it literally got its power from Niagara Falls), this big city in New York fell upon hard times, which resulted in empty buildings and a few less-than-stellar areas of town.
Today, those times are far behind this bustling city, the second largest in the state. Architectural masterpieces by Frank Lloyd Wright, HH Richardson, and Louis Sullivan have been restored, and its professional sports teams entice fans to visit from across the country.
Located on the shores of Lake Erie, Buffalo attractions include inspiring art galleries and museums, a vibrant entertainment scene, and fabulous restaurants. Keep the kids happy with a trip to the Buffalo Zoo. Try the city's namesake chicken wings and add a trip to the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens to your sightseeing itinerary.
Discover more about the city's brief history as a leader in the auto industry at the Pierce-Arrow Museum. And if you're an art lover, hit the Albright-Knox Art Gallery.
Insider's tip: Most visitors add a trip to the nearby Niagara Falls to their journey (the famous landmark is only a half-hour drive north).
4. Ithaca
Ithaca offers visitors a truly inclusive vacation filled with shopping, entertainment, academia, and some of the most gorgeous scenery in the state. This fun college city is set on the stunning southern edge of Cayuga Lake, the largest of New York's Finger Lakes, and one of the most gorgeous lakes in the state. A tranquil city, so beautiful, your camera will quiver with excitement, you'll want to spend days, not hours, in this picturesque spot.
Ithaca is most notably home to Ivy League Cornell University and Ithaca College. Imagine being surrounded by deep gorges and cascading waterfalls as you hit the books. Not a bad backdrop to help quell exam worries.
Feeling stressed? Hit the lake on a paddleboard, head out for a hike, or try your hand at fishing. No wonder the city's slogan, "Ithaca is gorges," is stuck on bumper stickers everywhere.
As a college town, you can expect to be amazed by Ithaca's bevy of impressive museums and art galleries. Cornell's historic clock tower and Johnson Art Museum draw visitors, as do the city's Museum of the Earth, Sciencenter, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, and Cayuga Nature Center.
When wandering the streets, though, travelers will notice something even more eclectic than the artifacts they toured – an atmosphere that mixes creativity with academia and an ultimate bohemian vibe. You'll find festivals galore, a pedestrian mall (a.k.a. Ithaca Commons), and canoe and kayak rentals.
Read More: Top-Rated Things to Do in the Finger Lakes Region, NY
5. Saratoga Springs
Want to feel young again? Take a dip in the waters of Saratoga Springs. Believed by the Mohawk and Iroquois tribes to have healing powers, the waters from the springs in this pretty city in New York were once thought to cure diabetes, heartburn, and kidney ailments, among others. While none of these claims have been proven, they did help turn Saratoga Springs into a top New York State tourist destination by the 19th century.
Today, visitors get a chance to test these theories themselves at the Roosevelt Baths & Spa, located in Saratoga Springs Spa State Park. Not a fan of spas or the hefty price tags that often accompany a visit? You can find nearly 21 mineral springs among the top tourist attractions in the city.
When you aren't trying to sip from or bathe in the fountain of youth, head to the city's beautiful Yaddo Gardens or thrill your inner car lover at The Saratoga Automobile Museum. Also, watching a horse race at Saratoga Race Course is one of the best things to do in Upstate New York.
Read More: Top-Rated Things to Do in Saratoga, NY
6. Rochester
Rochester is a city built for fun, especially if you're a kid. First off, it boasts a thundering, 96-foot waterfall (a.k.a. High Falls), one of the best waterfalls in New York state. If you ever want to feel small, stand next to this beauty!
Next up on the list of fun things to do in Rochester is visit the youthful and super fun Strong National Museum of Play. Who wouldn't want to visit a museum dedicated to toys and games? This awesome spot even boasts the National Toy Hall of Fame and World Video Game Hall of Fame.
Seabreeze Amusement Park is another winner with families, as is the expansive Seneca Park Zoo and Rochester Museum & Science Center.
Traveling without little ones in tow? You'll have a blast at the historic homes, George Eastman Museum, and Highland Park. Head out for a hike, admire the nearby waterfalls, or play a round of golf. You won't get bored. We promise!
A hub for foodies, this fun city in New York also offers a vast array of fantastic restaurants. Be sure to try a bunch of them to get a taste of all the city has to offer. The food at Sinbad's Mediterranean Cuisine is divine, as is the fine fare served at Pasta Villa.
7. Niagara Falls
Pretty much everyone has heard of Niagara Falls. A cool, 150,000 gallons of water plunge over this famous landmark waterfall every second. Yes, you read that right. Every SECOND! Everyone should really see these exceptional falls at least once in their life.
While the Canadian Niagara Falls is deemed to have the best view of the watery wonder, the American city of the same name offers a quieter, more resplendent experience. It's been touted as the "Honeymoon Capital of the World" for good reason.
Obviously, the main tourist draw is the remarkable falls. Whether you take a boat tour to the base, visit the Cave of the Winds for a wet and up-close view of Bridal Veil Falls, or book a helicopter tour to view the falls from above, you won't be disappointed by the amazing opportunities for sightseeing in this small, yet impressive city in New York.
The falls aren't the only beauty to be had in this gorgeous region. While in town, be sure to schedule time to visit Goat Island and walk the Niagara Gorge Trail.
8. Syracuse
The fourth largest city in New York state, Syracuse boasts all the impressive elements of a big city: interesting museums (i.e. the Erie Canal Museum and the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology), good restaurants, and boutique shops. It's also home to the 43-acre Rosamond Gifford Zoo, which offers enough indoor attractions to make it a good bet for keeping kids entertained in all types of weather.
With so many great tourist attractions on offer, it's no wonder Syracuse is deemed one of the best cities in New York. It's also not surprising that this fun-filled destination is a popular weekend getaway destination.
The downtown core features shops, cafés, and restaurants, as well as beautiful historic buildings that have been lovingly restored to evoke the simpler days of old. Outdoorsy folks may be more taken with Onondaga Lake Park, Clark Reservation State Park, and Hiawatha Lake, where they can swim, fish, boat, climb cliffs, or hike through the woods.
For many, one of the highlights of a Syracuse visit is a trip to Destiny USA, a humongous shopping mall and entertainment complex. In addition to shopping till you drop, visitors to this retail utopia can drive a go-kart or swing through a rope suspension course.
9. Albany
Beautiful Albany is a historic haven mixed with modern architectural marvels (we're looking at you, The Egg and Empire State Plaza). The New York State Capitol is perhaps its most famous structure, a majestic building set atop State Street Hill. It took over 32 years to build this masterpiece during the late 1800s.
Walking around the city's streets is like traveling through a history book. You'll spot remarkable homes, churches, and other noteworthy buildings peppered throughout. Don't miss the incredible New York State Museum, which is one of the city's top attractions. It's been deemed the oldest state museum in the U.S. and sits in the most unique and striking building. It is also one of the top places to visit in the Hudson Valley.
Insider's tip: Board a river cruise to see the city from the water. It's set on the west bank of the Hudson River, and there are numerous cruises to choose from.
10. Yonkers
Yonkers is the fourth largest, and one of the best, cities in New York. Set on the east bank of the Hudson River, this New York City neighbor is a commuter haven for those with Manhattan-based jobs.
In addition to falling asleep without the cacophony found in the big city, Yonkers offers its residents (and visitors) views of both the river and Palisades so stunning, they've inspired many a work of art.
Its most famous residents have included, Ella Fitzgerald, Jon Voight, W.C. Handy, and Mary J. Blige. Elisha Otis designed the first "safety" elevator here in 1853.
Among the city's most unmissable tourist attractions are the Hudson River Museum (don't miss the planetarium or period house) and Untermyer Gardens Conservancy (the Walled Garden is particularly stunning, as are the Temple of Love and the Greek-inspired amphitheater).
11. Binghamton
Science and technology buffs will love Binghamton. Touring its streets, you can virtually feel the creativity seep into your soul. This is the city where IBM was born, not to mention the technology behind virtual reality.
Binghamton is at the meeting place of the Chenango and Susquehanna rivers. Creative thinkers from the mid-1800s built a 97-mile canal, the Chenango Canal, to join Binghamton to Utica. Today, visitors can hike along the five-mile Towpath Trail and visit the self-guided museum in nearby Hamilton.
The Phelps Mansion Museum (once home to successful businessman and mayor, Sherman D. Phelps) is a grandiose, 19th-century masterpiece that begs to be photographed. Inside, you'll get a glimpse into what life was like in the gilded era.
While in town, be sure to picnic in Otsiningo Park after entertaining the kids at the Discovery Center or Ross Park Zoo.
12. New Rochelle
Located about 25 minutes from midtown Manhattan, New Rochelle is another popular city in New York for commuters. It's also one of the oldest communities in the state. Nestled in Westchester County, you'll find vast waterfront estates lining the Long Island Sound, and historic homes peppering the streets of this seventh-largest city in New York.
The downtown is charming and features enough local shops and restaurants to help you while away at least a few hours. In warmer months, sailboats and other watercraft bob their hellos from the New Rochelle Harbor.
Visiting Glen Island Park is one of the best things to do in New Rochelle, especially during summer. Bring beach gear, as you'll want to park yourself on the soft sand for an entire afternoon. The park is housed on a 105-acre island that is reached via a drawbridge.
If you're in search of history, you'll find it here in spades. The heart of the city is home to "the largest designated historic district in Westchester" and the charming Thomas Paine Cottage Museum features interesting displays about the area's storied past.
13. Schenectady
A small city in what is known as the "Capital Region" of upstate New York, Schenectady sure knows how to pack a lot of fun within its borders. From top restaurants to impressive tourist attractions to a charming historic district, there is no lack of fun things to do in this popular city in New York.
Catch an evening show at Proctor's Theater. The well-lighted heart of downtown, this iconic spot has hosted live concerts, musicals, plays, dance performances, and so much more inside its historic walls.
The Schenectady County Historical Society always has something interesting planned at its three area sites. The Mabee Farm Historic Site, Museum & Library, and Brouwer House Creative are all worth a visit.
If the weather cooperates, be sure to carve out time for a walk around the Central Park Rose Garden. One of the best places to visit in Schenectady, this natural wonder boasts thousands of bushes featuring hundreds of varieties of roses. It's truly stunning, especially when the flowers are in bloom (usually in early June).
Author's Tip: If you love being surrounded by the majestic colors of fall foliage, take an Autumn drive along the Mohawk Towpath Byway from Schenectady to Waterford and Cohoes. This historic path follows the Erie Canal and features spectacular Insta-worthy vistas.
14. White Plains
No matter what you're looking for, you'll find it in White Plains–from fine dining to upscale shopping to farmers markets to golf to skating, this vibrant city in New York has it all. A mere 35 miles from New York (just over an hour by car if you hit traffic), this inner suburb is one of the main cultural hubs of Westchester County.
ArtsWestchester is the place to visit if you're hoping to unleash your inner Picasso. Get inspired by the unique art exhibitions and performances of everything from music to dance.
Cranberry Lake Preserve, on the other hand, will help you get lost for a while. A 190-acre park, this serene spot is the perfect place to unwind and appreciate nature.
Looking for more outdoor fun? Wander the trails and forests of Silver Lake Preserve, or play a game on the Maple Moor Golf Course.
Author's Tip: Flying in and out of New York City airports can be a pain. In addition to the traffic and parking issues, you'll have to contend with long security lines and potential delays. White Plains is home to a small and efficient airport, the Westchester County Airport, which offers national flights on seven airlines. It will save tons of time and headaches.
15. Montauk
Talk about idyllic. Montauk is the place where worries disappear. Flanked by the shimmering Long Island Sound, spotted with sandy (yet slightly pebbly) beaches, and overflowing with charm, this lovely slice of heaven is a weekender's dream destination, especially for those traveling from New York City. It's located on the eastern tip of the South Fork in East Hampton.
A laid-back, seaside haven, the small city of Montauk is a popular summer destination, especially for frazzled New Yorkers looking for an escape. Popular things to do in Montauk include beachin', seal watching in Montauk Point State Park, swimming, and eating lots and lots of delicious food. Visiting the iconic Montauk Lighthouse is one of the best things to do on Long Island.
Camp Hero State Park is another must-see. Once a WWII military base, the park is home to trails that traipse through wetlands and forests.
16. Long Island City
Long Island City is the Big Apple's smaller, quieter cousin, which technically resides in one of its boroughs: Queens. To get here, hop on the G train from Brooklyn, or the W, N, or 7 trains from Manhattan.
Gantry Plaza State Park is one of the city's main attractions. It offers visitors a place to stretch out, walk, run, play basketball, or sip a coffee. The best part? All this is done with an incredible backdrop of the New York City skyline and the 59th Street Bridge.
The MoMA PS1 is a treat for art lovers. It's a much smaller, more scaled-back version of Manhattan's MoMA where you'll be treated to experimental and contemporary art. Still craving creativity? Head to Sculpture Center, a contemporary art museum that's sure to inspire.
17. Poughkeepsie
The largest city in the Hudson River Valley, Poughkeepsie is a keeper (sorry, we had to) filled with interesting things to do. Once home to Franklin D. Roosevelt, it's also a hub of historical significance. Tourists flock here to visit his prior house and the FDR Presidential Library and Museum. They're located in Springwood, a suburb where the iconic president was once based.
Even more popular than FDR's house, though, is the outstanding (and super long) Walkaway Over the Hudson (or Walkway, as it's known to locals) attraction. It's one of the top attractions in the Hudson Valley for good reason.
The world's longest footbridge, the Walkway was first built as a railroad in 1889. It was rebuilt after a fire destroyed the tracks in 1974 and opened as a State Historic Park in 2009. You can't beat the views of the Catskills and Hudson Highlands from this gorgeous spot, which hovers 212 meters above the Hudson River.
While in town, be sure to visit the expansive and picturesque Locus Grove Estate, a museum and nature preserve featuring an Italian Villa built in the mid-1850s.
Author's Tip: Save time for a show at the historic Bardavon Opera House (circa 1869). The shows are first-rate and come with affordable price tags. Movies are sometimes shown in this venue and admission to see these is often free!
18. Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon hugs both the Bronx and Hutchinson Rivers, offering its guests plenty of opportunities to enjoy pretty water views. Also situated in Westchester County, this fun city in New York is just north of the Bronx and technically considered an inner suburb of New York City. As such, it's also one of the most populated cities in New York state.
Mount Vernon's most popular tourist attraction is the Saint Paul's Church National Historic Site. Used as a hospital for British military during the American Revolutionary War, this iconic spot is the most visited site in the city. If you're looking for food, cute shops, and quaint cafés, head downtown.
Those hoping to enjoy a little nature with their city experience should take some time out for a hike or picnic in Hunt's Woods or Willson's Woods Park. The latter boats access to swimming, fishing, plenty of green space, and a water park.
19. Cooperstown
You'll want to spend at least two days in charming Cooperstown. Most notable as being home to the National Baseball Hall of Fame, this small city in New York is a hit with baseball aficionados and children of all ages.
Catch a game at Doubleday Field, which some have dubbed the birthplace of baseball. Then knock it out of the park by treating your kids to a day riding bumper boats, driving go-carts, and playing mini golf at Cooperstown Fun Park. Cool off with a dip in Ostego Lake, where you can fish, boat, or kayak.
You'll feel the artsy vibe oozing through the walls of this tiny town's well-established shops, cafés, and restaurants. Be sure to take the time to sit back, relax, and let it all seep in. Part small town, part city, Cooperstown is an enjoyable place to visit.
Have a teen in tow? This is the perfect place to visit on a vacation with teenagers. In addition to the Baseball Hall of Fame mentioned earlier, there's also a Heroes of Baseball Wax Museum and, for the artsy kids, the Fenimore Art Museum.
20. Utica
Utica is an Industrial city set on the Mohawk River, but don't worry, there's a lot of nature to enjoy here as well. Home to 900 acres of city parks, this metropolis lies at the foot of the Adirondack Mountains, meaning you won't have far to go for a vista-filled hike.
Topping the list of fun things to do is ogling art at the Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute. Animal lovers will also enjoy a visit to the Utica Zoo.
Hoping to get fresher air? Rent a bike and pedal your way along the trail following the NYS Barge Canal. Remember to bring water along as you could literally spend hours biking this trail. And don't forget, you have to turn around at some point to pedal your way back, so save some energy.
Soaking up the history and impressive architecture in Bagg's Square is another must-do activity during any trip to Utica.
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Get Outside in New York State: It's easy to stay active and enjoy the outdoors in New York. With a bevy of beautiful lakes in which to swim, kayak, and fish, you'll be set for summer. In winter, head for the hills and hit the slopes at the numerous first-rate ski resorts. You're assured outdoor fun in every season.
Where to Stay in New York: Now that you know where you want to go, it's time to figure out where you'll stay. From top-notch luxury to more affordable small-town inns, you're sure to find a perfect place among these top resorts in New York State. Looking to spend more of your time checking out the scenery of the Adirondacks and Catskills? Try one of these lovely resorts in upstate New York.
