The spectacular Taughannock Falls is worth the hike to view it

New York

For most, any trip to the Empire State starts or finishes in its iconic metropolis: New York City. However, if you confine your travels only to the five boroughs there's a considerable amount you're missing out on.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions for your itinerary

Metropolitan Museum of Art
Upper East Side
What started with a handful of paintings brought over from Europe or donated by a coterie of philanthropically minded robber barons in the 19th century…
Central Park
Upper West Side & Central Park
One of the world’s most renowned green spaces, Central Park comprises 843 acres of rolling meadows, boulder-studded outcroppings, elm-lined walkways,…
Ellis Island
Financial District & Lower Manhattan
Located in New York Harbor, Ellis Island is the US's most famous and historically important gateway and is home to one of the country’s most moving…
Empire State Building
Midtown
The Chrysler Building may be prettier, and One World Trade Center taller, but the queen bee of the New York skyline remains the Empire State Building. NYC…
One World Observatory
Financial District & Lower Manhattan
Spanning three levels at the top of the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, One World Observatory offers dazzling panoramic views over Manhattan's…
Guggenheim Museum
Upper East Side
A New York icon, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, more commonly known as the Guggenheim, is an internationally-renowned art museum and one of the most…
Statue of Liberty
Financial District & Lower Manhattan
It’s been over a century since Lady Liberty made her debut appearance on the New York skyline, but this iconic statue is still one of the city’s most…
National September 11 Memorial Museum
Financial District & Lower Manhattan
When the twin towers of the World Trade Center toppled during the awful events of 11 September 2001, it led to years of soul-searching about what would be…

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Attractions

Top picks from our travel experts

The top 15 things to do in New York State beyond NYC

Curated by Rachel Chang

Opus 40 Sculpture Park & Museum
Catskills
Beginning in 1938, artist Harvey Fite (founder of the fine arts department at nearby Bard College) worked for nearly four decades to coax an abandoned…
Vanderbilt Museum & Planetarium
Long Island
See how shipping magnate 'Commodore' Cornelius Vanderbilt lived in his Eagle's Nest 19th-century mansion, or take in a planetarium show (Friday and…
Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
Catskills
The site of the 1969 Woodstock Music & Art Fair, on Max Yasgur's farm outside Bethel, is 70 miles southwest of the town of Woodstock. It's now home to an…
Montauk Point Lighthouse
Long Island
This is the fourth-oldest active lighthouse in the US, commissioned by George Washington and built in 1796. It's a nice climb, but the 15-person limit may…
National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum
Catskills
Cooperstown bills itself as the home of baseball (the myth that it was the birthplace of the game was long ago debunked). This classy three-floor facility…
Anchor Bar
Buffalo
The story goes that Buffalo wings (deep-fried chicken wings in a spicy sauce) were invented here in 1964, although the restaurant has since changed…
Sands Point Preserve Conservancy
Long Island
Formerly the Guggenheim estate, this preserve covers forest and a beautiful bayfront beach (that is closed to all visitation except nature tours); the…

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

New York State offers a more relaxed agenda than NYC, with Hudson Valley outdoor art museums, Long Island mansions and Thousand Island cruises.

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Things to Know

New York State is so varied, everyone will find something to love. Here’s where to go, what to do, what to eat, and how to get around the Empire State.

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Transportation

Escape the urban jungle and explore New York State's incredible landscapes and charming towns. Here's how to get around when you get there.

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Money and Costs

The delights of New York State don’t always come cheap. Yet with a little planning – and some insider tips – it’s not hard to economize.

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Best Road Trips

From the Great Lakes to Long Island, New York serves up a banquet of landscapes and experiences. Here are the best road trips for soaking it all in.

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