New York State is a little like two different states in one. The city of New York forms one of them: it’s a major world metropolis, America’s biggest city and one of the planet’s most popular visitor destinations. The rest of the state, meanwhile, has a quieter, gentler ambience.
Upstate New York has some incredible sights, but apart from Niagara Falls, they don’t draw the same huge numbers as NYC’s exciting Times Square, beautiful Central Park and iconic Empire State Building do. What the whole state does offer, however, is a wonderful blend of world-class attractions and peaceful countryside. You can see some of the most photographed urban sights one day and find somewhere for a quiet picnic in the woods the next.
Exploring NYC
With five boroughs to explore, New York City is an ever-changing hive of activity. The Big Apple extends across the islands and riverbanks at the mouth of the Hudson. The heart of the city is on Manhattan Island but it stretches as far as the landmark Statue of Liberty on Ellis Island to the luxurious mansions of the Hamptons on Long Island.
There are many big name sights here to see but also scores of memorable experiences on offer, from the inspiration of a bohemian café in Greenwich Village to the poignancy of the Ground Zero Memorial. For an escape from the bustle of the city, Central Park is the perfect place for some peace and tranquillity.
To the north
The rest of the state forms a triangle spreading north from the coastal point of New York and Long Island. You can follow the Hudson north to find the state capital, Albany – this old city of historic homes has sophisticated new high-rise additions too.
It is about two-and-a-half hours’ drive from New York City and you’ll find the State Capitol building and State Museum are popular attractions here.
Further north, things become more rustic and rural. You can explore the woods, trails and views of Adirondack Mountain Park or the scenic waterways among the forests, like Lake George and Lake Champlain, a popular boating and recreation spot which extends across the border into Canada.
The western state
To the west you’ll find Syracuse, an old colonial city amid hills, trees and waterways. The city makes a gentle place to wander and has more than its fair share of galleries, museums and parks to explore. Further west is Rochester, a family-friendly city on the southern shore of Lake Ontario, with attractions including Seneca Park Zoo, Seabreeze Amusement Park and the National Museum of Play.
The city of Buffalo stands in the north-west corner of New York State, facing Lake Erie. It’s a busy spot, with interesting acclaimed art galleries and the modern architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright at the striking Darwin Martin House. Buffalo’s main claim to fame is the extraordinary natural sight a short drive to the north. Niagara Falls are actually three huge cascades spanning the Canadian border and plunging 170ft in a spectacular cloud of spray and visitors can view the Falls from walkways in a riverside park and boats on the river. With so much to do across the whole of New York State, it can be hard to decide where to start. Hiring a car can help you take in as much of this great state as possible.