New York State is a major destination in the north-eastern corner of the US. The city of the same name stands at the southern end, at the mouth of the Hudson River, but the rest of the state to the north has a more rural feel. There are various types of roads and driving on offer, from the straight grid patterns of NYC to the winding roads in the Adirondack Mountain Park. Generally though, the roads are well maintained and the traffic flows freely.

The state is crossed by a network of interstate routes, like the I-87 that runs down the eastern fringe, from the Canadian border in the north to the New Jersey border in the south. The I-90, which can be joined from the I-87 if you’re coming from the east, crosses the middle of the state, taking in Albany, Syracuse and Buffalo. In between there are grid patterns of minor roads around the cities but sometimes you’ll find large areas in the wider region with no roads at all.

While it’s relaxing and scenic to cruise round much of the Upstate countryside, driving in exciting bustle of downtown New York City takes a little more planning and concentration. But even the outlying parts of the city turn more relaxing the farther you drive. Head out to the Hamptons on Long Island via the I-87, for example, and you’ll find roads as quiet as any sleepy Upstate spot. The area's the road system has a more European feel, with few straight lines and more winding roads to tackle.

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.