New York · 27 Places · Best April–June and September–October
New York State is a powerhouse of American culture, history, and natural beauty, anchored by New York City—the most visited city in the United States. From the iconic skyline of Manhattan to the thundering Niagara Falls, the tranquil Adirondack wilderness, and the rolling vineyards of the Finger Lakes, the state offers an extraordinary range of experiences. Whether you seek world-class museums, outdoor adventure, farm-to-table dining, or vibrant nightlife, New York State delivers on every front.
New York State stretches from the Atlantic coast and the world-famous boroughs of New York City northward through the Hudson Valley, past the Catskill and Adirondack mountains, across the glacier-carved Finger Lakes, and west to the Great Lakes and Niagara Falls. The state is home to 19.7 million residents and draws tens of millions of international and domestic visitors each year. New York City alone boasts over 800 languages, more than any other city on Earth, making the state a microcosm of global culture. Beyond the city, charming small towns, centuries-old farms, award-winning wineries, and pristine wilderness offer visitors a deeply American experience far from the urban crowds.
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
The 27 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
This iconic 102-story Art Deco skyscraper defined the Manhattan skyline when it opened in 1931 and remains one of the most recognizable buildings in the world. Observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors offer sweeping 360-degree views of New York City and, on clear days, up to 80 miles into neighboring states.
Gifted by France in 1886, Lady Liberty stands 305 feet tall on Liberty Island in New York Harbor and remains America's most powerful symbol of freedom and immigration. Ellis Island, just a short ferry ride away, processed over 12 million immigrants between 1892 and 1954 and now houses a world-class immigration museum.
Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux's masterpiece of urban landscape design spans 843 acres through the heart of Manhattan, offering New Yorkers and visitors a green sanctuary amid the city's relentless energy. The park contains 36 bridges, 21 playgrounds, a lake, a reservoir, a famous zoo, and the Great Lawn where free concerts attract hundreds of thousands.
The largest art museum in the Americas, the Met houses over two million works spanning 5,000 years of world culture across 17 curatorial departments. Highlights include European paintings by Rembrandt and Vermeer, ancient Egyptian artifacts including a real Temple of Dendur, and the American Wing's period rooms.
America's oldest state park, established in 1885, encompasses the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and stunning views of the massive Horseshoe Falls—whose combined flow of 3,160 tons of water per second makes it the most powerful waterfall in North America by flow rate. The Maid of the Mist boat tour brings visitors to within feet of the thundering cascade.
Opened on the footprints of the Twin Towers, the 9/11 Memorial features two acre-large reflecting pools with the names of all 2,977 victims inscribed in bronze. The underground museum presents a deeply moving account of the attacks and their aftermath through artifacts, personal stories, and multimedia installations.
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
New York City's most storied luxury hotel has anchored the corner of Fifth Avenue and Central Park South since 1907. The French Renaissance chateau-style building features 282 lavishly appointed rooms and suites, the legendary Palm Court afternoon tea, and the Rose Club bar.
Check rates on Booking.comDesigned by I.M. Pei, this sleek limestone tower on East 57th Street offers 368 of the largest standard guest rooms in New York City, averaging 600 square feet. The hotel's L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon restaurant and spa set the standard for Midtown luxury.
Check rates on Booking.comOpened by John Jacob Astor IV in 1904, the St. Regis on Fifth Avenue pioneered the concept of butler service in American hotels — a tradition maintained to this day. The King Cole Bar is home to the Bloody Mary, said to have been invented here.
Check rates on Booking.comOccupying floors 35–54 of the Time Warner Center at Columbus Circle, the Mandarin Oriental offers some of the most dramatic views in New York — Central Park to the north, the Hudson River to the west, and the Manhattan skyline in every direction. The award-winning spa spans two floors.
Check rates on Booking.comCafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Chef Éric Ripert's legendary Midtown seafood temple has held three Michelin stars since 1986 and is widely considered one of the greatest restaurants in the United States. The menu treats fish and seafood with near-religious reverence, showcasing pristine ingredients in refined French technique.
Daniel Humm's plant-based fine dining flagship in the Art Deco Met Life building has three Michelin stars and has been named the best restaurant in the world. The ever-changing tasting menu celebrates seasonal New York ingredients with stunning precision.
Thomas Keller's New York outpost at the Time Warner Center holds three Michelin stars and offers one of the most choreographed dining experiences in the city. The nine-course tasting menu changes daily and showcases Keller's legendary French Laundry technique applied to New York produce.
Celebrated chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten's flagship restaurant in the Trump International Hotel on Columbus Circle has three Michelin stars. The menu fuses classic French technique with Asian spices and flavors in a light, elegant setting overlooking Central Park.
Daniel Boulud's jewel-box restaurant on the Upper East Side is one of New York's most beautiful dining rooms, housed in a former Mayfair Hotel and decorated with Venetian Renaissance-inspired arches. The seasonal French menu draws heavily on local Hudson Valley and Long Island ingredients.
Danny Meyer's Gramercy Tavern has been a beloved New York institution since 1994, offering inventive American cooking in a warmly rustic Gramercy setting. The taproom in front takes walk-ins and offers an excellent casual menu, while the dining room offers a more formal experience.
Book a food tour in New York We may earn a commission from bookings made through this link.
New York City has one of the world's most comprehensive public transit systems, operating 24/7. Upstate New York is best explored by rental car. Amtrak trains and intercity buses connect major cities.
Daily spend by tier in USD, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $35 | $120 | $350 |
| Food (per day) | $20 | $50 | $130 |
| Transportation | $10 | $20 | $50 |
| Activities | $10 | $30 | $70 |
| Daily total | $75 | $200 | $550 |
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for New York.
Keep valuables (phone, wallet, camera) secured and out of sight on the NYC subway and in crowded tourist areas like Times Square and Times Square
Always use official NYC yellow cabs, Uber, or Lyft — never accept rides from unlicensed cars or strangers approaching you in tourist zones
Dial 911 for police, fire, or medical emergencies anywhere in New York State
NYC has a non-emergency police line: 311 — use this for non-urgent concerns rather than calling 911
Be aware of common scams targeting tourists: shell games and three-card monte on the street, fake 'CD gifts' in Times Square, and unofficial 'tour guides' at major attractions
In winter, watch for black ice on sidewalks throughout the state — ice is often invisible and forms overnight after freezing temperatures
When hiking in the Adirondacks or Catskills, tell someone your planned route and expected return time; cell service is limited or absent in many wilderness areas
Carry bear spray or use bear canisters when camping overnight in the Adirondacks — black bears are common and should never be fed
In summer, check for ticks after hiking or walking through tall grass anywhere in New York State; Lyme disease risk is significant in the Hudson Valley and Long Island
Swim only at beaches with lifeguards on duty — rip currents can be dangerous on Long Island's Atlantic-facing beaches
Lock car doors and don't leave valuables visible inside rental cars, especially in city areas or at trailheads
New York City's subway is safe at all hours but stay alert in less-trafficked stations and avoid empty cars late at night
Travel insurance is strongly recommended for international visitors — US medical care is extremely expensive without coverage
In severe weather (blizzards, nor'easters, hurricanes), follow guidance from New York State emergency management and avoid unnecessary travel
Know your hotel or accommodation address and have it written down — cell service can be disrupted in emergencies
New York State is a safe destination for domestic and international travelers. New York City has one of the lowest crime rates per capita of any large US city and is generally safe for solo travelers, families, and LGBTQ+ visitors. Standard urban precautions apply, and upstate areas require awareness of wildlife and weather conditions. Emergency services: police at 911, medical at 911.
The best time to visit New York is April–June and September–October. New York State has a continental humid climate with four distinct seasons. New York City enjoys relatively mild winters (average low 27°F / -3°C in January) and hot, humid summers (average high 84°F /
Entry requirements follow United States federal rules. Most international visitors require either an ESTA (for Visa Waiver Program countries) or a US visa obtained in advance. Citizens of Canada and certain other countries may enter without a visa for short stays. Requirements vary by nationality, so check with your nearest embassy or the official immigration website before traveling.
The currency in New York is the US Dollar (USD). ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for markets and smaller establishments.
The main language(s) spoken in New York: English, Spanish, Chinese. In tourist areas, English is generally understood. Learning a few basic phrases in the local language is appreciated by locals.
The top attractions in New York include Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island, Central Park, Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Niagara Falls State Park. Each offers a unique experience, from historic landmarks to natural wonders.
The cities below have their own guides — hotels, attractions and where to eat, in depth.
