New York City may dominate, but there’s lots more to the state of New York than the metropolis. Upstate New York has the Adirondack Mountains, the Hudson River and the St. Lawrence River marking the Canadian border and the extraordinary Niagara Falls. So bars, restaurants, Broadway, and the best shops and hotels in the world are only half the story – New York is a place to go hiking in the mountains, sailing on the waterways, wine-tasting, skiing… you name it, you’ll find it in one of New York state’s 11 fantastic regions.
Cities & Neighbourhoods in New York State
New York City — The Big Apple. It’s the home of superheroes, the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, Fifth Avenue, Central Park, the Empire State Building, the World Trade Center Memorial, Chinatown, Times Square, Broadway, Wall Street, the United Nations, Madison Square Gardens – book a Brooklyn hotel or an apartment in Manhattan and enjoy a truly iconic city with more to do than anyone has ever managed.
Long Island — Beyond the suburbs of New York is where Long Island truly begins. The rich and famous holiday in the Hamptons but the beaches and shoreline of Gardiners Bay are for everyone. With historic sites that take in the American War of Independence and an abundance of vineyards, a hotel in Long Island is a great way to escape to from the city.
Buffalo — New York’s second city is a low-key, relaxed contrast to its brash big brother. Buffalo lies on the eastern shores of Lake Erie on the Niagara River and has escaped its industrial history to become a prosperous town. The canals, revitalised riverfront and art galleries make Buffalo a grand place book a hotel.
Niagara Falls — The roar hits you before you see the millions of tonnes of crashing water – the Niagara Falls are one of the wonders of the natural world. With three sets of waterfalls – the famous Horseshoe Falls are joined by the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls – dropping 165 feet into the plunge pool, this is a fantastic place to visit.
Things to See with a Hotel in New York State
If you’ve been overwhelmed by NYC, there’s still plenty on offer in New York state. The Finger Lakes Region spreads across the western half of the state, home to more than 80 vineyards where you can go on wine-tasting after wine-tasting. The Hudson Valley inspired a school of artists with its sweeping vista, and the Catskills nearby are just as breath-taking and ideal for walks, climbs and hikes – likewise the Adirondack Mountains. Don’t miss Woodstock, the spiritual home of the American music festival, or the Hamptons, the playground of America’s elite.
Things to Do in New York State
Shopping, eating, drinking and carousing are best done in New York City – there are new places to try every day. Elsewhere, you can sky dive over Long Island, eat Buffalo wings in Buffalo, go boating on Lake George, sail around the Thousand Islands, get drenched at Niagara Falls, ride a horse along the beach in Long Island, go white water rafting in the Adirondacks, follow the Amish trail in Chautauqua, join a painting class in the Catskills, and stop off at one of the dozens of theme parks and water parks.