13 Cities Worth Visiting In New York

Evolved from the deeply-rich history, the state of New York is the nation's mecca of arts, culture, and industry, with countless notable sights and scenic escapes around. These cities offer the taste of the state's grand character through various personalities for a bucket list of worthy visits.

Albany

Set on the western banks of the Hudson River, some 150 miles north of New York City, Albany is the capital of the state and part of the Tri-City Area, along with the historically more industrial Troy and Schenectady. Many visit Albany for its commercial and cultural hub status, featuring a lively downtown with an old-world appeal void of crowds and costs of other metropolitans. The sites include the historic state capitol building, the iconic Empire State Plaza, and the rows of colorfully painted, turn-of-the-century brownstones to stroll along in admiration. The foodies and the outdoor enthusiasts utilize Albany as a springboard en route to exploring the region's offerings, with the Hudson Valley to the south, the Adirondacks to the north, the Finger Lakes wine region to the west, and Massachusetts' Berkshire Mountains to the east. 

Binghamton

Possessing one of the grandest personalities in the state, a spirit of innovation and economic strength have been driving Binghamton historically and to this day, with IBM and Lockheed Martin at the lead. Also home to advanced technology and aerospace companies like BAE Systems, Rockwell Collins, L-3 Communications, and McIntosh Laboratories, the city is a thriving tech corridor in Upstate New York. Posing a picturesque exterior and quaint atmosphere, visitors often become long-term residents that commute to work elsewhere. Many tourists come for the fascinating charm of the bygone days emanating from the historic carousels and the Forum Theater historic concert venue. Other major attractions include the Roberson Museum, Science Center, Phelps Mansion, Recreation Park, as well as the family-geared Discovery Center, and the Zoo at Ross Park. 

Buffalo

Set on Lake Erie, the city was the transporting hub of goods between the East Coast and the Midwest in the 1900s until The Great Depression hit its lofty economy. Perseverance, increased development, and new businesses in partnerships with the local government helped return Buffalo to its thriving state, with a recent renaissance of the rapidly developing waterfront with the LECOM Harborcenter hockey and the medical corridor that is considered one of the nation's finest. The neighborly feel where residents gathered over a beer in a local pub after work remained from years back when the trees along the avenue were still young. Now, the lush canopies sprawl over the sidewalks, making the city an excellent walk-through. The traffic has also been very manageable, making for an easy trip to the Niagara only 20 miles away or some superb skiing in the vicinity, followed by an atmospheric nightcap back in the city.

Cooperstown

A hotspot for the nation's baseball fans, Cooperstown is home to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and the Doubleday Field ballpark, known as the sport's birthplace. Those with other preferences come for the small-city feel with numerous museums to visit, the Cooperstown Fun Park, and simply stroll through the lively streets adorned by the beautiful fall foliage. There is the beloved Fenimore Art Museum for the cultured, along with the living Farmers' Museum that showcases a farmstead life back in the 1840s. Laser-tag, go-carts, and bumper boats at the family park suit kids of all ages, while the mini-golf course and a full arcade entice the "big kids" of the family. The Fly Creek Cider Mill offers an atmospheric pastime in the outdoors for any group, with old-fashioned apple cider and a variety of sweet treats.

Ithaca

Offering a whole range of activities throughout the year, Ithaca is the ideal city for those seeking an all-inclusive vacation experience or stress relief. Wondering along the streets brimful of the "ultimate bohemian vibe," one will find shopping at the pedestrian mall, various entertainment, cultural institutions, and bars to mingle with the college crowd. There are also impressive museums and art galleries to hit, including Cornell's historic clock tower and the Johnson Art Museum. The slogan "Ithaca is gorges" reveals the other side of Ithaca, set on the stunning southern edge of Cayuga Lake. The beautiful scenery induces a sense of tranquility that is a deadly weapon against the burn-out of everyday beings. At the same time, the visiting students can only imagine studying within the worry-free surroundings of the deep gorges and cascading waterfalls.

Lake Placid

Perhaps the most beautiful small city in the state, Lake Placid is a unique getaway for the foodies, nature enthusiasts, and shoppers. The traffic cacophony is replaced by chirping birds and gurgling creeks, while the downtown-full of small boutiques, cute cafes, and restaurants in place of skyscrapers offers un-obscured stargazing at night. As the two-time host of the Winter Olympics, the impressive Olympic Jumping Complex with a museum and the Lake Placid Mountain Coaster is open to the public right in the heart of the city. Surrounded by lush green forests and craggy mountains, the scenic pursuits, range from wintertime skiing to hiking to kayaking on the stunningly clear Mirror Lake during summer. 

New Rochelle

Some 25 minutes from the heart of Manhattan, the seventh-largest city of the state, New Rochelle is often visited for a day trip from New York City. Known as one of the oldest communities in the nation, its scenically set estates along the Long Island Sound comprise many historical homes to marvel at. The city is also home to the most extensive designated historic district in Westchester, while the charming Thomas Paine Cottage Museum reveals the area's exciting history through displays. Reachable via a drawbridge, the Glen Island Park is housed on a 105-acre island as a popular summertime outing for days-on basking in the soft sands and enjoying various water-bound pursuits.

New York City

Written about in songs and starring in countless films and popular TV series such as "Friends" and "Gossip Girl," New York City is the showstopper of the country. Its spirit is never forgotten, as attested by millions of people worldwide who praise New York City for its grandiosity. It is a leader in trade and home to some of the nation's tallest skyscrapers, Times Square, and many historical landmarks. New York City has also redefined culture and the world of fashion. There are many famed theaters, museums, and restaurants where an authentic meal must comprise a New York-style pizza or a Bagel Schmear. The vast Central Park and many other green spaces sprawl around the communities that are just as diverse as the people there. 

Niagara Falls

The British-built Fort Schlosser on site in 1761 was burned down in the War of 1812, with farmlands continuing to thrive and three villages merging to form the city. Located along the Niagara River across the city by the same name in Canada, its namesake iconic waterfall is known around the world. The Niagara Falls State Park comprises the Prospect Park and the Schoellkopf Geological Museum, which exhibits the history and formation of Niagara Falls and areas along the river. Tramped by millions annually, the Rainbow Bridge is one of the several that cross the river downstream from the falls. Many also visit the grand casinos, including the Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel, featuring 99 gaming tables and 4,200 slot machines, and the biggest hotel in the state outside of Manhattan. 

Poughkeepsie

Set on the eastern shores of the Hudson River, Poughkeepsie was settled by the Dutch in 1683, with its name remaining from the Wappinger Indian origin, meaning “the reed-covered lodge by the little water place.” Home to the Vassar College, the Marist College, and the Dutchess Community College, the lively streets are filled with attractions, along with the FDR Presidential Library and Museum and the Bardavon Opera House. The Locust Grove is the former home to the inventor of the telegraph, Samuel F.B. Morse, while the Vanderbilt Mansion national historic site can be found at the Hyde Park about 8 km to the north. As the largest city in the Hudson Valley, Poughkeepsie is bountiful in green spaces, while its Walkway over the Hudson River to the town of Highland is the second-longest footbridge in the nation. 

Rochester

A known springboard into the scenic escapes of the region, Rochester boasts a storied history worth sticking around for, as the birthplace of Kodak and amateur photography in 1888. Today Rochester thrives through ongoing innovations and significant investments in solar energy, pharmaceutical, and cyber security, while its closeness to the fertile Finger Lakes area has prompted Agri-Business giants to invest in the city's practical development of the next-gen agricultural production and distribution. Its notable landmarks include the George Eastman Museum, the Strong National Museum of Play, Highland Park, and the National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House, and Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse. Home to the University of Rochester and the Rochester Institute of Technology, the downtown streets bursts with year-round arts and culture events. The Finger Lakes Region is also known for some of the country's best wines from the award-winning vineyards that dot the rolling hills.

Syracuse

Set along the Erie Canal, Syracuse is a true gem for those who love keeping busy and discovering new things. There is the Everson Museum of Art, the Landmark Theatre, Destiny USA, Erie Canal Museum, Museum of Science & Technology, the Armory Square, and the Rosamond Gifford Zoo beloved by families. Big on sports, there is the NBT Stadium and the Carrier Dome hosting frequent games for the Syracuse University football and basketball teams. Known as the city of initiatives for the high-tech, medical, and energy sectors, its Syracuse Technology Garden also helps entrepreneurs and innovators create new advances in emerging industries.

Yonkers

Yonkers is perched on the eastern banks of the Hudson River as the fourth largest city in the state. Preferring to sleep soundly sans the cacophony of the megalopolis and step out into the views of the river and the Palisades each morning, many who live in Yonkers commute to Manhattan for work. The scenery has inspired works of art, while among its famous residents, Elisha Otis, designed the first "safety" elevator in 1853. The beloved Hudson River Museum has regional art and science exhibits showcasing the site from its start as a major village, Nappeckamack, to the present day. The Untermyer Gardens Conservancy has a stunning Walled Garden, the Temple of Love, and the Greek-inspired amphitheater, while there is also a planetarium and a period house in the city to visit.

Some prefer the spirit of the giant megalopolises, whose residents, in turn, flee to smaller cities for the quaint escape in tranquility. Unlike any other, these cities are also a must-visit for all first-timers in the state of New York.