New York is an iconic blend of sites that drives over 60 million tourists every year. The state is a dream destination of not just you. The state is filled with the world’s major commercial, financial and cultural centers.
While searching for the top 10 places for visit in New York, I found that tourists coming here have more on their plate than popular sites. From the world’s most famous museums to famous Central Park, this big city has hidden surprises for you.
New York, a metropolitan hub of the US, is one of the world’s most popular megacities. The fun fact is New York City is the most visited here. But, it’s not just about New York City and its cool destinations. New York wholly got dreamy lakes and mountains, along with charming small towns.
For the one who is looking for peace and the hidden beauty of nature, I have also listed some top Places for a visit in New York Upstate.
Dive into the bucket list of amazing destinations in New York to blow your Instagram with lovely pictures without much effort. Also, we have the most iconic places that you will never forget.
New York is a hub to 3 main villages: West Village, Greenwich Village, and East Village.
“There’s a lot to do in New York once the sun strikes.”
- Statue of Liberty- Best place to visit in New York
- Central Park- A must place for visit in New York
- Times Square- Best to experience the night life in New York
- Niagara falls– Best places for visit in New York State
- Adirondacks– Beauty of Nature amidst beautiful mountains
- The CatSkills– Land scenic vistas and beautiful waterfalls
- Empire States building- Tallest buildings in New York City
- Metropolitan Museum of Art- Centrepiece of Art and culture
- Finger Lakes- Scenic beauty and must visit place in New York State
- Lake Placid– Serene Beauty in the land of Adirondacks
- Conclusion
Statue of Liberty- Best place for visit in New York
Statue of Liberty always strikes the No. 1 spot in the list of first-time visitors in New York.
The Statue of Liberty is a gift of French peoples to America.
It’s the pride of Manhattan, New York City. This copper statue is 305 feet and 6 inches. Divided into 350 pieces and packed in 214 crates. The Statue of Liberty was built in 1886.
The features never fail to delight visitors here. No doubt it’s one of the best places for visit in New York State for all reasons.
The features of this enlightening statue are endless. Some of the features that will fascinate you – The Female figure represents the Roman goddess of freedom, Lady Liberty’s shoe size is 879, You have to climb 354 stairs to reach the statue’s crown. Tie your shoes tight and explore the amazing top view of New York from the Statue’s crown.
A Guide to fun things to do at Statue of Liberty- Statue of Liberty Exhibit(Free activities), Audio Tour of Liberty Island(key attraction of the land), The Torch Exhibit(show of amazing facts, cartoons, and much more), Promenade and Observatory Tour(Enjoy fun vibes of the statue of liberty).
It’s not it- the Statue of Liberty has got a lot of surprises for you. With just a 10-15 min walk from the site, you will step into cool and romantic places in New York. These all features make the Statue of Liberty one of the best places for visit in New York.
Ideal destination for– Childrens(endless entertainment options available), for teens, Couples (the place is full with romantic places around).
Key Highlights- The Brooklyn Bridge, Top of the Rock, New York City Urban Adventures, The Highline
Tips for traveling-
- Take a short boat trip to Liberty Island and explore amazing views of the Statue of Liberty.
- Explore more by stopping at Ellis Island and explore the Immigration Museum.
- Iconic view from Battery Park in Manhattan.
Location- New York, NY 10004, United States.
Official site- http://www.nps.gov/stli/index.htm
Central Park- A must place for visit in New York
A walk, home to scenic hills, meadows, and an iconic site ideal for every tourist to New York.
The park is huge with beautiful Strawberry Fields, Belvedere Castle, and the Central Park Zoo. The park is known for its amazing experience, especially in winters. You can skate and glide Wollman skating Rink. Breath fresh air in the meadows of Central Park.
Did you know- Central Park is Bigger than the Country of Monaco
Central Park is spread over 843 acres with lots of fun things for you inside.
While you are on the trip to this amazing meadow of Central Park. Do Explore the beautiful lake surrounded by lush greenery. At times, you can see the most beautiful shades on trees like pinkish red, green, and orange.
City Park is the best way to feel peace in the city of New York. Close to nature, the Park has got a lot for you. With real-life castles to great lawns, the Park is almost a surprise to most.
One more thing that makes it one of the best places for visit in New York is Central Park’s food stalls. Grab a bite at NYC restaurants. Grab hot dogs, pretzels, beverages, and ice cream.
Ideal destination for- Childrens(skating, zoo and much more for children), for teens, Couples (the place is full with romantic places around).
Key Highlights- Wollman Skating Rink, Meadows, Belvedere Castle, Central Park Zoo, Central Park Lake, Strawberry fields.
Tips for traveling-
- Get your map. As it is spread over acres, you might find it difficult to get the directions right.
- The Park holds amazing Events and concerts. Check on the official site to have a more successful trip to Central Park.
Times Square– Best to experience the night life in New York
How many times have you been here at Times Square? Well, the place is a surprise every time as it has endless things to do. A must-visit place in New York if you are with kids!
An entertainment center and tourist hub for visitors in New York. With tons of high five stores to small shops, it has lots of fun places.
Known as “The Crossroads of the World”, Times Square is a perfect destination for Instagram-worthy pictures.
Famous for New Year’s Eve ball and big buildings. The place is a dream for night-out lovers. You can enjoy the freezing breezes and night views at City light cruise and Manhattan Skyline.
There are loads of things to do in Times Square you can ever imagine of which makes it one of the best places for visit in New York.
Key Highlights- Empire State Building, The Museum of Modern Art, Rockefeller Center, Central Park, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gulliver’s Gate, Night views from top buildings.
Ideal destination for- Childrens(Broadway Shows, Hershey’s Chocolate World, Disney Store, New York Public Library, and Midtown Comics), for teens, Couples (the place is full of romantic places around).
Tips for traveling-
- The best time to visit Times Square is around 6 p.m. or 7 p.m when Broadway shows start.
- Relax in Bryant Park with your loved ones.
- Don’t miss a self-guided walk through Times Square.
Official site- https://www.timessquarenyc.org/
Niagara falls– Best places for visit in New York State
Here we have Nature’s wonder on our list. A must-visit place in New York State.
The tumbling, frothy falls- dropping 167 feet from a 2,700-foot-wide ledge. Panoramic views of the fall drive millions of visitors every year.
Did you know- 3,160 tons of water flows over Niagara Falls every second- that's lot of water.
Enjoy the thrilling showers of fall from Queen Victoria Park, specially made for you to view the Falls. Also, you can enjoy the falls from Prospect Point and Goat Island.
What Does it feel like? You can feel in heaven admiring the beautiful blue-green color of the falls. This blue-green color forms naturally in sunlight. The beautiful blue-green shades and cooling breezes are a must-try for you. There’s a lack of adjectives to describe the beauty of Niagara Falls.
Niagara Falls can be enjoyed from 2 sides. For most Canadian side is more fun. But, it’s equally amazing from both the American and Canadian sides. If you missed its other side, get it this time!
There are a lot of surprises for you here, no doubt it’s one of the best places to visit in New York State for all.
An ideal destination for Families (Endless activities for a family pack), teens, and couples.
Key Highlights- Niagara State Park, Maid of the mist boat tour, Old fort Niagara, Cave of the winds, Niagara Gorge Hiking trails, Adventure and hiking boat tours.
Tips for traveling-
- Plan out to give more time here as there is a lot to do stuff here. You can’t catch up with everything in just a day.
- Must experience the boat ride. As maid of the mist is iconic.
- See from top- Classic Tour with Niagara Helicopters. Most iconic view with your loved ones.
- There’s a lot for your kids here- Niagara Skywheel, Great Canadian Midway, Dinosaur Adventure Golf, Fallsview Indoor Waterpark, and Niagara Butterfly Conservatory. One of the cool and most fun destination for all in New York. No doubt it’s one of the best places for visit in New York State.
All these are just beginners’ guides to amazing falls in New York. All this makes it one of the best places for visit in New York State.
Adirondacks- Beauty of Nature amidst beautiful mountains
Drive to the Adirondacks with your family to cover the most adventurous road trips. It is a place most loved by a family siding in cities.
The place is beautifully decorated with mountains, lakes, creeks, open blue skies, and fresh air. Most importantly the site is away from the city’s hustle and bustle. Making it ideal for those searching for peace and inspiration from nature.
If you are lucky, you can see the dark blue sky covered with shiny stars. All featuring a night in a milky way. No doubt it’s one of the best places to visit in New York State if you are a nature lover.
Sleeping Beauty hike- a place in the Adirondacks is ideal for hikers. With high peaks, here you can get sporty. One destination which is recommended as one of the best places for visit in New York State is Adirondacks.
Lake Placid is the heart of the Adirondacks. With millions of visitors coming here. You need to experience this iconic view of Lake Placid. There are loads of things to explore at Lake Placid.
Did you know- Adirondacks is spread over 6.1 million acres of land. Attracts over 7 million tourists each year.
Thousands of lakes, activities are available at the Adirondacks. It’s recommended to choose a hotel near the popular sites to travel to easily.
Ideal destination for- Families, hikers, adventure lovers, nature lovers, and couples.
Key Highlights- Saranac Lake, Lake Placid, Whiteface Mountain, Fall Foliage, Baker Mountain, The wild center, Fort Ticonderoga, Sleeping Beauty Hike, High Gorge falls, connect with Nature at Wild Centre. Picnic at Tupper lake, Rafting, and much more.
Tips for traveling-
- Don’t rely on GPS only. It is spread over millions of acres. Get a guide or stay in the group.
- It’s better if you get your food with you. Sometimes, the Restaurants at the site are closed.
- You will not get a good network easily. In many areas of the Adirondacks, you might be stuck with the network. Get your essentials with you.
The CatSkills- Land scenic vistas and beautiful waterfalls
The Catskill Mountains is another place to relax with the chilling beauty of Nature. Spread over 700,000 acres it covers part of 4 countries. There are lots of peaks standing in the Catskills.
A perfect destination for an adventure freak. Having 98 peaks, it’s one of the best places for visit in New York State for hikers. Catskills is filled with beautiful peaks, lakes, ski resorts, and rivers. It’s among another favourite place for visit in New York State for a relaxing weekend trip.
It’s recommended to drive here with scenic views of North America. One can have all sports activities in mind here. In winter you can enjoy snow sports on vacation in Catskills. Springs and summers are also much fun for adventure here.
Did you know- Catskills have over 100 peaks and experience the most beautiful Fall Foliage in North America.
If you don’t wanna hike or climb, no worries, Catskills is a perfect destination for you to chill beside the waterfalls. Waterfalls of the Catskills don’t disappoint you when it comes to its beauty. The breathtaking views of the waterfalls make it one of the best places for visit in New York State for nature lovers.
With endless fun for you waiting in Catskills don’t forget to pack tie your shoes to make the most out of it. No doubt, it’s most visited as it’s one of the best places for visit in New York State.
Ideal destination for- Hikers, Nature lovers, Adventure lovers, Couples, and teens.
Key Highlights- Ski resorts in the Catskills, Adrenaline-pumping activities, Birthplace of American fly fishing, Hanford Mills Museum, Hunter Mountain Skyride, Kaaterskill Falls, Hunter Mountain Resort, waterparks, and much more.
Tips for traveling-
- Stop by town shops to shop for antiques, Honey Crisp Apples, retro glasses, and fresh farm picks.
- Must try Smoke House of the Catskills, serving most tasty rashers with smoked bacon with spicy salami snacks. Homemade German sausages and much more.
- Get all your essentials with you.
- Get an extra pair of clothes and shoes with you.
Empire States building– Tallest buildings in New York City
Pride of Manhattan, Empire State is a 102-floor skyscraper. The popularity of Manhattan can be seen as 4 million visitors come here every year.
It’s open for you every day. Within just a minute you reach the top of the building with an elevator. Earlier, this building was into consideration an “Eighth Wonder” of the world. As it was the tallest building on the earth, people usually get an amazing view from the top.
"Did you know- On the top of Empire State building the lightning Pol is hit by lightning more than 20 times every year."
The building got popular as many other famous landmarks are around here. About a few miles you can explore famous landmarks like- The Chrysler Building, Rockefeller Center, One World Trade Center, Central Park, Times Square, The Statue of Liberty.
From the top, you can even view 5 states like- Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Delaware, and Connecticut.
As the place is popular there is a lot to do here. At every other corner, you can explore some good stuff to do. With flattering views to Restaurants serving delicious food, you can have much here. There’s no end to food, shopping, night outs, adventure, and fun here at the Empire State building. No doubt it’s one of the best places for visit in New York City.
Aerial view of Central Park with Manhattan skyline
An ideal destination for Children, Families, Teens, and Couples.
Key Highlights- The Chrysler Building, Rockefeller Center. Food at Koreatown, and Night view from the Empire State for One World Trade Center, Central Park, Times Square, The Statue of Liberty.
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City- Centrepiece of Art and culture in New York
Largest art museum of U.S, popularly known as Met Museum. The artworks here are one of the greatest accomplishments of humankind. Beautiful artworks that you should not miss.
The Museum was built in 1870 and since then it holds one of the finest collections of art pieces. With its popularity spread all over the world, you will come across astonishing artworks here.
Some artworks you should not miss- The ‘Death of Socrates’, ‘The Denial of Saint Peter’, ‘Young Mother Sewing’, ‘Venus Italica’ and much more.
The popularity of the Museum attracts a lot of crowds here. It’s recommended to book your tickets before you go. Avoid long queues by booking tickets from the official web website itself.
As recommended by the locals, it’s one of the best places for visit in New York State for relaxing.
Ideal destination for Children, Families, and art lovers.
Key Highlights– Amazing Art pieces, Cleopatra’s Needle, Central Park, Burlington Toys, and Belvedere Castle.
Finger Lakes- Scenic beauty and must visit place in New York State
One of the romantic destinations amid New York State. The destination is full of beautiful and calming features.
Head to Finger lakes to explore some lovely sceneries waiting for you. You will get loads of things to do here. Boating, scenic views, tasty food, lakes, and others are just the beginning of its beauty.
People visiting here just fall in love with its fresh farm food, events, and festivals, lakes, sceneries, and Resorts. All these features justify it as one of the best places for visit in New York State.
Lakefront Restaurants are a must-try for those who plan to stay here for a while. A must-visit place in New York State If looking for a romantic place.
Finger lakes have great crafters that create world-class beers and wines. On the go, you will also come across some amazing stories about the place, famous love stories, stories of wines, and much more. It’s one of the best places for visit in New York State for couples. Lakes, romantic hotels, scenic views, skiing, and much more to explore in Finger Lakes. Best places for visit in New York State for tasty wine and beer.
To explore all these many tourists come here every year. Also, it’s one of the best places for visit in New York State for all.
Ideal destination- Teens and Couples
Key Highlights- Skaneateles Lake, Finger lakes Skiing, Watkins Glen State Park, Corning Museum of Glass, Seneca Lake Wine Trail, Robert Treman State Park, Taughannock Falls State Park, and much more.
Tips for traveling
- The best time to visit here is in early winters and summers.
- You will get a chance to explore hiking here. Get your boots, sneakers, sunglasses, sunscreen and enough water.
Lake Placid- Serene Beauty in the land of Adirondacks
An ideal destination for a Summer Vacation? A beautiful destination that is designated to please you with its beauty.
Situated in the Adirondacks, it’s one of the most beautiful towns in it. Thanks to the heart-melting scenery of the Adirondacks. The place is illuminated with greenery and a calming environment.
Situated just a 6-hour drive from Toronto. The place has endless things to do. The place is more fun in winters as you can enjoy different snow sports here. On the other hand, in summers Lake Placid gets Adrenaline Boost At The Lake Placid Olympic Sites. You can participate in fun Olympic sports like Ski Jump and Bobsled. The Olympic Center Museum is where you can see games like shooting balls, hockey, skating shows, and others.
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Adirondacks for Whiteface Mountain. Just a short drive from Lake Placid, experience epic views of Lake Placid are at the peak of the mountain.
Dip yourself completely into the beauty of this best place for visit in New York State.
Ideal destination for Adventure lovers, sporty people, and teens.
Key Highlights- Olympic games, Adirondacks Beauty, Whiteface Mountain, High fall Gorge, The Wild Centre, Canoe or Kayak on Mirror Lake, and Brewster Peninsula Nature Trails.
Tips for traveling
- Visit Lake Placid in mid-June or in early September to explore most of the things in Lake Placid.
- Pack your essentials for trekking and hiking as there are 46 peaks in the area.
- Pack long pants, wool socks, several close-fitting, long-sleeved shirts, and sweaters as essentials.
Conclusion
New York State, being the most populated in the United States. It lets you explore amazing views of metropolitan cities on the one side and blissful nature’s beauty on the other. As it’s a major attraction, new York always has endless things to impress you. Whether you are here for the first time or 3rd you will always have something to do.
New York State has cool destinations that are always up to something exciting. On our list of top places to visit in New York State, you will find all must-visit places in New York. Don’t miss any. Starting with New York’s Pride, The Statue of Liberty which don’t need any explanation. For some fun in city lights, you must visit the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, and Times Square. These places are best suited to experience dazzling lights, food treats, great festivals, nightlife, and much more.
But New York State also has another side that is close to nature. Places that can heal you and let you breathe some fresh air. Adirondacks being the most famous in this category. Adirondacks and Lake Placid make you feel in heaven with its jaw-dropping beauty. Not just peace and serenity but these places have endless fun activities for you. Hiking, trailing, camping, picnic, water sports, snow sport. And nature’s most beautiful gift like Niagara falls is also one of the best places to visit in New York State.
Also listed are some best tips for you to make your trip to New York State even more fun. New York State is a world in itself. With fun, cool, and romantic places it always pleases its visitors to come over and over again.
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FAQ’s
What are fun and exciting places to visit in New York State?
Statue of Liberty– The best place to visit in New York
Central Park- A must place for visit in New York
Times Square- Best to experience the nightlife in New York
Niagara falls- Best places for visit in New York State
Adirondacks– Beauty of Nature amidst beautiful mountains
The Catskills- Land scenic vistas and beautiful waterfalls
Empire States building– Tallest buildings in New York City
Metropolitan Museum of Art– Centrepiece of Art and culture
Finger Lakes- Scenic beauty and must-visit place in New York State
What are the best things to do in Upstate New York?
Enjoy views at the Statue of Liberty, take tours to top attractions in New York State. There are activities like Tibbetts Point Lighthouse, Walkway Over the Hudson, Farmers Museum, Whiteface Mountain, and Anchor Bar.
What is the best time to visit to visit New York State?
Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year are the most fun and dazzling festivals celebrated in New York.
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