When we hear the words “New York”, we often think of it as automatically a place filled with highrise buildings, much like how we would immediately think of Manhattan. However, considering the bigger picture, Manhattan is just one tiny corner of the state, and there are lots and lots of other cities that you can explore. This makes New York a great place for exploration and just going with the flow. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious night out or want to go on a laid-back, historical trip, New York will undoubtedly have something to offer.
In this article, we will talk about some of the best cities to visit in New York City, such as Kingston, Buffalo, Albany, Syracuse, and Long Island. Oh, by the way, if you’re planning on visiting Long Island, which is one of the top-rated cities included on our list, check out our recommendations for cabin vacation rentals in Long Island, NY. With that said, let’s get going with our list.
Kingston
Kicking off this list of the best cities to visit in New York is the city of Kingston. Only a handful of people know this, but Kingston is actually New York’s original capital. With a population of around 35,000 people, this neatly tucked away area in Hudson Valley is among the country’s top art hotspots. Even downtown Kingston features some of the most unique architecture and street graffiti and is home to lots and lots of extremely skilled local artists. As regards attractions and activities to do here, you can take a cruise down the river, visit the Rondout National Historic District or spend a day at the Trolley Museum, the Hudson River Maritime Museum, as well as the Performing Arts Center.
Buffalo
Buffalo is the state’s second-biggest city, and it is situated near the edge of Lake Erie. This city is packed with lots of places to have great food, and it is also home to the very popular Buffalo wings. In most cases, Buffalo City only serves as a stopover point for those who are traveling to Niagra Falls. However, you don’t necessarily have to cut your stay short when you’re in the city. We encourage you to take your time and explore the city. Eat some wings, enjoy a couple of craft beers, visit art galleries, and appreciate the city’s amazing architecture and design. If you’re into sports, this place is also working on a very busy live sports schedule. You can join in with the locals for the iconic tailgate cooking at a game with the Buffalo Bulls, or you can watch the National Hockey League get dominated by the city’s Sabres team.
Albany
New York State’s capital, Albany, offers a much more laid-back alternative to guests and visitors. It’s one of those places where you would really want to spend your day if you don’t have much else to do. Walk around leafy parks, take boat rides down the Hudson, and chill out with a glass of craft beer in your hand. Although the city does not have as much vibe as Manhattan would, it certainly is still a great place to be.
Syracuse
This next place is often the subject of many jokes around weather or cold. This is because Syracuse, having over 120 inches of snow per year, is at the top of the list for cities in New York that catch this much snow. As such, activities out in the cold are aplenty here. You can go skiing, build snowmen, carve up snow angels, and play snowball dodgeball. Once the snow melts, you can go boating or kayaking on the lakes and waterways surrounding the city. Trails are also available if you want to go hiking or mountain biking.
Long Island
Long Island is the tenth-largest island in the entire United States. Home to the Hamptons, this place is a great summer vacation spot. Apart from the luxurious beach houses, there are also other places of interest, including but not limited to the Montauk Point Lighthouse, Long Island Aquarium, and Fire Island. If beaches are your thing, then this is undeniably the place to go.
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