Most beautiful cities in New York for travelling and living on the Atlantic coast

New York State, located in the northeastern United States, is much more than the famous Big Apple. The gleaming skyscrapers of Manhattan and the flashy advertisements in Times Square are just a small part of what this amazing cultural, industrial, and financial centre has to offer.

The state has a rich history and boasts well-preserved architectural monuments, mostly from the 19th century, which are harmoniously integrated into beautiful green landscapes. With the list of the best cities in New York, all you have to do is plan your travel itinerary and embark on an unforgettable journey.

New York

One of the best cities in New York and even the world is the eponymous star nicknamed the Big Apple. Here you can find everything from antique shops with unique items and famous parks to delicious food and museums. In addition, one of the most popular destinations for tourists is the vibrant, bustling Manhattan with its iconic skyscrapers, which have been featured in movies and TV series. Museums worth visiting include the following:

• American Museum of Natural History;
• Guggenheim Museum;
• The Metropolitan Museum of Art, etc.

One of the approximate plans for travelling around the city may look like this: take a stroll through the famous Central Park, smile while watching sea lions perform at the New York Zoo, and then admire the unsurpassed views from the top of the Empire State Building. It's also worth taking the free Staten Island Ferry to see the world's most famous landmark, the Statue of Liberty. If you are planning to bring home an unusual souvenir or eclectic item, head to Soho, where a large number of galleries and vintage shops are concentrated.

You can stay at the luxurious St. Regis New York and grab a bite to eat at Jean-Georges or Hell's Kitchen.

Buffalo

This city had a bad reputation for a long time: its noisy streets were empty and businesses closed. Fortunately, those days are far behind us, and now Buffalo is once again attracting millions of tourists.

The second largest popular city in New York, Buffalo boasts various architectural masterpieces by Louis Sullivan or Frank Lloyd Wright. Buffalo is located on the shores of Lake Erie and is filled with museums, art galleries, and dining options worth visiting.

Don't forget to try the eponymous chicken wings and add the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens to your travel itinerary. Art lovers can visit the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, while history buffs will definitely enjoy the Pierce-Arrow Museum, which emphasizes Buffalo as a leader in the automotive industry.

It's worth noting that many travellers head to Niagara Falls, which is only a half-hour drive away while exploring the city.

Lake Placid

Lake Placid can definitely compete for the title of the prettiest city in New York. It's the perfect place for a relaxing vacation, where you can go skiing, enjoy delicious food, go shopping, and spend time on the picturesque lake.

You won't find tall skyscrapers in Lake Placid, but you'll find amazing rocky mountains and lush forests instead. Here you can listen to birds chirping instead of loud crowds. The city has also been chosen twice to host the Olympic Games, so many activities and leisure options are based on this:

• skiing and ice skating;
• visiting the Olympic Centre and the museum dedicated to athletes;
• riding the longest coaster in the world, the Lake Placid Mountain Coaster, etc.

If you're not a fan of sports, visit the incredibly beautiful and clean Mirror Lake, one of the most favorite locations for locals.

Saratoga Springs

Saratoga Springs is one of the most beautiful cities in New York, located in the east of the state. One of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States is known for its unique mineral springs. The Iroquois and Mohawk tribes believed these reservoirs to be healing; at one time, many travellers went here with the hope of curing kidney disease, diabetes, or heartburn. In the end, the possibility of getting rid of unpleasant diseases with the help of mineral springs was not proven, but this did not prevent Saratoga Spring from becoming one of the most popular tourist destinations by the nineteenth century.

Today, guests of the city can visit the luxurious Roosevelt Baths & Spa or go to explore more than 20 mineral springs. Other favorite tourist attractions include the Yaddo City Gardens and the Saratoga Automobile Museum.

Ithaca

For those looking for entertainment, fantastic views, and an unforgettable vacation, this is the perfect option for the best cities to live in New York. Ithaca is located on the southern shore of beautiful Cayuga Lake, one of the largest lakes in the state. The incendiary campus makes you fall in love at first sight, so many travellers are eager to stay here longer.

Ithaca is home to the famous Ivy League Cornell University. In addition to academic institutions, the city attracts with its amazing landscapes: cascading waterfalls, lakes, and deep gorges. There are also many cultural and educational places and attractions here, including:

• Johnson Art Museum;
• The historic Cornell Clock Tower;
• Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology;
• Cayuga Nature Centre;
• Museum of the Earth.

The city regularly hosts many festivals, there are kayaks and canoe rentals, and you can also go paddleboarding on the lake. In any case, the options for activities are limited only by your time because Ithaca offers many leisure options for every taste.

Rochester

The best city in New York is Rochester, located in the western United States on the shores of Lake Ontario. Here you can find a large number of interesting activities that will delight both adults and children. Particularly noteworthy is the Strong National Museum of Play, which is adjacent to the Toy Hall of Fame and the Video Game Hall of Fame.

Another favorite place for families is Seabreeze Amusement Park. The Rochester Museum & Science Centre and Seneca Park Zoo are also worth a visit. If you're travelling without children, we recommend exploring the George Eastman Museum and strolling among the historic buildings.

Rochester is also rich in natural beauty. In particular, there is a 96-foot High Falls waterfall located near the city centre. The best views of it are from the Pont de Rennes pedestrian bridge.

Long Island City

A small city, which is technically located in one of the boroughs of New York, Queens, attracts with its beautiful views and many tourist attractions. One of the favourite places in Long Island City is the Gantry Plaza State Park, where you can have a coffee, play basketball, or just enjoy nature. And all this against the backdrop of the New York skyline.

Art lovers can visit MoMA PS1, an art space to get acquainted with contemporary and experimental art. There is also a wonderful Sculpture Center in Long Island City.

Syracuse

The fourth largest city in New York State offers all the benefits of a popular tourist destination:

• interesting museums (Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science and Technology, Erie Canal, etc;)
• boutiques;
• good restaurants;
• Rosamond Gifford Zoo, which covers 43 hectares, with a large number of attractions and various children's activities.

Syracuse also has a lot to offer for outdoor enthusiasts. Lake Hiawatha, Onondaga Park, Clark Reservation State Park: here you can go fishing, swimming, boating, or just stroll along the hiking trails.

Syracuse is one of the best cities in New York for shopping as it is home to the giant Destiny USA shopping centre.

White Plains

From luxury boutiques to fine dining and farmers' markets, White Plains is all about the culture. The key cultural centre of Westchester County is only 35 miles from New York City, offering a variety of leisure options.

To get inspired, head to ArtsWestchester, where you can attend both unique art exhibitions and performances. To get up close and personal with the White Plains nature, head out to explore the 190-acre Cranberry Lake Preserve, or "Silver Lake".

Albany

The top city in New York undoubtedly includes the state capital. Albany is a historic harbour where modern architectural masterpieces coexist, such as the Empire State Plaza or the Egg. The most famous building in the city is the New York State Capitol, located on top of a hill. This architectural marvel was created in the late 1800s. It took 32 years to build the Capitol.

The streets of Albany look like a history textbook: with churches, amazing buildings, and other attractions. Be sure to visit the New York State Museum, the oldest in the country. To see the city from a different perspective, book a boat cruise. Many rental companies offer their services on the west bank of the Hudson River.

Binghamton

The city of technology and science - Binghamton - inspires creativity and discoveries. It was here that IBM (International Business Machines Corporation) and virtual reality technology were created in 1911.

Binghamton is located at the confluence of two rivers: the Susquehanna and Chenango. In the 1800s, an almost 100-mile-long canal was built here, which helped connect the city with Utica. We advise you to walk along the five-mile-long Towpath Trail and visit the Phelps Mansion Museum, dating back to the 19th century, which makes for amazing photography. Once inside, you can see with your own eyes what life was like in a bygone era.

When travelling with children, add the Ross Park Entertainment Center and Zoo to your itinerary. If the weather is favorable, we recommend having a picnic in Otsiningo Park.

Yonkers

Located on the east bank of the Hudson River, Yonkers is the fourth largest city in New York and one of the best cities in New York to live. No wonder Jon Voight, Ella Fitzgerald, Mary J. Blige, and others once lived here. Popular tourist attractions include the following:

• Hudson River Museum, including a planetarium;
• Untermyer Gardens with the Temple of Love and an amphitheatre.

Yonkers, located next to New York City, is often chosen by those who work in Manhattan because this city, although large, is simply much calmer and quieter.

Schenectady

The upstate city offers everything you need for a perfect vacation from fine dining to tourist attractions and historic buildings. The main attraction of Schenectady is the Proctor's Theatre, known for its excellent evening shows. Musicals, live concerts, and many other entertaining performances are often organized in the theatre.

Be sure to visit the Central Park Rose Garden, where hundreds of varieties of roses are planted. The best time to visit is in early June when the flowers begin to bloom. In addition, the Schenectady County Historical Society regularly organizes interesting events at three separate locations.

New Rochelle

This city in New York is only 25 miles from midtown Manhattan. New Rochelle is home to one of the oldest communities in the state. Walking along the waterfront along Long Island Sound, you can see huge mansions and historic buildings concentrated in the city centre. There are also many restaurants and shops. When in season, sailboats romantically sail in New Rochelle Harbour.

One of the city's favorite spots is Glen Island Park, located on a small island accessible by a drawbridge. Other places worth visiting include the lovely Thomas Paine Cottage Museum and the entire historic district in Westchester.

Montauk

An idyllic place, surrounded by Long Island Sound, where worries disappear. Montauk boasts a large number of beaches, mostly sandy, so it's a great choice for a warm weekend.

The town is located in East Hampton on the eastern edge of the South Fork. New Yorkers who are tired of the summer heat and the bustling metropolis like to escape here. In addition to beaching and swimming, popular activities include seal watching in season at Montauk Point State Park and visiting the lighthouse. If you enjoy hiking, go explore Camp Hero State Park, which was a military base during World War II.