One of the most exciting states
In a few hours, you can leave the urban streets
and explore the breathtaking natural beauty
Get To Know New York
Whether you’ve been there a hundred times or have never ventured to the Empire State, there’s always something new to see and experience. Home to the world’s most iconic cities and surprisingly diverse landscapes worthy of praise, learn more about New York — one of the most exciting destinations for a bus travel adventure.
A Brief History of New York
Originally colonized by Dutch settlers in the 1600s at New Amsterdam, the English would go on to capture the territory and rename it New York. No one at that time could have known just how significant New York would later become. The state was one of America’s original 13 colonies, and in the years between 1892 and 1954, millions of immigrants would make their home in New York after passing through Ellis Island with hopes of the American dream looming large in their heart. The state of New York — and largely New York City — has been a beacon of progress, innovation, and culture and serves up the definitive blueprint for what dazzling metropolises should look like.
There's no shortage of things to do in New York.
A Look at Culture in New York
It’s nearly impossible to boil down New York’s culture to a clearly defined list of music genres, traditions or food. But it is easy to say that New York’s culture is unarguably centered around NYC, affectionately known as “The Big Apple” — and what many describe as the cultural capital of the world. From the many Italian, Jewish, Irish and Polish immigrants who passed through Ellis Island in the 1900s to the millions of Asian, African American and Hispanic people who made their home in NYC during the 20th century — endless diversity abounds, each ethnicity providing to the cuisine, music, and art that exists at the forefront of global culture.
Must See List
- Take the ferry to Stanten Island to get a great view of the Statue of Liberty
- Take in the bright lights of broadway
- Pose with the Naked Cowboy in Times Square
- Rent a rowboat in the Central Park lake
- Pay respects and see the new World Trade Center
- Get a selfie with the bull on Wall Street
- Ride the Maid of the Mist boat tour to the center of Niagara Falls
- Eat buffalo wings in Buffalo while drinking beer in a corner tavern till 4am
- Zipline between Silos on the waterfront in Buffalo or ice skate
- Take the Capital Craft Beverage Trail
- Ride your bike along the Erie Canal with a bike tour
- Learn spooky history on the ghosts tour
- Visit the amazing New York State Capitol Building
Top Cities To Visit in New York
New York City
Call it “The Big Apple” or “The City That Never Sleeps,” the city of New York is hands down the most iconic city in the world. Comprised of five boroughs and settled on the convergence of the Hudson River and the Atlantic Ocean, people from every corner of the earth travel to NYC to marvel at its timeless majesty. From the awe-inspiring skyscrapers of Manhattan, such as the Empire State Building, to the trendsetting indie atmosphere of Brooklyn, there is an always evolving and never-ending world of excitement for you to explore.
Buffalo
On the scenic shores of Lake Erie, the city of Buffalo may not have the hype of the Big Apple but travel here once and you’ll discover just how awesome this city really is. Decorated with neoclassical and art deco architecture, Buffalo boasts beautiful parks, vibrant nightlife and classic comfort food like the chicken wings after its namesake — Buffalo wings. Be sure to visit the 398 foot tall, art deco City Hall building, the Darwin D. Martin House designed by famous architect Frank Loyd Wright and the Albright-Knox Art Gallery.
Albany
You’d be forgiven if you assumed NYC was the capital of New York, however, that’s not the case. The capital is actually found in the underrated, yet stunning city of Albany. Visiting downtown Albany, you’ll find the massive Empire State Plaza decorated with mesmerizing reflective pools and home to underground shopping as well as The Egg, a renowned performing arts center. Museums and art galleries of great importance can be found in Albany as well, like the New York State Museum and the Albany Institute of History and Art.
Ithaca
Differentiating itself from the bustling cities New York is famous for, the city of Ithaca is in the Finger Lakes region of the state on the Cayuga Lake. Ithaca serves as the perfect gateway for enjoying the outdoors. Here you’ll find over 150 dramatic waterfalls and gorges to explore within a 10-mile radius, such as Ithaca or Taughannock Falls. In the city, a welcoming family atmosphere radiates summertime vibes year-round with boutique shops, wineries, and cideries offering up a relaxing evening reprieve from the gorge swimming and trail hiking you’ll be doing all day.
Things to Do
New York City is without a doubt the city of dreams, and any trip to New York would be wasted without exploring as much of the most iconic city on earth as you can. Each of the five boroughs that make up NYC have something unique and distinctive to offer for first-time visitors. The first borough you should explore is the most saturated with attractions, nightlife, shopping and more — Manhattan. Snap a selfie with the Statue of Liberty, stroll through Central Park or let your senses be overwhelmed by the sights and sounds of Times Square. Head to the Bronx and catch a game at Yankee Stadium or sample some international cuisine in Queens, the most culturally diverse of the boroughs. Visit the world-famous Staten Island Zoo on Staten Island or live like a hipster and sip on some coffee and craft beer in the trendy borough of Brooklyn.
Niagara Falls has become a famous component of American culture, bringing in millions of visitors to its dramatic setting each year. The popularity of the falls comes with good reason. When visiting, it’s hard to keep your composure while viewing the trio of beautiful crashing waterfalls that spill into Niagara Gorge. Experience the falls on a coal-powered steamboat with the popular Maid of the Mist boat tours, or get up close to the action on the Hurricane Deck — a seasonal viewing platform on Goat Island.
For a once in a lifetime experience, head to the Theater District in Midtown Manhattan, where costumed thespians walk the plazas of Times Square, summoning you to be captivated by the magical world of theatre. Musicals and classic modern dramas grace the stages year-round at the many historic theaters, where tickets can be bought at the box office, online or on the iconic red stairs leading to the TKTS booth on Duffy Square.
Best Time to Visit
Fortunately, every season in New York has its benefits. A great time to visit is during early fall when the temperatures average in the 60s and 70s and many events and festivals are taking place in the city. Spring provides warmer weather, perfect for exploring the sights, but make sure to pack a raincoat as showers are common during these months. Summer is unsurprisingly the most popular time for tourism in New York, bringing the heat and humidity with big crowds. Winter brings tremendously chilly weather in New York, but visitors during this time will be redeemed with elaborate Christmas decorations in the cities and the most celebrated Christmas tree that lights up Rockefeller Center. Be warned that if you’re traveling to NYC, you need to book your hotel accommodations well in advance to avoid skyscraper prices — especially around the holidays.