I Love New York

New York State is situated in the northeastern region of the United States. New York State is well-known for its diverse landscapes, from the bustling energy of New York City to Long Island beaches and natural wonders including the Adirondacks and Niagara Falls. The state is also adjacent to Vermont and Massachusetts.

The best time to visit New York State largely depends on your interests. For enjoying vibrant city life and cultural events, summer (June to August) offers warm weather and numerous festivals. For experiencing the scenic beauty of autumn, with colourful foliage and mild temperatures, September to November is ideal. Winter (December to February) provides opportunities for skiing in the Adirondacks and festive holiday activities, while spring (March to May) brings blooming landscapes and pleasant temperatures.

The most common and efficient routes are from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane to major North American hubs such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas–Fort Worth, Houston, Hawaii or Vancouver, with convenient onward connections to New York. Travellers can also start, or take a route via Auckland with Air New Zealand or Qantas before connecting to New York.  Montreal and Toronto are both near the New York State border as well, so flying to these cities can provide easy access to Upstate New York. 

Getting around New York State depends on where you are. In New York City, the subway system is extensive and efficient, making it easy to travel within the city. For exploring the broader state, including regional areas and state parks, renting a car provides the flexibility and freedom to explore more at your own pace. Our tip though is to catch a train from New York City to a city like Poughkeepsie in the Hudson Valley to collect your car. Public transport options like Greyhound buses are available for longer journeys and invite travellers to relax and take in the view. Or there are multiple train journeys on offer including the Long Island Railroad, or the Empire and Adirondacks train journey’s with Amtrak.

New York State offers a wealth of experiences. In New York City, visit iconic landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and Central Park. Immerse in nature in the Catskills and Adirondacks and visit wineries in the Finger Lakes or Long Island. Foodies will love New York State’s gourmet offerings from the Culinary Institute in Hudson Valley to Buffalo Wings in Greater Niagara, where you’ll also find the remarkable Niagara Falls. Historic sites are found right across the state from gilded age mansions and Erie Canal to Bethel Woods, location of the 1969 Woodstock Festival.

New York State spans approximately 141,297 square kilometres, making it the 27th largest state in the USA. This size accommodates a diverse range of landscapes and climates, from the bustling metropolis of New York City to the serene wilderness of the Adirondack Mountains and the scenic beauty of the Thousand Islands. The state’s geographical diversity supports a variety of activities, including city tours, outdoor adventures, and cultural explorations.

New York is served by several major airports – John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is the largest and busiest, offering extensive international and domestic connections. LaGuardia Airport (LGA) primarily handles domestic flights and is conveniently located for easy access to Manhattan. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), just across the river in New Jersey, provides another option with both international and domestic services. For travellers heading outside New York City, the state also has several regional airports, including Albany, Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse. Or Canadian cities such as Montreal and Toronto are both located just 45-90 minutes’ drive from the New York State border, providing great access to Upstate New York regions like Greater Niagara and the Adirondacks.

A recommended stay in New York State is typically 7 to 10 days. This duration allows visitors to thoroughly explore New York City’s major attractions such as Times Square, Central Park, and Broadway, while also venturing out to experience other areas of the state. Consider adding extra days if you plan to visit upstate locations like the Adirondacks or the Finger Lakes to get back to nature. A well-planned itinerary should balance time in the city with time spent exploring New York State’s natural beauty and historical sites for a fulfilling and diverse travel experience.

Tipping is an important part of service culture in New York State. In restaurants, it is customary to leave a tip of 15-20% of the total bill. For hotel services, tip $1-$2 per bag to porters and around $1-$5 per night for housekeeping. Taxi drivers should receive a tip of about 10-15% of the fare. For other services, such as valet parking or bellhops, a tip of $1-$2 per service is appropriate. Tipping acknowledges good service and is expected in most service-oriented situations throughout New York State.

For more information, contact the New York State Australia and New Zealand team – see contact details further below or visit the I Love New York website for comprehensive travel guides, detailed regional information and more handy resources.

Check the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Smartraveller website for travel advice and consular services and the Department of Home Affairs website for entry requirements. To travel to the US, travellers need a valid passport and either a visa or an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

New York State is a welcoming destination for travellers with accessibility needs, offering a wide range of inclusive experiences. Highlights include wheelchair-accessible trails like the Wild Walk in the Adirondacks, the Autism Nature Trail at Letchworth State Park, accessible rides at LEGOLAND New York, ASL and audio-described Broadway performances, and adaptive skiing at several mountain resorts across the state. Find out more here.