New York State is home to some of the most amazing winter views in the United States. From Manhattan to Buffalo, there are many cities worth putting on your hat and gloves to explore while they're snow-covered. While discovering the outdoor activities these cities have to offer, be sure to warm up at the local restaurants and museums since this part of the country is rich in culture and history.
10 Ithaca
Ithaca might be the most beautiful city in upstate NY, and it certainly doesn't lose its charm in the winter. Start the day with some bagels and coffee from Collegetown Bagels before bundling up to see one of Ithaca's famous waterfalls as it freezes over from the colder winter days. Then, be sure to head to the Ithaca Commons for some indie-aesthetic shopping and your choice of food. My recommendation is Mexican at Viva Taqueria. Finish the day with Purity Ice Cream before heading to your choice of gorgeous lodging.
Ithaca is a college town, so if you're hoping for a less crowded experience, plan around the college's winter breaks!
9 Niagara Falls
While Niagara Falls is home to scenic views year-round, there is something specifically spectacular about all that water in the snow. Not to mention fewer crowds, a winter lights festival, and an Icewine Festival. This city is definitely worth visiting in the winter.
Prices of travel to large tourist destinations are likely to be cheaper in the winter!
8 Corning
Located close to the Finger Lakes, Corning is an incredible place for winter enthusiasts. Spend the morning snowshoeing through nearby nature before heading back into town to explore the Corning Museum of Glass. Finally, get dinner at Carey's Brew House.
7 Albany
As the capital of the state, Albany has plenty of indoor activities to offer, including the Albany Institute of History and Art and the Empire State Plaza. That said, there's also plenty to explore outdoors in this Hudson Valley city, so be sure to put on your winter gear and check out the ice rink, Howe Caverns, or one of the nearby hikes.
6 Syracuse
Syracuse is another city in New York that has some winter gems. You can explore outside with some waterfall chasing or head to Lake Oneida for ice-fishing. Don't forget to finish the weekend getaway with some snowmobiling at one of many nearby trails. On a freezing day, you might want to check out one of America's largest malls: Density USA.
5 Rochester
While it might not sound like it, Rochester can provide winter travelers with some of the most gorgeous experiences. Spend the afternoon exploring the finger lakes on a winter wine tour before going downtown for some ice skating at night. There are plenty of dining options for your getaway. The next day, head to Bristol Mountain for some sporty slopes or check out one of Rochester's most historic (and possibly haunted) castles!
4 Binghamton
Binghamton has access to some of the most incredible hikes in the Southern Tier of New York State. Situated in the middle of a valley, Binghamton is surrounded by incredible snowy views and is just about 40 minutes away from hiking in Ithaca and skiing in Syracuse. Check out Ross Park Zoo for some childish fun, and consider 205 Dry for a speak-easy vibe at night.
If you're looking for an outdoors adventure, Salt Spring State Park is a great place to look!
3 Buffalo
Buffalo is known for being cold and icy, which means the city has adapted and has some of the most fun winter activities to offer. For an outdoorsy day, drive out to the village of Ellicottville to hit the slopes and explore the local shops. If you want to stay in the city, consider curling or ice skating downtown at Canalside. Be sure to fill up on chicken wings (or one of the other dishes the city is famous for) while in town! There are also plenty of museums, live music, and sporting events to keep you occupied when the temperatures are just too cold.
Buffalo is home to multiple breweries to help you get that beer blanket!
2 Manhattan
It might seem too obvious to be true, but you can't go wrong with a Manhattan trip. If close to the holidays, visit Rockefeller tree and go ice skating! Or watch the ball drop in Times Square if you're traveling for New Year's! Either way, you can't go wrong with seeing snowy Central Park or warming up inside any of the amazing museums the city has to offer.
1 Lake Placid
Although not quite large enough to truly qualify as a "city," Lake Placid is one of the most well-known villages in the Adirondacks and is definitely worth bundling up for in the winter. With many cabins and cottages available for overnights, Lake Placid is the perfect place to decompress and eat your meals after exploring one of the Adirondacks' 46 mountain peaks. With incredible scenery and a cozy vibe curated for winter tourists, there is plenty to appreciate about this outdoorsy winter town. Be sure to find an outdoor hot tub to warm up in after hiking, skiing, or riding down The Toboggan Chute.
Definitely try hot chocolate from one of the multiple artisan spots!