New York Travel Guide

The ultimate guide to the best things to do and see in New York

Home to perhaps the most famous city in the US, the Empire State has a lot more to offer than the Big Apple! Start here with my basic New York travel tips, or jump down below to read my latest New York travel blogs.

When to Visit

Almost half of the visitors to New York State come in the summer months, so this is obviously the busiest time of year to visit, but for good reason: the weather in New York State in summer is gorgeous, with long, sunny days, high temperatures and blue skies for days. Fall, starting in September, is also a very popular time to visit when the leaves start changing, making it quite beautiful once you get out of the cities. Winters are cold and snow is usual, so come prepared if you’re visiting between December and March!

Top Places to Visit

Niagara Falls – You probably thought that the largest waterfall in North America was entirely in Canada, but it’s actually right on the border between upper New York State and the Canadian province of Ontario. The US side of Niagara Falls is generally speaking less developed than the Canadian side, which is home to many swanky hotels and casinos, and so the US side offers a cheaper, more low-key visit to the falls.

Buffalo – Not far from Niagara Falls is the much bigger city of Buffalo, known for its hockey team. With some classic taverns serving up locally brewed beer, great shopping opportunities, some delightful parks and outdoor spaces, a varies array of art venues and a small but happening LGBT scene.

Albany – The state capital, Albany is a cool and laid-back city. It’s home to several history museums such as the Irish American Heritage Museum and the New York State Museum and is surrounded by lush forests and outdoor spaces worth exploring. Albany also has a strong performing arts culture and checking out a performance at the Palace Theatre is definitely worth your time.

New York Tours

New York State is a great place to take a tour, getting you out to some of the more wild corners of the state, or just exploring the cities in more depth. Take a look at this selection of New York tours.

LGBT – Gay New York Travel Guide

Of course, New York City is one of the biggest gay-friendly cities in the world, but there are plenty of gay-friendly establishments outside of the city in upstate New York and these are a few of the best.

Waterworks Pub, Albany – A classic gay bar in the early evening that becomes a dance club later at night. There are often games nights, shows and live music, and it’s a relaxed and welcoming environment for everyone.

Betty’s, Buffalo – A mainstay of the brunch circuit in Buffalo, this place allows for a leisurely start to any weekend, and serves up typical American brunch food as well as some healthy options too!

NuBar, Farmingdale – Probably the oldest gay bar on Long Island, this is a great place to come for some campy fun. There are regular karaoke nights (with the tagline “no judgement, just plenty of applause”!) and often special offers on drinks.

More gay travel resources here.

New York Hotel Deals

New York has plenty of cool and quirky hotels, as well as all the big chains you’d expect. I’ve found that using Booking.com, Agoda.com or Hotels Combined can be really useful for finding last-minute deals.

Booking.com

Follow @travelsofadam on Instagram for more travel tips!

New York Travel Blogs

Getting a Facial at the Heyday Skincare Shop – Tips for a First Timer

A mini-guide to getting a facial, including tips before and after to make the process as comfortable as possible for anyone looking to treat themselves to a first facial.

LGBTQ Brooklyn – A Gay Guy’s Weekend Guide to Brooklyn

The cool, hip Brooklyn borough of NYC is also one of the most queer places in NYC with something for everyone—no matter where you fit on the LGBTQ spectrum. Check out this guide to the best of LGBT Brooklyn bars, clubs, restaurants, and hotels

Traveling I-95 on a Road Trip from NYC to Miami

The I-95 highway route from New England and NYC all the way down to Miami might seem long and daunting, but it’s a surprisingly easy route with some great places to stop along the way. Below are some highlights from the popular East Coast road trip thousands make each year.

The transformative effect of a fresh, new look (and a great haircut)

Is there anything better than a fresh haircut or a new look & style? A new haircut, a fresh style or color—it just makes you feel so gooooood!

A night of expanded reality at 29Rooms in Brooklyn — or not

Last weekend, the newest round of the 29Rooms exhibition from Refinery29 opened in Brooklyn. The 29Rooms exhibition is described as an…

The importance of a comfortable bed

My bed is my home—the place where I feel most comfortable and relaxed

An honest guide on how to find an apartment in NYC

My very real tips on how to find an apartment in NYC based on months’ of research while looking for my dream place to live in NYC — a hipster apartment in Brooklyn

Highlights from NYC Pride 2018

My first time at NYC Pride and it was a whirlwind of activity with LGBTQ pride events for a full week, and plenty of parties, concerts, and new friends

Gay relationships on full display in off-Broadway play Afterglow

Theater review of a long-running, off-Broadway play – AFTERGLOW

My First Month in Brooklyn

One month living in Brooklyn – the ridiculous things I’ve learned: finding an apartment, budgeting the cost of living, sex and dating (and hookups), making friends, finding things to do and just generally exploring NYC’s most hipster neighborhoods

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