Attractions

Of course, many of the world's most famous landmarks sit in New York City, including the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and Times Square. Yet there is much more to this historic and scenically diverse state than the famous Big Apple.

Those who can tear themselves away from the sprawling metropolis will find the rest of the state also has a lot to offer. Within an hour's drive of the city, visitors can find the beaches of Long Island, or escape to the Catskill Mountains to fish, hike, or ski.

North upon the Hudson River, the state capital of Albany is a good base for exploring upstate New York. The beautiful Adirondacks region is in the centre of the state, offering some of the highest and most dramatic mountains in the eastern United States.

It is here where visitors can hike, ski, horse ride, or mountain bike. On the border with Canada, between lakes Ontario and Erie, is one of the country's most spectacular natural attractions, and certainly the most popular: Niagara Falls.

And located midway between Niagara Falls and New York City are the Finger Lakes. Despite being within 200 miles (322km) of the city, it remains one of the most unspoilt holiday areas in the USA, renowned not only for the picturesque lakes but also wineries and lush forests.

The Statue of Liberty photo

The Statue of Liberty

The universal symbol of freedom, the Statue of Liberty was the first thing seen by 12 million immigrants passing through Ellis Island Immigration Center. Sculpted by Frederic-Augus…

The Statue of Liberty

The universal symbol of freedom, the Statue of Liberty was the first thing seen by 12 million immigrants passing through Ellis Island Immigration Center. Sculpted by Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi and modelled on his mother, the French donated the statue to the US in 1875, and it was unveiled stateside in 1886. The reason was to commemorate the alliance between the two countries during the American Revolution. The ferry calls at both Liberty and Ellis Islands, and tourists can visit the Ellis Island Museum documenting the experiences of the immigrants. On Liberty Island, advance bookings allow visitors to access the crown of the famous statue, but these tickets must be booked some six months in advance for peak summer season.

Website www.nps.gov/stli

Metropolitan Museum of Art photo

Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Metropolitan Museum, affectionately known as the Met, possesses one of the greatest and largest art collections in the world. Banners above the Met's Fifth Avenue entrance hera…

Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Metropolitan Museum, affectionately known as the Met, possesses one of the greatest and largest art collections in the world. Banners above the Met's Fifth Avenue entrance herald the current attractions at this cherished New York institution. There are always temporary exhibitions from around the world alongside the impressive permanent collection. Highlights are numerous, with American collectors having the foresight and cash to buy up a large number of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces from Europe at the end of the 19th century. The art collection at the Met now contains more than two million works of art from across the planet, from ancient worlds through to modern times. Some notable works are present from such greats as Van Gogh, Renoir, Monet, and Cezanne, rivalling any art collection on earth.

Website www.metmuseum.org