Ithaca

Travel Guide
Buttermilk Falls State Park featuring tranquil scenes and a river or creek
This college town calls itself “gorges,” for the striking ravines that cut through the city and offer spectacular hikes and views.

You’ll see more than one person wearing the T-shirt, “Ithaca is Gorges,” in this Central New York college town. Explore the ravines in Ithaca and along the shores of Cayuga Lake, the longest of the glacially formed Finger Lakes, to appreciate the beauty of the area’s gorges, hillsides and waterways.

The heart of Ithaca is Cornell University, a world-renowned Ivy League university. Stroll through the large campus past 150-year-old brick buildings. Climb 161 stairs of the McGraw clock tower to listen to chimes played three times daily during the school year by Cornell students. Visit the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art, a free gallery with original artwork from various cultures and times and frequent themed exhibitions. If you’re in the city on a clear Friday night, go to the Fuertes Observatory to view the night sky.

Cornell Plantations, the university’s botanical gardens, is over 25 acres (10 hectares) in area with an arboretum of New York trees, colorful annual and perennial garden plantings and numerous natural areas. Wander the walking trails to see gorges, streams, waterfalls, woodlands and meadows. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology and nearby Sapsucker Woods offer some of the world’s best bird-watching experiences.

Visit several waterfall areas within the city limits: Ithaca Falls and Buttermilk Falls and Robert H. Treman state parks. Just west of Ithaca at the southern end of Seneca Lake is Watkins Glen, with a long walking trail through an impressive ravine and an international speedway which hosts varied auto races and concerts. You may want to follow the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail around the lake to enjoy vineyard views and flavorful vintages.

In the city, Museum of the Earth, Sciencenter and State Theatre of Ithaca offer additional family-friendly activities. Visit the downtown Ithaca Commons pedestrianized area for numerous shopping and restaurant choices.

Fly into Ithaca or other regional airports. Then see for yourself that “Ithaca is Gorges…” and buy the T-shirt.

Where to stay in Ithaca

Default Image

East Ithaca

Travellers enjoy East Ithaca for its restaurants and wineries. Consider checking out Six Mile Creek Vineyard while you're in the area.

East Ithaca
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Ithaca, NY
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Ithaca, NY
3 out of 5
1100 Danby Rd, Ithaca, NY
The price is €84 per night from 16 Apr to 17 Apr
€84
per night
16 Apr - 17 Apr
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Ithaca. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,006 reviews)
"Are"

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Ithaca, NY
The Statler Hotel at Cornell University
The Statler Hotel at Cornell University
4 out of 5
130 Statler Dr, Ithaca, NY
The price is €250 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
€250
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Ithaca. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 restaurants, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,006 reviews)
"Excellent experience. Zero complaints."

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

The Statler Hotel at Cornell University
Best Western University Inn
Best Western University Inn
2.5 out of 5
1020 Ellis Hollow Rd, Ithaca, NY
The price is €87 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
€87
per night
14 Apr - 15 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Ithaca. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,007 reviews)
"Very quick and pleasant front desk person"

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2024

Best Western University Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Backyard Waterfall and Cayuga Lake Views!
Backyard Waterfall and Cayuga Lake Views!
Ithaca
Stay at this ski cottage in Ithaca. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Hangar Theatre and Allan H. Treman State Marine Park are ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (45 reviews)
Perfect little hideaway
"Came for 3 days to visit Cornell with my daughter and this home was perfect. Small, yet not lacking anything, rustic but lacking none of the modern tech. The backyard waterful, fire pit and views are worth the stay alone. Would definitely stay again."

Reviewed on 10 Mar 2024

Backyard Waterfall and Cayuga Lake Views!
Cabin near Finger Lakes & Ithaca with Firepit and Patio
Cabin near Finger Lakes & Ithaca with Firepit and Patio
Ithaca
Stay at this cabin in Ithaca. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Buttermilk Falls State Park and Robert H. Treman State Park ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (15 reviews)
Cozy Stay!
"I recently stayed at Shefali's cabin in Ithaca, NY, and found it to be a cozy and comfortable spot for a getaway. The cabin is situated on a beautiful piece of land, providing a great sense of privacy and serenity. One of the highlights for me was the firepit outside, which was perfect for evenings ..."

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2024

Cabin near Finger Lakes & Ithaca with Firepit and Patio
Delightful Downtown Ithaca Home & Garden
Delightful Downtown Ithaca Home & Garden
Ithaca
Stay at this vacation home in Ithaca. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a terrace. Popular attractions Sciencenter and Ithaca Farmers Market are located nearby. ...
10/10 Exceptional! (58 reviews)
Lovely spacious and relaxing main floor apartment
"We had an excellent stay. The property is very central and we were able to walk everywhere. All rooms have generous proportions and are very tastefully decorated. The bathrooms and kitchen were well equipped. It really felt like we were staying in someone's house. We loved it!"

Reviewed on 31 Oct 2023

Delightful Downtown Ithaca Home & Garden
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do