New York is a state characterised by drastic contrasts and intriguing contradictions.

While buzzing New York City pulses with population density and energetic intensity, the rest of the state - commonly referred to as simply ‘Upstate’ - dwarfs the city in size and features some exquisite rolling hills and quiet countryside.

This picturesque landscape is dotted with quaint little towns, glorious forested mountains, bountiful historical attractions and an array of natural delights including the famed Niagara Falls, a 12 000-year-old wonder that is awesome in every sense of the word.

Other must-see attractions include: Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, the 9/11 memorial, Lake Placid in the Adirondack Mountains and the beautiful Finger Lakes region.