Welcome to Ithaca

Welcome to "gorge-ous" Ithaca, New York—ranked the #1 college town in the United States.

a small group of students walks through the Ithaca Commons

In the heart of New York State's beautiful Finger Lakes region, about midway between Manhattan and Toronto, this thriving, culturally diverse city of 30,000 combines small-town warmth and charm with the energy of an eclectic metropolis. In the Ithaca community, you'll never run out of new things to do, people to meet, and places to explore.

Home to Ithaca College and Cornell University, our city attracts visitors, students, and scholars from around the globe. Feed your curiosity and add to your understanding of the world at public lectures and educational events at the colleges and within the broader Ithaca community.

a group of students sits on a dock overlooking the lake

Stay active by diving into Cayuga Lake water sports, hiking up rolling hills and down into glacier-carved gorges, and exploring woodlands. In the winter season, cozy up in a local ski lodge after hitting the hills or trails. Try local flavors at hundreds of restaurants, follow wine and beer trails along the shores of the Finger Lakes (or locally made sodas and ciders if you're under 21), and find fresh ingredients to refine your own culinary talents at our famed farmers market. Grow your artistic soul at galleries, museums, theatres, independent cinema, and underground music scenes.

Join members of the community in service by participating in local volunteer events and groups. Enjoy downtown festivals in every season—Apple Harvest Festival, Cayuga Sound Music Festival, Winter Festival, and so many more. Support local businesses and find one-of-a-kind items as you stroll and shop along the downtown Ithaca Commons throughout the year.

Whatever your interests, Ithaca has something for you.