About Ithaca
Ithaca is a city in the U.S. state of New York. It is situated on the southern shore of Cayuga Lake in the Finger Lakes region of Upstate New York. With a population of 32,108 as of the 2020 census, Ithaca is the largest community in the Ithaca metropolitan statistical area, which includes all 103,558 residents of Tompkins County, of which it is the county seat. The city is named after the Greek island of Ithaca, home of the protagonist Odysseus in Homer's Odyssey.
Places to visit in Ithaca
-
Cornell University
LandmarkA hilltop Ivy League campus overlooking Cayuga Lake, with gorges, waterfalls, historic halls and the McGraw Tower. Walking the campus and its suspension bridges is a highlight of any Ithaca visit.
-
Taughannock Falls State Park
Nature · 9 mi from centreNorth of the city on Cayuga Lake, this park's waterfall plunges over 200 feet into a deep gorge. An easy, flat trail leads to the base, and a rim overlook gives a dramatic view from above.
-
Robert H. Treman State Park
Nature · 5 mi from centreA gorge park just south of Ithaca with a trail past a dozen waterfalls, including Lucifer Falls. A stream-fed natural swimming area below a waterfall is popular in summer when open.
-
Ithaca Commons
NeighborhoodA pedestrian mall in downtown Ithaca lined with independent shops, restaurants and cafes. It is the heart of city life, with street performers, events and easy access to nearby theaters.
-
Buttermilk Falls State Park
Nature · 3 mi from centreOn the southern edge of town, a series of cascades tumbles down a gorge beside a stone stairway trail. The park also has a swimming area at the base of the falls and quieter rim trails.
-
Ithaca Farmers Market
MarketA cooperative market held in a waterfront pavilion near Cayuga Lake, with local produce, baked goods, wine, crafts and international food stalls. A lively weekend gathering spot for locals and visitors alike.
-
Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art
MuseumCornell's art museum, housed in a striking concrete building by I.M. Pei, holds strong Asian and contemporary collections. The upper floor windows give sweeping views over Cayuga Lake and the valley.
Where to stay in Ithaca
Popular hotels in Ithaca, out of 24 properties you can book.
Ithaca Marriott Downtown on the Commons
From $214 per night
Hampton Inn Ithaca
From $136 per night
Canopy By Hilton Ithaca Downtown
From $176 per night
Homewood Suites by Hilton Ithaca
From $160 per night
Hilton Garden Inn Ithaca
From $175 per night
Best Western University Inn
From $82 per night
Fairfield Inn & Suites Ithaca
From $142 per night
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Ithaca, NY
From $85 per night
The Statler Hotel at Cornell University
From $338 per night
Quality Inn Ithaca
From $99 per night
Embassy Inn Motel Ithaca
From $106 per night
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ithaca By IHG
From $109 per night
Best time to visit Ithaca
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Ithaca is August to September, when average daytime highs are around 75–79°F and rain falls on about 10 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Ithaca weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 60° 36° 0%
- Thu 22 Oct 60° 37° 6%
- Fri 23 Oct 57° 35° 2%
- Sat 24 Oct 61° 36° 1%
- Sun 25 Oct 65° 39° 1%
- Mon 26 Oct 68° 48° 3%
Know before you go
- Currency
- United States dollar (USD)
- Language
- English
- Calling code
- +1
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/New_YorkUTC−4
- Capital
- Washington, D.C.
Upcoming public holidays in United States
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
- New Year's Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Presidents DayWashington's Birthday
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Ithaca
These are the airports closest to central Ithaca. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- ITH Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport4 mi (6 km) from the city centre
Getting around Ithaca
As Ithaca is a college town, bus service by TCAT (Tompkins County Area Transit) is frequent and runs late into the night. Taxi service is an inexpensive way to get around the small city, and it is available by phone, but expect to wait an hour or more on busy or cold nights. Avis & Hertz Rental cars are available at Ithaca Tompkins County Regional Airport, and Enterprise-Rent-A-Car and National Car Rental, in Ithaca. Uber and Lyft are widely available.
Parking
Parking is easy in most parts of Ithaca. However, there are some parts of Ithaca where it can be tricky. Metered parking is not charged before 9AM or after 6PM in most of Ithaca. It is also illegal to leave your car in the same non-metered, street adjacent, space for more than 24 hours. Parking in both downtown and Cornell is payable by app. Many individual meters have been replaced by automatic stands.
Downtown and the Commons
Street parking is metered and more difficult to come by (in some areas a 15 minute maximum on the meters), although there are always spots available if you're willing to walk. There are three municipal parking structures, one on Green Street just east of Cayuga Street, one at the corner of Tioga and Seneca Streets and the other on Cayuga Street to the south of the Commons. All three garages are free on evenings and weekends. Some local retailers will provide a token for an extra free hour.
Collegetown
Street parking in Collegetown is also metered with some non metered spaces a few blocks from University or Stewart Avenues. There is one, spacious parking garage on Dryden Road. Unlike the downtown garages, the first hour is not free, the hourly rate is $1.50 (with no daily maximum) and fees are charged around the clock including weekends with an automatic payment machine being used in the off-hours.
Ithaca travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Ithaca?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Ithaca is August to September, when average daytime highs are around 75–79°F and rain falls on about 10 days a month.
What is the weather like in Ithaca?
July is usually the warmest month in Ithaca, with average highs of 85°F (29°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 22°F (-6°C). The wettest month is typically May, with about 129 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Ithaca?
Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport (ITH) is the closest airport, about 4 miles (6 km) from the centre of Ithaca.
What time zone is Ithaca in?
Ithaca uses the America/New_York time zone (currently UTC−4). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Ithaca?
As Ithaca is a college town, bus service by TCAT (Tompkins County Area Transit) is frequent and runs late into the night. Taxi service is an inexpensive way to get around the small city, and it is available by phone, but expect to wait an hour or more on busy or cold nights.
What are the best places to visit in Ithaca?
Top sights in Ithaca include Cornell University, Taughannock Falls State Park, Robert H. Treman State Park and Ithaca Commons. A hilltop Ivy League campus overlooking Cayuga Lake, with gorges, waterfalls, historic halls and the McGraw Tower. Walking the campus and its suspension bridges is a highlight of any Ithaca visit.
Where should I stay in Ithaca?
Popular areas for hotels in Ithaca include Ithaca Area. Well-reviewed options include Ithaca Marriott Downtown on the Commons and Hampton Inn Ithaca.
How many hotels can I book in Ithaca?
Destina Holidays currently lists 24 properties in and around Ithaca, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
