City centre Ithaca buzzes with college-town energy thanks to nearby Cornell University and Ithaca College. The pedestrian-only Ithaca Commons forms the heart of this walkable district. Local art galleries, independent theatres, and multicultural eateries reflect the academic community's international character. The historic State Theatre hosts performances while charming boutiques fill converted brick buildings. Cascadilla Gorge offers dramatic waterfall views within walking distance. Students and locals mingle in cosy cafes and bookshops that stay open late during the academic year.
Autumn Creek offers a peaceful retreat with historic Victorian homes nestled along tree-lined streets. The stunning gorge and waterfalls create a natural backdrop for this charming Ithaca area. Walking paths follow the creek, leading to dramatic limestone cliffs and scenic overlooks. DeWitt Park anchors the community with its mature trees and open lawns. Visitors can easily stroll to city centre Ithaca in just 15 minutes. Architecture enthusiasts will appreciate the well-preserved 19th-century Craftsman details throughout this authentic residential haven.
Unique features of South Hill include the waterfalls and coffee shops. Make a stop by Buttermilk Falls State Park or Butterfield Stadium while you're exploring the area.
South Hill blends campus energy with scenic residential charm. Home to Ithaca College, this area offers panoramic views of Cayuga Lake from its hillside perch. Nearby Buttermilk Falls State Park provides dramatic waterfalls and hiking trails just minutes away. The area caters primarily to students with casual eateries and coffee shops. Modern campus buildings mix with tree-lined residential streets where visitors can enjoy performances at the School of Music. South Hill Recreation Way offers pleasant walking paths with natural beauty surrounding the academic atmosphere.
East Ithaca offers a peaceful retreat from city life with tree-lined streets and mid-century homes. This family-oriented area connects to the East Hill Recreation Way, perfect for scenic walks through leafy areas. Cornell University's influence brings a scholarly touch to this quiet suburban community. Visitors can explore Six Mile Creek Vineyard or enjoy the neighborhood's small parks and green spaces. With minimal tourist infrastructure, East Ithaca provides an authentic glimpse into local living while still being a short drive from city centre attractions and the university campus.
Discover the most popular places to visit in Ithaca
Buttermilk Falls State Park
9.4/10 (950 reviews)
Cascading 165 feet through a scenic gorge, Buttermilk Falls captivates with its natural swimming pool and woodland surroundings. Hike the Gorge and Rim Trails for spectacular views of waterfalls.
Ithaca Falls Natural Area
9.4/10 (313 reviews)
This 150-foot cascade offers a spectacular natural display just steps from city centre Ithaca. Capture the falls' changing character through seasons while following the short gravel path to its misty base.
Ithaca Farmers Market
9.0/10 (367 reviews)
This waterfront pavilion showcases over 85 vendors selling local produce, crafts, and international cuisine. Arrive early on Saturday mornings to sample the freshest seasonal offerings while enjoying live music.
Cornell Botanic Gardens
9.6/10 (148 reviews)
Explore 3,600 acres of living botanical collections showcasing the Finger Lakes region's diverse ecosystems. Wander through speciality gardens and the F.R. Newman Arboretum for a serene escape from campus bustle.
Ithaca Commons
8.8/10 (1,399 reviews)
Ithaca Commons: a four-block pedestrian haven with independent shops, diverse dining, and cultural flair. Explore unique boutiques, catch street performances, or enjoy the local atmosphere.
State Theatre of Ithaca
8.6/10 (172 reviews)
This 1920s vaudeville palace captivates with ornate architecture and exceptional acoustics. Enjoy intimate performances from legendary musicians to theatrical productions in this historic city centre venue.
Shops at Ithaca Mall
8.2/10 (435 reviews)
The Shops at Ithaca Mall blends national chains with unique local stores in this central shopping hub. Explore diverse retail options, then recharge at the food court or catch a film at the on-site cinema.
EcoVillage at Ithaca
7.8/10 (68 reviews)
Enjoy an outing to EcoVillage at Ithaca during your stay in Ithaca. Discover the area's beautiful waterfalls and top-notch restaurants.
"Very comfortable beds and clean linens. Sofabed like all places are horrible. Breakfast was great with eggs bacon sausage and variety of breads and make your own waffle with all the toppings you desire and yogurt and oatmeal. Enjoyed the convenience of having that available to eat before checking out"
"Nice rustic B&B. AC worked well and bed was comfortable. Everything was clean. Nice country setting. We’re planning to return next time we need a place to stay in Cortland/Ithaca area."
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.
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.
You can pick up a holiday package to this destination on Expedia. However, how much your holiday to Ithaca costs will depend on the length of stay, season and hotel choice.
What are the cheapest months to go to Ithaca?
You can usually find lower prices and better availability in December, January and February. Explore our cheap Ithaca holiday packages and you could score some excellent off-season deals.
How many days is enough for Ithaca?
Ithaca holidays can be as short or long as you like, but to really sink your teeth into this destination, we think 2 days is about right. This will mean you can fit in top sights like Sciencenter and Six Mile Creek Vineyard and track down some hidden gems. Don't forget to explore neighbourhoods such as South Hill and Northeast Ithaca either. If you're clever with your time, you may even be able to take a day trip or two from Ithaca too.
Is it worth booking a holiday package to Ithaca?
Boasting a host of highlights starting with its top-notch shopping, Ithaca is a good holiday destination. Whether you want to discover sights like Buttermilk Falls State Park and Ithaca Commons or venture off the beaten track, you'll find loads to keep you busy during your Ithaca holiday.
How to find the best Ithaca package deals?
Finding a cheap Ithaca package deal is easy with Expedia. After you've entered your destination and trip dates under our "Packages" tab, set your budget range, add a couple of filters and see what's available. You can customise your search by "Property class," "Number of bedrooms," "Traveller experience" and more. Order the results by "Price: low to high" to view the most affordable Ithaca package deals. Want a simple trick to get the biggest savings? Be flexible with your departure dates and consider going away on a weekday, when prices are typically lower.
Is it cheaper to book an Ithaca holiday as a package?
An Expedia holiday package could land you considerable savings when compared to booking accommodation and flights separately. Better still, you can tailor your Ithaca getaway to match your exact needs. Choose your preferred flight time, select the hotel type and add a rental car. Browse our bundle deals and find out how much you can save.
When to book a holiday package to Ithaca?
If you have your Ithaca travel dates finalized, book early to grab some fantastic deals. With Expedia, you can typically reserve some flights up to a year in advance. Prefer spontaneous trips? Our last-minute deals are great for jetting off on a whim.
How to plan a trip to Ithaca?
Choose the ideal time to travel: Your schedule, preferred season and the type of weather you enjoy can all impact your decision on when to visit Ithaca.
Budget wisely: As well as the cost of your stay, you'll need to consider other expenses. These include transportation, flights and food. Also, put aside a little extra for unexpected costs that may crop up during your trip to Ithaca.
Determine how many days away: Start by compiling a list of the activities and attractions you'd like to get to in Ithaca. Then, estimate how long you'll need at each, including any travel time.
Combine your hotel and flights: Epic destination, check. Length of stay, check. All that's left now is to choose an Ithaca holiday package that brings all your bookings together.