Top 10 Things to Do in Ithaca as a New Cornell Student
Welcome to Ithaca! Whether you’re just moving into your first off-campus rental or starting your graduate studies at Cornell, you’ll quickly discover that this small city packs in a big dose of charm. From breathtaking waterfalls to cozy study cafés, there’s no shortage of things to do here. To help you settle in, here are the Top 10 Things to Do in Ithaca as a Cornell Student.
1. Chase Waterfalls (Yes, Really!)
Ithaca’s motto isn’t “Ithaca is Gorges” for nothing. With over 150 waterfalls in the area, you can spend an entire semester exploring:
Cascadilla Gorge Trail – just steps from campus
Ithaca Falls – a favorite for a quick study break walk
Buttermilk Falls State Park – great for swimming in the summer
Robert H. Treman State Park – hike to Lucifer Falls for epic views
2. Shop and Snack at the Ithaca Farmers Market
Open April through December, this lakefront market is a local institution. Browse fresh produce, grab a bite from international food stalls, and enjoy live music on weekends. It’s also the perfect place to pick up local flowers or a snack before a study session.
3. Explore the Commons Downtown
The Ithaca Commons is the heartbeat of downtown—full of shops, restaurants, and street performers. Students love:
Moosewood Restaurant (world-famous vegetarian cuisine)
Collegetown Bagels (CTB) for coffee and sandwiches
Ithaca Ale House for burgers and a lively atmosphere
4. Hit the Trails
Beyond waterfalls, Ithaca has hiking trails that give you a breath of fresh air when coursework piles up. Try:
Cornell Botanic Gardens trails for a peaceful walk
Finger Lakes National Forest for a day trip
5. Catch a Show or Concert
From indie films at Cinemapolis to performances at the State Theatre of Ithaca, there’s always something happening. Cornell also brings in speakers, musicians, and comedians throughout the semester.
6. Study (or Socialize) in a Cozy Café
Sometimes you need a change of scenery from the library. Student favorites include:
Gimme! Coffee – strong brews and cool vibes
Cafe DeWitt – brunch and a good study atmosphere
Ithaca Bakery – great for group projects with snacks on hand
7. Experience Ithaca Nightlife
Yes, Ithaca has a nightlife scene! Collegetown is buzzing with bars and late-night eats. Popular spots include:
Level B for dancing
Loco Cantina for drinks and tacos
The Range downtown for live music
8. Take a Lake Day at Cayuga Lake
Cayuga Lake is the backdrop of Ithaca. Rent a kayak, have a picnic at Stewart Park, or just take in the sunset after class. In warmer months, it’s a favorite hangout spot for students.
9. Visit Cornell’s Hidden Gems
Don’t forget what’s right on campus!
Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art (free admission)
Cornell Dairy Bar for ice cream made on campus
Clock Tower chimes concert—an iconic Cornell tradition
10. Join the Local Community
Ithaca is more than just Cornell. Get involved:
Volunteer opportunities with local nonprofits
Attend cultural festivals like Apple Fest in the fall or Chili Fest in the winter
Explore the vibrant art and music scene
Final Thoughts
From waterfalls to nightlife, Ithaca has something for every student. The best part? Most of these experiences are just minutes away from our rentals at Ferris Place. Living off-campus means you’ll be close to both Cornell and everything Ithaca has to offer—making it easy to balance student life with local adventures.
