Buffalo, New York is a city rich with history, culture, architecture and natural beauty. From world-class art museums to historic landmarks, exciting activities and breathtaking scenery, Buffalo offers fantastic attractions for visitors.
| Attraction | Description |
|---|---|
| Buffalo City Hall | Historic Art Deco building with grand architectural details and guided tours. |
| Albright-Knox Art Gallery | Renowned museum with modern and contemporary art collections. |
| Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens | Indoor botanical gardens with themed exhibits and seasonal displays. |
| Canalside | Downtown waterfront entertainment district with various activities and events. |
| Buffalo Zoo | Zoo with diverse animal habitats, special events, and interactive experiences. |
| Historic Cruises on Lake Erie | Scenic and educational boat tours with various themed cruises. |
| Forest Lawn Cemetery | Historic cemetery known for its art, architecture, and famous gravesites. |
| Buffalo Museum of Science | Interactive science museum with exhibits on various topics and a planetarium. |
| Food Tours | Culinary tours showcasing local specialties and neighborhood cuisines. |
| Niagara Falls State Park | Iconic natural wonder with various viewing and exploration opportunities. |
| Elmwood Village | Neighborhood with historic architecture, shops, galleries, and eateries. |
| Silo City | Unique attraction featuring converted grain elevators and art installations. |
When in Buffalo, make sure to check out these top 12 attractions showcasing the best of what the city has to offer.
Buffalo City Hall
Name and Location: Buffalo City Hall, 65 Niagara Square, Buffalo, NY 14202
History and Significance: Buffalo City Hall was built between 1929 and 1931 in the Art Deco style. It is a prominent downtown landmark and houses the offices of the Mayor, Common Council, and various city departments. The 32-story building was designed by Dietel & Wade.
What to Expect: Visitors can view the architectural details in the lobby and council chambers. Guided tours are offered on weekdays that provide an inside look at the building’s history and architecture. The observation deck on the 25th floor provides panoramic views of Buffalo.
Visitor Information: Free guided tours are offered Monday-Friday at noon. The observation deck is open weekdays from 8am-4pm. Photo ID is required for security.
Dominating Niagara Square is Buffalo’s magnificent City Hall. This Art Deco treasure was built in the early 1930s and is considered one of the most beautiful civic buildings in the country.
Visitors will be impressed by the grand architectural details like marble walls, ornate chandeliers, stunning murals and sculptures throughout the interior. Free guided tours provide interesting background on the structure and Buffalo’s history. It’s a must-see landmark in Buffalo.
Albright-Knox Art Gallery
Name and Location: Albright-Knox Art Gallery, 1285 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, NY 14222
History and Significance: The Albright-Knox was founded as the Buffalo Fine Arts Academy in 1862. The current building was built in 1905 and has since expanded. It is one of the oldest art museums in the US. The collection includes modern and contemporary works by artists such as Picasso, Warhol, and Frida Kahlo.
What to Expect: The gallery’s collection features thousands of paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, and photographs. Exhibitions rotate through the year. Public tours are offered daily. There is also an on-site cafe and gift shop.
Visitor Information: Open Tuesday-Sunday 10am-5pm. Closed Mondays. Admission is $12 for adults, reduced rates for students/seniors. Free admission on Fridays from 10am-10pm.
Art lovers shouldn’t miss the world-renowned Albright-Knox Art Gallery located in Delaware Park. The museum houses an impressive collection of modern and contemporary masterpieces.
See iconic works by artists like Van Gogh, Picasso, Warhol and Pollock. The museum also hosts exciting special exhibitions. Grab a bite at their light-filled restaurant after exploring this amazing Buffalo art institution.
Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens
Name and Location: Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave, Buffalo, NY 14218
History and Significance: Founded in 1900, the botanical gardens contain gardens and greenhouses encompassing over 11 acres. Major collections include an aquatic garden, rose garden, Victorian glass house, and tropical rainforest habitat. It provides an oasis of nature within the city.
What to Expect: Visitors can wander through diverse gardens representing global ecosystems. The glass dome Conservatory is a highlight. Seasonal events, classes, and exhibits are also offered. The gift shop sells plants and gardening items.
Visitor Information: Open daily from 10am-5pm. Admission is $12.50 for adults, discounted rates for seniors, students and children. Free admission for kids under 3.
Escape cold Buffalo days by exploring the gorgeous indoor Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens. The towering glass dome contains 11 stunning themed garden exhibits like a tropical rainforest, an arid desert and a magical children’s garden.
It’s a beautiful oasis in the middle of winter. Beyond the gorgeous displays, rotate through seasonal exhibits focusing on subjects like butterflies, Lego sculptures, model trains and more. The gardens provide a lovely experience year-round.
Canalside
Name and Location: Canalside, 44 Prime St, Buffalo, NY 14202
History and Significance: Canalside is located on the former western terminus of the Erie Canal. The historic canals have been rewatered in this area, which now serves as a recreational and entertainment district. It hosts concerts, festivals, and family activities.
What to Expect: Visitors can take boat tours on the canals, rent kayaks and bikes, visit the Explore & More children’s museum, dine along the boardwalk, and enjoy outdoor concerts and events. There are seasonal ice skating rinks.
Visitor Information: Most activities and events are offered seasonally from May through October. Year-round attractions include Explore & More, restaurants, and naval park. Free admission.
Canalside along downtown Buffalo’s waterfront is the city’s central entertainment district. Attractions include rideable historic carousels, paddleboat rentals, interactive fountains for kids, concerts, festivals, and lakeside cafes.
In winter, the canal is transformed into a large outdoor ice skating rink. With its array of dining, shopping and recreation, Canalside is an exciting year-round attraction.
Buffalo Zoo
Name and Location: Buffalo Zoo, 300 Parkside Ave, Buffalo, NY 14214
History and Significance: Founded in 1875, the Buffalo Zoo is the third oldest zoo in the United States. It contains diverse exhibits representing Arctic tundra, rainforests, African savanna, and more. More than 1,300 animals live at the zoo. It also features many historic art deco buildings.
What to Expect: Visitors can see elephants, polar bears, reindeer, big cats, gorillas, reptiles, birds, and more. Feedings, training sessions, and keeper chats occur daily. Other amenities include a playground, train ride, carousel, and gift shop.
Visitor Information: Open daily from 10am-4pm. Admission is $14.50 for adults, $12.50 seniors, and $10.50 children 3-12 years old. Discounts for EBT card holders. Free parking onsite.
The Buffalo Zoo located in Delaware Park provides close-up animal encounters across 90 acres. See exotic wildlife like snow leopards, polar bears, rhinos, red pandas and more in thoughtfully designed habitats.
Special zoo events include concert series, private trolley tours and “Boo at the Zoo” Halloween fun. Feed a giraffe, take a ride on the carousel and get lost in the underwater viewing tunnels at this excellent Buffalo zoo.
Historic Cruises on Lake Erie
Name and Location: Historic Cruises on Lake Erie, 1 Naval Park Cove, Buffalo, NY 14202
History and Significance: Lake Erie cruise options allow visitors to experience Buffalo’s waterfront and naval history. The Miss Buffalo II paddle wheeler offers sightseeing cruises. The USS The Sullivans and USS Little Rock are WW2 naval ships that can be toured.
What to Expect: Cruise options range from one hour narrated harbor tours to dining cruises and special event cruises. The naval ships have interactive, self-guided audio tours. Active duty military can tour for free.
Visitor Information: Cruise prices and schedules vary. The ships are open daily Memorial Day to Labor Day. Purchase tickets online or by phone. Boarding is at the Naval Park near Canalside.
Experience Buffalo’s maritime history and naval tradition aboard Buffalo’s last remaining true cruising ship, the Miss Buffalo. Take scenic tours of Lake Erie and the Buffalo River while learning about the area’s past through engaging onboard interpreters.
Specialty cruises include architectural tours along the waterfront, rock and blues music cruises, a champagne brunch cruise and more. It’s a memorable way to enjoy the beauty of Buffalo’s waterways.
Forest Lawn Cemetery
Name and Location: Forest Lawn Cemetery, 1411 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14209
History and Significance: Founded in 1849, Forest Lawn is a 269-acre non-sectarian cemetery that contains over 150,000 graves. Notable burials include US President Millard Fillmore, singer Rick James, and Frank Lloyd Wright. The cemetery is filled with sculptures and mausoleums.
What to Expect: Visitors can take self-guided walking tours of the grounds. Notable graves, artwork, architecture, and nature can be appreciated. An on-site crematorium and funeral home provide services. Events are also hosted here.
Visitor Information: Open daily from 8:30am to 5pm, with extended summer hours until 7:30pm. Free admission. Tram tours can be booked in advance for groups.
Forest Lawn Cemetery may seem an unconventional attraction but it’s a Buffalo landmark brimming with history. This lush 150-acre cemetery contains towering works of sculpture and architecture along with the graves of famous Buffalonians.
Visitors are amazed by the stained-glass art in the cemetery’s chapel as well as the highly ornate tombstones and mausoleums. Maps guide you to noteworthy grave sites like that of President Millard Fillmore. It’s an ideal spot for quiet contemplation and reflecting on Buffalo’s storied past.
Buffalo Museum of Science
Name and Location: Buffalo Museum of Science, 1020 Humboldt Pkwy, Buffalo, NY 14211
History and Significance: Founded in 1929, the Buffalo Museum of Science features exhibits on topics including astronomy, physics, Earth sciences, biology, technology, and energy. It contains the 3rd largest planetarium in the US and the Margaret L. Wendt Archive and Resource Center.
What to Expect: Visitors can explore permanent and limited-run interactive science exhibits. There is also a digital dome theater, observatory, wildlife garden, gift shop, and cafeteria. Public programs and demonstrations are offered.
Visitor Information: Open Tuesday-Sunday from 10am-5pm. Closed Mondays. General admission is $17 for adults, discounted rates for youth, seniors and children. Free admission for members.
The Buffalo Museum of Science provides fun and interactive ways to engage with science and nature. Kids love the high-tech Dynalar planetarium and the huge Kaleidoscope with colorful effects.
Other highlights include a wildlife room with a full-sized elephant, exhibits on human anatomy and local Native American life, and artifacts from NASA space travel. Temporary shows also rotate through such as dinosaur-themed exhibitions. It’s an illuminating attraction for visitors of all ages.
Food Tours
Name and Location: Food Tours of Buffalo, Tours meet at various locations
History and Significance: Food tours allow visitors to experience Buffalo’s dining scene and culinary history. They stop at various eateries to sample local foods and learn about the city neighborhoods.
A delicious way to experience Buffalo’s culinary scene is through the city’s fantastic food tours. Companies like Buffalo Tours and Queen City Excursions offer various specialty neighborhood food tours by foot or bus.
You’ll try local staples like beef on weck, chicken wings and unique creations from top restaurants and cafes. It’s a fun way to taste the best of Buffalo alongside new friends while learning food and city history.
Niagara Falls State Park
- [? Name and Location]: Niagara Falls State Park is located in Niagara Falls, New York. It’s renowned for its breathtaking views of the three major waterfalls that make up Niagara Falls: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls.
- [⏳ History and Significance]: Established in 1885, it’s the oldest state park in the United States. The park was designed by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, who also designed Central Park in New York City. The falls have a rich history, both in terms of natural formation and cultural significance, including playing a pivotal role in the industrial revolution and hydroelectric power development.
- [? What to Expect]: Visitors can expect awe-inspiring views of the falls, especially from the observation deck. The park offers various activities like the Maid of the Mist boat tour, Cave of the Winds, and numerous hiking trails. The winter months bring a unique frozen landscape, while the summer offers vibrant green scenery.
- [?♂️ Visitor Information]: The park is open year-round, with varying attractions depending on the season. There’s a visitor center providing information and guided tours. Accommodations range from hotels to camping sites, catering to different budgets and preferences.
A short drive north of Buffalo are the awe-inspiring Niagara Falls. Visitors flock to Niagara Falls State Park to marvel at the thundering sheets of water and soak in the sights from various overlooks.
Walk through the mist along the foot of the falls on the wooden deck. Take the trolley to other park highlights like the Cave of the Winds and Prospect Point. The majestic natural wonder of Niagara Falls belongs at the top of any Buffalo itinerary.
Elmwood Village
- [? Name and Location]: Elmwood Village is a vibrant and historic neighborhood in Buffalo, New York, known for its cultural diversity and artistic atmosphere.
- [⏳ History and Significance]: This neighborhood has been a central part of Buffalo’s urban fabric since the late 19th century. It’s recognized for its well-preserved residential architecture and the Elmwood Avenue, bustling with local shops, art galleries, and restaurants.
- [? What to Expect]: Visitors can explore a range of boutique shops, enjoy various cuisines at local eateries, and experience the neighborhood’s dynamic arts scene. The area is also known for its street art and numerous festivals throughout the year.
- [?♂️ Visitor Information]: Elmwood Village is easily accessible by public transport and is pedestrian-friendly. It’s a great place to experience the local Buffalo culture, with many bed-and-breakfast accommodations providing a cozy stay.
Buffalo’s Elmwood Village neighborhood boasts beautiful historic architecture, unique boutiques, art galleries, locally-owned eateries and a lively vibe. Take an afternoon to stroll down Elmwood Avenue and browse the shops and cafes.
Look up to admire the beautiful Victorian, Queen Anne, and Tudor style homes along the street. It’s the perfect place to eat, shop local and immerse yourself in Buffalo culture.
Silo City
- [? Name and Location]: Silo City is located along the Buffalo River in Buffalo, New York. It’s a unique industrial area known for its historic grain elevators and silos.
- [⏳ History and Significance]: These towering structures, dating back to the early 20th century, are monuments to Buffalo’s industrial past, particularly its role in grain storage and processing. The area is now a symbol of industrial decay and rebirth, with many silos repurposed for cultural and artistic events.
- [? What to Expect]: Visitors can experience guided tours of the silos, attend art exhibitions, performances, and special events hosted in this unique setting. It’s a blend of industrial architecture and contemporary culture.
- [?♂️ Visitor Information]: Access to Silo City is primarily through guided tours, which provide insights into the history and transformation of the area. It’s a must-visit for those interested in industrial history and urban exploration.
One of Buffalo’s most fascinating attractions is Silo City, an abandoned grain elevator port. Street artists and musicians have transformed the dormant silos and warehouses into a striking canvas.
Visitors are mesmerized strolling under the towering silos drenched in spray paint murals. Interpretive tours also provide historical context on Buffalo’s bygone industrial era. Silo City is an iconic example of Buffalo’s art and innovation.
Conclusion
From expansive museums to historic landmarks, scenic nature and cultural neighborhoods, Buffalo serves up exceptional attractions for travelers. Architecture buffs, art lovers, families and outdoor enthusiasts alike will find plenty to marvel over during a Buffalo visit. With stunning sights, interactive learning, local flavor and natural splendor, Buffalo offers experiences to delight all interests.