Buffalo, New York is an affordable destination with many attractions that won’t cost you a dime. From world-class art galleries to beautiful parks and lively festivals, you can experience much of what Buffalo offers without emptying your wallet.
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Exploring Canalside | Waterfront area with various attractions and activities. |
| Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House | Touring the famous architectural landmark. |
| Biking along the Outer Harbor | Enjoy scenic views and nature on rented bikes. |
| Free Concerts | Attend musical events without a fee. |
| Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens | Visit the gardens with unique plant collections. |
| Art Walks | Explore local art scenes and galleries. |
| Watching Sunsets | Enjoy beautiful sunsets at prime locations. |
| Museum Days | Free entry to museums on specific days. |
| Attending Festivals | Participate in local festivals and cultural events. |
| Hiking | Explore trails and natural areas. |
| Farmer’s Markets | Visit markets for fresh produce and local goods. |
| Free Days at the Zoo | Enjoy the zoo without an admission fee on selected days. |
Enjoy these top 12 free activities during your Buffalo travels.
Explore Canalside
Name and Location: Canalside, on the Buffalo River in downtown Buffalo
History and Significance: Canalside is located on the site of the original canal district and revitalized the downtown waterfront.
What to Expect: A boardwalk along the river, outdoor concerts and events, restaurants, naval park and museum ships, ice skating rink, and kayak rentals.
Visitor Information: Free and open to the public year-round. Plenty of parking available.
Canalside along downtown Buffalo’s waterfront is the city’s bustling entertainment district packed with free activities. Stroll the boardwalk, take photos by the historic warships, and watch the boats go by on the Buffalo River.
Kids will enjoy playing in the fountains and testing out the outdoor musical instruments. During summer, free concerts and outdoor movies turn Canalside into a nighttime entertainment hub.
Tour Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House
Name and Location: Martin House, 125 Jewett Parkway, Buffalo, NY
History and Significance: This is an architectural masterpiece designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. It exemplifies his Prairie style.
What to Expect: Guided and audio tours of the restored home, gardens, and other structures on the property.
Visitor Information: Timed tickets required. Open year-round except major holidays.
Fans of architecture should take advantage of the free open house tours at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Darwin D. Martin House. This Prairie Style masterpiece was one of Wright’s early designs predating even his famous Fallingwater.
The guided tours allow you to admire the home’s design details and learn about the history of the Martin family who commissioned it. Timed tickets are required for the free open house tour times available select days each month.
Rent a bike along the Outer Harbor
Name and Location: Outer Harbor in Buffalo, along Lake Erie.
History and Significance: The Outer Harbor was once a major industrial area and now is a recreation space.
What to Expect: Miles of paths to bike along the waterfront, with views of the city skyline and water. Can rent bikes seasonally.
Visitor Information: Free and open to the public. Bike rentals available seasonally for a fee.
Rent a bike for free from Queen City Bike Ferry or Outer Harbor Ferry and spend a day cycling along Buffalo’s redeveloped Outer Harbor. Explore new parks, nature preserves, sculpture gardens and waterfront trails that make up this revitalized area of the city.
Take breaks for a picnic or to skip stones across Lake Erie as you take in the fresh lake breezes.
Attend a free concert
Name and Location: At Canalside and Buffalo RiverWorks
History and Significance: Buffalo has a thriving music scene and venues that attract major performers.
What to Expect: A range of music from rock to jazz, R&B, pop, and more at outdoor venues along the waterfront.
Visitor Information: Free concerts scheduled during summer months. Check venue websites for details.
From small street performances to large outdoor concert series, Buffalo offers many opportunities to enjoy quality music for free. Downtown at Canalside is a hot spot for free shows.
Lafayette Square hosts “Shakespeare in Delaware Park” with free musical performances before plays. Check event calendars and arrive early to secure good spots.
Visit the Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens
Name and Location: 2655 South Park Ave, Buffalo, NY
History and Significance: These gardens opened in 1900 and contain exotic and specialized plant collections.
What to Expect: Indoor gardens with tropical plants, orchids, cacti and more. Outdoor gardens and events.
Visitor Information: Open year-round. Admission fee required.
Escape cold Buffalo days by exploring the gorgeous indoor Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens. The towering glass dome contains 11 stunning themed gardens to wander through for free.
Pay a small fee for entrance to the rotating seasonal exhibits like the holiday train display, Lego sculptures or butterfly house. The gardens make for a rejuvenating free activity.
Take an art walk
Name and Location: Allentown neighborhood in downtown Buffalo
History and Significance: Allentown is Buffalo’s prime art district, with many galleries, shops, and public art.
What to Expect: Galleries, public art murals, cafes, boutiques, and architectural walking tours. Held monthly from May to September.
Visitor Information: Free walking tours on first Fridays. Maps available online.
Buffalo is home to a thriving arts scene with many galleries hosting free exhibits. Join a free art walk to explore gallery events and openings throughout various neighborhoods.
Events like Allentown Art Festival or Garden Walk Buffalo open access to local artists, live music, food and more. Discover Buffalo’s culture on foot during these community art celebrations.
Watch the sunset
Name and Location: Along Buffalo River or Outer Harbor
History and Significance: Buffalos waterfront provides great views of sunsets over Lake Erie.
What to Expect: Dramatic sunsets over the water with the city skyline backdrop. Best views from parks and piers.
Visitor Information: Free and open to the public. Find skyline access points online.
Watching the sunset is a simple yet beautiful free activity in Buffalo. Grab takeout and bring it to outdoor spots like Riverworks for unobstructed views over the water.
The Outer Harbor, Broderick Park gazebo and Bird Island Pier are also prime sunset spots. End your days admiring Buffalo’s picturesque sunsets.
Go on a museum day
Name and Location: Buffalo has many museums, centered downtown.
History and Significance: Buffalo has a thriving arts and cultural community.
What to Expect: World-class art museums, history, science, architecture and more. Some offer discounts on Thursdays.
Visitor Information: Hours and admission costs vary. Check museum websites.
Museums like the Burchfield Penney Art Center, Buffalo Museum of History and Buffalo Science Museum have free admission days or suggested donation nights. Their websites list dates and times to visit these impressive museums without paying entry fees.
Beyond scheduled free days, museums like the Colored Musicians Club Museum charge no required admission regularly. Take advantage of Buffalo’s cultural offerings on the cheap.
Attend a festival
Name and Location: Festivals held at Canalside, Outer Harbor, and parks.
History and Significance: Buffalo hosts various cultural festivals all summer long.
What to Expect: Food, music, arts, crafts at festivals like Juneteenth, Italian, Polish, and more.
Visitor Information: Most festivals are free and open to the public. Check online event listings.
Throughout spring and summer, Buffalo hosts numerous free festivals covering food, music, arts and cultural themes. Grab some tasty snacks as you browse vendor booths, watch live entertainment and experience Buffalo pride at festivals.
Top picks include the Allentown Art Festival, Taste of Buffalo, National Buffalo Wing Festival, Italian Heritage Festival and more.
Go for a hike
Name and Location: Parks like Chestnut Ridge, Sprague Brook, and Tifft Nature Preserve
History and Significance: Buffalo has many beautiful parks just outside the city.
What to Expect: Woodland trails, streams, wildlife. Chestnut Ridge has casino ruins.
Visitor Information: Free and open during daylight hours. Find trail maps online.
Buffalo has many beautiful parks that provide free access to nature. Explore the winding paths of Delaware Park, the overlooks at Chestnut Ridge Park, or the trails along the Outer Harbor.
Walk along the peaceful creek at Sprague Brook Park or check out the gardens at South Park. Experience the outdoors and scenery without spending a dime.
Visit a farmer’s market
Name and Location: Markets held throughout the city from May-November.
History and Significance: Markets showcase fresh, local produce and goods.
What to Expect: Vendors selling fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, baked goods, crafts. Music and family activities.
Visitor Information: Most markets are free to browse and open weekends. See website for locations and hours.
From late spring through fall, frequent one of Buffalo’s many bustling farmers markets stocked with local produce, meats, baked goods, arts and crafts. The colorful, lively markets make for great Saturday morning outings.
Top farmer’s markets include the Broadway Market, Horsefeathers Market, North Buffalo Farmers’ Market and many more. Meet farmers, fill your fridge and support local all while sticking to your budget.
Attend free days at the zoo
Name and Location: The Buffalo Zoo, 300 Parkside Ave, Buffalo, NY
History and Significance: Founded in 1875, this is one of the oldest zoos in America.
What to Expect: A chance to visit the zoo for free on select days. See the exotic animals and wildlife exhibits.
Visitor Information: Check website calendar for the schedule of free days each month.
The Buffalo Zoo offers free admission on select Mondays during the summer, allowing budget travelers to enjoy this top attraction. View exotic animals like snow leopards, arctic wolves and grizzly bears up close in their thoughtfully designed habitats.
Pack a lunch or take advantage of the zoo’s concessions for a full free day of family fun. Advance tickets may be required for the free days due to demand.
Conclusion
Buffalo dazzles visitors with stunning architecture, vibrant culture and art, captivating history and outdoor adventures without emptying wallets. From self-guided walking tours to outdoor concerts to local festivals, Buffalo overflows with wallet-friendly entertainment. Experience the best of the city and come away with memories, not bills.