Buffalo, New York may not be the first place that comes to mind when planning a romantic getaway. However, the “City of Good Neighbors” offers plenty of activities and attractions perfect for couples looking to relax, have fun, and reconnect.
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Stroll through Delaware Park | Enjoy the scenic beauty and serene atmosphere of this historic park. |
| Visit Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House Complex | Explore the architectural marvel and its serene surroundings. |
| Shows at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre | Experience live performances in a historic and romantic setting. |
| Sunset Cruises on Lake Erie | Romantic boat rides with stunning sunset views. |
| Explore Buffalo Botanical Gardens | Walk among beautiful flora in a peaceful setting. |
| Relax at 21st Amendment Bar and Grill | Enjoy a casual and cozy dining experience with good food and drinks. |
| Tour Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park | Explore historic ships and exhibits. |
| Day Trip to Niagara Falls State Park | Witness the breathtaking falls and enjoy the natural surroundings. |
| Attend Shows at Kleinhans Music Hall | Enjoy classical music and other performances in an elegant venue. |
| Wander through Buffalo City Hall Observation Deck | Take in panoramic views of the city. |
| Indulge in Chocolate at Watson’s Chocolates | Enjoy delicious chocolates in a sweet and intimate setting. |
| Cooking Classes at Kiss the Cook | Have fun learning to cook together in a romantic and engaging environment. |
From stunning architecture and waterfront parks to intimate theater shows and comfy cafes, Buffalo shines when it comes to romantic ambiance. Here are 12 of the top romantic things for couples to experience in Buffalo, New York.
Stroll Through Delaware Park
Name and Location: Delaware Park, 84 Parkside Ave, Buffalo, NY
History and Significance: This 350-acre park was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and is located in the heart of Buffalo.
What to Expect: Paths for walking or biking, green spaces, sculptures, rose garden, golf course, and more. A relaxing urban oasis.
Visitor Information: Free and open to the public daily from 5am-midnight. Plenty of free parking.
Delaware Park provides a peaceful, picturesque urban escape for romantic strolls. The sprawling 374-acre green space was designed by famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, giving it gorgeous scenery. Meander hand-in-hand along paths past flowering gardens, scenic meadows, Mirror Lake, and shady groves of old trees.
Visit the marble pavilion overlooking the lake. Bring a blanket and picnic lunch to enjoy in this idyllic garden setting. With its beauty and seclusion, Delaware Park cultivates romance as you bask in nature’s splendor.
Visit Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House Complex
Name and Location: Martin House Complex, 125 Jewett Pkwy, Buffalo, NY
History and Significance: This is one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpieces and exemplifies his Prairie style of architecture.
What to Expect: Guided and audio tours of the restored Martin House, conservatory, carriage house and more.
Visitor Information: Timed admission tickets required. Open for tours Wed-Mon with some blackout dates.
For architecture aficionados, touring the Martin House Complex by Frank Lloyd Wright provides a romantic look into early 20th century design. This National Historic Landmark was built between 1903-1905 and exemplifies Wright’s Prairie Style with strong horizontal lines and natural materials.
Tour the estate’s interconnected buildings and admire details like art glass windows, brick fireplaces, and built-in furnishings. Stroll through the landscape, also designed by Wright. Discuss your favorite elements while soaking up Wright’s harmonious vision.
Enjoy a Show at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre
Name and Location: Shea’s Buffalo Theatre, 646 Main St, Buffalo, NY
History and Significance: This historic theater opened in 1926 and today hosts Broadway shows and concerts.
What to Expect: Catch a touring Broadway show, ballet, orchestra concert or other live performance.
Visitor Information: Ticket prices vary by show. Schedule and tickets available on the venue website.
For an elegant night out, catch a spectacular show at the historic Shea’s Buffalo Theatre. This restored 1926 art deco palace is breathtaking with glittering chandeliers, soaring ceilings, and gilded ornamentation.
Cuddle close in red velvet seats as you enjoy Broadway musicals, concerts, plays or a film in this opulent setting. Impress your sweetheart with tickets to Shea’s Buffalo Theatre for an experiential date night filled with glamour.
Take a Sunset Cruise on Lake Erie
Name and Location: Buffalo Harbor, 1 Naval Park Cove, Buffalo, NY
History and Significance: Lake Erie sunset cruises offer amazing views along the Buffalo waterfront.
What to Expect: Sit back and relax on a narrated sightseeing cruise and take in the sunset views.
Visitor Information: Cruises offered April-October. Ticket prices vary. Make reservations in advance.
Watching the sunset together over peaceful waters makes for picture-perfect romance. Several local companies offer narrated sunset dinner and sightseeing cruises on Lake Erie departing from Buffalo’s waterfront.
Sip wine at the intimate table for two and savor sumptuous meals as you gently sail past lighthouses, historic mansions and cityscapes bathed in golden light. Toast with your partner as the sun dips below the horizon for an unforgettable romantic evening.
Explore Buffalo Botanical Gardens
Name and Location: Buffalo Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave, Buffalo, NY
History and Significance: These gardens opened in 1900 and feature specialty collections of plants.
What to Expect: Indoor and outdoor gardens, exhibits, events, gift shop, café, and trolley tours.
Visitor Information: Admission fee required. Open Tuesday-Sunday. Check website for hours.
Surround yourselves in natural splendor strolling through Buffalo Botanical Gardens. These sprawling gardens contain indoor and outdoor collections with colorful flowers, water features, art sculptures and unique architecture providing beauty at every turn.
Walk hand-in-hand admiring vibrant orchids in the humid conservatory’s rainforest biome, escape to the peaceful Japanese garden, and enjoy fragrant roses in the Queen City flower garden. The botanical gardens cultivate romance with their tranquil, idyllic settings.
Relax at 21st Amendment Bar and Grill
Name and Location: 21st Amendment Bar and Grill, 227 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY
History and Significance: Popular sports bar known for wings, beer, and lively atmosphere.
What to Expect: Great Buffalo chicken wings, daily food and drink specials, sports games on TVs, rooftop patio.
Visitor Information: Open daily 11am-2am. Casual attire. Can get crowded during games.
Unwind in casual sophistication at the cozy 21st Amendment Bar and Grill. Sit at an intimate booth in the warmly lit gastropub sampling creative takes on comfort food and handcrafted cocktails. Try their popular Scotch eggs or meat and cheese boards paired with unique drink options like bourbon milk punch.
Play a game of darts upstairs or cuddle in a leather armchair by the fireplace. The laid back vibe makes 21st Amendment a great date spot to just be yourselves.
Stroll Through Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park
Name and Location: Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park, 1 Naval Park Cove, Buffalo, NY
History and Significance: This park preserves important ships and exhibits naval and military history.
What to Expect: Tour naval ships, aircraft, vehicles, and see artifacts. Interactive exhibits.
Visitor Information: Admission fee required. Open daily April-November. Self-guided tours.
History buffs will adore strolling hand-in-hand through the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park overlooking Lake Erie. Tour the historic WWII destroyer USS The Sullivans and the submarine USS Croaker docked at the park.
Check out exhibits detailing Niagara Frontier military history in the park’s museum. Pause to appreciate the sweeping waterfront views and have your sweetie snap your photo by fighter jets and memorials honoring veterans. Learning about the region’s military past side-by-side fosters connection.
Day Trip to Niagara Falls State Park
Name and Location: Niagara Falls State Park, Prospect St & Old Falls Street, Niagara Falls, NY
History and Significance: Explore the majesty of Niagara Falls, just 20 minutes from Buffalo.
What to Expect: Views of the massive waterfalls, hiking trails, Cave of the Winds tour, visitor center, trolley rides.
Visitor Information: Open daily year-round. Admission fee covers trolley and Cave tour.
Just a short drive from Buffalo awaits the awe-inspiring majesty of Niagara Falls State Park. As you follow the gorge rim walk hand-in-hand, take in incredible panoramic vistas of the massive waterfall’s cascading torrents from every angle.
Ride the Cave of the Winds elevator down to the Hurricane Deck at the falls’ base and get soaked by the crashing spray together. At night, view the falls illuminated in a rainbow of colors. Witnessing such extraordinary natural beauty sparks feelings of wonder with your loved one.
Catch a Show at Kleinhans Music Hall
Name and Location: Kleinhans Music Hall, 3 Symphony Circle, Buffalo, NY
History and Significance: Home of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra since 1940. Acoustically perfect venue.
What to Expect: Symphony performances, concerts, speakers in a beautiful, intricate 1500-seat hall.
Visitor Information: Ticket prices vary by event. Guided tours available.
Attending a performance at the acoustically superb Kleinhans Music Hall allows you to experience enchanting music together. Designed by father-and-son architects, the 1939 multi-purpose venue boasts an elegant interior of ivory and gold with superb sound projection.
Share an intimate concert experience taking in world-class symphony, ballet, opera, plays, speakers and more. Few settings feel more romantic than Kleinhans’ soaring music hall filled with harmonious sounds.
Wander Through Buffalo City Hall Observation Deck
Name and Location: Buffalo City Hall, 65 Niagara Sq, Buffalo, NY
History and Significance: This 32-story art deco building has a free observation deck on the 26th floor.
What to Expect: Panoramic views of Buffalo, free exhibits on local history, and an open-air observation deck.
Visitor Information: Free and open weekdays. Closed weekends and holidays. Security screening required.
Be awed by Buffalo’s architecture and skyline from the free observation deck atop Buffalo City Hall. Take the elevator up to the 25th floor outdoor deck circling the building’s dome for panoramic views.
Identify landmarks like the Buffalo Central Terminal, Erie Canal Harbor, and grain elevators dotting the waterfront as you lean on the railing side-by-side. Grab a romantic photo together with Buffalo’s urban expanse serving as a backdrop. The sweeping vistas invite affection atop this signature city landmark.
Indulge in Chocolate at Watson’s Chocolates
Name and Location: Watson’s Chocolates, 3601 Sheridan Dr, Amherst, NY
History and Significance: Old-fashioned candy shop specializing in gourmet chocolates since 1946.
What to Expect: Chocolate tastings, huge selection of truffles, caramels, nuts, and more. Ice cream parlor and gift shop on-site.
Visitor Information: Free chocolate sample. Open Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm. Closed Sundays.
Satisfy your sweet tooth and each other touring the original Watson’s Chocolates factory store. Watch as chocolatiers craft gourmet candies by hand through viewing windows before designing your own gift box filled with decadent truffles and caramels.
Savor chocolate samples as you stroll aisle after aisle of artfully displayed sweets. Share a milkshake or sundae at the retro luncheonette counter. Watson’s thoughtfully made chocolates deliver sweet romance.
Take a Class at Kiss the Cook
Name and Location: Kiss the Cook, 221 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY
History and Significance: Hands-on recreational cooking school in downtown Buffalo.
What to Expect: Hands-on cooking classes for adults and kids taught by expert chefs in a fun atmosphere.
Visitor Information: Class schedule and registration online. Fees vary by class. Gift cards available.
Heat things up in the kitchen taking a couples cooking class at Kiss the Cook. Sharpen your culinary skills side-by-side learning to prepare dishes like fresh pasta, sushi and tapas during interactive classes.
Laugh, learn, and collaborate as you work at individual stations before indulging in the gourmet meal you created. A shared love of food paves the way for romance to simmer during this hands-on cooking experience.
Conclusion
With so many romantic possibilities, Buffalo shines as a distinctive couples’ destination. From scenic parks and iconic architecture to intimate shows and chocolate tastings, this riverside city cultivates memorable date experiences.
When exploring Buffalo hand-in-hand, prepare to laugh, learn, indulge your senses and solidify your emotional bond through activities that showcase this city’s distinctive charms. Reconnect and reignite your relationship on your next romantic Buffalo getaway.