Situated in western New York near the Canadian border, the vibrant city of Buffalo offers visitors a surprising variety of world-class attractions, architecture, cuisine, and culture. Nicknamed “The City of Good Neighbors”, Buffalo has plenty to keep travelers engaged from museums and historical sites to outdoor adventures and a thriving food scene.
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Marvel at Frank Lloyd Wright Architecture | Tour architectural landmarks designed by Wright. |
| Tour the Buffalo City Hall Observation Deck | Enjoy panoramic city views from the deck. |
| Explore History at the Buffalo Naval Park | Visit naval ships and military exhibits. |
| View Fine Art at the Albright-Knox Gallery | See modern and contemporary art collections. |
| Take a Food Tour of Buffalo’s West Side | Sample diverse ethnic cuisines. |
| Ride the Rails to Niagara Falls | Scenic train journey to the falls. |
| Bike Along the Shoreline Through the Outer Harbor | Enjoy waterfront parks and nature areas. |
| Experience the Electricity at a Bills or Sabres Game | Attend local NFL or NHL games. |
| Tour and Taste on the Niagara Wine Trail | Explore local wineries and tastings. |
| Explore Frederick Law Olmsted’s Parkways | Drive through historic landscaped parkways. |
| See a Broadway Show | Watch theatrical productions in Buffalo. |
| Shop and Dine at the Elmwood Village | Visit cafes, boutiques, and galleries. |
If you’re planning a trip, make sure to include these top 12 things to do in Buffalo, New York on your itinerary.
Marvel at Frank Lloyd Wright Architecture
Name and Location: Darwin D. Martin House Complex, 125 Jewett Pkwy, Buffalo, NY
History and Significance: This home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright exemplifies his Prairie style of architecture.
What to Expect: Guided tours inside the restored Martin House and other structures on the property. Learn about Wright’s significance.
Visitor Information: Timed tickets required. Open for tours Wed-Mon, closed Tuesdays and some holidays.
One of Buffalo’s top attractions is the largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright designed buildings in the world. Standouts include the Martin House Complex with its prairie-style design integrating indoor and outdoor spaces and the striking linear Darwin D. Martin House.
Guided tours provide fascinating insight into Wright’s concepts and details within the properties. The Graycliff Estate built on a cliff overlooking Lake Erie also highlights Wright’s vision for organic architecture in harmony with nature. Architecture buffs could easily spend a whole day admiring Wright’s work.
Tour the Buffalo City Hall Observation Deck
Name and Location: 65 Niagara Square, Buffalo, NY 14202
History and Significance: Free observation deck on the 26th floor of Buffalo’s city hall building.
What to Expect: Panoramic views of the Buffalo skyline and landmarks from the outdoor deck. Indoor exhibits.
Visitor Information: Free access weekdays. Closed weekends. Security screening required.
For incredible skyline views, head to the free observation deck atop Buffalo’s ornate City Hall building. The building is considered one of the best examples of Art Deco architecture in the country. Take the elevator up 328 feet to the exterior observation deck for panoramic vistas of downtown, Lake Erie, and views into Canada.
Knowledgeable attendants will point out landmarks like the Erie Basin Marina, Buffalo Naval Park, and KeyBank Center arena as you enjoy the sweeping scenery from this birds-eye vista. Don’t forget your camera!
Explore History at the Buffalo Naval Park
Name and Location: Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park, 1 Naval Park Cove, Buffalo, NY
History and Significance: Tour massive WWII naval ships along the waterfront.
What to Expect: Explore inside WWII era vessels and see aircraft, tanks and exhibits detailing naval history.
Visitor Information: Open daily April-December. Admission fee required. Tours available.
Buffalo has a longship-building naval tradition and military history evident at the Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park along the waterfront. Visitors can board three impressive naval vessels including the USS The Sullivans, a World War II era destroyer, massive cruiser USS Little Rock, and submarine USS Croaker.
You can also view over twenty aircraft up close in an indoor exhibit and enjoy views across Lake Erie. Interacting with the immense naval ships and artifacts brings history to life.
View Fine Art at the Albright-Knox Gallery
Name and Location: Albright-Knox Art Gallery, 1285 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, NY
History and Significance: Renowned modern art museum with works by Picasso, Warhol, Frida Kahlo and more.
What to Expect: View world-famous modern art collections and rotating exhibits. Art activities and dining on-site.
Visitor Information: Open Tues-Sun. Closed Mondays. Admission fee required.
Those interested in art absolutely must visit the acclaimed Albright-Knox Art Gallery during their Buffalo trip. The museum holds an impressive collection of modern and contemporary masterpieces including works by Warhol, Pollock, Rothko, Picasso, Van Gogh, Frida Kahlo and more renowned artists.
Their recent expansion added airy new exhibit spaces and installations. Don’t miss seeing the vibrant Joan Mitchell mural installed on the exterior as well. For art lovers, the Albright-Knox is a must-see Buffalo institution.
Take a Food Tour of Buffalo’s West Side
Name and Location: West Side neighborhood of Buffalo
History and Significance: Home to authentic Polish, Italian and other ethnic restaurants and markets.
What to Expect: Walking tour sampling Polish pierogis, Italian baked goods, specialty shops. Learn neighborhood history.
Visitor Information: Tours run Saturdays at 11am. Advance booking required. Ticket prices apply.
Visitors quickly learn Buffalo has way more to offer food-wise than just hot wings and beef on weck. A fun way to taste the diversity of the city’s ethnic cuisine is through a food tour of West Side. Knowledgeable guides will take you to neighborhood bakeries, restaurants, butcher shops, and markets specializing in Polish, Italian, Jewish, Indian, and Puerto Rican food.
You’ll sample kielbasa, pierogis, cannoli, and other delicious cultural foods while learning about the immigrant history woven into Buffalo’s neighborhoods. It’s a delicious way to experience the city.
Ride the Rails to Niagara Falls
Name and Location: Amtrak train from Exchange St Station to Niagara Falls, NY
History and Significance: Scenic and relaxing way to visit the iconic Niagara Falls waterfalls.
What to Expect: Take the train and enjoy views of Western NY countryside en route to the falls.
Visitor Information: Trains run daily. Round-trip tickets around $30 per person. Schedule online.
No trip to Buffalo is complete without visiting the incredible Niagara Falls located just 20 miles away along the Canadian border. Instead of driving, opt to arrive in vintage style by taking the Metro Rail up to the falls.
The scenic above-ground train journey takes around 90 minutes each way as you pass through quaint village stations on the way to Niagara Falls station. Once there, it’s a quick walk to the magnificent falls. Hearing the thundering roar and seeing the immense cascading water will take your breath away.
Bike Along the Shoreline Through the Outer Harbor
Name and Location: Outer Harbor in Buffalo, along Lake Erie
History and Significance: Former industrial area transformed into recreational waterfront space.
What to Expect: Rent a bike and ride along miles of scenic trails with views of the water and city skyline.
Visitor Information: Bike rentals available seasonally for around $10/hour. Open daily.
Buffalo has transformed much of its formerly industrial waterfront into scenic parks and nature areas perfect for outdoor recreation. A favorite route is to rent a bike and peddle along the shorepath passing immense grain silos, the ruins at Tift Nature Preserve, Times Beach Nature Preserve, Wilkeson Pointe pier, and the expansive Outer Harbor.
There’s plenty of spots to stop for taking in lake views or letting kids run free in the sand. It’s the best way to soak up Buffalo’s waterfront.
Experience the Electricity at a Bills or Sabres Game
Name and Location: New Era Field and KeyBank Center in Buffalo, NY
History and Significance: Home stadiums for the beloved Buffalo Bills football and Sabres hockey teams.
What to Expect: Watch an exciting NFL or NHL game surrounded by spirited fans. Enjoy food, drinks, and cheer on the teams!
Visitor Information: Ticket prices vary. Games scheduled seasonally. Box office or purchase online.
Game days for Buffalo’s NFL and NHL teams are huge community events with a festive party-like atmosphere. Fans proudly sporting Bills and Sabres jerseys fill the parking lots outside Highmark Stadium and KeyBank Center for epic tailgates with music, food, and drinks.
Once inside, the excitement ramps up tenfold as the crowds cheer raucously for their beloved teams. Visitors will find the pride and camaraderie around professional sports in Buffalo is infectious. Don’t be surprised if you leave wanting to join Bills Mafia yourself!
Tour and Taste on the Niagara Wine Trail
Name and Location: Wineries near Niagara Falls in Niagara County, NY
History and Significance: Route along over 20 wineries crafting cool-climate wines.
What to Expect: Sample and purchase local wines, enjoy views of the Niagara River and Lake Ontario region.
Visitor Information: Trail open year-round. Check individual winery hours. Free to self-drive.
The Niagara Wine Region situated just minutes north of Buffalo contains over 40 wineries crafting high-quality cool climate varietals. Oenophiles can self-drive along the picturesque Niagara Wine Trail stopping at favorites like Arrowhead Spring Vineyards, Schulze Vineyards, and Freedom Run Winery.
Many also offer food pairings, live music, and stunning lake views. Consider booking an organized tour so you can relax and sample without worrying about transportation. Sipping award-winning local wines makes for classic Buffalo area experience.
Explore One of Frederick Law Olmsted’s Parkways
Name and Location: Parkways designed by Olmsted such as Lincoln Parkway, Bidwell Parkway, Richmond Avenue
History and Significance: Series of interconnected scenic urban parks designed by renowned landscape architect.
What to Expect: Stroll or drive along the beautifully designed parkways. Enjoy nature, sculptures, views of Buffalo architecture.
Visitor Information: Parkways located throughout the city. Always open. Free admission.
Few know that the legendary landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, who designed Central Park, also imagined sprawling park systems in Buffalo back in the late 1800s. Visitors can admire Olmsted’s timeless vision by driving along the winding, tree-lined parkways he created to connect green spaces.
The Red Jacket Parkway passing Darwin Martin Complex and The Parade with its lush, undeveloped forest are particular highlights. Beautiful in any season, they’re can’t miss Buffalo attractions.
See a Broadway Show
Name and Location: Shea’s Performing Arts Center, 640 Main St, Buffalo, NY
History and Significance: Historic theater that hosts touring Broadway shows and concerts.
What to Expect: Catch a Broadway musical or play in an ornate, elegant setting. Full stage productions.
Visitor Information: Ticket prices vary. Schedule and purchase online or box office.
Buffalo’s downtown theater district houses the stunning Shea’s Performing Arts Center, regarded as one of the nation’s best preserved example of 1920s movie palaces. After undergoing restorations, Shea’s stages incredible Broadway touring shows in a dazzling setting full of ornate gilding, sparkling chandeliers, sweeping draperies and ceiling murals.
Catch blockbusters like Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen, or classics like Fiddler on the Roof illuminated on the massive stage. The beauty and history of this iconic Buffalo venue makes seeing a theatrical production here an unforgettable experience.
Shop and Dine at the Elmwood Village
Name and Location: Elmwood Avenue in Buffalo, NY
History and Significance: Charming neighborhood with local boutiques, restaurants, cafes and bars.
What to Expect: Stroll along sidewalks popping into shops, art galleries and eateries. Lively, walkable area.
Visitor Information: Free to walk around. Shops/restaurants open daily. Busiest on weekends.
Stretching along Elmwood Avenue, the vibrant Elmwood Village neighborhood comes alive with streetside cafes, hip boutiques, antique shops, and art galleries. On a nice day locals pack the patios sipping lattes and enjoying the pleasant bustle.
Look for façade murals, craft breweries like Thin Man, and unique shops like Talking Leaves…Books. Don’t miss getting wings at the legendary Anchor Bar, credited with inventing the Buffalo wing. With its walkable charm, no visit is complete without leisurely exploring Elmwood Village.
Conclusion
From world-class architecture and art to delectable cuisine, epic sports matches, and breathtaking natural attractions, Buffalo serves up something for every interest. Learn about the Buffalo’s rich history while admiring panoramic views from soaring towers and naval ships.
Tour rejuvenated urban green spaces on bike or by car, then replenish at restaurants representing the city’s diverse cultures. Catch the excitement of professional sports alongside passionate local fans. however you choose to spend your time, Buffalo’s friendly spirit and vibrant energy is sure to win you over and leave you planning a return trip.