Things To Do
in Buffalo
Buffalo is a reinvigorated Rust Belt city on the eastern shore of Lake Erie, known for its historic architecture, friendly neighborhoods, and proximity to Niagara Falls. Once an industrial hub, it now blends renovated waterfront areas, cultural institutions, and a lively food scene anchored by the famous Buffalo wing. Winters are long and snowy thanks to lake-effect precipitation, while summers are warm and pleasant for outdoor festivals and waterfront activities.
The city is proud of its sports teams, community spirit, and accessible scale for visitors who want an authentic upstate New York experience.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society, where you can learn about the rich history of Buffalo through engaging exhibits. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful Delaware Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, and enjoy the serene landscapes. Don't forget to grab a coffee at a local café nearby to energize yourself for the day ahead.
Head to the Martin House Complex, a stunning example of Frank Lloyd Wright's architecture, where you can take a guided tour to appreciate its unique design. Following the tour, enjoy a lunch at one of the nearby restaurants, perhaps sampling Buffalo's famous wings. After lunch, visit the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, which houses an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art.
As evening approaches, make your way to Canalside, where you can enjoy waterfront views and live music. Dine at a local restaurant featuring fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, allowing you to savor the flavors of Buffalo. End your day with a sunset walk along the waterfront, taking in the serene beauty of the city as the sun dips below the horizon.
Begin your day by exploring the iconic City Hall, a stunning example of Art Deco architecture that offers panoramic views from its observation deck. After taking in the sights, wander over to the nearby Liberty Building, known for its ornate design and historical significance. Stop by a local bakery for a delicious breakfast pastry to fuel your morning explorations.
Visit the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site to delve into the life of the 26th President of the United States. Enjoy lunch at a nearby café, where you can try some of Buffalo's unique culinary offerings. Afterward, take a guided tour of the impressive Shea's Performing Arts Center, known for its intricate interior design and rich history in the performing arts.
In the evening, enjoy a performance at Shea's or one of Buffalo's other vibrant theaters, immersing yourself in the local art scene. Grab dinner at a nearby restaurant that specializes in regional dishes, ensuring you experience the local flavors. Conclude your night with a stroll through the historic Allentown district, known for its lively atmosphere and charming architecture.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (regular cappuccino/latte) | $3-5 |
| 🚕Local taxi / short ride-share | $8-15 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $100-180 |
| 🎟️Museum or attraction entry | $10-25 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close proximity to Niagara Falls and scenic outdoor destinations
- Affordable prices compared with many U.S. cities and a strong local food scene
- Friendly, down-to-earth locals and a revived waterfront and cultural scene
- Good public institutions and accessible day-trip options (parks, wineries, gorges)
- Harsh, snowy winters with frequent lake-effect snow
- Some neighborhoods have higher crime and require caution
- Limited direct international flight options compared to larger hubs
- Public transit is decent but not as extensive as major metropolitan systems
Places to Visit in Buffalo
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic views of Horseshoe and American Falls with opportunities for long exposures, rainbows, and dramatic close-ups from multiple vantage points.
Waterfront boardwalk, restored historic structures, and reflections at sunrise or blue hour—great for urban-lakeside shots.
Panoramic city views and Art Deco architectural details; excellent for skyline and river photos.
Olmsted-designed park with seasonal foliage, swans on the lake, and peaceful landscape compositions.
Converted industrial district with colorful murals, brick warehouses, and lively evening lighting—good for street and architectural photography.
Tree-lined streets, unique storefronts, and vibrant seasonal decor—best for capturing neighborhood character.
Food in Buffalo
Buffalo Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Spicy chicken wings tossed in cayenne-based sauce and served with celery and blue cheese dressing; try Anchor Bar (claimed origin) or Duff's for local rivalry tastes.
Must-Try!
Roast beef on a kummelweck roll with horseradish — savory and regional; local delis like Schwabl's or Charlie the Butcher are good spots.
Light, honeycombed chocolate-covered candy popular in local confectioneries such as Watson's or Franks.
Reflecting Buffalo's Eastern European heritage, pierogi, stuffed cabbage, and kielbasa are found at delis and diners across the city.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic indoor market in East Side Buffalo featuring Polish, Ukrainian, Italian vendors, sausages, baked goods, and ethnic specialties—great for sampling and takeaway.
Seasonal outdoor market in Elmwood Village with local produce, cheeses, prepared foods, and artisanal products (weekends spring–fall).
Canalside hosts festivals and food trucks in warmer months serving everything from tacos to local BBQ—perfect for casual lakeside dining.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Buffalonians are known for being friendly, straightforward, and community-minded—casual dress and relaxed conversation are normal.
Sports teams (Bills, Sabres) are a source of local pride—avoid derisive comments about hometown teams if you want to blend in, or use it as an easy conversation starter.
Respect queues and personal space; be punctual for bookings and appointments, especially at restaurants and tours.
Shovel sidewalks when required and be patient with transit or driving delays after snowstorms; locals are used to sharing tips about safe routes.
Safety
Tipping in Buffalo
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary: 15–20% in sit-down restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars, $2–5 for valets or attendants, and rounding up for taxis. For exceptional service you can go higher; for delivery and takeout, $2–5 is typical.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common. Carry some cash for small vendors, farmers markets, or situations where card readers are unreliable.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Expect heavy, lake-effect snow and cold temperatures from December through March; winter storms can cause road closures and public transit delays. Dress in warm layers, waterproof boots, and plan extra travel time; winter scenes can be photogenic if you’re prepared.
Variable weather with melting snow and budding parks; late spring brings comfortable temperatures and blooming trees—ideal for outdoor walks and markets. Some trails may be muddy in early spring.
Warm, humid, and pleasant with lots of outdoor festivals, waterfront activities, and farmers’ markets from June to August. Pack sun protection and expect busy weekends at tourist sites and the Outer Harbor.
Crisp air and vibrant foliage from September to November make it a favorite time for scenic drives and hikes; apple- and winery-focused day trips are popular. Temperatures drop quickly after sunset.
Buffalo at Night
Hiking in Buffalo
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Scenic cliffside paths near Niagara Falls offering river overlooks, unique rock formations, and short hikes suitable for most visitors.
Part of the Niagara Gorge with steep trails and river views—great for more adventurous hikers and geology enthusiasts.
Wooded park south of the city featuring trails, waterfalls, and the small but photogenic Eternal Flame Falls; popular in all seasons.
About 1–1.5 hours south of Buffalo, known as the 'Grand Canyon of the East' with dramatic gorges, multiple waterfalls, and extensive hiking options for day trips.
Urban nature preserve offering easy trails, birdwatching, and wetlands habitat for a quiet nature escape close to the city.
Airports
How to reach Buffalo by plane.
Primary commercial airport located ~10 miles north of downtown Buffalo with domestic flights and some seasonal connections; ground transportation includes shuttles, taxis, ride-shares, and rental cars.
Smaller regional airport near Niagara Falls (about 30–40 minutes by car) with limited commercial flights and general aviation services.
Major international hub approximately 1.5–2 hours drive (border crossing involved) offering many international and domestic connections—allow extra time for customs and border formalities.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Multi-generational families, often with roots in manufacturing and working-class neighborhoods, contributing to the city's resilient community identity.
Significant African American population concentrated in certain city neighborhoods with rich cultural and historic contributions.
Large populations of Italian, Polish, German, and Irish heritage that shaped local cuisine, festivals, and neighborhoods.
Growing populations from South Asia, Africa (including Somali communities), and other regions that enrich the city’s cultural fabric and food scene.
University students and a rising cohort of young professionals attracted by affordable living, arts, and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The NFL's Buffalo Bills inspire intense local loyalty — game days are major events with tailgating and spirited fan culture.
The NHL Sabres are a central part of winter sports culture; hockey rinks and youth programs are widespread.
University athletics, especially football and basketball, attract local supporters and add to the sports calendar.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Buffalo.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most restaurants offer vegetarian options and there are several vegetarian-forward cafes and markets. Inform servers about restrictions and you’ll find salads, grain bowls, and creative mains; Buffalo’s newer restaurants are allergen-aware.
Vegan options are increasingly common; look for plant-based menus in Elmwood and Allentown, and check menus online in advance for the best choices.
Gluten-free options are available at many sit-down restaurants and bakeries offer GF items—ask staff about cross-contamination if you have celiac disease.
Smaller but available communities and restaurants provide halal and kosher options; larger supermarkets and Halal carts near university areas can assist.