Things to Do in Buffalo New York
Buffalo is one of the largest cities in New York State and offers plenty of things for visitors and residents to experience and see. From Lake Erie shale cliffs to Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historical Park, this city provides visitors with many exciting activities and experiences they will remember fondly.
Visit the newly restored Canalside district and take part in over 1,000 events each year, from yoga classes and concerts to festivals. Plus, discover why grain silos have been transformed into cultural campuses to foster creativity and foster community life.
Visit Buffalo City Hall
Visit one of Buffalo’s iconic landmarks – an Art Deco structure boasting symbolic reliefs, murals and an elegant silhouette. Visitors can stroll up to its observation deck for incredible views of downtown Buffalo and on clear days Lake Erie beyond. In its lintel stand four statues that represent virtue, honor, diligence and service as characteristics of good citizenship.
Discover a stunning piece of architecture while delving deep into Buffalo’s history on one special guided tour. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and built for Buffalo executive Darwin D. Martin from 1903-1905, you’ll gain insights into this National Historic Landmark from Erie Canal connections to labor unrest and labor unrest during your visit.
Take an up-close and personal tour of Buffalo’s architecture and history on two wheels by cycling for 10-12 miles with a local guide! These tours include stops at Darwin D. Martin House as well as other architectural highlights that cost between $15-50 each, daily tours.
Are You A Beer Enthusiast? Enjoy This Special Experience With Us. During a brewery tour you will gain valuable insight into the history and culture of this remarkable city, before tasting some local beers such as Community Beer Works, Big Ditch Brewing or Thin Man Brewery brews!
As an evening out on the town, Shea’s Performing Arts Center offers stunning entertainment. First opened as a movie theater back in 1926, this stunning theater now hosts a variety of Broadway shows and events as well as three separate theaters for you to choose from – you are bound to find something suitable!
Take a Tour of Buffalo Central Terminal
The Buffalo Central Terminal is an impressive piece of architecture often neglected by visitors. Boasting skylights and stunning sculptures throughout, it stands as one of the nation’s largest municipal buildings; today it remains listed on the National Register of Historic Places despite no longer functioning as a train station; nonetheless it hosts various special events and tours throughout the year.
Join a guided tour of the building to gain more insight into its history and revitalization efforts. Tours run every weekday from Monday to Thursday for approximately an hour; beginning in the main concourse and moving on through different areas like office floors above it as well as below in Trolley Lobby – these popular tours often sell out!
Visit the Canalside area to experience this building from another angle: concerts, yoga classes and festivals take place here during summer, while in winter ice skating and ice bikes provide entertainment. In addition, this complex houses an exciting Farmers & International Food Market which allows locals and visitors alike to shop for fresh produce, cheeses, meats and more!
Shea’s Performing Arts Center offers another great option for an enjoyable night out in Buffalo. Boasting three theaters and offering Broadway-quality shows as well as local productions, Shea’s is perfect for romantic dates or family outings alike. Don’t miss it – Shea’s will not disappoint.
Visit the Buffalo Museum of Science
Buffalo is an amazing city full of excitement to explore, boasting great food, an unparalleled sports culture, exceptional accommodation options and abundant breweries. But Buffalo also stands out among other cities due to its beautiful architecture.
Buffalo City Hall, an Art Deco tower that’s hard to miss, stands as an exquisite example. While most may simply stop for photos before moving on, take time to visit this historic landmark, taking in its striking murals, expansive skylights and eye-catching relief sculptures – you might even head up to its 28th-floor observation deck for stunning views over Buffalo!
Buffalo Central Terminal, situated in the Broadway-Fillmore district and opened in 1929, once served more than 200 trains and 10,000 daily passengers until its closure in 1979. Now you can tour this remarkable train station while learning about its revitalization efforts or attending special events hosted there.
If you’re traveling with younger visitors, the Buffalo Museum of Science provides an engaging educational experience while exploring Buffalo. This world-class museum believes play is integral to learning and features a range of interactive exhibits for guests to enjoy.
Canalside offers the ideal setting to unwind and have some fun right in the heart of Buffalo. This historic waterfront area is host to hundreds of events each year, from concerts and festivals to fitness classes and ice skating right at the terminus of the Erie Canal. Additionally, you’ll find here the magnificent 1924 wood menagerie called Heritage Carousel which has recently been restored!
Visit Eternal Flame Falls
Chestnut Ridge Park’s waterfall may not garner as much media coverage, but it’s certainly worth visiting. A recent addition of trails and parking areas allows easy access to this breathtaking sight – as do other trails that offer views of glacial moraine formations or sandstone formations within its landscape.
Those interested in history who prefer an interactive experience should check out 3Quest’s Buffalo adventure challenge. It offers two hours of discovery and challenges throughout the city that you can complete using your smart device either alone or with others.
Tour the Buffalo City Hall building while you’re there and discover why this incredible structure stands out. Discover gorgeous murals depicting Buffalo’s heritage and industry, expansive skylights, and striking sculptures – you won’t be disappointed!
Though Buffalo has long been receiving national attention, locals still find themselves having to defend it from outdated perceptions. Thankfully, that task is becoming easier as revitalized Buffalo continues to draw more people in and embrace revitalized Buffalo. From great food and nightlife venues, thrilling nature outings and some of the friendliest locals you’ll meet anywhere – it truly deserves your visit. For an immersive local experience visit Elmwood Village where shopping and dining await, before ending the evening at The Old Pink, an American dive bar which could almost be considered haunted house style!
Hit Up Food Truck Tuesdays
Buffalo is widely known as one of America’s food capitals, so it should come as no surprise that its dining scene is lively. Indeed, locals take their food very seriously–just ask anyone wearing a Bills or Sabres shirt! For an enjoyable dining experience in Buffalo featuring some of the best cuisine, Larkin Square hosts Food Truck Tuesdays each Tuesday in season; an event which brings together food trucks from all around to converge at one parking lot each week so attendees can sample foods and drinks from multiple vendors.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, visit one of Buffalo’s thriving breweries for a beer or two. Buffalo’s craft brewing scene has seen significant growth over recent years with favorites like Resurgence Brewing Company offering up IPAs and Blood Orange Saison, Community Beer Works producing award-winning beers; or take an Erie Canal cruise or tour to learn about Buffalo’s rich grain history through narration on a boat ride tour or cruise.
Buffalo Riverworks, an expansive entertainment and adventure complex that’s at the core of Buffalo’s waterfront renaissance, offers endless thrills. Visitors can climb historic grain silos painted to look like giant cans of Labatt Blue during summer climbing excursions; kayak down the river during winter; hop on a tour to learn more about its industrial past; enjoy one of many restaurants or bars at Buffalo Riverworks like Kaleidoscope Bar & Restaurant for drinks with tropical vibes; upscale pizzas from Roost; Mexican-French fusion at Las Puertas!
