- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
- Hotels
- Apartments
- Vacation Rentals
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Why Visit Buffalo
Buffalo's history is tied to the Erie Canal, which fueled its Gilded Age boom. This era left behind architectural marvels like Frank Lloyd Wright's Darwin D. Martin House and the Art Deco City Hall, both top attractions in Buffalo. The city's unique radial street plan, designed by Joseph Ellicott, is a lesser-known detail that shapes its layout even today.
Situated on Lake Erie and the Niagara River, Buffalo offers more than just proximity to Niagara Falls. The city boasts the nation's first urban park system, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. When visiting Buffalo, explore unique kayak tours through Silo City for a waterside view of its industrial heritage. This blend of urban nature and history is unmatched.
When people ask what is Buffalo famous for, wings are the first answer, but locals prize beef on weck-roast beef on a salty kimmelweck roll. Another regional specialty is sponge candy, a crunchy toffee with a molasses flavor. You'll find the best versions not in tourist traps but in neighborhood taverns and legacy candy shops like Fowler's.
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Quick Travel Essentials
- Apr-Jun & Sep-Octmild, fewer crowds
- Jul-Augwarm & busy
- Wintercold, snow possible
- #ComfortableShoes
- #RainJacket
- #WarmLayer
- #Sunscreen
- #PowerAdapterTypeA
- 3-4 days for highlights
- 5-6 with side trips
- USD ($)
- English
- English is the official language.
- #NiagaraFalls
- #BuffaloZoo
- #BuffaloArtGallery
- #Canalside
- #FrankLloydWrightMartinHouse
- #ElmwoodVillage
- Visit Niagara Falls
- Explore Allentown art district
- Try Buffalo wings
- Walk along Canalside
- Ride the Vintage Electric Train
Recommended Hotels in Buffalo by Experience
Things to do in Buffalo
Discover
Exploring Buffalo reveals architectural marvels like Frank Lloyd Wright's Martin House and City Hall's observation deck. Discover world-class art at the Buffalo AKG Art Museum and witness the sheer power of nearby Niagara Falls State Park.
Experience
Catch a Sabres hockey game or a Bills football game for local sports action. Enjoy seasonal festivals at Canalside, taste iconic Buffalo wings, and experience live performances in the historic Theatre District, offering year-round entertainment.
Niagara Falls State Park
America's oldest state park with stunning waterfall views.
Frank Lloyd Wright's Martin House
Architectural masterpiece, a prime example of Prairie School.
Buffalo AKG Art Museum
Art museum renowned for its modern and contemporary collection.
Canalside
Waterfront hub for year-round events, ice skating, and fun.
Buffalo City Hall Observation Deck
Art Deco landmark offering 360-degree views of the city.
Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site
Historic site where the 26th U.S. President took office.
Delaware Park
Historic urban park designed by Frederick Law Olmsted.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
To get to Buffalo, fly into Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF). The NFTA-Metro bus runs from the Buffalo airport to city center. A train to Buffalo arrives at Amtrak's Exchange Street Station, connecting to NYC. Taxis are also available.
Getting Around
Navigate using public transport in Buffalo with the NFTA-Metro Bus and Rail system. The Metro Rail is free downtown on the surface level. For wider exploration, car rental in Buffalo is a good option. Day passes offer unlimited rides on buses and trains.
Local Essentials
For first-timers, driving in Buffalo during winter requires caution due to lake-effect snow. Purchase NFTA bus and rail passes via the Token Transit app for convenience. Be mindful of the city's many one-way streets, especially when downtown.
Where to Stay in Buffalo
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
To truly explore Buffalo, you must taste its local cuisine. Eat iconic Buffalo wings, savory beef on weck, and sweet sponge candy. The city's social life revolves around its casual bars, where locals gather for drinks and sports.
Enjoy
The best restaurants in Buffalo include the Anchor Bar for original wings, a must-visit. For drinks, Big Ditch Brewing has an industrial vibe, expect crowds. Grab coffee at Remedy House, a trendy spot, prepare to wait.
Anchor Bar
Home of the original Buffalo wing, expect a lively crowd.
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
A very popular spot for classic American BBQ, often a wait.
Buffalo Chophouse
An upscale, classic steakhouse experience. Book ahead.
Chef's Restaurant
Famous for spaghetti parm in an old-school setting.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Explore Buffalo's heritage through its must-see events like the Juneteenth Festival, one of the nation's largest, with music and cultural exhibits. Experience Dyngus Day, a Polish-American Easter Monday celebration with polka music and parades.
Enjoy
Discover Buffalo cultural activities through music and art. Enjoy the Music is Art Festival's diverse genres or the Allentown Art Festival's juried crafts. The city's theater scene thrives with events like Curtain Up!, kicking off the new season.
National Buffalo Wing Festival
A Labor Day weekend festival celebrating Buffalo's famous wings.
Allentown Art Festival
A juried art show in June with hundreds of artists.
Music is Art Festival
September event with live music and art installations.
Dyngus Day Buffalo
A Polish-American Easter Monday parade and party.
Juneteenth Festival
June celebration of emancipation with parades and music.
Taste of Buffalo
The largest two-day food festival in the United States, held in July.
Garden Walk Buffalo
America's largest garden tour, a free, self-guided event in July.
A Great City to Explore
Buffalo is a great city with some really cool architecture. We spent a lot of time just walking around. The area near Frank Lloyd Wright's Martin House is beautiful. It's an easy city to explore.
Fun by the Waterfront
Really enjoyed our time down by the water. Canalside has so much going on, even in early spring. It's a great place to walk, and there are plenty of spots to sit and watch the boats go by. Lots of good food options and family activities right there.
Lovely Neighborhoods
Buffalo has some really neat neighborhoods. We loved Elmwood Village for its shops and cafes. Had my first beef on weck sandwich there and it was fantastic. It's a great area to just wander around for an afternoon.
Impressive Art Scene
The art scene is impressive. We spent hours at the Buffalo AKG Art Museum; the collection is world-class. The entire museum district is lovely and worth a visit. A perfect day.
Fun Winter Trip
Visited during the winter and the city has a great energy. The people are super passionate about their sports teams! You can feel the excitement for the Bills everywhere. The city looks lovely with snow on the ground, very picturesque and cozy.
Cool Historic Area
Allentown has a cool, historic feel with its colorful buildings and unique shops. Found a great local pub for some classic chicken wings. It's a very walkable part of the city with a lot of character. People were super friendly.