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Buffalo   Travel Guide

11 Best Things to Do in Buffalo, NY

Updated Feb. 11, 2021

Buffalo is home to a variety of attractions. In fact, one of Frank Lloyd Wright's most treasured structures is located here, and the Shea's Performing Arts Center — one of several notable theaters in the city — is listed on the National Register of

• All Things To Do

Niagara Falls Niagara Falls free

Just about 20 miles north of Buffalo, Niagara Falls makes for a great day trip. One of the world's most awe-inspiring waterfalls , Niagara Falls straddles two countries and drops waters over the cliff-face at speeds of 20 to 68 mph. It's no wonder that visitors find the falls euphoric. To view them, you have many options, from a Maid of the Mist boat tour to a walk behind the falls . Keep in mind that many Niagara Falls attractions close in the winter months due to inclement weather.

One TripAdvisor user makes a good pitch for visiting Niagara Falls and staying in a hotel in Buffalo, saying the "Falls are unbelievable ... However, [the] town is [a] tourist trap."

Forest Lawn Forest Lawn free

Although Buffalo's Forest Lawn is a cemetery, it's such a beautiful one that many people visit for contemplative walks, peaceful picnics or even jogs. Many famous people — including former United States President Millard Fillmore and "Super Freak" singer Rick James — have been laid to rest here. For this reason, many visitors recommend you book a tour so that you can make sure to hit the cemetery's highlights.

Visitors to the cemetery especially enjoy its park-like setting. One TripAdvisor user says: "The lawns, roads, ponds, are immaculate. We felt like we were in a park not a cemetery."

Kleinhans Music Hall Kleinhans Music Hall

Kleinhans Music Hall was the dying wish of both Edward and Mary Seaton Kleinhans, who passed away within three months of each other in 1934. The couple, who had made a small fortune with a high-end clothing store, made a bequest in their will "to erect a suitable music hall … for the use, enjoyment and benefit of the people of the City of Buffalo." Just about six years later in 1940, the Kleinhans Music Hall debuted with a concert by the Buffalo Philharmonic. Since then, a number of big names have performed in the Hall's three auditoriums, with acts ranging from Yo-Yo Ma to Ben Folds.

One TripAdvisor user says that Kleinhans is "one of the best performance halls in the world!" going on to say that all of the seats offer great views of the stage and that the acoustics are excellent.  

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Frank Lloyd Wright's Darwin D. Martin House Complex Frank Lloyd Wright's Darwin D. Martin House Complex

Famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright called this complex of structures he designed in the early 1900s for New York businessman Darwin D. Martin "the opus," believing it exemplified his prairie house architectural ideal. More than a century later, the organic architecture has been rebuilt to its former grandeur and continues to enchant guests who come from all around to view the "domestic symphony," as Wright called it. The structures include the main house, the pergola, the conservatory, the carriage house and the Wisteria Museum Shop.

Visitors really appreciate the wealth of information that the docent-led tours provide. One TripAdvisor user calls this complex a "fabulous venue," recommending that visitors take the two-hour tour: "[It's] well worth the extra dollars to see all the rooms on the property."

Shea's Performing Arts Center Shea's Performing Arts Center

If you want a little Broadway on your Buffalo vacation, look no further than Shea's Performing Arts Center. Opened in 1926 as a venue for silent films, the center hosts touring Broadway troupes and other special events. Several decades ago, a group of community leaders saved the building from destruction by getting it listed on the National Historic Registry. Today, the theater continues to be renovated, but even still, the interior is pretty magnificent — you'll see a sea of plush red seats surrounded by a lavish stage and a richly colored ceiling.

One TripAdvisor user recommends stopping by the theater even if you don't have time for a show: "Just take a look at the stage and facilities ... You'll think you stepped into a theater in Paris. It's over the top ornate and a true gem."

Buffalo City Hall Buffalo City Hall free

Buffalo City Hall, built after World War I, is the epitome of art deco design with features like a gorgeous stained glass ceiling and intricate geometric details. It's also massive. Rising 32 stories into the sky, the building has 1,520 windows that peer out into downtown Buffalo and beyond. In fact, it's not the architecture but the views that lure most visitors to City Hall. Take an elevator up to the 25th floor and walk up three more floors to an observation deck, which overlooks Lake Erie, the Buffalo River and the busy city below.

One TripAdvisor user praises the sight from the observation deck: "After a trip in a rather scary lift, we got to the most amazing 360 degree view. Indeed you could see the mist at Niagara Falls."

Coca-Cola Field Coca-Cola Field

Coca-Cola Field is home to the Minor League baseball team, the Buffalo Bisons. This stadium, which seats 18,025, is one of the first examples of a retro-style stadium in a city center. This sort of stadium design seeks to embrace its urban context, boasting real grass (not turf) and nostalgic features like green seats; this style has since exploded across the country. ( Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore is another example.)

One TripAdvisor user praises the field's layout saying, "There is not a bad seat in the house." Others are highly complimentary of the stadium's affordability, from parking to game-day ticket prices.

First Niagara Center First Niagara Center

Home to the National Hockey League's Buffalo Sabres, the First Niagara Center is also a performance venue for groups like the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and singers like Justin Timberlake. The center can seat more than 19,070 for hockey games, and when the center is rearranged for concerts and other events, it can seat even more.

One TripAdvisor user is very succinct in his comments about the First Niagara Center: "Free parking within a quarter mile, easy to get to third level on escalators, nice scoreboard, average food, currently a bad hockey team." Another TripAdvisor user was a bit more complimentary, saying: "This was our first time there and we were impressed by the layout of the seating ... even the bad seats were good."

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Buffalo & Erie County Naval and Military Park Buffalo & Erie County Naval and Military Park

The Buffalo & Erie County Naval and Military Park is a must-do for those interested in military history (or those with kids who like big boats and helicopters). The park contains two ships, a submarine and a handful of helicopters, plus a number of well-designed exhibits on everything from POWs to Marine Corps memorabilia.

One TripAdvisor user says that the park was definitely worth the $10 admission price: "Explore navy ships, and take a step back in time. … Overheard two kids 8 or 9-ish saying how cool it was."

Ralph Wilson Stadium Ralph Wilson Stadium

Buffalo is a big sports town, and the National Football League's Buffalo Bills are one of the city's most beloved teams. The Bills hurl the pigskin over at Ralph Wilson Stadium, and their fans aren't fair-weather. Even though they've made it to the Super Bowl four times, the Buffalo Bills have never pulled through for a win. But the fans still love them, and that shows in the stadium.

"Well no matter what the Buffalo Bills are ranking the fans definitely know how to show their support," said one TripAdvisor user. "We had a great time tailgating and being amongst fans." Others highlight the good food and fairly affordable tickets and parking rates. A smaller number criticize the craziness of the crowd, citing too much alcohol.

Buffalo Zoo Buffalo Zoo

The Buffalo Zoo's starring attractions are two polar bear cubs called Luna and Kali. In addition to these cute little fur balls, the zoo houses a variety of mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds. The eco-rainforest exhibit is a hit with visitors; many people say that the rope bridge across the exhibit offers a great view of the turtles and alligators below.

Opening its gates back in 1875, the Buffalo Zoo is the third-oldest zoo in the country. As such, there are continuing renovations to the zoo that some visitors have found disappointing. Another TripAdvisor user praised its improvements: "It is amazing how far along the zoo has come over the years. There had been so many new attractions and exhibits and it looks like a world class zoo." Others were even more complimentary of the venue, citing its great staff and happy-looking animals.

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16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Buffalo, NY

Written by Lana Law Updated Dec 28, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Set on the east end of Lake Erie, Buffalo is the second most populated city in New York and a wonderful destination for sightseeing, shopping, and enjoying some leisure time. The city is well known for its lovely historical buildings, including the Art Deco-style City Hall.

In recent years, Buffalo has undergone a billion-dollar revitalization and now offers some wonderful public spaces in the city center and along the waterfront. Getting around is easy on the Buffalo Metro Rail, an above-ground train that offers free service for stops in the downtown and Canalside area.

If you have time to explore areas outside downtown, the attractions in and around Delaware Park are well worth seeing. Buffalo also makes a good base for visiting nearby Niagara Falls , New York and Niagara Falls , Ontario.

To help plan your visit, see our list of the top things to do in Buffalo.

See also: Where to Stay in Buffalo

1. Darwin D. Martin House

2. canalside, 3. buffalo and erie county botanical gardens, 4. pierce-arrow museum, 5. forest lawn cemetery, 6. buffalo and erie county naval and military park, 7. albright-knox art gallery, 8. delaware park & the buffalo zoo, 9. theodore roosevelt inaugural national historic site, 10. burchfield penney art center, 11. buffalo city hall, 12. shea's performing arts center, 13. ski resorts, 14. st. joseph's cathedral, 15. sahlen field, 16. liberty building, where to stay in buffalo for sightseeing, map of tourist attractions in buffalo, ny, buffalo, ny - climate chart.

Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, Darwin D. Martin House is one of the must-see attractions in Buffalo. Located in a lovely residential area on the edge of Delaware Park , this house is considered one of Wright's finest prairie houses and one of his greatest accomplishments from the first half of his career.

The complex, which includes six interconnected buildings, was designed and built between 1903 and 1905. Today, it is a National Historic Landmark. Some of the complex was demolished, but over the past two decades extensive restoration and reconstruction has brought the property back to life, and the efforts are still ongoing.

All visitors are required to tour the house in a group lead by a knowledgeable docent.

Address: 125 Jewett Parkway, Buffalo, New York

Official site: http://www.darwinmartinhouse.org/

Canalside is a revitalized area of downtown Buffalo running along the canal, where locals and tourists can come to enjoy some green space, relax, and take in some occasional entertainment.

The area, the former terminus of the 1825 Erie Canada, includes a lovely park, with Adirondack chairs and benches looking out over the canal, and a walkway along the water's edge. In summer, a number of events are held here, and the schedule is posted in advance online, so you can see what's coming. Each winter, a huge outdoor skating rink is built nearby.

Along one side of this area is Harborcenter, with shops and a few restaurants, and in behind is the KeyBank Center hockey arena. If you are arriving by boat, you can dock at Canalside on a first-come, first-served basis.

Olmsted's 155-acre South Park, created in the late 1800s, is home to more than 2,000 plants and trees. Within the park is the 1894 Victorian-style, tri-domed glass conservatory building, originally opened for the 1900 Pan American Exposition, which is the centerpiece of the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens. The unique glass, wood, and steel design was based on the famous Crystal Palace and Kew Gardens Palm House in England.

The indoor gardens include a fully restored palm dome and an impressive fern house. Year-round highlights include the orchid house, bromeliad house, herb collection, and waterfall. Some of the plants are native to the area, but most are native to tropical and subtropical regions of the world.

Address: 2655 South Park Avenue, Buffalo, New York

Official site: http://www.buffalogardens.com/

Fans of cars and various forms of transport will enjoy a visit to the unique and somewhat eclectic Pierce-Arrow Museum. The museum is named after the original Pierce-Arrow motorcar company that at one time had its manufacturing facility in Buffalo.

Inside you'll find a wide variety of cars, all shining beautifully under spotlights, along with motorcycles, trucks, traditional bicycles, and even a Jello wagon.

A highlight of any visit here is the Frank-Lloyd-Wright-designed gas station, dating from 1927. The station was never built by the famous architect, but the museum obtained the plans and built it from the ground up.

Official site: https://www.pierce-arrow.com/

Forest Lawn, founded in 1849, is a large and scenic cemetery, covering 250 acres. The area feels more like a park and is visually stunning, with mature trees, water features, and walking paths. In the fall, the cemetery is particularly beautiful. This is also the final resting place of many famous people. Noteworthy sites include the Blocher Memorial and the President Fillmore grave site.

Plan an afternoon stroll here in the fall, when the large hardwood trees burst into a wonderful display of orange, red, and yellow.

Address: 1411 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, New York

Along the canal in downtown Buffalo, beside the revitalized Canalside area, Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park is home to guided missile cruiser USS Little Rock (CLG-4), destroyer USS The Sullivans (DD-537), and submarine USS Croaker (SSK-246).

You can experience how mariners and submariners lived and carried out their patriotic duties. In addition to the ships, the museum also displays aircraft, a variety of models, and other artifacts.

One particularly interesting exhibit is the Maritime Simulator. In this hands-on exhibit, you'll get to feel what it's like to be at the helm of a massive ship.

Address: One Naval Park Cove, Buffalo, New York

Official site: http://buffalonavalpark.org/

In Delaware Park, the Albright-Knox Art Gallery is housed in an impressive Greek Revival building and features a strong collection of modern and contemporary art. Post-war American and European art is especially notable, with such names as Gorky, Pollock, Warhol, and Johns.

Also of note are works by 19th-century Impressionists and Post-Impressionists, including Renoir, van Gogh, Degas, and Monet. Other movements represented here are Cubism, Surrealism, Constructivism, and the collection includes works by artists such as Picasso, Matisse, and O'Keeffe to name just a few.

Address: 1285 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, New York

Official site: http://www.albrightknox.org/

Delaware Park is an incredible asset to the city of Buffalo, with wide open green spaces, tree-lined walking and jogging paths, and tennis and golf opportunities.

One of the main highlights in the park is the Buffalo Zoo. The zoo features a wide variety of animals from around the globe, including a gorilla troop, Indian rhinoceros, polar bears, tigers, and a whole host of other animals.

The Delta Sonic Heritage Farm is a recreated 1850s farm with heritage breeds, where you can touch animals. The facility also maintains a solid collection of reptiles and amphibians.

With both indoor and outdoor displays, more than 1,000 animals can be seen in their natural habitats. If you are just passing by, you may even be able to see giraffes from the Parkside Avenue sidewalk, outside the park.

Address: 300 Parkside Avenue, Buffalo, New York

Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site is the spot where Theodore Roosevelt took the oath of office on September 14, 1901. The museum features displays related to the history of this important moment in time. Inside are fascinating exhibits and interactive displays, along with the Issues Theater.

You can visit the museum only on a guided tour, and reservations in advance are recommended.

The site is at the north end of downtown and easily accessible a couple of blocks off the Buffalo Metro Rail.

Address: 641 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, New York

Official site: http://www.nps.gov/thri/index.htm

This Buffalo landmark is a top cultural spot in the city and contains the world's largest collection of the works of Charles E. Burchfield. In addition to his works, you'll also find an impressive collection of artwork from the Buffalo/Niagara region.

Artwork in various mediums is spread out across 16 galleries. One of the highlights includes the Charles Cary Rumsey Gallery showcasing 3D works of art.

The Burchfield Penney Art Center is located in Buffalo's museum district near the Albright-Knox Art Gallery.

Official site: https://www.burchfieldpenney.org

Although a trip to Buffalo City Hall may not be on most people's list of things to do in Buffalo, it really should be. This exceptional example of Art Deco architecture is a must-see for fans of historic buildings. Built in 1932, the building is a proud testament to the wealth and power that Buffalo had at that point in history.

One of the best things to do when visiting Buffalo City Hall is to visit the observation deck. Located on the 25th floor at the top of three flights of stairs, this perch in the sky offers incredible views out over the city, the lake, and the surrounding countryside.

While visiting the building and on your way to the elevators, be sure to check out the impressive murals on the walls. Near the building are statues of several American presidents, including a very large one devoted to William McKinley.

Shea's Performing Arts Center is considered a fine example of the great movie palaces of its era. The center was built in 1926 in the Classic style with a Neo-Spanish Baroque interior. The ornate chandeliers and a marble-lined grand lobby are some of the notable features.

Cornelius and George Rapp designed the Shea Theater. The building is listed as a National Historic Landmark, and tours of the grand facility are open to the public by appointment only. Some of the great performers that have taken to the stage here include Frank Sinatra, the Marx Brothers, and George Burns.

Address: 646 Main Street, Buffalo, New York

Official site: http://www.sheas.org/

Buffalo is surprisingly well positioned to ensure easy access to some of New York's best ski resorts . Just a short drive away in the cute town of Ellicottville is the wonderful Holiday Valley Ski Resort . Boasting an excellent assortment of green, blue, and black diamond level runs, the ski hill is an excellent family ski destination. Holiday Valley has recently installed new lift infrastructure, making the trip to the top even faster.

Just under two hours east of Buffalo is Bristol Mountain , noted for its impressive vertical, the highest point between the Adirondacks and the Rocky Mountains. A bit closer is Swain Ski Hill , only 1.5 hours away to the southeast, this old school resort is fun and funky. Near Erie is Peek n Peak, a hot spot for snowboarders with its five terrain parks.

Located in downtown Buffalo, this Gothic-Revival-style cathedral was built in the mid-1800s at the direction of Bishop John Timon, the first bishop of Buffalo. Over the years, this religious institution has played a key role in the community.

The cathedral is home to a Hook and Hastings Organ, which found residence here in 1877. If you are interested in architecture, it's worth stopping by to see the interior of this lovely building, with its spectacular stained-glass windows along both sides and the large rose, also known as a wheel window, located high above the altar.

Address: 50 Franklin Street, Buffalo, New York

Sahlen Field, is home to the Buffalo Bisons minor league baseball team. Built in 1988, the baseball stadium is one of the largest in the minor league, with a maximum capacity of 19,500. A cheap and fun family outing can be easily enjoyed here. The team frequently offers incredible deals to encourage fans to come out and see the team play.

Sahlen Field is located in the heart of downtown and is easily accessible via Metro Rail; just get off at the Erie Canal Harbor stop.

Official site: http://www.milb.com/index.jsp?sid=t422

The Liberty Building in downtown Buffalo was built in 1925 and designed by Alfred Bossom. The Neoclassical office tower was the largest of its kind in Buffalo when it was built and is still a standout building today.

The building is especially noted for the two huge statues on the rooftop, both based on the Statue of Liberty. Each statue stands an impressive 36 feet high.

The Liberty Building is 23 stories tall and owned by the Main Place Liberty Group; it is located near Lafayette Square.

While the tourist attractions are spread out, if you are coming to experience the vibe of this city, the best place to stay is right downtown, where historic old buildings grace the streets and create a lovely ambience. Below are some highly rated hotels in convenient locations:

Luxury Hotels :

• For a quaint, boutique experience in the heart of downtown Buffalo, The Mansion on Delaware Avenue is just the answer. Set in a 19th-century, Second Empire style mansion, the hotel offers 24-hour butler service and top-end amenities at every turn.
• Inside the HARBORCENTER complex, home to ice rinks and restaurants, the Buffalo Marriott LECOMM HARBORCENTER offers modern rooms, on-site dining, and a fitness center.
• Newly-built, The Westin Buffalo , with an excellent downtown location attached to shops and offices, promises modern comfort, fine amenities, and luxurious surroundings.

Mid-Range Hotels :

• At the top-end of the mid-range category is the InnBuffalo off Elmwood . This boutique hotel, with large suites and beautiful historical touches preserved during restoration, is in Elmwood Village, a short drive from downtown but walking distance to local shops and restaurants.
• For a more modern experience, try the Hampton Inn & Suites in downtown Buffalo, featuring a pool and free parking, or the nearby Hyatt Regency , with large rooms, granite baths, and in-room refrigerators.
• Budget Hotels : Budget hotels are hard to come by in Buffalo's city center. Good options can be found a short distance outside of downtown. The Econo Lodge South offers decent rooms and reasonable prices and is about a 10- or 15-minute drive from downtown. A little pricier, but with a good location in downtown is the BEST WESTERN - On The Avenue , offering free breakfast and parking.

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