I spent the early years of my life in Buffalo and since then it has undergone a remarkable transformation from a developing neighborhood to a burgeoning city, full of potential for tourism. It is one of the most architecturally rich cities in the US. Additionally, it would be unfair if I don’t rave about its amazing neighborhood, delicious food, and welcoming people. Although mostly people skip Buffalo and head straight to Niagara Falls, which is just a 24-minutes drive from the city. But with so many attractions and things to do in Buffalo, NY, the city could be one of your top holiday spots.
Buffalo, New York
Buffalo was once the largest city along the Great Lakes. Today, it is the second-largest in New York. Although Niagara Falls is the biggest draw, people have also raved about its diverse collection of 19th and 20th century buildings. On my recent visit to Buffalo, I made sure to visit those landmark buildings that remained in my memories for years. One such iconic landmark is Ellicott Square building, which dominated the city’s growing urban landscape.
This blog is dedicated to showcasing the distinctive activities and experiences that await you in Buffalo, NY, so if you’re curious about what the Queen City has in store, read on to discover what awaits you on your visit.
Best Time to Be in Buffalo
Each month in Buffalo is pleasant for me. Summers are warm and winters are snowy and freezy. It receives record-setting snowfalls in winters and can get very cold. So if you are not a fan of cold and snow, you may want to avoid visiting in winters. No matter when you are visiting, one thing is for sure that Buffalo is a year-round destination.
I remember catching live music, festivals, camping, and fitness classes in summer, while spending my winters ice-skating and sledding. However, Spring and Fall are the best seasons to book flights to Buffalo. Southwest airlines offer great deals for this sector. As there are less visitors during these two seasons, you get to witness the unobstructive views of Niagara Falls.
Although summer is a popular month among tourists, you should also consider the fact that hotel, car rentals, and flight prices will be at their peak. Nearby tourists visit Buffalo in September,as this is when the city holds the renown National Buffalo Wing Festival.
Getting Around
I relied on Uber and Lyft for most of my transportation needs in the city, which was quite convenient for me. In addition to rental cars, there is a modest public transportation system in the city known as Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority. This system operates a single train route from the University of Buffalo to the First Niagara Center, but it also boasts an extensive network of buses that cover various routes throughout the city. Opting for buses is a more cost-effective option compared to other modes of transportation available in the city.
Where to Stay
Tourists make Buffalo their base while visiting Niagara Falls. As a result, the city provides a range of accommodation options to suit every budget. Although I stayed at my granny’s place and never had to think about booking a hotel. However, there are plenty of other choices available, including bed and breakfasts, mid-range hotel chains, and even a few historic establishments like The Mansion on Delaware Avenue. Additionally, Airbnb rentals, townhouses, and cottages are equally favored by visitors.
Things To Do in Buffalo, NY
It was overwhelming for me to find out that the city where I grew up has undergone tremendous changes. Today, it has so many attractions and plenty of things to do in Buffalo, New York that it made me wonder where to even start from. My trip to Buffalo was a treat to myself, where I could take myself to old and new corners of the city I grew up in.
Buffalo Zoo
Visiting Buffalo Zoo twice a month was one of my top priorities when I was a kid and I couldn’t help but explore the new addition. Since I was staying in Eggertsville, Buffalo Zoo was the nearest of all attractions in my itinerary. Also, looking at the wide variety of mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and birds. However, as my granny had to say, Luna and Kali, the two polar bear cubs are a treat to sore eyes. The zoo was founded in 1875 and today, it receives 400,000 visitors annually, which makes it the second-largest tourist attraction in Western New York after Niagara Falls.
There is an eco rainforest exhibit here, which is equally popular among the visitors. There was a rope bridge across the exhibit from where we got to see the turtles and alligators below. However, there was a rumor to remove it, which I am not sure whether true or not. If it hasn’t been removed yet, then make sure to be there. The other star residents of the zoo are Siberian tiger, two-toed sloth, Panamanian golden frogs, Indian rhinoceros, snow leopard, etc.
Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Garden
Every Spring, my mom and I used to come to this place and hence, holds a special place in my heart. I have this memory of the garden, where flowers of all colors were lavishly displayed. Every spring, my mom and I used to come to this place, creating lasting memories. The garden holds a special place in my heart, with its vibrant display of flowers in every color imaginable. Currently, the garden boasts an impressive collection of over 2000 plants and trees. While some of the orchids and plants are native to this region, a majority of them were carefully transported from tropical and subtropical areas across the globe.
The garden was founded in the late 1800s and is the product of landscaping architect Frederick Law Olmsted. There is a Voctorian-style, tri-domed glass conservatory building, which was built in 1894 by glass-house architects Lord & Burnham. It was inspired by England’s Crystal Palace and Kew Gardens Palm House. Among the many enchanting spots within the garden, my favorites include the orchid house, herb collection, waterfall, and bromeliad house.
Canalside
The Canalside in downtown Buffalo is the city’s go-to place for festivals and runs. Additionally, to feel the city’s energetic vibe, you must visit this revitalized area, where locals and tourists come to take long walks on green spaces. There are Adirondack chairs in the park, where you can relax after a long walk on the walkway along the canal’s edge. In summer, a number of events are held here. And in winter a huge 35,000 square foot outdoor skating rink is built nearby.
Canal Side, previously the terminus of the 1825 Erie Canada, has undergone redevelopment. Presently, it boasts various shops, eateries, and the KeyBank Center Hockey Arena. Additionally, the waterfront houses the impressive Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park, the largest inland Naval park in America. Adjacent to it is an observation tower providing stunning vistas of Buffalo and Canada. Furthermore, cyclists can enjoy extensive bike trails and lakefront parks. In the evening, it gets even more lively and energetic.
Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park
With so many things to do in Buffalo, NY, it can be really overwhelming to anybody. However, most of its attractions are nearby, which saved me a lot of hassle. I was planning to spend my evening in the Canalside and hence spent my afternoon at Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park. It was worth the visit. The museum is located along the canal. We came across several decommissioned US naval vessels, including missile cruiser USS Little Rock, destroyer USS The Sullivans, and Submarine USS Croaker.
Going to the museum turned out to be a great decision, as it gave me the opportunity to immerse myself in the lives of marines and submariners who once carried out their patriotic duties here. Aside from exploring the vessels, we also had the chance to see aircraft, a range of models, and various other historical artifacts. Nevertheless, it was the Maritime Simulator that truly captivated me. This interactive display provides a realistic experience of commanding a colossal ship.
Ski Resorts
If you are in Buffalo during winters, don’t miss to visit its ski resorts. Most of its best resorts are in Ellicottville, which is just a short drive from Buffalo. The ski resorts here offer a great variety of green, blue, and black diamond level runs, making it a fantastic choice for families looking to hit the slopes. Skiing in Buffalo in the winters is one of the fun things to do in Buffalo.
Bristol Mountain, located less than two hours to the east of Buffalo, stands out for its remarkable vertical drop, making it the highest point between the Adirondacks and the Rocky Mountains. A little closer in proximity is Swain Ski Hill, situated just 1.5 hours drive. We visited Peek N Peak near Erie, which is popular among the snowboarders.
Shea’s Performing Art Center
Shea’s Performing Arts Center, constructed in 1926 to screen silent films for the people of Buffalo, promises a delightful experience for art enthusiasts aficionados. Its classic design features a Neo Spanish Baroque interior that immediately captivates visitors upon entry. The opulent chandeliers and marble-clad grand lobby are particularly noteworthy.
Presently, this magnificent establishment holds the status of a National Historic landmark, allowing visitors to partake in guided tours. Regrettably, I was unaware that scheduling an appointment in advance was mandatory for these tours. Therefore, it is advisable to secure a prior appointment when planning your visit. This art center has hosted some of the greatest performers like Frank Sinatra, the Marx Brothers, and George Burns.
Bottom Line
Despite often being overlooked by tourists who only pass through the city to visit Niagara Falls, I strongly urge visitors to spend a few days in Buffalo. This vibrant city holds immense potential for tourism and offers an abundance of things to do in Buffalo, NY, ensuring that your trip to the city will be truly worthwhile.
