Niagara Falls is one of the top tourist destinations in the Northeastern United States; scenic, majestic, rugged, and heart-stoppingly beautiful, it’s worth a trip at least once to scope these famous falls that share real estate with both Canada and the U.S.
And the best city to set up camp when planning a trek to the falls is undoubtedly Buffalo, New York. Though it’s the second-largest city in the state, Buffalo is often overshadowed by the busier boroughs to the South—but don’t let that fool you. With its scenic waterfront location; an up-and-coming food scene; and eclectic attractions that offer a glimpse into its historic past and revitalized future, Buffalo is so much more than just a stop on the way to Niagara.
Below are some of the best things to see, do, and taste on a trip to Buffalo—the perfect way to plan day trips, overnight excursions, or long weekends from Niagara Falls and explore all this welcoming city has to offer.
Get Outside And Enjoy The Views
Buffalo is a four-season destination packed with things to do—rolling hills; sprawling forests; lakes, rivers, rugged gorges; and of course, waterfalls, make Buffalo a super scenic spot for any type of outdoor adventurer.
Note: There’s plenty to do in Buffalo even when the weather turns chilly—and it definitely does during the wintertime. But travelers shouldn’t let that stop them from enjoying all the outdoor activities the city has to offer—just make sure to bundle up and dress accordingly when heading outdoors.
- Buffalo has 20 percent of the world’s freshwater at its doorstep—making it the perfect place to enjoy water sports such as kayaking, fishing, boating, paddleboarding, and swimming. Head to the city’s Outer Harbor to find every outdoor activity imaginable—it’s also a great spot to scope out the 1833 Lighthouse, too!
- Take a walk, a ride, or a run on any of Buffalo’s many hiking trails—but don’t forget about the bustling waterfront area, too; there’s plenty to keep visitors busy both in the wilds of nature and within walking distance of the city. Be sure to check out Canalside along the Buffalo River to bike, hike, or ride the ferry—there’s also plenty of great spots to grab a bite or just relax and soak up the scenery.
- The fun doesn’t stop during wintertime in Buffalo. Ice skating, tobogganing, snowshoeing, ice biking, skiing, sledding, and more await the intrepid outdoor adventurer that wants to brave Buffalo’s winter chill. Head to Canalside for some ice biking; head to Sprague Brook Park for some scenic snowshoeing; or take a short drive to Chestnut Ridge County Park for some amazing seasonal fun—including tobogganing!
Become An Architecture Appreciator
A city renowned for its stunning skyline and amazing architecture, the Buffalo area is home to no less than seven of Frank Lloyd Wright landmarks—but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Many of the city’s classic 20th-century buildings remain; from original facades and structures to those restored carefully to maintain their historical importance. An important site for modern American architecture that anyone can appreciate, it’s worth a walk or drive to scope these beautiful buildings.
- Explore the legacy of legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright by visiting the Martin House Complex, the stunning Graycliff Estate, or take a look at the Buffalo homes designed by Wright that remain as private residences today. There are even examples of the architect’s posthumous design which can be toured on the All Wright, All Day Bus Tour.
- Get a bird’s eye view of the city’s stunning skyline with a visit to City Hall’s Observation Deck, or head down to the waterfront for an exploration of Buffalo’s industrial past, including the famous Silo City with its gigantic grain mills.
- See the legacy of other famous 20th century designers and architects by visiting the Buffalo and Erie Botanical Gardens (Frederick Law Olmsted); the Guaranty Building (Louis Sullivan), the First Presbyterian Church (Edward B. Green Sr.), and the Hotel @ Lafayette designed by the first professional female architect, Louise Blanchard Bethune.
Buffalo’s Food Scene: More Than Just Wings
Known as the ‘World Capital of Wings,’ Buffalo is certainly the spot to grab this iconic app that can now be found in almost every pub and restaurant in America. To really get a taste, head out on the Buffalo Wing Trail—14 neighborhood pubs and taverns known for their wonderful wings. But don’t stop there—the city isn’t just about the wings, but is home to a burgeoning food scene filled with both classic mainstays and new, exciting up-and-coming culinary stars.
- You can’t go wrong with a great brew paired with a juicy burger and fries, and Allen Burger Venture is just the place to get it (and of course, they have wings, too!)
- A French Bistro with an American twist that serves up creative, delicious fare made with locally sourced ingredients? That’s Hutch’s, a Buffalo institution for over 25 years and the perfect spot to enjoy a date night dinner.
- With a name like Sinatra’s, you know it’s a classic. A Buffalo fave for 40 years, this family-owned Southern Italian spot dishes up the goods while providing a warm and inviting atmosphere.
- Southern cuisine made with love that’s fresh and inspired, Toutant is one of the best restaurants in Buffalo. Known for its from-scratch classics that are comfort foods at their best, this popular spot is a must-visit when visiting the city.
Other Cool Things To Do In Buffalo
With so many fun things to see and do in the city, everyone from history buffs to art aficionados; savvy shoppers to vino lovers, will find something to keep them entertained while in Buffalo.
- Museum-lovers rejoice as there are plenty of historical and fun spots to explore Buffalo’s rich and interesting past: the Buffalo Transportation Pierce-Arrow Museum is a great place to scope out some four-wheeled beauties from the early 1900s to the ‘60s; the Buffalo & Erie County Naval and Military Park is the country’s largest inland floating history museum, and the Buffalo History Museum is set in a National Historic Landmark building filled with local history and lore.
- From neighborhood shops to antique stores and handicraft vendors, Buffalo has everything and everything for the prospective shopper. Head to Elmwood Village, filled with independently-owned shops, coffeehouses, and pubs, or explore the revitalized Hertel Avenue, the perfect mix of old and new Buffalo.
- Wine lovers will not want to miss the Niagra Wine Trail, full of world-class regional wines and charming towns along the way where visitors can sip ’til their heart’s content.
- Art lovers will find the Albright-Knox Art Gallery and the Burchfield Penney Art Center both culturally and historically significant—both are great examples of Buffalo’s amazing architectural heritage, too.
While Buffalo is a great place to set up camp for an excursion to Niagara Falls, (the falls are less than a half-hour north of the city), this bustling, exciting NY State wonder has a plethora of things to see and do that make it a destination all its own: world-class architecture; exciting cuisine; and stellar scenery make it the perfect spot to plan an exciting adventure away from the crowds of Niagara Falls.