Buffalo doesn’t always get all the love it deserves. While many travelers opt to spend their time exploring New York City and Brooklyn, take some time to visit this up-and-coming city, and you’ll quickly see just how cool this place actually is!
Nestled on the banks of Lake Erie, Buffalo offers endless opportunities to get outside when the weather is nice. Visit during the summer, and you can attend an outdoor concert or yoga class in the 21-acre Canalside park, go kayaking in the endless waterways, or go biking along the shores of Lake Erie.
From farmers’ markets to annual art festivals and alfresco concerts, there are endless things to do in Buffalo during the summer months. When winter sets in, you’ll have world-class museums to explore, artsy districts to discover, and historic Art Deco buildings to marvel at.
Head over to attractions like Canalside and the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, and you’ll see them all dressed up in winter cheer. Once you’re ready for a break, pop into one of the city’s 50+ buzzing breweries before dining on innovative farm-to-table fare at one of Buffalo’s best restaurants.
With so many cool things to see, do, and eat, you might not know where to begin. So we’ve compiled our list of the absolute best things to do in Buffalo for you. Stick to these fun and unique Buffalo bucket list recommendations, and there’s no doubt you’ll have an amazing time exploring this incredible city!
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15 Fun and Unique Things to Do in Buffalo
1. Go Chasing Waterfalls in Niagara Falls State Park
If there’s one thing that needs to be at the top of your Buffalo bucket list, it’s a day trip to Niagara Falls. Located just 30 minutes from downtown Buffalo, on the border between the US and Canada, Niagara Falls State Park is home to three spectacular cascades: Bridal Veil Falls, American Falls, and Horseshoe Falls.
Just to give you an idea of the sheer size of these falls, the 2,700-foot-wide and 167-foot-tall Horseshoe Falls is the biggest of the bunch! If you’re visiting from Buffalo, you can embark on the Maid of the Mist boat tour. Boats depart from the Observation Tower and take you to the base of American Falls and into the basin of Horseshoe Falls, where you’ll get unreal views of this amazing attraction.
For a bird’s-eye view of Niagara Falls, head up to the Observation Tower, or make a reservation at Top of the Falls Restaurant, where you can dine on modern American cuisine while taking in incredible waterfall views!
2. Walk Through Frank Lloyd Wright’s Darwin D. Martin House
A visit to the Darwin D. Martin House is easily one of the coolest things to do in Buffalo for architecture buffs. Located a stone’s throw from the Buffalo Zoo, this home was designed by world-renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1902 and is regarded as his finest Prairie-style project.
Darwin D. Martin, one of the wealthiest executives in the US at the time, commissioned Wright to design the home. It’s believed that he showered Wright with unlimited funds to design and build the home. The final cost was roughly $300,000!
The house features eight bedrooms and an open-plan living room, which opens up to the dining room and the outdoor patio. One of the coolest things about visiting the Darwin D. Martin House is seeing the hundreds of intricately designed glass windows and Wright’s iconic “Tree of Life” design on the windows in the reception room and second-story bedrooms!
It’s possible to take a variety of tours through this National Historic Landmark home, including the Architectural Photography Tour & Workshop, the Candlelight Behind-the-Scenes Tour, and the exclusive Private Tour.
3. Eat All of Buffalo’s Iconic Comfort Foods
It may be cliché, but no trip to Buffalo is complete without sampling the city’s famous Buffalo wings! If you’re looking for the best Buffalo wings in town, try Anchor Bar, Gabriel’s Gate, or Duff’s Famous Wings.
For more of Buffalo’s original creations, try the iconic Beef on Weck sandwich – a Kaiser roll stuffed with slow-roasted beef and homemade horseradish – at Charlie the Butcher. And don’t forget to try a fully-loaded Buffalo-style pizza at Bob and John’s La Hacienda, a hot sauce and blue cheese-slathered chicken finger sub at Jim’s Steak Out, or some of the best hot dogs in town at Ted’s Hot Dogs.
This city is one for foodies, and you’ll find a lot more going on with Buffalo’s culinary scene than these famous foods. For a taste of the city’s international food scene, be sure to see what’s cooking at West Side Bazaar. From Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern to African and South American restaurants, this is a great place to get a taste of the city’s diverse food scene.
And if you want to sample the city’s excellent locally sourced food scene, it’s well worth paying a visit to one of the farmers’ markets. A farmers’ market is always a great place to pick up fresh fruits and veggies, and snack on gourmet goods.
4. Escape the City at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens
The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens is one of the most tranquil Buffalo attractions if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Tucked away on 11 acres of land in South Buffalo, this spectacular tri-domed conservatory dates back to the late 1800s and was inspired by the world-famous Palm House in England’s Royal Botanic Gardens.
It’s easily one of the best sights in Buffalo in its own right, but take some time to explore the grounds, and you’ll find a range of themed rooms, flower and plant exhibits, and so much more.
You’ll find sky-high palms in the Palm Dome, a koi-filled pond in the Aquatic Garden, orchids and bonsais in the Asian Rainforest, the largest public ivy collection in the world in the Ivy, Carnivorous Plants & Medicinal Garden exhibit, and so much more!
Be sure to check the website before you visit because there are always seasonal exhibits, fun workshops, and educational programming going on. Plus, there are seasonal outdoor gardens to explore throughout the year.
5. Explore Buffalo’s Historic Waterfront in Canalside
If you’re looking for things to do in Buffalo when the weather is nice, it’s well worth seeing what’s going on in the revitalized Canalside area. Located right at the original terminus of the Erie Canal, there’s always something fun to do in this 21-acre park and event space!
Canalside hosts over 1,000 events throughout the year. In the summer, you can join an outdoor yoga session, groove to live music at the Thursday at Canalside concert series, or attend one of the many annual festivals. From kayaking and paddleboarding to boating and sailing, you’ll also have all sorts of opportunities to get out on the waterways.
Visit in the winter, and you’ll find a 35,000-square-foot rink where you can ice skate, play pond hockey, or cruise around on an ice bike. No matter when you visit, there’s bound to be something fun going on in Canalside!
6. Take in the Spectacular Views from the Top of Buffalo City Hall
Located right in the heart of downtown, it’s tough to miss this towering 32-story Art Deco building. Buffalo City Hall is easily one of the most iconic Buffalo attractions and one of the most outstanding architectural gems in the entire state of New York.
This incredible building dates back to 1931 and boasts beautiful murals in the lobby that highlight the city’s history and industry. Take a look around, and you’ll also see expansive skylights, beautiful sculptures, and intricate relief sculptures.
While you can snap a quick photo of Buffalo City Hall and move on with your Buffalo sightseeing, it’s well worth taking the time to get a deeper look inside this historic landmark. There are free tours every day at noon. Whether you take the tour or not, be sure to head up to the observation tower on the 28th floor to take in some of the best panoramic views of the city!
7. Cheer on the Buffalo Bisons at Sahlen Field
If you’re looking for fun things to do in Buffalo and you’re in town during baseball season, why not catch a baseball game at Sahlen Field? Located right downtown, this is the home of the Buffalo Bisons, the Triple-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays.
This 1988 stadium is the first-ever “classic-retro” ballpark and the highest-capacity Triple-A ballpark in the United States, with space for up to 16,600. Whether you want to splurge on a themed suite or snag a cheap seat in the outfield, you’re bound to have a good time cheering for the Buffalo Bisons, even if you’re not a huge sports fan!
Buffalo takes its food and sports very seriously, so it’s no surprise that the ballpark food here is top-notch. Grab a sandwich at local favorite Charlie the Butcher or get a famous steak and cheese sub or an order of saucy barbeque wings at local institution La Nova. And don’t forget to wash it all down with a craft brew from Southern Tier Brewing Company!
8. Take a Tour of a US Naval Vessel at Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park
Spending some time at the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park is one of the most unique things to do in Buffalo. Set right on the mouth of the Buffalo River, this is the largest inland Naval Park in the US.
This one-of-a-kind museum is home to three enormous US Naval vessels: the Cleveland-class cruiser USS Little Rock, the Fletcher-class destroyer USS The Sullivans, and the submarine USS Croaker. Military history buffs will love hopping on board and touring these fascinating decommissioned vessels.
You can embark on a self-guided tour of the ships and the on-site museum, or you can opt for one of the docent-led guided tours, which offer a fascinating glimpse of what life was like aboard the ships. If you’re lucky, you might even be able to snag a spot on The Curator Tour, which is a behind-the-scenes tour that takes you aboard the USS Little Rock.
After you explore the vessels, you’ll also find smaller ships, aircraft, and vehicles to check out.
9. Snap a Photo of Picture-Perfect Glen Falls
Niagara Falls might get all the attention, but if you’re on a quest for outdoor things to do in Buffalo, the serene Glen Falls is well worth going out of your way for.
You’ll find Glen Park and its famous little waterfall tucked away in Williamsville, just 20 minutes from downtown Buffalo. This picturesque waterfall tumbles 30 feet into Ellicottville Creek, and you can view it from either the road, the parking area, or the concrete path that meanders along the creek.
When the weather is nice, Glen Park is a lovely spot to enjoy a picnic lunch and spend an hour or two taking a break from the hustle and bustle of the city center. If you happen to be in town during the fall months, Glen Falls is especially beautiful when it’s framed by the orange and yellow fall foliage.
10. Eat All the Food During Food Truck Tuesdays
If you happen to be in town on a Tuesday, hitting up Food Truck Tuesdays is one of the top things to do in Buffalo. From June to August each year, you’ll find 20+ food trucks parked in Larkin Square from 5 pm to 8 pm. Food Truck Tuesdays has been going strong for 10 years and counting, and it’s definitely a local institution!
You can nosh on jambalaya and red beans and rice at The Louisiana Cookery, BBQ pork sandwiches and mac and cheese at The Whole Hog, mac and cheese-stuffed grilled cheese sandwiches at The Cheesy Chick, and so much more.
From gourmet vegan and vegetarian options to decadent desserts, there’s something to suit all tastes here. Plus, The Grilling Station serves beer and wine, in case you’re in the mood for a tipple. Because this is such a community event, you can enjoy your meals at the nearby Hydraulic Hearth Beer Garden, Magic Bear Beer Cellar, or Flying Bison Brewery (where you’ll find even more food trucks!).
In addition to plenty of food, Food Truck Tuesdays hosts plenty of live music, entertainment, and family-friendly activities.
11. See Wild Animals at the Buffalo Zoo
Established in 1875, the Buffalo Zoo stands proud as the third-oldest zoo in the US. It got its start with two deer and is now home to all sorts of incredible animals and attractions. If you’re looking for family-friendly things to do in Buffalo, this is the perfect place to spend the day!
The 23.5-acre zoo is home to over 1,200 mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. From bison, rhinos, and giraffes to lemurs, goats, and lions – you’ll encounter a range of creatures large and small. Plus, one of the coolest experiences is seeing the majestic polar bears and gorillas roam around in their natural habitats.
Animals aside, there’s always something fun going on at the Buffalo Zoo. From special holiday events to kid-friendly educational programs and workshops, be sure to check the events calendar to see what’s on during your stay.
12. Shop Local in Elmwood Village
If you really want to get into the local Buffalo spirit, spend some time exploring quaint Elmwood Village. This part of town is regarded as one of the “country’s 10 best neighborhoods” and is all about boosting up local artists, artisans, restauranteurs, and business owners.
Take a stroll through the tree-lined streets, and you’ll find plenty of public art and colorful murals juxtaposed with beautiful turn-of-the-century homes and mansions. From vintage record stores to unique boutiques, the streets of Elmwood Village are lined with independently-owned shops that you won’t be able to resist popping into!
One of the coolest shops in town is ShopCraft, where you can peruse thousands of items created by 50 local vendors. From clothes and jewelry to candles and soaps, this place has it all. Once you’re ready for a break, set up shop in one of the many open-air cafes or restaurants to refuel.
13. Marvel at the Historic Buffalo Central Terminal
Architecture buffs will want to add a visit to the historic Buffalo Central Terminal to their Buffalo bucket list. You’ll find this architectural gem tucked away in the Broadway-Fillmore district. And while it’s no longer an active train station, this revitalized Art Deco marvel plays host to all sorts of seasonal events and festivals.
Buffalo Central Terminal opened its doors in 1929 and went on to serve 200 trains and 10,000 passengers every day until it was abandoned in 1979. Instead of letting this magnificent 17-story building completely decay, the Central Terminal Restoration Corporation acquired the building in 1997 and is slowly working to revitalize the building.
It’s possible to take tours of Buffalo Central Terminal, during which you can check out some of the building’s original architectural details and learn about revitalization efforts and future plans for this landmark building. Be sure to check out the website, too, because fun events are often held here.
From art shows and concerts to ghost tours and Oktoberfest celebrations, attending an event at Buffalo Central Terminal is easily one of the most unique things to do in Buffalo!
14. Go Brewery Hopping
Buffalo takes its food very seriously, so it should go without saying that the same rules apply when it comes to craft beer. In the days before Prohibition, the city was home to 29 breweries. Fast-forward to today, and you’ll find over 50 craft breweries dotting the city’s streets!
So, if you’re a craft brew connoisseur, spending an evening going brewery hopping is easily one of the most fun things to do in Buffalo. If you want to savor some of the city’s best brews, be sure to sip on some IPAs at Resurgence Brewing Company and award-winning beers at Community Beer Works.
If you’re hungry, head over to Big Ditch Brewing Company, where you can take a brewery tour before enjoying a flight and soaking up the booze with a massive burger or a flight of dips. If you’ve got room for more, try the New England IPA at Buffalo Brewing Company, the Minkey Boodle Raspberry Sour Ale at Thin Man Brewery, the Splashing Pumpkins Ale at Pearl Street Grill & Brewery – the list goes on and on!
15. Take a Buffalo River History Tour
Hopping on board a narrated Buffalo River History Tour is hands down one of the most unique things to do in Buffalo.
On this 90-minute cruise, you’ll have the chance to head out on the water and learn all about the Erie Canal and the city’s history as the world’s largest grain port. You’ll also get the unique chance to sail alongside Buffalo’s towering grain elevators and hear all about what life was like for workers back in the day.
For something different, there’s also the option of joining the two-hour Caribbean Cruise or a Cocktail Cruise, which both feature live music and a cash bar for drinks. But for the coolest views of Lake Erie and the Buffalo Harbor, head out on the Harbor Queen Sunset Cruise to sip cocktails and watch the sun sink into the water. It’s the perfect way to cap off a perfect day in Buffalo!
There you have it! The 15 best things to do in Buffalo. What’s your favorite thing to do in Buffalo?
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