Things To Do
in Buffalo
Situated on the shores of Lake Erie in the state of New York, this city is renowned for its significant role in American history, particularly regarding the Erie Canal, which facilitated commerce and development in the region. Known as the birthplace of the iconic buffalo wing, its culinary scene is a vibrant mix of flavors and traditions.
The city also boasts a rich arts and culture scene, highlighted by the Albright-Knox Art Gallery and the annual Allentown Art Festival.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $80 - $200
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $75
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a stroll along Canalside, enjoying the fresh air and beautiful views of Lake Erie. Grab a coffee from a local café and admire the boats in the marina.
Visit the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park to learn about the city’s maritime history. After the tour, enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant featuring local cuisine.
Head to the iconic Buffalo RiverWorks for a relaxing dinner with a river view. If you’re up for it, catch some live music or events happening at the venue.
Visit the Albright-Knox Art Gallery to immerse yourself in contemporary and modern art. Take your time exploring the outdoor sculpture garden.
After lunch, head to the Buffalo Museum of Science for interactive exhibits that are fun for all ages. Don’t miss the IMAX theater for an unforgettable experience.
Enjoy a meal at one of Buffalo's many farm-to-table restaurants. If you’re in the mood, see a performance at the Shea's Performing Arts Center.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Affordable cost of living compared to other major US cities.
- Rich cultural scene including art galleries, theaters, and music festivals.
- Proximity to natural attractions like Niagara Falls and the Great Lakes.
- Strong sense of community and friendly residents.
- Diverse culinary scene with famous foods like Buffalo wings.
- Harsh winter weather with heavy snowfall and cold temperatures.
- Economic challenges related to historical decline in manufacturing jobs.
- Limited public transportation options compared to larger metropolitan areas.
- Higher taxes compared to neighboring states.
- Seasonal unemployment fluctuations in tourism-related jobs.
Best Activities in Buffalo
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
A venue for outdoor activities like kayaking, zip-lining, rock climbing, and boating in Buffalo.
A popular location for outdoor activities including walking, running, biking, and picnicking in Buffalo.
Offers hiking trails, birdwatching, and educational programs for outdoor enthusiasts in Buffalo.
Tours
Uncover the best of Buffalo with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Buffalo
Visit one of these nice places.
Located along the Buffalo River and Lake Erie, Canalside offers stunning views of the waterfront, with a mix of modern architecture and historic remnants.
This 350-acre park features Hoyt Lake, beautiful gardens, and picturesque pathways, providing ample opportunities for photography.
Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city from the observation deck located on the 28th floor of Buffalo City Hall.
Food in Buffalo
Buffalo Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A Buffalo must-try, these crispy chicken wings coated in a spicy sauce are a local specialty. Anchor Bar and Duff's Famous Wings are popular spots to savor this iconic dish.
Must-Try!
This sandwich featuring thinly sliced roast beef on a kummelweck roll, usually served with horseradish, is a Buffalo favorite. Schwabl's and Charlie the Butcher are renowned for their Beef on Weck.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Buffalo better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A historic market featuring an array of local food vendors, offering everything from pierogies to freshly baked bread. It's a great place to experience the city's food culture and pick up some unique treats.
Larkin Square hosts a weekly gathering of food trucks, offering an assortment of cuisines from local vendors. It's an excellent opportunity to sample diverse street foods and enjoy a vibrant atmosphere.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Buffalo, it's common to greet people with a firm handshake and direct eye contact. It's important to use titles like Mr., Ms., or Dr. followed by the person's last name when addressing someone until invited to use their first name.
Buffalonians value personal space and may feel uncomfortable with close physical contact. It's important to be aware of personal boundaries and ensure that interactions are respectful and non-intrusive.
Being polite and considerate is highly valued in Buffalo. This includes saying 'please' and 'thank you,' holding doors open for others, and being mindful of your volume in public spaces.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Buffalo with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Buffalo
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary in Buffalo, United States, and is generally expected in restaurants, bars, taxis, and for other service providers. The customary tipping rate is around 15-20% of the total bill.
Payment in Buffalo, United States, is commonly made by credit/debit card or cash. Most businesses accept major credit cards, and contactless payments are becoming increasingly popular.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Buffalo.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is a great time to visit Buffalo, with blooming flowers and milder temperatures. The city comes alive with various outdoor events and festivals.
Summer is the peak tourist season in Buffalo, with warm weather perfect for outdoor activities, such as visiting the waterfront, attending outdoor concerts, and exploring parks and gardens.
Fall is a beautiful time to visit Buffalo, as the city is surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage. There are also many fall festivals and events celebrating harvest and the changing season.
Winter in Buffalo brings snow and cold temperatures, making it a great destination for winter sports enthusiasts. The city also hosts various winter festivals and events, and the nearby ski resorts offer skiing and snowboarding opportunities.
Buffalo at Night
Hiking in Buffalo
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Known as the 'Grand Canyon of the East,' Letchworth State Park offers stunning views and a variety of trails along the Genesee River, with waterfalls and breathtaking scenery.
While primarily a botanical garden, the surrounding area includes trails that allow for leisurely hikes amidst beautiful flora and diverse landscapes.
This urban nature preserve features several miles of trails through wetlands and meadows, providing a great hiking escape close to downtown Buffalo.
Located in Erie County, this park offers both scenic views and trails for hiking, including a popular sledding hill in winter and beautiful fall foliage.
This refuge offers hiking trails where visitors can enjoy more than 10 miles of trails through varied habitats, perfect for bird watching and exploring nature.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Buffalo through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Buffalo by plane.
The largest and busiest airport in Canada, located about 90 miles north of Buffalo, serving as a major international gateway.
An international airport located approximately 130 miles southwest of Buffalo, serving as a hub for several airlines.
Located about 130 miles south of Buffalo, this airport serves as a secondary hub for domestic and international flights.
Approximately 250 miles west of Buffalo, DTW is a major international airport serving the Detroit area with numerous global connections.
Located about 150 miles east of Buffalo, this airport offers both domestic and limited international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in Buffalo, comprising a significant portion of the city's population.
Predominantly non-Hispanic whites make up a substantial demographic group in Buffalo.
This group includes various ethnicities with roots in Latin America, representing a growing population in Buffalo.
Includes individuals of East Asian, South Asian, and Southeast Asian descent, making up a smaller percentage of the population.
Individuals identifying with multiple racial backgrounds, representing a diverse segment of the population.
A smaller demographic group, consisting of individuals with Native American heritage.
The Soul of Buffalo
Discover the essence of Buffalo through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Ice hockey is a highly popular sport in Buffalo, especially with the presence of the NHL team Buffalo Sabres. The city has a rich hockey culture and a passionate fan base.
American football is widely followed in Buffalo, particularly with the Buffalo Bills, who compete in the NFL. The team has a loyal following and the fans are known for their enthusiasm.
Basketball is also popular in Buffalo, with local teams and leagues supporting youth and adults. The city has a strong basketball community with various recreational leagues.
Buffalo has a historic love for baseball, with the Buffalo Bisons being the city's Triple-A minor league team. The team plays in Sahlen Field and has a rich history in professional baseball.
Soccer is growing in popularity in Buffalo, with local clubs and youth programs fostering interest. The city also hosts various amateur leagues and events.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Buffalo.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Buffalo caters well to vegetarians and vegans, with many restaurants offering dedicated plant-based menus. Merge, a popular vegan eatery, showcases creative and flavorful vegan dishes.
Visitors with gluten sensitivities will find numerous gluten-free options in Buffalo. The Grange Community Kitchen is known for its gluten-free fare and is dedicated to accommodating dietary restrictions.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Buffalo with these cultural adventures.
