The 15 Best Things To Do In Buffalo New York According To Locals
If you’re looking for the 15 best things to do in Buffalo look no further!
As a Buffalo native – and resident for over 30 years – it’s safe to say I know a thing or two when it comes to visiting the “Queen City”.
Now, some people say Buffalo is a “football town, with a drinking problem” but there’s waaay more to do in this city than catch a game and have a few beers.
Don’t get me wrong, going to see a Bills game at Highmark Stadium is an experience in and of itself, and there are tons and tons of top-notch local breweries to down a beer at, but that’s just a small taste – or sip – of all that Buffalo has to offer.
1) Admire the architecture
Guaranty Trust Building
The Guaranty Building (formerly Prudential Building) is one of the earliest skyscrapers in Buffalo. The building has been declared a National Historic Landmark.
It holds great value in architecture for the exquisite interior and exterior Art Nouveau ornamentation of the building.
Darwin D. Martin House
This house is considered to be one of the most impressive and important works of famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright. It’s considered to be one of the finest examples of Wright’s Prairie School style of architecture.
The house is renowned for its extensive use of art glass, including more than 100 windows containing Wright’s distinctive “Tree of Life” design.
On top of that, the layout is also thoughtfully planned to integrate the buildings with the landscape, promoting a harmonious relationship between the interior spaces and the outdoor environment.
It is marked as a National Historic Landmark and stands as a symbol of cultural pride. It’s located in a part of Buffalo referred to as “North Buffalo” and the housing architecture around the museum is almost just as breathtaking.
Worth noting is that the Buffalo Zoo and Deleware Park – more on both of these in just a bit – are just a short walk from here. I highly recommend seeing all three in a day.
Buffalo Central Terminal
The Buffalo Central Terminal is a former railroad station here in Buffalo and it’s an Art Deco architectural icon. It’s also a historical monument that is placed on the National and State Registers of Historical Places.
Some of the areas are still being restored, but there are already plenty of events happening from time to time at the Terminal’s lawn.
2) Enjoy the waterfront
Canalside Buffalo
Formerly known as Canal Side and the Erie Canal Harbor, Canalside is a recreational area for people visiting downtown Buffalo.
It’s a super popular events area and concert venue, and there are a lot of activities for you to explore like boat tours, kayak rentals, water sports activities, bike rentals, and many more.
There’s almost always something going on at Canalside – yes, even in the winter. In fact, you’ll find some of the best ice skating in Buffalo down here.
Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park
If military history is your thing, then I highly recommend heading down to Buffalo’s Naval Park! Here you’ll be able to tour three decommissioned Naval vessels that served in numerous military conflicts – The USS Littlerock, USS The Sullivans, and USS Croaker.
(Photo courtesy of Lonely Planet)
The Croaker is actually a submarine, and while it’s a favorite of mine, if you’re claustrophobic you may want to skip it. It definitely has the tightest quarters of all the vessels.
Buffalo Harbor State Park
The Buffalo Harbor State Park covers the former NFTA small boat harbor, the Gallagher Beach, and the waterfront land in between the two.
You can find a nautical-themed playground, kayak rentals, picnic areas, boat launches, and a restaurant. My two-year-old especially loves playing on the playground.
Drift Dive In The Niagara River
While there are many different places to go scuba diving in Buffalo, none may be more fun than in the Niagara River. The current of the river will make you feel like Superman as you’re diving. If you’re lucky you might even find some vintage bottles or china.
3) Go on a nature hike
Times Beach Nature Preserve
This place is a great way to experience nature. You can hike through the trails, do some bird watching, and take some photographs as you go. I will say that if you are a birdwatcher, the best time to visit is during the Spring and Fall. The preserve is littered with birds during those seasons.
Tifft Nature Preserve
This is one of the largest municipal nature preserves in New York and it is operated by the Buffalo Museum of Science. The wildlife that you can spot in this area includes white-tailed rabbits, waterfowl, marsh birds, migrating songbirds, beavers, and plenty more.
Also worth noting is the fact that you can go hiking, fishing, cross-country skiing, and even snowshoeing at Tifft depending on the season.
With that said though, my favorite thing to do is hike it.
4) Catch a show
Buffalo Theater District
If you’re more of a theatre junky then you certainly should check out Buffalo’s Theater District.
The Theater District is home to more than just live shows though. Here you’ll also find movie theaters, art galleries, restaurants, local shops, and more. You can even find the official Buffalo Visitor Center here as well.
See A Show At Shea’s
Traveling Broadway shows – and even some off-Broadway productions – find their way here all year round.
Going to see a play here is always a wonderful experience. Also, no matter how many times I go to Shea’s, the interior architecture and decor take my breath away. It’s easily one of the most beautiful theaters I’ve ever been inside.
Allentown Historic District
This historic neighborhood is home to the downtown theater and other entertainment districts.
It is known to be a community of artists with a bohemian and hipster culture. This is a premier spot for entertainment, nightlife, antique shopping, and dining.
Buffalo Iron Works
This is a popular live music venue and bar frequented by Buffalonians to see a variety of music artists perform.
Just keep in mind that the door times vary by event, so you should check out their official website to see what bands are performing and what time they open their doors.
By the way, just know that most of their shows have an age limit of 18 and up.
5) See the flowers
Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens
The Buffalo Botanical Gardens spans 11.4 acres and includes 12 greenhouses. It features plants from all over the world including palms, ferns, cacti, succulents, bonsai trees, and much, much more.
Also worth noting is that some of the outdoor garden areas at the Botanical Gardens have seasonal displays. So, no matter when you visit, you are almost assured to see something new.
Japanese Garden
You can find lush gardens and a beautiful lake in the Japanese Garden of Buffalo. Most of the shrubs, trees, paths, and stone lanterns came in from Japan so it really has an authentic and serene Japanese garden feel.
You can find this garden behind the Buffalo History Museum so you can hit both of these spots in an afternoon! That’s what my wife and kids always do anyway.
6) Visit The Buffalo Zoo and Delaware Park
If you have kids with you – or you just want to see some wildlife up close – the Buffalo Zoo is a worthy stop.
Established in 1875, the Buffalo Zoo is the third oldest zoo in America and houses some exotic and endangered wildlife.
Just keep in mind that the zoo is a popular spot – especially in the summer time – so try to book your tickets ahead of time if you can.
Before or after you visit the zoo go for a walk around Delaware Park. It’s located right next to the Buffalo Zoo and the paved walking loop – about 2 miles in total – will take you around the entirety of it.
For what it’s worth, the park is also a great place to have a picnic with the kids – it’s actually what my wife and I did with our 2-year-old for Father’s Day this year.
7) Check out the art
Buffalo AKG Art Museum
Formerly known as the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, the AKG Art Museum is a vibrant museum located in the cultural district of Buffalo that has been around since 1862.
The AKG Art Museum is internationally known, and has a reputation as one of the top museums nationally for modern and contemporary art. The gallery’s collection includes works from Claude Monet and Vincent van Gogh.
Also worth noting is that they swap out pieces often, so there’s always something new to look at!
Burchfield Penney Art Center
This is an arts and educational institution belonging to Buffalo State University.
It holds the largest public collection of American painter Charles E. Burchfield, including his handwritten journals, drawings, and other works.
The Burchfield Penney Art Center also exhibits paintings and other art forms from local and international artists.
8) Visit the museums
Buffalo History Museum
If you want to know more about Buffalo’s history and culture, a visit to the Buffalo History Museum is a must.
The museum features several exhibits that highlight various aspects of Buffalo’s past, including its industrial past, Native American heritage, and the region’s role in national events such as the Civil War.
The museum houses a wide range of artifacts, including historical documents, photographs, maps, paintings, and personal items that tell the story of Buffalo and its residents.
The building itself is a designated National Historic Landmark.
Buffalo Museum of Science
This science museum has a lot of interesting exhibits showcasing technology, astrology, animals, and other sciences. They have something for visitors of any age. I’m not going to lie, it’s one of my two-year-old’s favorite places.
One of the top attractions at the museum is The National Geographic 3D Cinema. The cinema plays educational films related to science, nature, and exploration and the 3D element of it makes the experience completely immersive.
Buffalo Transportation Pierce-Arrow Museum
If you love automobiles, then the Pierce-Arrow Museum will take your breath away.
It highlights the history of transportation in New York and features a lot of antique autos, motorcycles, and bikes. Car enthusiasts consider their collection as one of the best in the world.
Explore & More – The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children’s Museum
If you are traveling with kids, allow them to learn and play during your trip by taking them to the Explore & More Children’s Museum.
The Museum is very Buffalo-centric and features three educational studios and seven play zones. The tree house playground is a big hit with the kids – my 2 year old is one of them – and they can even “milk” a fake cow while they’re there too.
9) Watch a game
Highmark Stadium
One of the most Buffalo things you can do when you come to town is go see a Bills game at Highmark Stadium.
There’s no doubt Sundays during football season just hit a little differently here and being a part of that atmosphere is, in one word, electric.
If you do end up going to a game I highly recommend doing some tailgating before it starts. Bills Mafia will be putting on a show in the parking lot and it’s not something to be missed.
You may even see someone jump into a folding table that’s been lit on fire if you go.
Just remember to say “Go Bills” to everyone you see. It’s the quickest way to make friends with anyone from Buffalo.
KeyBank Center
Keybank Center is the largest indoor arena in Western New York and it’s the official home of the Buffalo Sabres hockey team and the Buffalo Bandits lacrosse team.
As such, this indoor multipurpose arena is one of Buffalo’s premier spots for sports and entertainment. The arena hosts a multitude of concerts throughout the year and I highly recommend checking one out if you’re in town while one’s going on.
Sahlen Field
Sahlen Field is the home of the Buffalo Bisons baseball team. The Bisons are the triple-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jay’s and the games are always a blast to go to.
It is the highest-capacity Triple-A ballpark in America seating up to 16,600 people. Not only that but it is also the first retro-classic ballpark built in the world.
By the way, there’s a fireworks show after every Friday night game!
10) Eat like a local
Food Truck Tuesdays in Larkin Square
Buffalo’s food truck rodeo is a tradition for the locals. Over 40 food trucks gather in Larkin Square offering different kinds of delicacies, making it a foodie haven.
There’s also almost always live music during the event too. If you can catch a Vitamin D performance there I highly recommend it. The group performed at my wedding and they always put on a great show!
Just keep in mind that Food Truck Tuesdays is not a permanent fixture in Larkinville, it usually only happens from June to August.
If you’re in Buffalo during that time, don’t miss it!
Duff’s Famous Wings
Who goes to Buffalo and doesn’t think about Buffalo wings?
Buffalo is of course home of the Buffalo wing, and the best place – and certainly one of the most authentic – is at Duff’s Famous Wings.
Now, I’d be remiss if I didn’t tell you that this is actually my restaurant. But, the truth is that my family has the oldest family-owned and operated wing joint in town – we’ve been serving wings since 1969.
While we didn’t invent the Buffalo wing – that title goes to Anchor Bar – many locals would say we perfected it.
Please stop in and see us. Either my wife, or I, am there every single day.
Schwabl’s
If you love sandwiches, you definitely have to try Buffalo’s most famous one, beef on weck! Rare, thin sliced beef is piled high on top of a roll that’s covered in salt in caraway seeds. It’s served with au jus and horseradish and it’s beloved by locals and visitors alike!
Schwabl’s has long been known to have one of the best beefs in town – regarded as good, or better than Anderson’s and Charlie The Butchers. In fact, it’s so good it even has received international acclaim.
For what it’s worth, it’s my dad’s favorite place to get a beef on weck
11) Visit historic landmarks
Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site
Another site to see for history buffs is the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site. This is the house where Theodore Roosevelt was sworn into office and where his presidency started.
Here you’ll find a collection of artifacts and documents about Theodore Roosevelt and also some interactive exhibits.
Don’t forget to take a picture with the statue before you leave!
Millard Fillmore House
This humble residence was the home of the 13th president of America, Millard Fillmore.
Now, it is a historic house museum containing many period pieces from Fillmore’s day. It also holds the past president’s bed and antique toys. It is a designated National Historic Landmark.
The Spot Where President McKinley Was Shot
President William McKinley was shot at the Temple of Music at the Pan-American Exposition. The temple is long gone but the spot where he was shot was commemorated with a small plaque on a small rock in Fordham Drive median.
The tiny memorial is often flanked by little American flags and flowers during the assassination anniversary of the President.
Forest Lawn Cemetery
You might think a cemetery is an odd stop but Forest Lawn may be one of the most beautiful ones I’ve ever been to. Beyond its beauty though, there are also a ton of famous people buried here.
Some of the famous people whose final resting place is the Forest Lawn Cemetery are US President Millard Fillmore, inventors Lawrence Bell and Willis Carrier, Heinz founder George Pierce, Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, and many more.
The cemetery offers trolly tours for many months of the year and I highly recommend taking one. It’s fascinating to learn not only about the cemetery but about all of the people who are memorialized in it.
12) Visit City Hall and get the best view of the city
Buffalo’s City Hall observation deck is also called “Windows on Buffalo.” To get there, enter City Hall’s main doors, take the elevator to the 25th floor, and then you’ll have to walk up 3 flights of stairs from there.
Take note that you are not allowed to wander around certain floors of the Buffalo City Hall so be conscious of the rules.
Buffalo City Hall itself is an Art Deco masterpiece and you can also check out the murals in the grand lobby while you’re there.
13) Drink up in local breweries
Resurgence Brewery Company
If you want to sip beer in a great location, the Resurgence Brewery Company has the taste and space you need. They have a two-story taproom and an outdoor space where you can enjoy your beer.
They have a wide variety of beers for their customers – in fact, there are 22 types of beers to choose from. Some of their beers have even won awards.
Pour Taproom Buffalo
This is a unique experience for beer lovers because it is a self-serving brewery. You start a tab and you will be given a VIP pass that gives you access to their 56 taps of beer, wine, cider, and seltzers.
You will be paying by the ounce so you can sample as much as you can without wasting your money on a full pint.
14) Take a unique guided tour
Buffalo architecture tours
Buffalo has a lot of interesting and iconic architecture so if you want to see everything, you should take a guided architecture tour. There are tours available on foot, bike, bus, and boat.
Buffalo pedal tours
Another eye-catching and fun tour in Buffalo is the Buffalo pedal tours where you can ride a party bike while going around downtown Buffalo.
The tour is a unique bar crawl since it will take you around downtown with stops at the best bars and distilleries in the area.
Buffalo River History tours
There are several Buffalo River history tours available. You will learn about the Erie Canal, the city’s history as the world’s largest grain port, and an up-close look at the standing grain elevators of Silo City.
Aside from a history lesson on the city’s industrial past, there is also a Buffalo River History Tour that will take you to the Niagara River.
Buffalo ghost tours
If you happen to be around Buffalo during the Halloween season, you should try the Buffalo Ghost Tours.
You will be going around and hearing stories of murder, mystery, and mayhem that have happened in the city. Spooky!
15) Go on a shopping spree
Elmwood Village
This is an ultra-chic neighborhood with a lot of stores, restaurants, and boutiques. No matter who you are, you’ll find something for you here.
For what it’s worth, the Lexington Co-Op is my favorite place to grab a bite and do some work. So, if you’re in Buffalo and you have a bit of pencil pushing to do, I recommend doing it there.
Walden Galleria
This is the largest mall in Buffalo and it carries a lot of national brands.
If you need anything, or if you have the urge to shop, the Walden Galleria Mall is the place for you.
Hertel Avenue
Hertel is a popular shopping street with a wide variety of shops from pet supplies to home décor.
They also have several spots with great street art in the area worthy of checking out and snapping a photo of.
My favorite part about Hertel Avenue is the restaurants. If you’re there, check out Poutine & Cream for a spiked shake and some savory goodness!
Final Thoughts on the Best Things To Do In Buffalo
There is more to New York than the famous city that never sleeps. Buffalo is an easy and affordable place to visit and it’s also a more laidback and friendlier – it was actually just named the friendliest city in America by Readers Digest – destination in Upstate New York.
Buffalo is known as “the city of good neighbors” for a reason.
A walk in downtown Buffalo will give you a lot to see and admire.
Even if you feel like you’ve done it all in Buffalo, its proximity to Niagara Falls means you’re only a short bit away from a lot more places to visit and a lot more activities to do.
Anyway, I hope you enjoy your stay when you shuffle off to Buffalo! Make sure to come say hi to my wife and I at Duff’s.
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“How boring would the world be if everywhere and everyone were the same. Safe travels and good adventures.” Scuba Jay
