View of downtown Buffalo, New York

Things to do in  Buffalo

Where the wing is king

Buffalo, New York, is best known for one thing: extreme winter weather. Sure, temperatures can drop to a frigid 0°F (-18°C), or even lower—but come summer, you’ll find a lively city making the most of the heat. There are many things to do in Buffalo, including kayaking or boating around Lake Eerie and the Buffalo River, exploring the Frederick Law Olmsted-designed park system, and digging into the city’s famed spicy wings. Travelers interested in history and culture will love touring the city’s art galleries and mansions (particularly Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House), a holdover from when Buffalo was extremely wealthy.

Learn more

Top 5 attractions in Buffalo

#1

Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site

star-571
Step back in time, to September 14, 1901, when Theodore Roosevelt was inaugurated the 26th President of the United States following the assassination of President William McKinley. The Ansley-Wilcox house has been preserved as the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site, and appears much as it did on that fateful day.More
Tours & Tickets
#2

Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum

star-5110
Located in her hometown of Jamestown, New York, the Lucille Ball Museum is an homage to all things I Love Lucy, one of the greatest sitcoms of all time, as well as the couple who created it. A must for fans of the show, step onto exact recreations of the I Love Lucy sets, admire Lucille and Desi’s awards, check out original costumes, and soak up the lives and legacies of Ball and Arnaz.More
Tours & Tickets
#3

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House

star-00
A unique housing complex of a particular design, the Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House was designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright during his Prairie School era. It is considered by many to be a masterpiece of 20th century architecture and one of Wright’s best works.It is particularly noted for its design integration with the surrounding nature. With a low, gently-sloped roof, it stands in contrast to the traditional Victorian homes that were popular at the time. The idea behind the design for Wright was unity of light, air, and space, and this can certainly be felt while visiting the home today.Built in 1904, it was constructed for business executive Darwin D. Martin (for whom the home is named) and his family. The complex’s many buildings are connected by long, shaded pergolas and includes structures such as a carriage house, conservatory, and gardener’s cottage. It also features art glass designed by Wright throughout, including his famous “Tree of Life” window. These can be seen alongside unique furnishings and decorative arts and artifacts preserved in the estate today.More
Tours & Tickets
#4
Buffalo Niagara Region

Buffalo Niagara Region

star-00
Voted one of the top 10 most beautiful places in America, the Buffalo Niagara Region is home to incredible sports fishing, a killer casino, the Niagara wine trail and of course, Niagara Falls State Park. And while a trip to this region in western New York isn’t complete without a stop at the roaring falls, there’s certainly more to do, see and experience than just the rushing waters.Visitors can take a relaxing cruise along the historic Erie Canal, visit the Anchor Bar where the famous buffalo wings were invented, hike the awe-inspiring gorge of scenic Letchworth State Park or tour one of the impressive art museums in the heart of Buffalo. While the region is certainly home to plenty of outdoor adventure and iconic New York state scenery, history buffs and art lovers will find plenty of reasons to visit, too.More
#5

Chautauqua – Allegheny

star-5217
Extending from the southeastern shore of Lake Erie down to the Pennsylvania border, the westernmost region of New York State is an outdoor playground. Here, you’ll find campgrounds, bike paths, hiking trails, and sandy beaches in scenic state parks as well as farmers markets, wineries, and local historical sites.More
Tours & Tickets

Explore Buffalo by interest

Top activities in Buffalo

Private Custom Niagara Falls, Canada Scenery Tour from Buffalo,NY

Private Custom Niagara Falls, Canada Scenery Tour from Buffalo,NY

star-5
5
From
$317.62
ROUNDTRIP Ground Transfer Buffalo Niagara Int Airport (BUF)-Niagara Falls Canada

ROUNDTRIP Ground Transfer Buffalo Niagara Int Airport (BUF)-Niagara Falls Canada

star-5
30
From
$206.27
Shared Airport Transfer: Buffalo Niagara International Airport to Niagara Falls NY

Shared Airport Transfer: Buffalo Niagara International Airport to Niagara Falls NY

star-3.5
6
From
$99.00
Private Transfer from Buffalo Intl, Airport (BUF) to Niagara Falls Canada

Private Transfer from Buffalo Intl, Airport (BUF) to Niagara Falls Canada

star-5
15
From
$111.73
Transfer Buffalo Niagara International Airport BUF to Niagara-on-the-Lake,Canada

Transfer Buffalo Niagara International Airport BUF to Niagara-on-the-Lake,Canada

From
$107.62
History Ride: The Best of Buffalo by Bike

History Ride: The Best of Buffalo by Bike

star-5
88
From
$66.22
Private Departure Transfer to Buffalo Airport (BUF)

Private Departure Transfer to Buffalo Airport (BUF)

star-5
2
From
$104.40
per group
Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site Admission and Guided Tour

Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site Admission and Guided Tour

star-4.5
71
From
$12.83
Private Arrival Transfer from Buffalo Airport (BUF)

Private Arrival Transfer from Buffalo Airport (BUF)

star-3
6
From
$95.70
per group
Transfer Buffalo Niagara International Airport BUF to Niagara Falls,Canada

Transfer Buffalo Niagara International Airport BUF to Niagara Falls,Canada

star-5
2
From
$103.13
Round-Trip Private-Safe Transfer Between Buffalo Airport & Niagara Falls Canada

Round-Trip Private-Safe Transfer Between Buffalo Airport & Niagara Falls Canada

star-5
15
From
$261.57
Private Arrival Transfer: Buffalo Niagara International Airport to Niagara Falls, New York

Private Arrival Transfer: Buffalo Niagara International Airport to Niagara Falls, New York

star-5
6
From
$138.20
per group
The Wing Ride: The Hidden History of Chicken Wings Food Tour

The Wing Ride: The Hidden History of Chicken Wings Food Tour

star-5
36
From
$105.34
Private Custom Niagara Falls, Canada Winery Tour from Buffalo,NY

Private Custom Niagara Falls, Canada Winery Tour from Buffalo,NY

star-5
3
From
$298.94
Niagara Buffalo Airport Arrival: Private Transfer to Niagara Falls Ontario

Niagara Buffalo Airport Arrival: Private Transfer to Niagara Falls Ontario

star-3.5
3
From
$79.72
Buffalo Niagara Airport (BUF) to Buffalo - Arrival Private Transfer

Buffalo Niagara Airport (BUF) to Buffalo - Arrival Private Transfer

From
$41.42
Buffalo to Buffalo Niagara Airport (BUF) - Departure Private Transfer

Buffalo to Buffalo Niagara Airport (BUF) - Departure Private Transfer

From
$41.42
Buffalo Niagara Airport (BUF) to Buffalo - Round-Trip Private Transfer

Buffalo Niagara Airport (BUF) to Buffalo - Round-Trip Private Transfer

From
$82.83
Waterfront Ride: Outer Harbor History Bike Tour

Waterfront Ride: Outer Harbor History Bike Tour

star-5
13
From
$60.82
Private Transfer: Buffalo Int’l Airport (BUF) to Niagara Falls, ON

Private Transfer: Buffalo Int’l Airport (BUF) to Niagara Falls, ON

star-4.5
3
From
$111.73
See all Buffalo tours

All about Buffalo

When to visit

Buffalo’s winters are blisteringly cold, with temperatures routinely plummeting to 0°F (-18°C) or even lower in January and February. While seeing nearby Niagara Falls frozen in winter is quite a spectacle, most travelers will prefer to visit in the pleasant summer, which can be surprisingly hot: expect highs of around 82°F (28°C) in July and August. Locals make the most of the summer after such brutal winters, and you’ll find many outdoor concerts, parties, street festivals, garden shows, and other outdoor events.

Getting around

Many of Buffalo’s sights and attractions are concentrated around the Canalside, downtown, and Elmwood Avenue areas. Buffalo has a Metro Rail public transit system that operates a single line north–east through the city’s suburbs. Travelers may find it useful for visiting destinations such as the University of Buffalo and the First Niagara Center, however, it’s of limited use to sightseers. Buses are more useful for traveling up Elmwood Avenue and even for venturing to Niagara Falls.

Traveler tips

The Buffalo City Hall is a magnificent, imposing art deco building constructed in 1931, and travelers can tour it for free on weekdays at noon. Tours give you access to rooms that you can’t see independently, such as the stained-glass ceiling of the City Council Chambers, and provide information on the beautiful artworks in the lobby. Anyone can visit the 28th-floor observation deck during the building’s opening hours; the panoramic views take in Lake Erie, Canada, and even the spray of Niagara Falls on clear days.

Local Currency
US Dollar ($)
Time Zone
EDT (UTC -5)
Country Code
+1
Language(s)
English
Attractions
5
Tours
47
Reviews
428
EN
cb7b4744-6625-4a8c-9af5-9f72b79579d8
geo_hub

People Also Ask

Is Buffalo worth visiting?

Yes, Buffalo is definitely worth visiting if you enjoy art galleries and museums, grand architecture, and outdoor activities like kayaking. It is also near Niagara Falls, making the city a good base for exploring one of North America’s top attractions.

...More
What is Buffalo best known for?

Buffalo is best known as the home of Buffalo wings (which are simply called “wings” here), as well as for its brutal, snowy winters. It’s also a gateway to Niagara Falls and is a border city, with Canada located just over the water.

...More
Is Buffalo, NY, a nice place?

Yes, parts of Buffalo are very nice. The city’s park system was designed by famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, with Delaware Park often considered Buffalo’s crown jewel. Fans of architecture, meanwhile, will want to visit Frank Lloyd Wright’s Darwin Martin House, completed in 1905.

...More
What does Buffalo, NY, have?

Buffalo has many attractions, including the Canalside precinct, access to Lake Erie, the art deco-style City Hall, Frank Lloyd Wrights’ Darwin Martin House, the Buffalo AKG Art Museum, Delaware Park, and the trendy Elmwood Village area. Buffalo is also near Niagara Falls.

...More
Is Buffalo famous for any food?

Buffalo is famous for Buffalo wings: fried chicken wings served with hot sauce, blue cheese sauce, and celery sticks. Invented at the still-operational Anchor Bar in the 1960s, this popular bar snack is now served all over the city.

...More
What is the most popular food in Buffalo?

Although Buffalo is widely known for its wings, they’re not necessarily the most popular food in Buffalo. There’s a lot of culinary variety here. In Buffalo, you can find good Italian, Polish, and Ethiopian food, among many other cuisines from the city’s diverse population.

...More
Frequently Asked Questions

More Tours in Buffalo