10 Best Things to Do in Buffalo
What is Buffalo Most Famous For?
Buffalo is a laidback city on the shores of Lake Erie with an unorthodox art scene and gorgeous Art Deco architecture. The city boomed during the 19th century as a key part of the Great Lakes shipping industry, but today the warehouses and silos have been repurposed as craft breweries, cozy taverns, and contemporary art galleries.
With its revitalized waterfront and extensive park system, Buffalo offers plenty of outdoor activities for the adventurous. And, in spite of being the 2nd biggest city in the state, there’s definitely a friendly, small-town feel here. Ready to explore Queen City? Check out our guide to the best things to do in Buffalo.
What are the best things to do in Buffalo, New York?
1. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House Complex
A 15,000-sq-ft complex of 6 interconnected buildings
Good for: Families, History, Photo
Designed for a wealthy local businessman in 1903, Frank Lloyd Wright considered the Martin House Complex his masterpiece. The light, open-plan buildings give nearly every room views over the sweeping gardens, but the showpiece is undoubtedly the 400 intricate and colorful stained-glass windows which took years to complete.
Wright designed every part of the complex himself, from the furniture to the light fittings. Guided tours of the interior lasting 1 or 2 hours are available, while separate tours take you around the historic grounds and conservatory.
Location: 125 Jewett Pkwy, Buffalo, NY 14214, United States
Open: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm, Thursday 9:30 am to 7:30 pm, Saturday and Sunday 9:30 am to 5 pm, Closed Tuesdays
Phone: +1 716 856 3858
Frank Lloyd Wright's Martin House Complex
2. Niagara Square
Charming architecture and spectacular views in the heart of Buffalo
Good for: Budget, History, Photo
Niagara Square is the central hub of Buffalo’s radial street pattern and the oldest part of the city. There is a small, peaceful garden with numerous signs explaining the history of the beautiful Art Deco buildings surrounding the square.
Stop in at City Hall before you leave to admire the beautiful murals in the grand lobby. Then climb up to the viewing platform on the top floor (Monday to Friday from 8 am to 4 pm), where you can see the whole of the city laid out along Lake Erie. On a clear day, you can even make out the city of Niagara Falls on the horizon.
Location: Buffalo, NY 14202, USA
Niagara Square
3. Buffalo AKG Art Museum
An impressive collection of modern and contemporary art
Good for: Families, History
The Albright-Knox-Gundlach, or AKG, Art Museum has been actively collecting since 1862. Their remarkable collection includes work by artists like Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, and Frida Kahlo. Temporary exhibitions showcase cutting edge photography and thought-provoking works by contemporary artists.
Located in Buffalo’s cultural district, the gallery has a sculpture garden where you can see some of the larger pieces. Public tours with knowledgeable guides are offered from Thursdays to Mondays. Finish up with a glass of wine on the cafe terrace and admire the artsy view across the grounds.
Location: 1285 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, NY 14222, United States
Open: Monday, Thursday, and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm, Friday from 10 am to 8 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm, Closed Tuesday and Wednesday
Phone: +1 716 882 8700
Buffalo AKG Art Museum
4. Market Arcade
Vintage and local crafts in a historic Beaux-Arts building
Good for: Budget, History, Shoppers
Market Arcade is a Beaux-Arts building dating from 1892 that houses a collection of Buffalo’s finest independent and boutiques. Stores across 3 floors sell everything from jewelry handmade by local artisans to custom-made stationery.
When you’re all shopped out, grab a coffee and crepe or stop for tacos. You can also wander around three floors of free public art which rotates monthly. And the building’s architecture is a work of art in itself. Check out the bison sculptures on the front facade that proclaim the building’s civic pride.
Location: 617 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14209, United States
Open: Monday to Friday from 7:30 am to 5 pm, Closed Saturday and Sunday
Phone: +1 716 220 8468
Market Arcade
5. Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens
A tranquil refuge from the city’s bustle
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo
Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens combines extraordinary architecture and landscaping with trees and flowers from all over the globe. The 19th-century conservatory shelters warm-weather plants like fruit trees, palms, and orchids and provides a little taste of the tropics even in the depths of winter.
There are exhibitions on the history of the garden, displays of medicinal plants, and an aquatic garden with ponds full of koi carp. There are 1-hour guided tours available with advance bookings as well as hands-on activities for kids in Wegmans Family Garden.
Location: 2655 South Park Ave, Buffalo, NY 14218, United States
Open: Tuesday from 10 am to 5 pm, Wednesday from 10 am to 8 pm, Thursday to Monday from 10 am to 4 pm
Phone: +1 716 827 1584
Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens
6. Buffalo Zoo
A huge diversity of animals in naturalistic surroundings
Good for: Families, Photo
Kids will be entranced by the fascinating animal exhibits at Buffalo Zoo, which include lions, giraffes, red pandas and cute capybaras. The Rainforest Falls exhibit, which mimics conditions in the South American jungle, is particularly popular, as is the newly opened Arctic Edge exhibit and its resident arctic foxes and polar bears.
Workshops are available with zookeepers involving hands-on activities behind the scenes, and there’s even the opportunity to camp out overnight in the Ecostation Exhibit and observe the secret life of nocturnal animals.
Location: 300 Parkside Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA
Open: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm
Phone: +1 716-837-3900
Buffalo Zoo
7. Buffalo Harbor cruises
A whole new side to the city
Good for: Adventure, Families, Photo
Enjoy a relaxing tour of Buffalo from the water and learn more about the city’s maritime history. Several local companies run 1- and 2-hour cruises around Lake Erie and along the Buffalo River.
Take a narrated tour that explains the history and architecture of sites like Black Rock Lock and Silo City, or go on a party trip around the lake with a fully stocked bar, cocktails, and live music. There are also traditional red-sail schooners that offer peaceful sunset sails and pirate adventures for kids. Most cruises depart from Prime Street’s Canalside at the south end of the waterfront.
Location: Canalside, Prime Street, Buffalo, NY 14202, United States
Buffalo Harbor cruises
8. A meal of beef on weck
The quintessential Buffalo dining experience
Good for: Budget, Food, History
Beef on weck is a Buffalo specialty, consisting of roast beef on kummelweck, a bread roll topped with kosher salt and caraway seeds. This dish was most probably brought to the city by German immigrants in the 19th century. Nearly every eatery in Buffalo serves this popular dish, but there are a handful of places that stand out.
Grab a quick lunch at Charlie the Butcher’s, where the chefs carve up the meat right in front of you at the counter. Schwabl’s, in West Seneca, is a Buffalo institution that has been serving sandwiches topped with their special horseradish since 1942. Or, if you like German-influenced menus and imported European beers, satisfy your cravings at Ulrich’s Tavern.
9. A snack of Buffalo wings at Anchor Bar
The bar food that made Buffalo famous
Good for: Food, Nightlife
You might be able to eat them at any bar in America now, but Buffalo wings were invented right here at the Anchor Bar in 1964. The sauce is made using a secret recipe, which means you’re getting the original, authentic taste.
Anchor Bar offers a full menu of bar food and a range of draft beers, and you can listen to live jazz on Friday and Saturday nights. You can also buy bottles of wing sauce in 6 different flavors to take home with you.
Location: 1047 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14209, United States
Open: Sunday to Thursday from 11 am to 9 pm, Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 10 pm
Phone: +1 716 883 1134
A snack of Buffalo wings at Anchor Bar
10. Buffalo’s brewery district
Locally brewed beers not to be missed
Good for: Couples, History, Photo
Buffalo’s brewery district has experienced a resurgence in recent years, with the renovations of several craft breweries and taprooms. One of its standout venues is Pearl Street Grill & Brewery, a beautifully restored brewpub in a historic converted warehouse building.
There are 8 bars within the 4-floor venue, where you’ll find signature beers brewed onsite, seasonal options, and a pub menu of burgers and wings. When the weather is good, make sure to get there earlier in the evening to grab a seat on the wrap-around patio.
Location: 76 Pearl St, Buffalo, NY 14202, United States
Open: Monday to Saturday from 11:30 am to 10 pm, Sunday from 11 am to 10 pm
Phone: +1 716 856 2337
Buffalo's brewery district
This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.
