Okay let's be real - when most folks think about visiting New York, they imagine Manhattan skyscrapers. But upstate? That's where the authentic experiences hide. Having explored Buffalo for over a decade, I'm still finding new gems. Whether you're here for a weekend or a week, these are the actual best things to do in Buffalo NY.
Buffalo's Must-See Attractions
Architectural Wonders Downtown
Fun fact: Buffalo has more Frank Lloyd Wright buildings than any city except Chicago. The Darwin Martin House Complex (125 Jewett Pkwy) is his masterpiece. Tour times vary but budget $20-35 for guided visits. Pro tip: Book at least a week ahead during summer.
City Hall observation deck (65 Niagara Square) gives insane skyline views for free. Open weekdays 8:30am-4pm. The lobby alone with its art deco details? Worth the trip downtown.
Last winter I took my cousin here during golden hour - the frozen lake effect clouds turned the whole city pink. We got photos that looked Photoshopped but weren't.
Waterfront Adventures
Canalside (44 Prime St) is where everyone ends up when the sun's out. Summer brings kayak rentals ($25/hr), free concerts, and food trucks. Winter? They build this massive ice rink that's way cheaper than Rockefeller Center ($5 skate rentals). Parking's a pain though - use the ramp at 73 Illinois St.
| Waterfront Spot | Cost | Hours (Summer) | Parking Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buffalo Harbor State Park | $7 vehicle fee | 6am-9pm | Free after 4pm |
| RiverWorks (359 Ganson St) | Activity-based | 11am-11pm | $5 all-day lot |
Honestly if you only do one waterfront thing to do in Buffalo NY, make it sunset at Erie Basin Marina. Walk the breakwall with takeout from Charlie the Butcher's (beef on weck sandwiches!).
Food Scene You Can't Miss
We take food personally here. Forget NYC pizza - Buffalo style has thicker crust and cup-and-char pepperoni that curls into little grease cups. Bocce Club Pizza (2935 Bailey Ave) does it best. Large pie around $18.
Anchor Bar (1047 Main St) invented wings but locals debate whether it's still the best. Duff's Famous Wings (multiple locations) gets my vote - their medium sauce has serious kick. Expect $15-20 per dozen with fries.
Warning: You WILL smell like fryer oil for hours. Last time I took out-of-towners, we had to walk through Elmwood Village afterward to air out before going anywhere nice.
Hidden Gem Eats
- Westside Bazaar (25 Grant St) - Immigrant food hall with $6 Burmese noodles worth crossing town for
- Paula's Donuts (multiple locations) - Their peanut stick is bigger than your face. Seriously.
- Betty's Restaurant (370 Virginia St) - Brunch spot with $12 breakfast burritos that cure hangovers
Seasonal Activities Breakdown
Winter Survival Guide
Yeah it gets cold. But we embrace it:
- Ice biking at Canalside - $25 rentals include helmet
- Holiday lights at Buffalo Zoo (300 Parkside Ave) - $15 entry
- Sabres hockey game - Tickets from $35 at KeyBank Center
Summer Essentials
Shakespeare in Delaware Park (near Hoyt Lake) is free and magical. Bring blankets and wine (discreetly). Thursday-Sunday evenings June-August.
| Festival | Dates | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Taste of Buffalo | July weekend | $1-6 per sample |
| National Garden Festival | July-August | Free (private gardens) |
Beyond Downtown: Neighborhood Treasures
Allentown historic district has Victorian houses turned into indie galleries. Hit Spot Coffee (765 Elmwood Ave) first - best people-watching in town.
East Aurora (25 min drive) feels like a Hallmark movie set. Vidler's 5&10 (676 Main St) is a time-warp department store from 1930. Their $1 candy wall? Dangerous.
Practical Buffalo Intel
Getting Around Reality Check
Drive if possible. Uber coverage drops after midnight outside downtown. NFTA metro rail is clean but only covers Main Street corridor. Parking meters run until 5pm Mon-Fri (free weekends).
Where to Stay
- Budget: Hostel Buffalo-Niagara (667 Main St) - $35/bunk, includes breakfast
- Mid-range: Hotel Henry (444 Forest Ave) - Historic asylum turned hotel ($150/night avg)
- Splurge: Curtiss Hotel (210 Franklin St) - Rooftop pool with city views ($250+)
FAQs: Buffalo Things to Do
How many days do I need?
Weekend: Hit downtown architecture, Canalside, and wings. 4+ days: Add Niagara day trip and neighborhood exploring.
Is Niagara Falls worth the trip?
Yes - it's only 20 minutes by car. But skip the tourist traps. Maid of the Mist boat tour ($25) is legit. Cave of the Winds? Tourist trap.
What's overrated?
Personally? Buffalo Naval Park. Cool ships but $22 feels steep when you're just walking on decks. Better for hardcore history buffs.
Best free things to do?
Albright-Knox Northland campus (612 Northland Ave) has killer street art. Buffalo Central Library (1 Lafayette Sq) has Tiffany mosaics. Both free.
Final Takeaway
The charm of things to do Buffalo NY lies in its authenticity. Skip chain restaurants. Talk to locals at a dive bar like Founding Fathers (75 Edward St) - they'll tell you stories that'll make you love this city. Bring layers - weather changes fast. And please, try the beef on weck at least once.
Planning your things to do in Buffalo NY trip? Honestly just wander. Some of my best finds happened when I got lost near the Theatre District. This city rewards explorers.