Buffalo, NY Travel Guide: Best Things to Do + Tips

When most people think of New York they imagine skyscrapers, busy streets, loud locals, flashing lights, and yellow taxis. This is only a tiny area in the state of New York. While New York City is amazing and you should definitely visit there are so many other amazing places in New York! Buffalo is a small city located in the northwest corner of New York, Buffalo is home to natural wonders, cool museums, amazing sports, and, of course Buffalo Wings! Read on to discover your guide to Buffalo, New York.

Where To Stay In Buffalo

Luxury Buffalo Hotels

The Westin - The Westin in downtown Buffalo offers luxurious accommodations, a spectacular restaurant, a fitness center, bar, and is pet friendly.

The Richardson Hotel - Located in the downtown area you will find the stunning Richardson Hotel. The Richardson Hotel offers open and airy rooms, a restaurant, a bar, a fitness center, and more. If you are looking for a unique stay checkout The Richardson Hotel.

Buffalo Marriott - If you are a fellow hockey fan you will love the Buffalo Marriott. The Buffalo Marriott is attached to the Lecom Harborcenter (hockey rinks). The hotel itself offers comfortable rooms, two restaurants, a gym, and more!

Middle Range Buffalo Hotels

Embassy Suites - The Embassy Suites in Buffalo is you are looking for a middle priced hotel that has all of the amenies you could want. Enjoy an indoor swimming pool, restaurant, gym, bar, and more at the Embassy Suits.

Hotel at the Lafayette Trademark - The Lafayette Trademark Hotel is an adorable boutique hotel by wyndham located in Buffalo's city center.

Budget Buffalo Hotels

The Edward Hotel - The Edward Hotel is the perfect place to stay in buffalo if you are sticking to a budget. The boutique hotel located in the downtown area has everything you need for a comfortable stay.

The Delavan Hotel - Another great budget option is The Delavan Hotel right by the Buffalo airport. So if you have a long layover in Buffalo, The Delavan Hotel is a great option.

What To Do In Buffalo

Visit Niagara Falls

The real reason anyone visits Buffalo is to see Niagara Falls, and it is definitely worth it. Niagara Falls is absolutely stunning. There are three waterfalls in the park (Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. You can visit the falls on the Canadian side or the New York side. I liked the New York side better because it was less touristy than the Canadian side.

The best way to see the Falls id just by wandering around the park and seeing different viewpoints from all over. I found that there were not many other tourist when I was there, I went at 8am. I didn't pay anything either!

⭐Read Next - Niagara Falls Travel Guide

See a Hockey Game

While I am a Bruins fan through and through, I never pass up an opportunity to watch an NHL game. I stayed at the Buffalo Marriott so I didn't even need to leave the building to see a Sabers game, how cool is that! If you are visiting Buffalo and are unfamiliar with hockey you will be blown away by this sport.

Go To a Museum

While the museums in Buffalo are incomparable to ones in NYC, they still have some interesting exhibates. So of the most popular museums in Buffalo include Frank Lloyd Wright's Martin House, The Buffalo AKG Art Museum, The Buffalo Naval Park, and The Buffalo Museum of Science.

Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

At The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens you can find gorgeous flowers and greenery perfect for plant lovers, a relaxing walk, or a picnic. Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens are best visited in the summer months as the flowers are in bloom and the sun in out.

Read more on The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens here.

Do a Day Trip To Toronto, Canada

Doing a day trip to a different country sound daunting, but Toronto is only two hours away from Buffalo and is totally worth the drive. There is also a plethora of things to do in Toronto.

While in Toronto visit the CN Tower, The Royal Ontario Museum, The Casa Loma Museum, St. Lawrence Market, High Park, and the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Go On a Hike

This guide to Buffalo would not be complete without a mention of the great outdoors. Upstate New York has some of the best hiking in the country. My favorite hikes near Buffalo include the Tifft Nature Preserve Trail, The Glen Falls Trail Loop, The Hoyt Lake Loop, The Wilkeson Pointe Loop, The Reinstein Woods History Trail, and the Fuhrmann Greenway Nature Trail.

Where To Dine In Buffalo

Coffee & Breakfast

Spot Coffee - Spot Coffee is a cozy cafe located in downtown Buffalo and offers specialty lattes, smoothies, all day breakfast, and lunch.

Tipico Coffee & Cafe - Located in Elmwood village is Tipico Coffee & Cafe. At Tipico you will find comfortable seating, amazing coffee, egg sandwiches, and more.

Cafe Aroma - Cafe Aroma is the oldest locally owned coffee shop in Buffalo. The european style cafe serves amazing coffee and food. There is also live music here sometimes.

Lunch & Dinner

Panorama on Seven - Panorama on Seven is a high end restaurant right in the downtown area. Serving up southern european cuisine alongside incredible cocktails, Panorama on Seven is definitely worth a visit.

Frankie Primo's - If you are looking for Italian food in Buffalo, Frankie Primo's is as good as it gets. Serving everything Italian for a fair price, you will love Frankie Primo's.

Coco Bar & Bistro - Coco Bar & Bistro is the perfect place to go if you are looking for a casual restaurant in Buffalo. You can find american food at Coco Bar & Bistro.

When To Visit Buffalo

Summer or fall (June - October) is the best time to visit Buffalo. New York, especially upstate New York can get freezing. I mean Buffalo is right next to Canada.

There is not much of a spring in Buffalo, so avoid March - May. If you want spring temperatures, visit in June. The fall is nice because of the colorful leaves are fall spirit. You will find pumpkins at door steps, warm apple cider in shops, and fall decor all over the city September - November.

How To Get To Buffalo

The best way to get to Buffalo is by flying in through the Buffalo Niagara International Airport. At Buffalo Niagara International Airport you can find direct flights from cities all over the USA on airline such as Jetblue, Frontier, Southwest, and more.

Best Tours To Take In Buffalo

Niagara Fall Day Tour - If you don't want to have to worry about getting to and from the falls and experience the fall with a local you should do this Niagara Falls Day Tour. This tour also includes a boat tour!

Buffalo Bike Tour - This Buffalo Bike Tour will take you to all of the historical spots in Buffalo. Your local guide will help you learn all about the history of Buffalo on this bike tour of the city.

Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site Admission and Guided Tour - This Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site Admission and Guided Tour is an inexpensive and educational way to spend a morning or afternoon is Buffalo.

Food Tour - Eat all the Buffalo wings you can on this walking Food Tour. On this food tour you will get to try all of the cities hidden gems and get a walking to in between your snacks.

Buffalo FAQs:

Is Buffalo, NY worth visiting?

Yes! Buffalo is definitely worth visiting. Especially if you are looking for cheap places to visit in the USA.

What is the best time of year to go to Buffalo, NY?

Fall and summer are the best months to visit Buffalo, NY.

What not to miss in Buffalo, NY?

Don't miss Niagara Falls!

A Quick Guide To Buffalo, New York Wrap Up

While Buffalo isn't my favorite city in the world can definitely be a super fun weekend getaway in the USA, between the nature and things to see in Buffalo you are set for an exciting weekend away. I hope that this quick guide to Buffalo, New York help you plan the best trip ever. If you like this post I think you will love our complete guide to NYC, Locals Guide To Boston, Massachusetts and my Complete Guide To Charleston, South Carolina.

Happy Travels,

Daisy