716-997-2245

  • Murder Mystery Dinners
  • Buffalo Music Bingo
  • Winery Tour
  • Evil Buffalo

Buffalo History Tours

Buffalo Tours. Buffalo murder mystery dinners.  Buffalo scavenger hunts.  Canalside Events.

2024 Murder Mysteries

Our Grain Mill Murder Mystery is back by popular demand!

Music Bingo

An evening of fun and games.

Join us on select Fridays for trivia, music, games and food at Buffalo's largest distillery.

Buffalo's Double Decker bus tours

Double decker bus tours june-october.

Experience the story of Buffalo aboard an authentic 65 passenger double decker bus.  Yahoo's Trip Advisor calls our tours  "#1 Thing To Do In Buffalo" because we focus on entertainment and guest participation to marry humor and history in every tour.  Our sightseeing tours of Buffalo and murder mystery tours operate June through October.  

Click here for more information and a schedule of when our Buffalo tours are available.

October Ghost Events

Evil buffalo silo experience.

Experience the most evil events in Buffalo's history inside an abandoned grain silo.

Canalside Ghost Tour

Buffalo's best ghost tour is back for October 2024.  Join us for a 'spirited' exploration of the ghosts of Canalside & Buffalo's Waterfront. 

Gift Certificate

Share the fun of Buffalo History Tours!  Purchase gift Certificates for $10, $20 or $30.  After you choose the certificate amount, you'll be able to download a customized document that you can print and give as a gift.

What to do in Buffalo

Here's what's happening in Buffalo, NY!

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Better yet, see us in person!

Our Buffalo Sightseeing Tours and Double Decker Murder Mystery performances are available May through October.  Murder Mystery dinners are offered in November and April.

One Naval Park Cove, Buffalo NY 14202

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Buffalo's Best Tours

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Buffalo River History Tours

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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Buffalo River History Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Discover History

Join us for a 90-minute narrated Buffalo River history tour! Hear the story of the Erie Canal, Buffalo’s history as the largest grain port in the world, and experience the nation’s largest collection of standing grain elevators from just a few feet away.

REGULAR HOURS

Daily, Mid-May through End of September 10:30AM | 12:30PM | 2:30PM | 4:30PM

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2024 season is now open. Book your tickets now!

Buffalo Boat Tours

Buffalo Boat Tours

History tours • sailing adventures • tiki cruises.

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TAKE A CRUISE ON BUFFALO'S BEST BOAT TOURS

Buffalo river history tours.

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SPIRIT OF BUFFALO

Big kahuna tiki tours, evening entertainment.

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Buffalo Boat Tours, a vibrant family-owned venture, stands at the forefront of Canalside following Buffalo’s spectacular waterfront metamorphosis.

Discover convenient parking options on Lloyd Street, Hanover Street, and Prime Street in Canalside. Explore lots under the Skyway along Pearl Street, Commercial Street, and Marine Drive, or utilize the LECOM Harborcenter parking ramp (parking fees may apply).

Energize your experience with our onboard full bar accepting cash and credit. Indulge in refreshing water, soda, beer, wine, and enticing mixed drinks. Don’t forget to treat yourself to snacks available for purchase. Please note that outside beverages, including coolers, and food are not permitted onboard.

Embark on our vessels, Spirit of Buffalo, Harbor Queen, and Big Kahuna, all equipped with convenient restrooms for your comfort.

There is a full bar on board all of our boats, cash/credit, that serves water, soda, beer, wine and mixed drinks.  There are also snacks available for purchase.  NO outside beverages, including coolers, or food are allowed on board.

Spirit of Buffalo, Harbor Queen and Big Kahuna are equipped with restrooms.

TOP-RATED BOAT TOURS IN BUFFALO, NY

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"From beginning to the end of the tour Rich and his crew were awesome. The crew was courteous, friendly and willing to do anything to create a great experience for our family. The next time we are back in Buffalo we will most definitely return to Buffalo River History Tours for another experience."

"Eye-opening and informational insight to a piece of Buffalo History. Very relaxing as well as surprising "hidden" areas you normally would not see. Must do if visiting as well as people who have never experienced this part of history."

"What a wonderful sailboat ride my husband and I had! The captain and the crew were fabulous! I will recommend this sail ride to my family and friends! Great experience!"

"We had such a great time! Can't wait to do it again! It was perfect weather, the staff was friendly and was able to answer all our questions!"

"We didn't know what to expect...and were so pleasantly surprised to experience a wonderful Buffalo river cruise. Great guide and local insights! Boat was perfect for the 1.5 hour cruise. Friendly staff!"

Walking Tour Catalog

history tours buffalo ny

Join us for a walking tour to discover Buffalo history and architecture! Most walking tours are ninety minutes and one to two miles in length. Please check the individual tour page for more tour details and upcoming dates.

Walking Tours are Presented by:

history tours buffalo ny

All walking tours listed below are free with an Explorer Pass Membership!

Downtown tours.

  • Anti-slavery Buffalo: Lafayette Square 1825-1860
  • Architecture Timeline
  • Best of Buffalo
  • Buffalo Sports History
  • Canalside for Kids Tour
  • Ceilings & Skylights 
  • Downtown Deco
  • Downtown Murals
  • Downtown Through Binoculars
  • Presidents in Buffalo  
  • Masters of American Architecture  
  • Turn of the Century Treasures  

Crime Tours

  • Scandalous Buffalo  
  • Allentown Mob Tour  
  • Downtown Mob Tour
  • West Side Mob Tour 

Olmsted Parks Tours

  • Delaware Park: Hoyt Lake
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Park 
  • Riverside Park

Cemetery Tours

  • Concordia Cemetery Tour
  • Holy Cross Cemetery Tour
  • Jewish Cemeteries Tour  
  • United German & French Cemetery Tour

Neighborhood Tours

  • Abbott-McKinley: South Buffalo’s Irish Heritage District
  • Allentown Historic Homes
  • Allentown Victorian Architecture: Irving Place & Park Street 
  • Bidwell Parkway
  • Broadway Fillmore
  • Buffalo Bungalows
  • Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus  
  • Central Park
  • Columbus Parkway
  • Cottage District
  • Delaware Avenue Mansions  
  • Delaware Avenue Midway  
  • Estates Along Delaware Avenue
  • Elmwood Village Victorians 
  • Elmwood Village’s Albright Estate
  • Freedom Wall Neighborhood 
  • Gates Circle
  • Hamlin Park North 
  • Hamlin Park South
  • Hertel Avenue History
  • Hertel Avenue Murals
  • Hidden Gems of the Delaware District
  • Hispanic Heritage District 
  • Kleinhans Neighborhood
  • Landmarks of Delaware Avenue
  • Leading Ladies of Delaware Avenue 
  • Larkin District  
  • Lincoln Parkway 
  • Masten Park & Fruit Belt 
  • Middlesex Neighborhood
  • Northland Beltline Corridor
  • Oakland Place
  • Ohio Street Resurgence
  • Old First Ward
  • Painted Ladies & Pocket Parks of Allentown
  • South Buffalo
  • University District
  • West Village

Beyond Buffalo: Historic Village Tours

  • Clarence Hollow
  • East Aurora 
  • Lackawanna 
  • Niawanda Park
  • Orchard Park
  • Tonawanda Harbor  
  • Tonawander 
  • West Seneca – Ebenezer
  • West Seneca – Gardenville 
  • Williamsville  

Education & Tours

Explore resources for teachers, field trips, programs, community outreach, lectures, tours, and more.

For Educators

We are a leading resource on Buffalo and Erie County history with a number of educational tours, programs, activities, and other outreach available for teachers, community centers, senior centers, and more.

Tours can be tailored for student groups, seniors, or tourism groups based on your unique interests.

Tours can be self guided or with Museum docents. Student tours (booked through a school) with trained docents are $6 per student; free for chaperones. Student tours must have a 10:1 ratio of student-chaperon.

Adult, non-student tours with trained docents are $13 per person.

Tours must be booked 3 weeks in advance of the tour date. Docent-led tours typically include 3 exhibit galleries, but specialized tours can be made. Please complete the tour form below to request a tour.

Virtual tours are also available.

The Museum has developed interactive, hands-on history kits to engage students in our region’s history. History kits feature artifacts and activities that are developed to align with New York State Education Department social studies standards and the Common Core Learning Standards.

History kits can be rented for one week, Monday through Friday, and used by multiple teachers in the same week. The cost of rental is $50 general; $30 for members of the Museum.

Available History Kits:

  • Native Americans
  • World War 1 Propaganda Posters

Docents can bring history to you. We’re available to speak at schools, senior living centers, community centers, civic and social clubs, and more.

Programs can be tailored to accommodate special needs.

Cost for outreach programs are $75 up to 50 people, $100 for 51 – 100 people, and $125 for groups of 101 or above.

Outreach Programs:

  • Life on Delaware Avenue
  • Artifact Detective
  • Pan-American Exposition

Request a Tour!

Featured events.

history tours buffalo ny

“Return to the Rainbow City: Buffalo’s Pan-American Exposition” Exhibit Opening

Event Details

Pan-American Exposition Souvenir Show & Tell

history tours buffalo ny

Trivia Night

history tours buffalo ny

Behind the Scenes Tour!

history tours buffalo ny

Pan-Am Walking Tour

For preservation of our collection, contact us for inquiries relating to image reproduction and artifacts.

Visit Buffalo Niagara

Guided Tours

Explore buffalo’s guided tours.

Buffalo’s tour companies offer expeditions suiting every interest. Take a guided tour of Delaware Avenue mansions with  Explore Buffalo  or a tour on two wheels with  Buffalo Bike Tours . From walking tours to  open-air autobus  and  Segway tours , the city’s experts will guide you through everything from the culinary hot spots to bone-chilling haunted sites.

Another great way to see the region is to take a cruise along the Buffalo River and Erie Canal, through the Niagara Gorge or out into Lake Erie. Or for do-it-yourselfers, there are always self-guided walking tours, driving tours and  itineraries  to follow.

Buffalo Tour Companies

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5 Star Niagara Falls Tours and Events

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Arcade and Attica Railroad

Bedore tours, brew bus buffalo, buffalo bike tours, buffalo double decker bus tours, buffalo food tours, buffalo history tours, llc, buffalo lighthouse, buffalo niagara waterkeeper river tours, buffalo pedal tours, buffalo river history tours.

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Visit Buffalo Niagara

Visitor Information: 800.283.3256

Main Office: 716.852.0511

Main Fax: 716.852.0131

403 Main Street, Suite 630 Buffalo, New York 14203-1496

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  • Buffalo FAQ

© 2022 Visit Buffalo Niagara. All Rights Reserved

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A Rich History

Buffalo’s history is rich with stories of culture, progress, and resilience. The City of Good Neighbors has seen many seasons of change to become what it is today.

The Gateway

To the west.

Buffalo has an unexpected past from which there is much to learn. It is located on the Erie Canal’s western banks, creating a city established in exports, imports, and trade which invited ancestors and persons of talent such as William G. Fargo, jazz legends like Louis Armstrong, and even presidents, who resided and governed here. In 1960 the Buffalo Bills were founded, and the city became engulfed in the culture of football. Ten years later the Buffalo Sabres were formed, creating a community of passionate sports fans. The culture of Buffalo has always been rich with community, establishing us as “The City of Good Neighbors.” We welcome you to explore all corners of the city and immerse yourself in the best Buffalo has to offer!

history tours buffalo ny

2024 season is now open. Book your tickets now!

Buffalo River History Tours

SILO CITY WALKING TOUR

Quick Details

  • Hour Glass Duration: 2 hours
  • User Ages: All
  • Info Note: Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your tour.

Take a Trip Inside Silo City, Buffalo

Not A Wheelchair Accessible Tour

On this two-hour tour, our boat transports you to Silo City via the Buffalo River. As we walk through Silo City, see and hear what made Buffalo the largest grain port in the world for 100 years.

Our guide takes you inside these majestic towers as you learn about the Perot Family Malting Plant and see the original coal-fired kilns. We go beneath the silos to see how the grain was transferred.

This area has been named one of the best industrial photography locations in the Western Hemisphere. Cameras are highly encouraged on this combination boat and walking tour of Silo City.

RELATED CRUISES

  • User Ages 21+
  • Hour Glass 2 hours

Caribbean Cruise

Join us in paradise aboard the Harbor Queen on this two-hour journey. Celebrate the colorful Caribbean culture with live music from the Islands. A cash bar is available.

history tours buffalo ny

THE ONLY SEGWAY TOUR OPERATOR IN NEW YORK STATE

Welcome 2024, waiting for   spring…, we will begin taking advanced reservations for the 2024, segway ® touring season (weather permitting), advanced reservations are required please:, 716-259-4887, we are also available for walking or guided driving tours. call us to discuss the details., as stated by one of our october 2021 customers who had taken many other segway tours,,  “this is by far, the best segway tour we have been on” , advanced reservations are required, by calling 716-259-4887, is a segway ® tour not for you, but you love architecture and history, well then..., we also offer private walking tours with some hands on learning about the 1901 pan american exposition conducted by a professional buffalo history expert. call us for more information..

If you would like more information, call us at  716-259-4887

or email us at [email protected]

We will be observing COVID protocols when necessary,

 including the use of hand sanitizer and the wearing of masks during the training session.

We look forward to giving you, our customers, an amazing tour of our beautiful city. Thank you for your continued support!

WE OFFER PROFESSIONALLY

Guided segway® tours , as seen on , as heard on, abmfm internet radio, as read about in, the buffalo news, amherst bee, step out buffalo, forever young, buffalo rising,  come experience the segway® with us.

Tour with top rated guides; read our reviews .

Be amazed, with an ultimate tour experience on a Segway® 

Prior reservations required.

beautiful, historic building in North Buffalo, NY

City skyline

Beautiful views like these may be seen on your tour!

Buffalo Touring Company featured in NEW Visit Buffalo Niagara Webisode.  Click To Watch .

What Are Our Guests Saying?

"We took the Segway tour at Disney's EpCot before they were discontinued. We also took the Segway tour in downtown St. Louis. After taking the Segway tour offered by The Buffalo Touring Company we can say it was the best, most interesting and fun of our three adventures."

Jess and Stan, Tonawanda, New York

Click here for more  Guest Reviews

What is a Segway®?

  • A Segway® is a 2-Wheeled Personal Transporter [Segway® Personal Transporter (PT)]

How does it work?

  • A Segway® PT moves in response to your center of gravity
  • It balances your weight over 100 times per second using 5 gyroscopes

Tours Departing from The Buffalo History Museum!

One Museum Court (Corner of Elmwood and Nottingham Terrace)

Buffalo, NY 14216

Come Experience Buffalo, NY Like Never Before!

Tour Highlights

  • Ride a Segway® PT on a Guided, Historic Tour of North Buffalo 
  • Glide past famous buildings and historic sites, including:
  • Buffalo History Museum
  • Delaware Park
  • Buffalo Zoo
  • Learn facts and history about the "Queen City"

We at Buffalo Touring Company have worked diligently to offer you, our customer the ultimate tour experience (see our reviews on this site and TRIP Adviso r ).  

segway(r)

Segway® PT Tour: $137.92(+tax) per person.

Thank you for your business.

  Also included with your Segway® PT Tour Package is a bottle of water and a keepsake souvenir .

Total Tour experience will last up to 3-3.5 hours, perhaps longer,

depending on length of pre-tour training.

(Tips are not necessary, but, if you feel

we have done a good job, are gratefully accepted.)

Saturday and Sunday Mornings and Afternoons 

Exact times to be arranged when booking reservation.

Prior Reservations Are Required

(Tours run with a minimum of 2 riders; payment must be made by one transaction.)

ID will be required for the Segway® PT Tour

Buffalo Touring Company is not affiliated with Segway, Inc. "Segway®" is a registered trademark of Segway, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.

history tours buffalo ny

Preservation Buffalo Niagara

Building on our past for your future!

history tours buffalo ny

Preservation Buffalo Niagara’s tour program offers unique and informative ways to enjoy the historical, cultural, and architectural treasures of the Buffalo-Niagara region. Our tours support the mission of PBN, the region’s only professionally staffed preservation organization.

THE TOUR SEASON IS CLOSED FOR THE SEASON

Visit our calendar for a list of upcoming tours! 

history tours buffalo ny

Guaranty Building Tour 

The Guaranty Building is one of Buffalo’s most beautiful buildings and an important site in architectural history. Join us for this interior and exterior tour of this Sullivan masterpiece. During this guided tour, you’ll learn about the history of the building, the architectural elements that make it so special, and why it serves as an important case for preservation.

The Interpretive Center in the Guaranty Building is open to the public

Monday-Thursday: 9am-5pm

Friday: 9am – 12:30pm

Richardson Olmsted Campus Tours (Closed for the Season)

We would like to thank the over 720 people who attended the 2023 Richardson Olmsted Tour Season. We offered over 43 public tours, in addition to specialty photography, landscape, and mental health tours.  We dived deep into the rich past of the Richardson Olmsted Campus on this two-hour guided tour of unoccupied buildings. Led by an expert docent, visitors will gain access to spaces untouched since the 1970s.

Visitors were immersed into the philosophies integrated into the Richardson by architect Henry Hobson Richardson, landscape architects Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, and mental health advocate Dr. Thomas Kirkbride.

During the tour, visitors experienced some of the site’s original structures as well as the healing landscape designed to serve as a therapeutic environment for patients.

EB Green Tour de Force

Travel through the streets of Buffalo and time to discover the indelible mark E. B. Green left on the city of Buffalo. See iconic as well as lesser-known buildings to appreciate the genius of the man whose career spanned over 70 years and produced over 200 buildings in Buffalo. This special bike tour is open to riders of all levels and includes 10-12 miles of moderately paced biking.

history tours buffalo ny

9 Things To Do In Buffalo: Complete Guide To Historic New York

B uffalo, New York, is famous for its infamous winters, raucous table-breaking sports fans, and as the USA’s gateway to Niagara Falls. This city also sits intimately close to two of the great lakes making the city almost a home base for exploring its incredible environment. However, there is still much to do in the City.

Travelers looking to visit Buffalo may not have the best idea of where to start or what the city has to offer. Some plan their trips solely around visiting the falls but there is so much more to the city than that. Here is a look at a guide to historic Buffalo, New York.

UPDATE: 2023/07/11 18:48 EST BY NICHOLAS MAYAMBA

The Ultimate Travel Guide To Historic Buffalo, New York

Buffalo, New York is a top travel destination for history buffs, but there's plenty more to see here. The updated guide includes more things to do, tips, and photos.

Things To Do In Buffalo

There are so many incredible sights to check out around Buffalo besides Niagara Falls . Here is a look at three that travelers can't miss out on.

Take A Day Trip To The Great Lakes

Being so close to both Lake Erie and Lake Ontario , travelers spending some time in Buffalo should make a day trip out of visiting either lake.

Each lake is bordered by national and state parkland that is well-preserved and open for travelers to explore. The great lakes are always an incredible destination.

Lake Erie is about 140 miles from Buffalo. While there are multiple ways to reach the site, the cheapest option is to take the bus, which costs $26-$70 and lasts just over 6 hours.

Visit Niagara Falls

Buffalo serves as the US gateway to the stunning sight of Niagara Falls. Some travelers come to Buffalo just for the purpose of experiencing these legendary falls .

With so many accommodations and view platforms around the attraction, tourists will have an easy time finding the view they are looking for.

  • Hours: Open all year round, 24/7
  • Cost: From $172.38 per adult

There are two ways to view the Niagara Falls. Guests can choose between the Maid of the Mist and Journey Behind the Falls tours. However, the falls are inaccessible during winter due to harsh weather, hence summer would be the best time to visit the venue.

Stroll Along Canalside Buffalo

Travelers looking for a relaxing walk through a happening outdoor market should take a walk along Buffalo’s Canalside.

Here, travelers can explore 21 waterfront acres with the best views of the surrounding city and many wonderful little things to discover.

And just outside Buffalo is an amazing piece of history to visit: a prehistoric park for fossil finding .

  • Admission : $5
  • Hours : 9 am - 10 pm

Summer is an excellent time to visit Canalside Buffalo; the venue hosts major concerts that visitors will be thrilled to attend.

Enjoy A Broadway Show At Shea’s Performing Arts Center

Shea’s Performing Arts Center is a historic venue in Buffalo that holds various live performances. Established in 1926 to show silent movies, the center was saved from destruction when community leaders applied to list it on the National Historic Registry. Today, it hosts different special events, including touring Broadway troupes.

Thanks to continuous renovations, the venue boasts an exquisite interior, highlighted by a lavish stage, plush red seats, and a colored ceiling. Locals and tourists alike converge here to enjoy comedy, music, and Broadway shows.

  • Tickets : Range from $90 - $110
  • Hours : Summer: Monday to Thursday, 10 am-5: pm, Friday, 10a m-2 pm. Fall/Winter/Spring: Monday to Friday: 10 am-5 pm, Saturday, 10 am-2 pm

Besides watching the live shows, take advantage of Shea’s historic tours to learn about the historical and cultural significance of the venue to the community.

Admire Buffalo City Hall

Despite being built after the First World War, Buffalo City Hall remains an iconic feature in the city’s skyline thanks to its gorgeous design. Rising to 32 stories, the structure boasts intricate geometric details that separate it from other buildings in the area.

It also has over 1500 windows offering 360-degree views of Buffalo’s downtown and beyond, acting as the perfect vantage point for sightseers.

On the 28th floor of the building, visitors can take in panoramic views of Lake Erie and the Buffalo River at the observation deck. Located along Niagara Square, Buffalo City Hall is a must-visit for first-timers.

  • Admissions : Free
  • Hours : Monday to Friday, 9 am - 4 pm

The observation deck is free to access and tourists can make the most of a guided tour at noon daily.

Tour The Frank Lloyd Wright’s Darwin D. Martin House Complex

The Darwin D. Martin House Complex is a fine site for those interested in the city’s backstory. Designed by the famous architect Lloyd Wright for the New York entrepreneur, it offers a glimpse into the past lifestyle of middle-class America. The complex features the main house, conservatory, pergola, carriage house, and a Wisteria Museum Shop.

It is a fabulous venue for tourists to explore and admire the structure's subtle design features. Built in the 1900s, the complex has been renovated to its former grandeur, impressing visitors with its unique aura.

  • Admission : $12.50 for an hour-long tour and $27.50 for a two-hour tour
  • Hours : Wednesday to Monday, 10 am - 3 pm

See First Niagara Center

A short distance from the Frank Lloyd Writght’s Darwin D. Martin House Complex is the Buffalo Zoo (more on this to come), another top attraction worth a visit.

Buffalo is a sports city and one of its crown jewels is the Buffalo Sabres, which plies its trade in the National Hockey League. Every game day, hockey fans gather at the First Niagara Center, home of the Buffalo Sabres, to support their local team, The 19,070-capacity stadium stages exciting ice hockey games that aptly complement the buzzing atmosphere.

Besides hockey, the arena holds various concerts and events, with top acts like Justin Timberlake and Trans-Siberian Orchestra performing. Whether a hockey fan or not, the otherworldly atmosphere of the stadium when full is worth experiencing.

Visit the First Niagara Center website for scheduled games/events, times, and ticket prices.

Check Out The Buffalo Zoo

After Niagara Falls, the Buffalo Zoo is the most sought-after attraction in Western New York, welcoming around 400,000 visitors. The magnificent facility was established in 1875 and sits on a 23.5-acre property in Delaware Park. It houses over 320 species of plants with exotic animals from around the globe, including polar bears, tigers, and gorillas.

Animal lovers flock here to interact with the various zoo residents. Aside from admiring the creatures, the zoo offers different educational programs on conservation that go a long way in preserving and improving the animal kingdom.

Be One With Nature At The Buffalo And Erie County Botanical Gardens

Those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city will feel at home visiting the Buffalo Botanical Gardens. This lush complex offers one of the best forms of natural beauty first-timers can find in the city, and the harmonious environment is perfect for unwinding after a long day.

The gardens are home to vast species of plants and flowers from around the globe. With over 140,000 guests visiting the venue annually, the facility is a proven tourist magnet that newcomers will find interesting. Whether looking to meditate, reflect, or seek spiritual healing, the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens are worth a stop.

For those looking to learn more about plant preservation, the gardens host insightful workshops, educational programs, and special events that will suit them perfectly.

Elmwood Village is a quaint suburb in Buffalo where visitors can experience the strong bond of the local community. The delightful neighborhood boasts all kinds of businesses, providing tourists with great dining, shopping, and entertainment. Shopaholics can stop at venues like Her Story, Blush, and Half & Half Boutique for much-needed retail therapy.

Meanwhile, restaurants like Mister Goodbar, Kuni’s, and Vera Pizzeria spoil guests with sumptuous servings of local and international cuisines, including the iconic Buffalo wings . There is so much to see and do in Elmwood Village; vacationers will need to clear their itinerary to fully experience the neighborhood.

Art enthusiasts should stop by the Burchfield Penny Art Center while in Elmwood Village to sample one of the best art collections in Western New York.

When To Visit Buffalo

Visiting Buffalo is best done during the Summer months, from June to August. These may be the busiest times in Buffalo but the summer weather in the city is hard to beat.

This is in contrast to Buffalo’s infamous winter months. Travelers looking to dodge the crowds may want to try late September, the weather is still holding up, the colors start to change, and there's plenty to do during the fall season .

What To Know When Visiting

When visiting Buffalo, travelers may not be aware of the city's multiple neighborhoods. When trying to their destination, travelers should make sure to get their neighborhoods right, so they don’t end up in the wrong place.

To help travelers keep the neighborhoods straight, here is a link to a map of the city’s neighborhoods .

Best Ways To Get Around The City

Buffalo is a large city with many people moving around at once. It is the home to a serviceable metro and is also a walkable city.

Taxi, Uber, Or Lyft!

Those that don’t mind paying a little extra to get where they're going quickly, will be able to rely on having both Uber and Lyft available as well as conventional taxis.

Getting around Buffalo this way isn’t a problem at all.

Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA)

Travelers looking to make use of public transit will be able to make use of the bus and rail systems that are all part of the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) . The city’s metro runs along Main Street from Key Bank Center to the South Campus of Buffalo University.

It is important to know that the train is free for the above-ground section. Travelers will be able to find a bus to get anywhere else.

Walking and Cycling

Travelers arriving during the summer months may want to know if the city is walkable or ridable. According to Walkscore.com Buffalo is a moderate to good walking city .

The same could be said about its riding score. As long as the weather is nice, it is quite easy to get around Buffalo walking or on a bike.

Where To Stay

Looking to spend a day or two in Buffalo? Here is a look at the best places to stay during a traveler's stay in the city.

Wyndham Garden Buffalo Downtown

Travelers looking for excellent value should check out Wyndham Garden Buffalo Downtown . This hotel is found on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus and was newly renovated in 2018.

It is easy to access the rest of Buffalo from this hotel with Canalside, HarborCenter, KeyBank Center, New Era Field, Sahlen Field, Shea's Theatre, and Buffalo Seneca Creek Casino all just minutes away.

  • Accommodation: Wyndham Garden Buffalo Downtown
  • Address - 125 High St, Buffalo, NY 14203-1153
  • Amenities - Parking, Free Wi-Fi, Fitness Center with Gym / Workout Room, Free shuttle or taxi services, Business Center with Internet Access, Concierge, Airport Transportation, Shuttle bus, service, Photocopier/fax In the business center, Convenience store
  • Non-smoking hotel, 24-hour front desk, Self-serve laundry

Hampton Inn & Suites Buffalo Downtown

Travelers looking for an unforgettable experience should stay at Hampton Inn & Suites Buffalo Downtown .

Offering incredible accommodations and being just two blocks from the NFTA metro, and eight minutes from KeyBank Center and Canalside, this is a great hotel for exploring buffalo.

  • Accommodation: Hampton Inn & Suites Buffalo Downtown
  • Address - 220 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14202
  • Amenities - Paid public parking on-site, Free High-Speed Internet (Wi-Fi), Pool, Fitness Center with Gym / Workout Room, Free breakfast, Babysitting, Pets Allowed (Dog / Pet Friendly), Business Center with Internet Access

Hyatt Regency Buffalo / Hotel and Conference Center

Located at the heart of Buffalo’s theater and financial districts, this newly renovated hotel has a little bit of everything including a full-service spa.

All of this and the Hyatt Regency Buffalo is just steps from the Chippewa Entertainment District, Elmwood Village, and a variety of restaurants and shops.

  • Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Buffalo
  • Address - 2 Fountain Plaza, Buffalo, NY 14202-2290
  • Amenities - Valet parking, Free High-Speed Internet (Wi-Fi), Fitness Center with Gym / Workout Room, Bar/Lounge, Pets Allowed (Dog/Pet Friendly), Business Center with Internet Access, Conference facilities, Baggage storage

Where To Eat

Buffalo is one of the best foodie destinations in Upstate New York with many choices for visiting travelers. Here is a look at just a few.

Paula's Donuts

Travelers looking to start their day with a sweet treat and a coffee should make a stop by Paula’s Donuts, they won’t regret it.

Established in 1996, Paula’s has been cooking up freshly baked donuts for their community for nearly three decades.

  • Address - 2319 Sheridan Drive Tonawanda, Buffalo, NY 14150
  • Contact - 716-862-4246
  • Fan-Favorite - Cannoli and Cookie Dough

Pearl Street Grill & Brewery

Travelers looking for some traditional American flavors as well as the local tastes of Buffalo should check out Pearl Street Grill & Brewery.

This is a great spot to enjoy some local food while in Buffalo.

  • Address - 76 Pearl St, Buffalo, NY 14224-1718
  • Contact - (716)856-2337
  • Cost - $$-$$$
  • Fan-Favorite - Panko breaded fish

Bacchus Wine Bar & Restaurant

Named after the Greek god of wine, this is the place travelers want to go to spend an evening enjoying fine dining and fine wine .

Refusing to compromise, they always have the freshest possible ingredients. Their incredible service can also be counted on.

  • Address - 54 W Chippewa St, Buffalo, NY 14202-2206
  • Contact - (716)854-9463
  • Cost - $$$$
  • Fan-Favorite - Tuna Tartar

Spend A Perfect Day In Buffalo

It would start with Paula’s Donuts of course, but from that point, there are a few options. But for the perfect day, travelers should get to Niagara Falls early. Do this in the morning and beat the crowds.

Perhaps travelers will want to spend more time than just the morning but with just one day, they should return to Buffalo for a late lunch at the Pearl Street Grill before taking a walk along Canalside.

Once it starts to get into the evening, travelers should head to Bacchus Wine Bar & Restaurant for the remainder of their evening. That would be a perfect day in Buffalo, New York.

Q: How Does Buffalo Compare With Syracuse, NY?

Both cities offer something a little bit different to travelers, but for those looking for big attractions like Niagara Falls or exploration of the Great Lakes, Buffalo offers a bit more. Syracuse, on the other hand, is a smaller city a few hours east, with better access to the Finger Lakes region and the Capital Region.

Q: How Does Buffalo Compare with Ithaca, NY?

These two cities are incredibly different. Buffalo is a large happening city with hundreds of thousands of residents. That is not the case with Ithaca. Ithaca is a much more quiet and more aesthetic city sitting right on the Finger Lakes of Upstate New York.

Buffalo is a busy place sitting on the doorstep of one of the natural wonders of North America. They are both great destinations, it just depends on what travelers are looking for.

Q: Is There Really Anything Else To See In Buffalo Other Than Niagara Falls

Yes, there is quite a bit to do in Buffalo than just going to see Niagara Falls. In fact, for many who visit the city often, Niagara Falls no longer appears on their itineraries. Buffalo is home to a great food scene, active outdoor events and venues, a bit of theater, and a great deal of passion for their sports. There is so much more to Buffalo than just Niagara Falls .

9 Things To Do In Buffalo: Complete Guide To Historic New York

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  2. A Closer Look: Buffalo History Museum

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  3. Seeing Buffalo from the Water on a Buffalo River History Tour

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  4. Explore the history of vibrant Buffalo city in New York on the perfect

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  5. A Closer Look: Buffalo History Museum

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  6. 15 Best Buffalo Tours

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