The Ultimate Travel Guide To Historic Buffalo, New York

Buffalo, 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.

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.

• BUF Buffalo Taxi Cab – (716) 400-3018

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.

• 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
• Cost – $

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

• 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
• Cost – $$

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.

• 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
• Cost – $

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
• Cost – $
• 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

Top Rated Sights

There are so many incredible sights to check out around Buffalo. 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.

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, travelers will have an easy time finding the view their looking for.

Canalside

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.

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.

FAQ

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.