Best Things to Do in Buffalo New York: The Ultimate Guide

There are so many fun things to do in Buffalo NY that I know you’ll love. Even though Buffalo is known to us Canadians as a place to hop across the border to go shopping at outlet malls or attending hockey games, there are so many things to see in Buffalo outside of that. In fact, I’m not even going to mention a single outlet mall or hockey arena in this entire travel blog post.

Buffalo has been undergoing a massive revitalization for several years now, with new businesses and community spaces opening at a quick pace. There’s such a buzz in the city as it continues to change by the moment.

We stayed in brand new, unique hotels and there are so many unique restaurants popping up all over the place. Here’s a quick overview of some of the best things to do in Buffalo:

• Unique ways to go cycling
• Amazing architecture and history
• Art galleries and street art viewing
• Visiting restaurants and craft breweries
• Fantastic events and live music

Needless to say, Buffalo surprised us. We were wowed and enchanted by the city. While it’s very exciting for the locals, Buffalo’s rebirth provides new reasons for tourists to travel there. With so many attractions and activities in Buffalo, it’s a worthy destination to add to your bucket list.

In this Buffalo travel guide, we’re going to show you the most unique things to do in Buffalo, and exactly what to do in Buffalo for a memorable city break.

Fun Things to Do in Buffalo: Cycling (Three Ways!)

Did you know that there’s more than one way to go cycling in the city of Buffalo? You can probably guess the first way – on a standard bicycle. One of the most fun things to do in Buffalo NY is going water biking! Haven’t heard of water biking? Let us show you what it’s all about.

Water Bikes of Buffalo

We rented water bikes from Water Bikes of Buffalo, and it’s one of the most fun things to do in Buffalo, NY. It’s essentially a bicycle on top of a floating platform that enables you to glide across the water. Justin and I pedaled down the canal on our water bikes, admiring the scenery as we embraced the slight waves caused by passing boats.

It’s not only an original activity to try, but the scenery is truly one of a kind. Drift past old grain elevators, a giant naval ship, and even out towards a lighthouse along the shores of Lake Erie. This is one of the most unique things to do in Buffalo as I haven’t seen it anywhere else before.

Water bikes are rented out by the hour during the summer months. Although we didn’t try it, there are even tandem water bikes – just in case you’re interested in trying to make your partner do all the legwork (just kidding!).

Cycling in Buffalo

With a revitalized waterfront and lengthy paved paths, going for a bike ride is an excellent way to savour stunning views of Lake Erie. You can rent bikes by the hour to explore urban trails, nature preserves, and marinas. Buffalo’s Outer Harbor connects with other local trail systems, and there’s even a bike ferry to help you get around town.

Justin and I discovered Wilkeson Pointe, a hill topped with wind sculptures that has sweeping views of Lake Erie and the Buffalo skyline. We continued our journey towards Buffalo Harbor State Park, a green space where you can watch the boats sail by.

I can also suggest going on a bike tour around this area to travel around with an experienced guide. On this Buffalo waterfront bike tour, you’ll get to see all of the best spots and learn about the history of the city, too. Riding bikes is one of the most fun things to do in Buffalo, whether you take self-guided tours or a guided one.

Ice Biking in Buffalo

Have you ever tried ice biking in the winter months? It’s a bicycle outfitted to be maneuvered across ice. We all know that Buffalo receives some snowy and icy weather, so we may as well make the most of the wintery conditions. It’s also one of the most unique things to do in Buffalo and anywhere for that matter. I haven’t seen this ice activity anywhere else.

Check out Ice Bikes of Buffalo for more details about one of the most unique things to do in Buffalo. This is operated by the same company who runs Water Bikes of Buffalo, except this is their winter operation. Who said you can’t bike in the winter? It just shows that there are plenty of things to do in Buffalo all year long.

Attractions in Buffalo NY: The Architecture

Buffalo is a city famous for its architecture. The buildings designed here were a new form of American architecture and influenced new designs throughout the world. There are buildings here produced by famous architects, such as Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis Sullivan, and H.H. Richardson.

Although you can wander around and explore the buildings on your own, it’s best to join a tour so you can learn from an expert. One of the best attractions in Buffalo is its architecture, so it’s not to be missed. It’s one of the best things to do in downtown Buffalo and beyond.

Explore Buffalo Architecture Tour

Taking a walking tour is the best way to familiarize yourself with the architecture in downtown Buffalo. Explore Buffalo operates their architecture tours several times a week. While you used to be able to simply show up, you now need to make reservations in advance through their website.

Our guide was knowledgeable, friendly, and answered any questions that we had. We mostly wandered around outdoors, although we did venture inside a few of the buildings to see various interior architectural styles. If you’re a history buff, you’ll adore this tour.

Along the way, we examined and admired several prominent buildings, including the Guaranty Building, the Old Post Office, the Ellicott Square Building, and St. Paul’s Cathedral. Notably, Hotel Lafayette was designed by Louise Blanchard Bethune, the first known female architect in the United States.

The tour lasts approximately two hours and costs $16 per person. It was not only a great way to see the brilliant architectural gems around Buffalo, but it really helped us to familiarize ourselves with the city. It’s one of the best activities in Buffalo that’s in this Buffalo travel guide.

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House Complex

For fans of architecture, one excellent reason to travel to Buffalo is to witness Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterful project, the Darwin D. Martin House. This home was built in the early 1900s, and it’s considered to be one of his greatest works. This is one of the best places to visit in Buffalo for those who love history, too.

Every detail of this large Prairie home was carefully planned, including every piece of furniture. There are six connected buildings in total, including a long pergola that leads to a conservatory. The house contains nearly 400 examples of Frank Lloyd Wright’s originally designed art glass, including the “Tree of Life” window.

Even though it’s full of so much American history, the home surprisingly sat abandoned and empty for many years. Sadly, it became damaged and some buildings were completely destroyed. Thankfully, it’s been restored to its earlier glory. In 1986, the Martin House Complex was declared a National Historic Landmark.

We’ve never visited a home quite like this one. In fact, it’s one of the top tourist attractions in Buffalo. Justin and I really enjoyed exploring this site and learning all about its history. Whether you’re a fan of architecture or just a little bit curious, it’s well worth spending an hour or two walking around the Martin House Complex. If you’re looking for Buffalo trip ideas, definitely add this one to your list.

What to Do in Buffalo: Experience the Craft Beer Scene

The microbrewery scene is alive and well in Buffalo. Many of these breweries have unique elements and stories. You simply must sample as many varieties of beer as you can while you’re visiting. Drinking beer is one of the best things to do in Buffalo. Here are the best breweries in Buffalo to visit while you’re there, and here are a few memorable favorites of ours.

Resurgence Brewing Company

Resurgence Brewing Company features a taproom and a large beer garden on site. They offer many rotating styles of beer, as well as a few favorites that are always available. You’ll always find their signature Resurgence IPA at the brewery. Also on tap, the Sponge Candy Stout and Loganberry Wit are original classics at the brewery.

Resurgence’s name is quite fitting. After the brewery opened, the neighborhood continues to experience a resurgence in life. It’s even a metaphor for Buffalo as a whole as it undergoes many positive changes.

Riverworks Brewing Company

Riverworks Brewing Company is the first brewery in the world to operate inside a grain silo. Although branded on the exterior as a Labatt Blue silo, Riverworks brews the beer inside the silo and serves it up at the base of it (the Silo Bar). We sampled the Wheeler Wheat (a traditional German Hefeweizen brewed with wheat and barley), and it was super refreshing.

Riverworks also finds a second interesting way to utilize the old grain silos. There is a rock climbing all on the outside of one set of silos, with one going as high as 50 feet. Justin and I tried climbing the silos – before we drank the beer, of course! It was quite windy that afternoon, on the verge of raining. It made the climb a little scarier and certainly more challenging!

Big Ditch Brewing Company

Big Ditch Brewing Company is one of my favorite breweries in Buffalo. The name “Big Ditch” refers to the Erie Canal, back when the locals were skeptical that it would ever be constructed. However, this “Big Ditch” brought business and prosperity to Buffalo for decades.

I sampled a flight of five beers, including some seasonal ales mixed in with the classics: the Berliner Weisse, Blonde Peach, Cinnamon Apple, FC (Fantastically Crushable), and Fresh Baked. My vote for the best beer goes to the Blonde Peach by far, where they use loads of real peaches in the brewing process.

Best Things to Do in Buffalo: Music and Events

While you’ll likely be busy all day when you travel to Buffalo, save some energy for the evening. Buffalo has a happening nightlife scene, with several places to hang out and meet new people. If you’re looking for what to do in Buffalo, be sure to head out in the evening for a night on the town.

The people of Buffalo are quite friendly and take pride in their community, so you’ll likely make some new friends while you’re there. And visiting all of these places are really fun things to do in Buffalo at night (and some of them in the day, too). Here are a few nightlife hot spots around town.

Larkin Square

While Larkin Square is open all day long, there are plenty of nighttime activities to check out. It’s the heart of Larkinville with loads of free community events. Food Truck Tuesdays runs every week from 5pm – 8pm. There are also lunchtime food trucks on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

During the summer months, there’s a live concert series every Wednesday night. At least two bands perform live, playing their original tunes. Pop over to Hydraulic Hearth if you’re looking for brick oven pizzas or tantalizing specialty cocktails.

Colored Musicians Club & Jazz Museum

The Colored Musicians Club and Jazz Museum is the only remaining and longest continually operating African American Musicians Club in the United States. Checking out a live performance is one of the best and most unique things to do in Buffalo, NY.

Back in early 1900s, the musicians union in Buffalo refused to allow African Americans to join. A separate union was formed, and a social club developed one year later. Members of the social club spent time there after work, using it as a practice space for band rehearsals. Eventually, the Colored Musicians Club found a permanent home, and this provided members with a sense of community.

Many jazz legends passed through the Colored Musicians Club, like Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, and Ella Fitzgerald. It is one of the top places to visit in Buffalo without question.

Today, the club promotes the preservation of jazz in Buffalo, as well as detailing the history of jazz through its museum. Right now, the Colored Musicians Club & Jazz Museum is undergoing a massive renovation, so it’s closed at the moment. It’s going to be incredible when it reopens, stay tuned!

Fun Things to do in Buffalo: View Amazing Art

While I’m not one to typically spend my limited time in a city wandering through museums, I highly recommend that you check out these two art museums in Buffalo. They both display modern art in two completely different and intriguing ways. And they’re right across the street from one another, so you can easily spend an afternoon exploring both of them.

If public art and street art is more your jam, Buffalo has plenty of that too. There are so many fun things to do in Buffalo if you’re an art lover. Here are our top recommendations.

Burchfield Penney Art Center

The Burchfield Penney Art Center is a beautiful museum showcasing the works of artists hailing from Western New York. This includes the largest collection of art by famed artist, Charles E. Burchfield. Highlights include works in the Charles E. Burchfield Rotunda, and a recreation of his personal studio.

In addition to the permanent collection, there are rotating special exhibitions. There’s truly always something new and interesting to discover at Burchfield Penney, so you can visit multiple times and it will feel like a new experience.

Buffalo AKG Art Museum

Across the street, the Buffalo AKG Art Museum (formerly the Albright-Knox Art Gallery) features an extraordinary collection of contemporary and modern art. You’ll find works spanning decades at the museum, covering movements like Impressionism, Cubism, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism, Pop Art, and contemporary art of the 21st century.

Admire works by favorite artists like Andy Warhol, Vincent Van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, and Jackson Pollock. Surrounding the museum, there are outdoor sculptures that anyone can view on their own.  Whether you venture inside the museum or not, you can walk around the property and explore almost 20 unique sculptures.

Street Art in Buffalo

One of the best things to do in Buffalo is explore the local street art scene. There are bright and colorful murals painted all over town. Many of them depict themes and imagery that put Buffalo on the map, and some art honors important figures to the city. Check out the murals in the city center or within many of Buffalo’s vibrant neighborhoods.

Here’s our guide to the best murals in Buffalo if you are really interested in street art and want to hunt it all down. There’s a map guiding you to all of the most beautiful murals in that blog post. Discovering street art is one of my favorite things to do in downtown Buffalo and beyond. You’re bound to stumble upon a few if you’re walking around.

Getting Around Buffalo

We drove to Buffalo and I highly recommend having a car. Renting a car when you’re in Buffalo gives you the freedom to visit all of the best places whenever you like. I suggest comparing car rental prices to find the most affordable rates for your visit.

Where to Stay in Buffalo, New York

We’ve visited Buffalo on a few occasions, so we’ve had the opportunity to personally experience a few hotels. We’ll also post a map with hotel and vacation rental bookings so you can compare every property available. The first few listed here are our personal recommendations.

The Curtiss Hotel

Located right in downtown Buffalo, the Curtiss Hotel is within a historic landmark – the Harlow C. Curtiss building. It’s a very luxurious experience in the heart of Buffalo with high tech rooms – even the toilet comes with a remote control! It’s home to Buffalo’s only year round urban hot springs.

InnBuffalo off Elmwood

InnBuffalo Off Elmwood is a delightful place to stay in Buffalo, situated in Elmwood Village. It’s a very unique accommodation with an intriguing history. The building is a Victorian home, also known as the Hewitt mansion, converted into a nine room hotel.

The Richardson Hotel

We stayed at The Richardson Hotel back when it was called Hotel Henry, though I’m so pleased to see it reopen as we thoroughly enjoyed our stay here. It’s a National Historic Landmark set on a campus and 40 acre park designed by Fredrick Law Olmsted.

Buffalo Restaurants and Cafes

Buffalo is a haven for vegans and vegetarians. I’ve written a complete vegan restaurant guide to Buffalo if you’d like more details about all of the top plant-based eats in Buffalo. Here’s a brief listing of suggested restaurants and cafes.

Strong Hearts

Strong Hearts is an excellent vegan restaurant in Buffalo to bring your friends, whether they follow a vegan diet or not. This is their second location; the first is a long standing vegan restaurant in Syracuse. The eclectic menu is full of creative, delicious eats, and there’s something for every taste: several kinds of vegan Buffalo wings, mac n cheese, a huge menu of burgers and sandwiches, and more.

Sunshine Vegan Eats

Sunshine Vegan Eats is another amazing vegan restaurant in Buffalo, NY. Chef Nikki creates incredible plant-based culinary delights that won’t have you missing the meat. Try these vegan twists on American classics, like chicken wings, burgers, chicken and waffles, and more. You can dine in or order for take out or delivery through their website.

Amy’s Place

Amy’s Place is a vegetarian restaurant in Buffalo with many vegan options. It’s a longstanding veggie spot in Buffalo since 1981. While they have limited hours (Wednesday to Saturday, 5-10pm), make time in your schedule to go to Amy’s Place if you can as it’s such an institution for great food in Buffalo.

Parkside Candy

Yes, Parkside Candy is a candy and chocolate shop, but you’ll be able to find a few vegan chocolates there. The dark chocolate peanut butter cups, dark chocolate peanut clusters, and dark chocolate nonpariels are all dairy-free and super tasty.

Well, what are you waiting for? This city has changed so much over the years, and it’s ready for you. There are so many amazing things to do in Buffalo NY. Choose a completely original hotel, explore the great outdoors, wander through museums, discover great architecture, taste yummy food and craft beer, and so much more.

Justin and I have visited Buffalo on quite a few occasions now since it’s so close to home, just across the border. Even still, there are so many things to see in Buffalo that we’ll return again and again I’m sure!

More Things to Do in Western New York

There are so many fun things to do in Western New York. We visit all the time as we live only a short distance away in the Toronto area. These spots make a really excellent day trip from Toronto, day trip from Buffalo or road trip from elsewhere in the USA and Canada.

• Best Things to Do in East Aurora, NY
• Things to Do in Williamsville, NY
• Fun Things to Do in Buffalo, NY
• Vegan Guide to Buffalo, NY
• Where to Find Street Art in Buffalo and Niagara Falls, NY
• InnBuffalo Off Elmwood: Our Full Review
• Best Breweries in Buffalo
• Eternal Flame Falls in Orchard Park
• Griffis Sculpture Park: One of the Largest Sculpture Parks in the USA

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