If you choose to remember Buffalo, New York, as a place where chicken wings, roaring waterfalls, and die-hard sports fans share the spotlight, you are not wrong.
One minute, you dive face-first into saucy, crispy wings; the next, you are gawking at Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural genius.
…there’s never a shortage of things to do in Buffalo!
The city’s landmarks and iconic sights are beautiful because it’s a mix of different attractions. Where architecture buffs geek out over Frank Lloyd Wright’s stunning designs and music lovers know it as the hometown of Rick James and the Goo Goo Dolls.
But what really makes Buffalo special is its spirit. Yes, the winters are brutal, but that just gives locals an excuse to huddle up with a plate of wings and a drink.
When the sun finally comes out, the city shines with lots of indoor and outdoor activities that you will learn about in this article.
So, thinking of spending some time in the City of Light, here are some of the best things to do in Buffalo, New York:
- Anchor Bar
Have you ever wondered how the classic Buffalo wings came to be in Buffalo City? The Anchor Bar holds this creation in history.
Buffalo wings were born here, making eating at Anchor Bar a rite of passage. Their crispy, saucy goodness is legendary.
Just grab a plate, pair it with a cold beer, and soak in the history of this iconic joint. Cocktails are also available if you prefer these.
It’s a must-do activity if you are a self-proclaimed foodie, a certified history buff, or an original wing lover. You can visit anytime, but game days make for a lively atmosphere.
Cost:
Wing platters start around $15.
- Canalside
Although Canalside was once an industrial hub, it has now transformed into Buffalo’s go-to waterfront destination.
Every year, lots of activities are hosted on the waterfront. A favorite spot for both locals and newcomers, including those settling in with the help from any of the movers in Buffalo, NY offers.
But if you come visiting when no activities or events are lined up, you can kayak along the Buffalo River, rent bikes, or just lounge by the boardwalk.
It’s just one of the many things to do in Buffalo.
For seasonal activities, visit during summer for the concerts and kayaking activities. Winters offer ice skating opportunities. Plus, free concerts and events keep the energy alive all year long.
Cost:
FREE to walk around, but kayak rentals start at $15 per hour.
- Buffalo City Hall Observation Deck
Only a few places in Buffalo offer views similar to those of the Buffalo City Hall Observation Deck.
The stunning Art Deco architecture gives you even more reasons to add it to your itinerary. You can see Lake Erie, Canada, and the entire city skyline from the top of the deck.
It’s a must-visit and best of all; it won’t cost you a dime. You shouldn’t miss this as an architecture lover, photographer, or history buff.
The best time to visit is any season or day when the clouds are clear for the best views.
Cost:
FREE
- Niagara Falls
Although Niagara Falls is not located in Buffalo City, no visit to the City of Light is complete without catching at least a glimpse of Niagara Falls.
Just a short drive from Buffalo, this natural wonder should bump up on your list of places to visit. You could take a Maid of the Mist boat ride to get up close and soak in the views. You can also view it from the observation tower.
The sheer power of the falls is breathtaking!
However, if you’d like a side of adventure to your visit, try the Cave of the Winds tour. On this tour, you will walk along wooden platforms just feet from the cascading water.
Cost:
$10 per adult for the Observation Tower. Boat tours range from $28-$35.
- Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park
A visit to Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park is a good place to begin for a suitable family day outing that’s educational for the kids and insightful for the adults.
Here, you can step aboard decommissioned Navy vessels. Of course, including the USS Little Rock and the USS The Sullivans, where you explore military history firsthand.
It’s an interactive, educational experience, especially great for families and history buffs. Even military enthusiasts will find it engaging.
Cost:
$23 for adults, $15 for youth (5 -17 yrs), $18 for seniors (65+ years), $16 for veterans, and FREE for children (4 years and under).
- Albright-Knox Art Gallery (Buffalo AKG Art Museum)
Buffalo has an impressive art scene covering all art from the ancient to the contemporary.
This museum showcases works by Picasso, Warhol, and other greats of European and American origin as well as modern art highlights.
Regardless of whether you love contemporary pieces or classic masterpieces, there’s something for every eye here. Art lovers and culture seekers will especially find this one of the most engaging things to do in Buffalo.
While you can visit anytime, check for rotating exhibitions. You can also opt for guided tours led by engaging museum docents.
Cost:
Guided tours are $26 for adults, $24 for seniors (62+ years), $24 for college students, $14 for youth (6 -18 years), and $4 for children (5 years and under).
- Larkin Square
For social butterflies, Larkin Square has something for you. It’s your go-to destination for a sense of community in Buffalo.
Buffalo’s Food Truck Tuesdays showcase the city’s best eats, while live music and events make it a perfect social hangout. Lots of things to do in Buffalo—you haven’t seen enough!
Simply grab a seat, enjoy the vibes, and maybe even challenge a stranger to a giant game of Connect Four.
The best time to visit is during summer for food truck events and live music.
Cost:
FREE entry, but food and drinks vary in price.
- Elmwood Village
If you would like to see, in real time, a place that looks fresh out of a Disney animation, Elmwood Village is one such place.
Named one of America’s best neighborhoods, Elmwood Village is perfect for strolling, shopping, and dining.
Indie boutiques, cozy cafes, and vibrant street art make it one of Buffalo’s coolest spots to hang out. Victorian architecture is another sight you should look out for.
While any time is great for a visit, fall is particularly charming.
Cost:
FREE to explore, but shopping and dining prices vary.
Endnote: Fun at the City of Light
There is no doubt, lots of things to do in Buffalo.
More than just about the places to go, it’s also about the people you meet. The warmth of the locals makes every visit feel like a homecoming.
You don’t just check off activities here; you become part of the city’s pulse. Whether that means singing along at a Canalside concert, kayaking along the Buffalo River, walking the decks of a naval ship, or being on a quest for the perfect wing.
Buffalo is a city bursting with energy, history, and unbeatable food. It’s a destination that satisfies every kind of traveler.
So, if you are looking for a bold, flavorful, and full of surprises city, Buffalo is calling!
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.