The Queen City’s a great place to visit for families, sports fans, couples, and solo adventurers. Buffalo is close enough to make Niagara Falls a day trip. But it has tons of activities and places to enjoy in and around the city itself, including Buffalo Bills games at Highmark Stadium and impressive art collections at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery or Buffalo AKG Museum.
Whether you come here for summer vacation or a winter wonderland trip, you can expect hospitality and friendliness. In fact, Buffalo’s known as the City of Good Neighbors. The hard part is deciding where to stay, when to go, and what to do in Buffalo.
At AAA, we’ve been helping travelers plan trips here for decades. Our Buffalo travel guide gives you lots of advice, recommendations, and practical tips you can use to plan your vacation to this city in Upstate New York.
How to Get Around Buffalo
Driving your car or a rental car is the most convenient way to travel around Buffalo. Not everything is located in the heart of downtown. You’ll find a lot of attractions and activities in the city’s outer suburbs that may not be easy to get to without a car. Having your own vehicle is also convenient for driving over to Niagara Falls or other places for day trips. Just note that you may need to pay for metered parking on many streets.
If your trip to Buffalo doesn’t include a car, you can explore other ways to get around. If you’ll mainly be in the downtown area, there’s the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority’s metro line. This rail service runs from Canalside to the University of New York at Buffalo’s South Campus on Main Street. NFTA also has public buses that run throughout Buffalo and the suburbs. Just make sure to check NFTA bus and rail schedules beforehand.
Best Time to Visit Buffalo
The kinds of activities you want to do help determine the right time for you to visit Buffalo. Your budget might also be another factor to think about, especially if you’re trying to keep travel costs on the low side. Our AAA team offers the following examples of when might be the best time for you to visit here, depending on your goals and priorities.
If you want warm weather for your visit, plan a summer trip. Buffalo’s known for its cold, snowy winters. Spring and fall are a bit warmer, but they might not be warm enough for you if you plan to do a lot of outdoor activities. Summer offers temperatures in the high 70s and low 80s. Just note that it’s also more crowded and more expensive here in summer.
If you want to catch a sports game, aim for a fall vacation here. The Buffalo Bills play football in fall and winter. The Buffalo Sabres play hockey in fall, too, although their season runs through winter and spring. Fall brings somewhat warm temperatures until later in the season, along with lower prices on accommodations and other expenses.
If you’re looking for the lowest prices all around, visit here in winter. Yes, you might have to worry about traveling through snow or freezing temperatures. But you’ll save considerably on travel expenses. You’ll also be able to enjoy snow tubing and other winter activities and possibly see a frozen Niagara Falls covered in ice and snow.
Spectator Sports and Outdoor Activities in Buffalo
The city’s an ideal vacation spot, whether you like to watch sports or participate in them. Buffalo sports and recreation options include the following spectator sports:
- Buffalo Bills: This NFL team plays at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park with seasons typically beginning in early September.
- Buffalo Sabres: This NHL team plays at KeyBank Center in downtown Buffalo with seasons usually starting in October.
- Buffalo Bisons: This MiLB team plays at Sahlen Field in downtown Buffalo with seasons starting in March.
- College sports: The UB Bulls, the Buff State Bengals and other colleges play basketball, football and other sports throughout the year.
If you prefer being active instead of watching games, Buffalo offers all of the following winter activities at Holiday Valley, Kissing Bridge and other places in the region:
- Skiing
- Snow tubing
- Snowmobiling
- Tobogganing
Activities to enjoy here in warmer weather include:
- Kayaking in Buffalo Harbor
- Fishing on Bird island Pier, Buffalo Small Boat Harbor and other areas
- Swimming at Beaver Island State Park, Woodlawn Beach State Park and other areas
Top Things to Do in Buffalo
The Queen City might be known as the home of the Bills, but there’s more to it than football games. If you’re not a sports fan, you’ll have plenty of other attractions and activities to keep you busy while you visit here. Whether you’re coming here on your own or traveling to Buffalo with kids, the following are just some of the places to see during your vacation.
Buffalo AKG Museum
As an art museum that dates all the way back to 1862, you can imagine that there’s a lot to see here. Once known as the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, the museum features works of art from the 1800s through modern times. You can also check for upcoming events to enjoy while you’re visiting.
Canalside
Buffalo’s waterfront has gone through some major changes and upgrades over the years. It’s now the site of Canalside, a complex filled with activities and events year round. Take a photo with the Shark Girl statue, and stroll along the boardwalk while admiring the water views. Go ice skating in winter, or enjoy free concerts in summer.
Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens
Step into colorful surroundings at the botanical gardens, where you can see palm trees, orchids, desert plants, a koi pond, and bonsai trees. Those are all part of the gardens’ indoor collection. The outdoor collection includes an arboretum, native garden filled with wildflowers, a rose garden, and other gardens that create a picturesque setting.
Buffalo Zoo
This historic zoo has been part of the city since the 1870s. Over the years, it’s gone through changes and renovations, allowing the animals to have more naturalistic exhibits. You’ll see sea lions, grizzly bears, gorillas, and many other animals here. The zoo also holds events throughout the year, like Zoomagination: Festival of Lanterns and Lights.
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House
If you appreciate architecture, then traveling to Buffalo is well worth it for a chance to see a Frank Lloyd Wright structure. Take a guided tour of the Martin House to see the carriage house, pergola, both floors of the home, and other structures. Self-guided tours and special candlelight tours are also available.
Where to Stay in Buffalo
This western NY city has a range of accommodations, giving you plenty of options to choose from. The right place for your trip will depend on your budget, desired location, and amenities. You’ll have a lot of choices, whether you want to stay in downtown or closer to the airport. Buffalo also has several hotels available at higher and lower price points. The following are some notable places to stay in the Queen City.
The Mansion on Delaware Avenue
Address: 414 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14202
Diamond-designation: Four Diamond
Best for: Accommodations near artsy Allentown and the Historic District
Spend your nights in a mansion dating back to the late 19th century. The Mansion might not have all the fancy amenities that other hotels have, like pools and spas. But it does offer elegant, upscale decor and furnishings, with some rooms even having a fireplace. You’ll also have a butler available to assist you if needed.
The Westin
Address: 250 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14202
Diamond-designation: Four Diamond
Best for: Pet owners
Not all hotels in downtown Buffalo are pet-friendly, but The Westin is an exception. Bring your pup with you while staying in this centrally located hotel. You’ll be close to shopping, attractions, and dining for convenience. You can also stay on site for dining at the hotel’s restaurants.
Hilton Garden Inn Buffalo Downtown
Address: 10 Lafayette Square, Buffalo, NY 14203
Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
Best for: Families
For a comfortable place to stay with fun amenities for the whole family, book rooms at Hilton Garden Inn. The hotel also has junior suites and deluxe junior suites available with pull-out sofa sleepers to accommodate more people. The on-site saltwater pool is a great way for kids and adults to unwind after spending the day touring the city.
Hampton Inn Airport/Galleria
Address: 1745 Walden Ave, Cheektowaga, NY 14225
Diamond-designation: Three diamond
Best for: Accommodations near the airport
If you’re flying into Buffalo Niagara International Airport, this Hampton Inn is directly across from it. You’ll have transportation to and from the airport, along with transportation within a few miles of the hotel for added convenience. It’s also just minutes away from downtown Buffalo for sightseeing and the Walden Galleria Mall for shopping.
Buffalo Marriott at LECOM HARBORCENTER
Address: 95 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14203
Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
Best for: Waterfront accommodations
Enjoy views of Lake Erie at this Buffalo Marriott, along with views of the Falls from the upper floors. It’s also a convenient choice if you’re coming into town to catch a Sabres game, since it’s next to KeyBank Center. You’ll also be close to Canalside and all of its attractions and amenities when you stay here.
Where to Eat in Buffalo
Known for its pizza and chicken wings, Buffalo has many other dining options available. But you really should check out at least one wings restaurant while you’re in town. We’ve included one of the best in the area below, along with some other top dining options for your trip to Buffalo.
Oliver’s Restaurant
Address: 2095 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14216
Diamond-designation: Four Diamond
Reservations: Suggested, especially on weekends
Type of Cuisine: American
For a huge wine selection and a seasonal menu featuring fresh ingredients, enjoy a meal at Oliver’s Restaurant. This locally owned place has been part of the city since the early ‘80s. Order one of the current dishes featuring seafood or prime cuts, homemade pasta, or the 7-course tasting menu when it’s available.
The Dapper Goose
Address: 491 Amherst St, Buffalo, NY 14207
Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
Type of Cuisine: International
Located close to Delaware Park and Buffalo State College, The Dapper Goose is a hip restaurant serving local farm-to-table ingredients and seasonal dishes. The menu has small and large plates to choose from, depending on how big your appetite is. You’ll find burgers, pasta, seafood, cheese plates, and, of course, chicken wings, on the menu.
San Marco Ristorante
Address: 2082 Kensington Ave, Amherst, NY 14226
Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
Reservations: Suggested
Type of Cuisine: Northern Italian
For Northern Italian dishes, make a short drive over to Amherst, one of Buffalo’s suburbs. San Marco Ristorante serves venison, quail, and other wild game with porcini mushrooms and other tasty ingredients. There’s also an extensive list of wines to choose from, including Italian reds and whites, California wines, and Tuscany wines.
Black and Blue Steak and Crab
Address: 5493 Sheridan Dr, Williamsville, NY 14221
Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
Reservations: Suggested
Type of Cuisine: Steak
Head over to Williamsville, a quaint village just outside the city, for steak and seafood. Black and Blue Steak and Crab serves delicious seafood dishes and aged steaks made with the restaurant’s signature house rub. Stroll over to Glen Park after your meal to see a waterfall and other scenic surroundings.
Anchor Bar and Restaurant
Address: 1047 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14209
Diamond-designation: Approved
Reservations: Suggested
Type of Cuisine: Wings
The Anchor Bar claims to be the “home of the original Buffalo chicken wing,” making it a top spot to go for wings. It’s been around since 1935, serving wings, pizzas, and other foods to locals and visitors. In fact, you’ll see portraits of more famous visitors lining the walls. Order some mild or medium wings, or brave an order of hot wings.
Buffalo Photo Spots
You can easily fill up your phone or camera with tons of pictures while traveling around Buffalo, especially if you make a trip out to Niagara Falls or other national and state parks nearby. But some of the top places for photos are right in the city itself. We’ve created the following list of spots to capture eye-catching vacation images.
1. Silo City at 120 Childs Street
As a former industrial center, Buffalo’s downtown area has old grain elevators that have been around for decades. Known as Silo City, these structures give your vacation photographs a rustic look and historic feel, especially if you use a black and white filter. If you’re planning to visit Canalside, that’s a great time to take these pics.
2. Richardson-Olmsted Campus at 444 Forest Avenue
This towering historic building has a Gothic look to it, making it a great backdrop for fall vacation photographs. Once abandoned, it’s now a landmark complex with a hotel, green spaces, and guided tours. Stand with the building’s imposing towers behind you before heading in for a tour or just stopping by the area during your stay.
3. Delaware Park’s Japanese Garden at 1 Museum Court
Delaware Park is an amazing place to visit, especially in spring when flowers are blooming or when the leaves have turned colors in the fall. You can find tons of scenic places to snap pics here. But one of the best is the Japanese Garden during spring with its pink cherry blossoms.
4. Buffalo Central Terminal at 495 Paderewski Boulevard
The city used to have a thriving railroad industry. Buffalo Central Terminal is a reminder of those past days. This 1929 building hasn’t been used as a train station for decades, but it has undergone renovations over the years. Take photos with this historic building as your backdrop before doing more sightseeing in this part of Buffalo.
5. Shea’s Buffalo Theatre at 646 Main Street
You don’t have to attend a show here to capture images of the theater’s stunning interior. Shea’s is a historic place dating back to 1926 that offers tours at times. The lobby’s soaring ceilings, ornate decor, and elegant staircase make beautiful backdrops for photographs. The theater itself also makes a striking background for pics.
Day Trips from Buffalo
The Queen City sits right by the border, making international day trips to Niagara Falls, Ontario or Toronto a possibility. Just make sure you bring your passport if you plan on crossing the border. But you don’t have to leave the country to have an unforgettable day trip. These are some of the best destinations for day trips from Buffalo.
1. Niagara Falls, NY
- Distance: 20 miles
Take I-190 north to reach Niagara Falls in about a half-hour, depending on traffic. During your trip, you can see the Falls in all their thundering glory. Check out Goat Island, Three Sisters Island, Maid of the Mist, the Observation Tower, and Cave of the Winds for a fun-filled day at the Falls.
2. Chestnut Ridge Park
- Distance: 18 miles
Travel along I-190 south and US-219 south to get to Chestnut Ridge Park. If you go in winter, you can enjoy downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, toboggan chutes, sledding, and snowshoeing. In summer, head here to hike up the Eternal Flames Waterfall. The grotto behind the waterfall produces a small flame via natural gas, making it an unusual sight to see.
3. Chautauqua County
- Distance: 72 miles
Drive along I-90 west to reach Chautauqua County. Visit the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Museum in Jamestown. Or plan a day on the waters of Chautauqua Lake or Lake Erie going boating or fishing. If you’re a wine connoisseur, consider exploring the Chautauqua County Wine Trail before heading back up to Buffalo.
4. Letchworth State Park
- Distance: 58 miles
Take NY-78 south or NY-400 south to get to this scenic state park in roughly an hour. Letchworth State Park is so picturesque that it’s been called the Grand Canyon of the East. Enjoy hiking, whitewater rafting, and hot air balloon rides if you visit here in summer. For winter trips, you can do some snow tubing or snowmobiling in the park.
5. Lockport
- Distance: 30 miles
Drive along I-190 north to reach Lockport in a little over half an hour. That’s where you can see and learn about the origins of the Erie Canal. Follow the Erie Canalway Trail and visit the Erie Canal Discovery Center. Take an underground boat ride through the Lockport Cave and a walking tour of the Erie Canal Locks.
Visiting Buffalo on a Budget
When you’re looking to cut back on travel expenses, our guide to Buffalo can help. We’ve put together some practical tips for ways to find deals and save money on different parts of your travel planning, including accommodations and attractions. Keep these in mind while booking your Buffalo vacation.
1. Redeem airline frequent flyer miles/credit card points. If you’ve been earning miles with an airline loyalty program or credit card rewards program, now’s a good time to put those to use. Check to see how much you have and how much you can redeem to decrease airfare costs if you’re flying into Buffalo Niagara International Airport for your trip. With enough points, you might not pay much overall for airfare.
2. Check for AAA membership discounts and deals. If you haven’t checked your AAA discounts recently, make sure you do so before making any bookings. You might be surprised to see how much you can save with these deals. As a AAA member, you might have access to lower rates for the following:
- Vehicle discounts if you’re going to be renting a car
- Tickets for attractions, activities, and tours in Buffalo
- Accommodations with AAA preferred partners in and around Buffalo
3. Search for free or affordable things to do in Buffalo. Catching a show at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre or going to a Bills game might take up a chunk of your trip budget. But you can make up for it with free or low-cost activities and attractions for the rest of your trip. Explore Canalside and Delaware Park for free. Check local museums and other attractions for free days or days and times where admission is reduced.
4. Visit Buffalo in winter for the lowest prices. If you don’t mind the cold, consider making a trip to Buffalo during winter. This is when airfare, hotels, and other expenses tend to be at their lowest. You won’t be dealing with crowds at the airport or competition for hotel rooms during this cold, snowy season. But you’ll save big on travel costs and have a chance to enjoy fun winter activities.
5. Find accommodations in neighboring towns, cities, or suburbs. Staying in the heart of Buffalo or near the waterfront is convenient, but it typically comes with higher prices. If you want to save on accommodations, compare prices at hotels in nearby towns and suburbs, like Cheektowaga, Lancaster, and Amherst. Cheektowaga hotels usually put you right near the airport for added convenience and cost savings.
Plan Your Buffalo Vacation with AAA
Once you’ve gathered inspiration for your dream Buffalo trip on Trip Canvas, contact one of AAA’s Travel Agents today to start making your dream a reality, using your AAA membership to access exclusive deals. No matter your budget, they can help you simplify the planning process with prepackaged trips or a la carte options.