Destinations, New York, Travel, USA

From One Queen City to Another: The Complete Weekend Travel Guide to Buffalo, New York

Alyssa waves her arms in front of the Keep Buffalo a Secret Mural

Buffalo skyline seen from Buffalo City Hall Observation Deck

A plate of wings at Duff's

Alyssa on the steps of City Hall

Mosaic tiles fill in a damaged sidewalk in Buffalo

Bagels and pretzels on a wall at BreadHive

Interior courtyard at the Martin House in Buffalo

A boat at Canalside

With bare-bones service and high add-on fees, most people wouldn’t be as thrilled about the launch of a new budget airline route as I am—but because I live in Charlotte, where American Airlines controls 90% of flights and charges significantly higher fares as a result of their monopoly, I relish every alternative we get.

Back in May 2024, Frontier Airlines launched service connecting Charlotte, North Carolina, with Buffalo, New York, and it’s an understatement to say I was chomping at the bit to return to Western New York. Michael and I explored a little of the region last year by spending a weekend in Rochester, and that trip left a lasting impression.

With a perfectly reasonable fare to Buffalo and a Friday-Monday flight schedule, we jumped at our chance to travel from one Queen City to another.


This post is not sponsored but may contain commissionable links.

I fervently dove into my trip research, building out an itinerary that prioritized the city’s cultural gems and excellent culinary scene while supporting local businesses at the same time.

As always, it’s my honor to share my finds and recommendations with you today. But first, a little background on Buffalo and why you should visit:


ABOUT BUFFALO, NEW YORK

Silos in Buffalo
The grain industry helped fuel Buffalo’s growth

Buffalo, New York, has a rich history that predates European settlement, as the land was originally home to Indigenous peoples, primarily the Seneca Nation. Shortly after its charter in 1801, Buffalo rapidly developed into a major transportation and industrial hub, in large part thanks to its strategic location on one of the Great Lakes. But it was the opening of the Erie Canal in 1825 that really propelled its booming steel and grain industries.

A little more than a century later, Buffalo faced economic decline as manufacturing jobs disappeared—a commonality among Rust Belt cities like Cleveland, Milwaukee, Rochester, and Detroit. Yet just like these other destinations, Buffalo has undergone a renaissance and today it is the second-most populous city in New York state.


WHY VISIT BUFFALO?

Buffalo AKG Art Museum's older wing
Buffalo is a city rich in cultural opportunities

If you had asked Michael this question just a month ago, his answer would have been simple: “Wings.”

And honestly, I get it—I’m food-motivated enough to visit a city just to eat my way through it. But there’s so much more to Buffalo than its famous spicy chicken wings. This city, just a stone’s throw from the Canadian border, is not only conveniently located for domestic visitors (whether arriving by car, train, or plane) but also a welcoming gateway for our neighbors to the north. But more importantly: Buffalo is brimming with things to do and places to explore.

From its revitalized waterfront areas to its growing arts and culinary scene, Buffalo has a lot going for it. Yet, it feels almost undiscovered in many ways, often flying below the tourist-heavy radar of its more famous neighbors. This is a place where you can explore at your own pace and blend in with the locals, who just might assume you’re one of them.

Take advantage of Buffalo’s low-key vibe by discovering the city through a local perspective. Whether you’re into art, history, or simply enjoying a walk in one of the many parks, you’re sure to find something to love in Buffalo—including wings.


THINGS TO DO IN BUFFALO

Cultural activities and great views—what more could you want in a destination?
The Buffalo AKG Art Museum from a distance
Buffalo AKG Art Museum is the sixth-oldest public art institution in the nation, and recently underwent a major expansion and renovation
Four artworks at Buffalo AKG Art Museum
Expect to find a diverse range of works in the collection
Art pieces from the museum's drop-in art events
The Buffalo AKG Art Museum hosts a number of events

Explore the Buffalo AKG Art Museum

After visiting Buffalo, I will never understand why residents knock the city so much, especially when there are such wonderful cultural institutions like the Buffalo AKG Art Museum (formerly the Albright-Knox Art Gallery) right in the heart of the city. This world-class museum renowned for its impressive collection of modern and contemporary art deserves to be part of your Buffalo weekend getaway.

The museum’s extensive collection spans from the late 19th century to the present day, and the wall placards read like an index in an art history textbook. All the big names are there, like Claude Monet, Frida Kahlo, John Singer Sargent, and Camille Pissarro, alongside an ever-changing lineup of contemporary exhibitions. With a diverse collection, there’s truly something for every art-lover.

Free guided tours are available for those who want a deeper understanding of the collection, but we found the museum was easily explored in a self-paced visit. Be sure to check the museum’s event calendar before you go as there are often workshops, hands-on artmaking opportunities, and live music performances.

Note: Pay-What-You-Wish Admission is offered on the first Friday of every month.

Buffalo AKG Art Museum // 1285 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, NY 14222

Alyssa stands outside of the Martin House
Find an iconic Frank Lloyd Wright home in a charming Buffalo neighborhood: the Martin House
A Nike of Samothrace in the Martin House conservatory
Photos are not permitted in the home interiors, but are allowed in outdoor spaces to capture iconic features like the replica Nike of Samothrace
Details from the Martin House
Dive into the details on the Martin House Plus Tour

Tour an Architectural Marvel at the Martin House

If you’re a fan of architecture or simply appreciate beauty in design, a visit to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House may already be on your short list for your weekend in Buffalo. Tucked away in the Parkside neighborhood, this architectural masterpiece is a stunning example of Wright’s Prairie-style work and one of the most significant residential designs of his career.

As you’ll learn in one of several tour options, The Martin House was commissioned by businessman and self-made millionaire Darwin D. Martin, who became one of Wright’s most important patrons. The house was completed in 1905 and today is part of a larger complex that also includes the George and Delta Barton House, the Carriage House, and the Gardener’s Cottage—all meticulously restored to their original glory.

Throughout each structure, the combination of horizontal lines, open spaces, and intricate stained glass windows reflects Wright’s philosophy of organic architecture, and we marveled at how every tiny detail was considered. Learning about his principles of articulating the home’s shape to encourage proper flow and movement certainly made me pause and reflect on every home I’ve ever lived in.

No photos are allowed in the building interiors, however, the Martin House and Barton House have each been painstakingly rendered into an impressive digital tour. Even if you’re too short on time to take any of the tours, try to carve out a few moments to walk the grounds of the Martin House which are open to the public and quite impressive.

Notes: I recommend booking your tour in advance to ensure your preferred time is available. The Martin House offers discounts to members of select groups.

Martin House // 125 Jewett Pkwy, Buffalo, NY 14214

Buffalo City Hall from a corner
Head to the top of Buffalo’s impressive Art Deco City Hall for an incredible (and free!) view of the city
Alyssa walks on the Buffalo City Hall Observation Deck
Though the Buffalo City Hall Observation Deck is open-air, it’s relatively protected from the elements
Niagara Falls Skyline seen from the Buffalo City Hall Observation Deck
Can you spot the Niagara Falls skyline in the distance?
Two replica Statues of Liberty on the Liberty Building in Buffalo
Michael would like me to point out that Buffalo has two Statues of Liberty (take that, NYC!)

Take in the View at the Buffalo City Hall Observation Deck

When I searched online for information about visiting the Buffalo City Hall Observation Deck, I found surprisingly little—but I’m here to fill in the gaps!

Perched on the 28th floor, Buffalo City Hall offers a rare free attraction: an open-air observation deck with sweeping views of the city, the convergence of Lake Erie and the Niagara River, and the town of Old Erie in Canada. The deck is open during City Hall’s weekday operating hours (9 a.m. – 4 p.m.), which can be tricky for weekend travelers. However, if your plans include a weekday in Buffalo, this is a stop I highly recommend.

Getting to the top is easy, thanks to an elevator that takes you most of the way up. Once you arrive at the indoor exhibition space, you might think you’ve reached the end—but don’t miss the recessed door that leads to a stunning 360° view of Buffalo. It’s the perfect spot to get your bearings at the start of your visit or to take in one final panoramic view before heading home. On a clear day, we even spotted the skyscrapers of Niagara Falls in the distance, making for a fitting capstone to our Buffalo getaway.

Notes: the elevator stops on the 25th floor, so you’ll need to climb three flights of stairs to reach the observation deck. For those interested in the building’s history, a free guided tour is offered daily at noon, but advance reservations are required.

Buffalo City Hall Observation Deck // 65 Niagara Square, Buffalo, NY 14202

A boat tethered to a dock at Canalside
Find Canalside on the Buffalo River
A packet boat at the Erie Canal terminus
This area marks the terminus of the Erie Canal
A carousel in Buffalo's Canalside
Summertime is a great time to explore the many activities at Canalside

Head to Canalside

Canalside was unusually quiet during my visit, but rumor has it this waterfront park is typically buzzing on a summer’s day. With a lineup that includes free fitness classes, a historic carousel, waterbike rentals, a beer garden, and more, there’s something for every age group here.

Even on quieter days, Canalside remains a must-visit destination. This area is steeped in history, as it marks the 1825 terminus of the Erie Canal—an essential piece of America’s industrial past. Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, or simply find a cozy spot to sit and bask in the sunshine, enjoying this uniquely modern urban greenspace.

Canalside // 44 Prime St, Buffalo, NY 14202

Displays at Sunshine + Bluebirds
Pick up a BUF cap (you’ll see them all over town!) at Sunshine + Bluebirds
A cat in the window at Thin Ice
Thin Ice has all sorts of goodies to explore (and cats to pet!)
Pottery and art at Buffalo ShopCraft
Find pottery and more by local artists and artisans at Buffalo ShopCraft

Check Out Buffalo’s Shops and Boutiques

Sure, most of the major brands have storefronts in the Buffalo area, but why shop at the same places you can find back home? Instead, spend a little of your valuable vacation time strolling the one-of-a-kind shops on Elmwood Avenue for locally made and inspired goods. Here are three to get you started:

Sunshine and Bluebirds | Love a good souvenir cap or sweatshirt? Find all kinds of BUF gear here, plus rows and rows of fun accessories.

Thin Ice | The shelves here are lined with jewelry, home decor, and more from over 200 artisans in the region. Plus, they have shop cats!

Buffalo ShopCraft | When you browse this shop, you can be confident you’re shopping local. Why? Because 100% of the items in-store are crafted by artists who live in Buffalo.

Buffalo ShopCraft // 773 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, NY 14222
Sunshine and Bluebirds // 798 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, NY 14222
Thin Ice // 719 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, NY 14222

Horseshoe Falls at Niagara Falls
Just thirty minutes from Buffalo is an astounding view of Niagara Falls
The Maid of the Mist and Hornblower boats sail past American Falls and Alyssa wears a poncho
Take an unforgettable journey on the Maid of the Mist or Hornblower

Take a Day Trip to Niagara Falls

If you’ve traveled all the way to Buffalo, you should definitely consider adding in a day or half-day in Niagara Falls. This classic travel destination is just thirty minutes from the city and your visit can easily be tailored to your schedule. Those short on time may just spend their limited hours soaking in the view, while travelers with a little more time to spare should consider adding in a trip on the Maid of the Mist or Hornblower.

A note for my friends here in the U.S.: you will need to bring your passport if you want to visit the Canadian side—common sense, I know, but sometimes we get so caught up in the details when planning a trip that we miss the big things. Luckily I have made this part of your journey even easier by planning your entire day at the falls.

Niagara Falls Day Trip Guide

WHERE TO EAT IN BUFFALO

Wings, yes, but the city has so much more to offer
Exterior of Anchor Bar, interior of Anchor Bar, and a plate of wings
The Buffalo Wings OG: Anchor Bar
Alyssa outside of Duffs Famous Wings, the interior of the restaurant, a plate of wings, and Michael holding a wing
The Strong Contender: Duff’s Famous Wings
Exterior of Gabriel's Gate and a plate of wings
The Local Favorite: Gabriel’s Gate

Buffalo Wings

Shall we start with the obvious?

When in Buffalo, you simply can’t leave without ordering a plate of spicy, tangy, messy Buffalo wings. You can find them at pizza restaurants, sports bars, and taverns all over the city, but I have three recommendations for first-time visitors.

Naturally, the best place to start any story is at the beginning, and for the legend of Buffalo wings, the story’s origin is at Anchor Bar. One evening in 1964, friends of Anchor Bar’s Dominic Bellissimo popped in late one evening, hungry and (I’m just speculating here) probably a little tipsy. His mother Teressa tossed some wings into the fryer and doused them in a flavorful sauce. The rest, as they say, is history.

Today’s Anchor Bar is a well-oiled machine, and the original location on Main Street cranks them out faster than seemingly anyone else. Order a plate, and get your fingers messy with a bit of history (you’ll find that history tastes tangy and delicious).

The divide in local opinion on whether the wings at Anchor Bar or Duff’s Famous Wings is so pervasive that it sparked a fictional courtroom brawl in the 2019 film Buffaloed. Naturally, we had to visit.

The Sheridan Drive location is close to Buffalo Niagara International Airport, making it an excellent first or last stop during your trip to Buffalo. When ordering wings at Duff’s, I recommend ordering fewer wings than your usual order. Duff’s wings are far larger than their competitors, and along the same line, the sauces on offer at Duff’s generally run hotter. No matter what, though, don’t turn down their house-made bleu cheese (it just might be the best I’ve ever had).

Those two spots are by far the best-known wing joints in Buffalo, but there’s a third spot that locals will declare their love for, but in a whisper. Even though this was my first visit to Allentown’s Gabriel’s Gate, a wave of nostalgia hit me the moment I walked through the door. The worn wooden booths, tin ceiling tiles, and custom paper placemats all make this restaurant feel like the neighborhood’s gathering place.

But how are the wings? By far they’re the crispiest of the bunch on this list, shattering with each bite despite the heavy-handed sauce application. Ultra-fresh, zingy, and textured, the wings at Gabriel’s Gate definitely deserve to be uttered in the same breath as the two more famous wing houses.

I rarely use strong language like “best” on Wayward (and I’m not looking to start a fight), but if I could create my ideal Buffalo wing, it would be a combination of the best elements from these three iconic spots: a drum from Duff’s, fried to a perfect crisp by the team at Gabriel’s Gate, then coated with the bold flavor of Duff’s sauce and the rich texture of Anchor Bar’s sauce. This combination, for me, would be the ultimate Buffalo wing experience, but until someone makes the magic happen, I’ll settle for three separate orders of wings.

Notes: Craving wings from afar? You can order wings from Anchor Bar and Duff’s on Goldbelly. And for my veggie friends, take heart! I have it on good authority that the vegan wings at Strong Hearts are delicious.

Anchor Bar // Multiple Locations
Duff's Famous Wings // Multiple Locations
Gabriel's Gate // 145 Allen St, Buffalo, NY 14201

Exterior of Southern Junction, the menu, and a platter of barbecue
Southern Junction serves Texas barbecue with a twist
Exterior of Extra Extra Pizza, interior of the restaurant, and a Sicilian slice
Extra Extra Pizza is a hip pizza spot in the Five Points neighborhood
Exterior and interior of Las Puertas, plus some a la carte plates
Las Puertas is primarily a tasting menu restaurant, but select items are available à la carte at the bar
Exterior and interior of Mister Sizzle's and a burger and milkshake
For a classic burger made with high-quality ingredients, head to Mister Sizzle’s
Exterior and interior of Moneybags Dumplings, plus a takeout box of dumplings
Moneybags Dumplings almost feels like a dumpling speakeasy

Buffalo Restaurants

Don’t fret, friends, there’s so much more to Buffalo’s dining scene than just wings, especially if you love flavors imported from all over the globe.

Find Texas barbecue by way of South Asia at Southern Junction, which combines the traditional cooking techniques of Lone Star state pitmasters with bold and fragrant flavors like coconut, curry leaves, and cardamom. Like at any good barbecue joint, you’ll have to wait in line for a while, but once you have your platter of brisket and cardamom cornbread you’ll be glad you stuck around.

The city’s cool kids seem to congregate at Extra Extra Pizza, where delicious pies and curated beverages come served on funky vintage tableware. The menu is refreshingly abbreviated, although you can always build your own pie from their well-rounded list of toppings. For our less-hungry or more-indecisive friends, you can always order a slice or two from the available pies (don’t skip a Sicilian option if available!) and cozy up in one of the charming booths for a spell.

For a more refined dining experience, turn to Las Puertas (literally, because it’s just around the corner from Extra Extra Pizza). This pocket-sized restaurant develops an all-new menu each season with a focus on a hyper-specific region of Mexico, magically transporting diners through the power of food. Reserving a seat for the evening’s tasting menu would be a wonderful way to celebrate a special occasion, but if you’re seeking a similar experience on a budget, you can always peer in the window to see if a stool is available at the bar to enjoy a tidy list of cocktails and small plates.

If you happen to hit the “I just want a burger” travel slump, Mister Sizzle’s is there for you in your time of need. Open every day, the “Buffalo Since Always” restaurant slings classic-style burgers and unique creations alike (plus plenty of vegan-friendly offerings!). Order the very things your heart desires, and be sure to add a milkshake.

Moneybags Dumplings feels very much like a spot for those in the know. Housed in the former Quaker Bonnet Bakery and lacking any signage other than the logo of the now-defunct bakery, this takeout spot is an excellent choice for a quick and delicious meal. Variety is the spice of life, as they say, and Moneybags Dumplings apparently agrees—you can mix and match from their many dumpling flavors in your order (including Buffalo Cheddar Chicken if you’re still craving the flavor of wings). You’re welcome.

Looking for more info on Buffalo’s restaurants? You can find my deep dive in my Essential Buffalo Restaurants post.

Extra Extra Pizza // 549 W Utica St, Buffalo, NY 14213
Las Puertas // 385 Rhode Island St, Buffalo, NY 14213
Mister Sizzle's // 346 Connecticut St, Buffalo, NY 14213
Moneybags Dumplings // 69 Chenango St, Buffalo, NY 14213
Southern Junction // 365 Connecticut St, Buffalo, NY 14213

Exterior of Remedy House and pastries at Butter Block
left: Buffalo locals love Remedy House | right: the pastry selection at Butter Block is exquisite
A counter with pastries at Five Points Bakery
The counter at Five Points Bakery is filled with tempting treats
Exterior of Buckminster's Cat Cafe and the cafe menu
Getting coffee can be an activity, too, at Buckminster’s Cat Cafe
A bagel sandwich at BreadHive
Bagel sandwiches are the go-to at BreadHive
Two coffee shops in Buffalo
left: Grab coffee in a hurry at downtown’s Public Espresso | right: Slow down and take a breather at overwinter coffee’s relaxing digs

Buffalo Bakeries, Coffee Shops, and Cafes

Normally I break these categories down into different sections of my travel guides, but in Buffalo, the line between bakeries, coffee shops, and cafes is a little blurred. With so many great places to grab a well-executed cup of coffee and a pastry or a slightly more substantial morning meal, I’ll do my best to keep this section somewhat concise:

BreadHive Bakery & Cafe | Bagels are the star of the menu at this local gem, and on a Saturday morning, you’ll have to join the queue to wait for your hearty bagel sandwich (build your own, or choose from a menu of favorites!).

Butter Block | Pastry, perfected. This darling bakery excels in both sweet and savory laminated pastries, and I guarantee you’ll leave with more than you expected to order.

Five Points Bakery | A neighborhood bakery if I ever saw one, this cozy spot is a wonderful place to start the day in Buffalo. Find smaller items and heartier breakfasts, too.

Buckminster’s Cat Cafe | Regrettably we were just there for the coffee and not the cats, though I spent my time waiting for a well-made latte by waving at the cats behind the window. If you have time, book an appointment to hang with adoptable kitties.

Public Espresso | For coffee in downtown Buffalo, look no further than Public Espresso. This light-filled cafe is located in the Hotel at the Lafayette and is ready to pour your pick-me-up on the go.

overwinter coffee | Though this coffee shop has several locations in the area, I only had a chance to visit the Elmwood Village location. I found a space that feels comfortable for lingering and an ultra-fresh cup of coffee.

Remedy House | This spot is a local favorite, and I wish I could have nudged my way into a seat at a patio table for their crowd-pleasing egg on a roll. Instead I “settled” (in quotes because it wasn’t settling at all) for a solid cup of coffee to start my day.

BreadHive Bakery & Cafe // 402 Connecticut St, Buffalo, NY 14213Buckminster's Cat Cafe // 577 Niagara St, Buffalo, NY 14201
Butter Block // 426 Rhode Island St, Buffalo, NY 14213
Five Points Bakery // 44 Brayton St, Buffalo, NY 14213overwinter coffee // Multiple LocationsPublic Espresso // Multiple LocationsRemedy House // 429 Rhode Island St, Buffalo, NY 14213

WHERE TO STAY IN BUFFALO

The Buffalo Metro is sprawling, so where should you stay?
Buffalo's Five Points Neighborhood
Consider staying in the vibrant Five Points Neighborhood

Five Points, Allentown, or Elmwood Village

Although I’m largely a boutique hotel girlie (case in point: the sheer number of hotel reviews on this site!), the truth is, I wasn’t drawn to any Buffalo properties with availability during my stay. Not because there aren’t personality-filled lodging options in the Queen City, but because none of them were located in the area I wanted to be.

As a traveler motivated by local food and beverage options, location is an important factor in choosing where to stay. At the end of the evening, I relish the opportunity to walk to a cool local restaurant or wind down the night with a cocktail at a fun bar, and all my Buffalo searching led me to the Five Points neighborhood.

Back to Airbnb I turned, and it landed us in a compact studio off the back patio of a local. It may not have been luxurious or amenity-filled, but the price was right and the location impeccable (I mean, waking up and walking to Butter Block or strolling home after a meal at Las Puertas was better than any hotel amenity would have been).

If you’re traveling to Buffalo and looking for a place to stay with great food and drink, I highly recommend calling this area, Allentown, or Elmwood Village your home base. Just for the sake of locals: if you’re going with an Airbnb, please choose someone’s real home and not a dedicated rental!


TRAVEL TIPS FOR BUFFALO

Visiting Buffalo isn't that different from visiting any other American city of its size, but there are a few things you should know:

Roadways near downtown Buffalo seen from the Buffalo City Hall Observation Deck

The best time to visit Buffalo

Summer! Summers can be excruciatingly hot in many parts of the U.S., but this season is Buffalo’s time to shine. Even on the warmest days, the evenings cool back down to a comfortable temperature. Much of the mild summer climate is due to Buffalo’s location along Lake Erie (thanks for keeping us cool, Lake Erie!).

Winters, on the other hand, are long and very, very cold. The lake-effect dumps an average of nearly 100 inches of snow annually, and collectively, two months of the year are snow days (boo, Lake Erie). Meeting in the middle, spring and fall are cool and crisp affairs that see around thirteen or fourteen rainy days per month.

Traveling to Buffalo

Although some Florida-based budget travelers may prefer to fly Allegiant to Niagara Falls International Airport northwest of the city (particularly if you decide to spend more of your time at Niagara Falls than in Buffalo), the reality is that most travelers arriving by air will land at Buffalo Niagara International Airport.

This airport, located about ten miles east of downtown, is served by many mainline and budget carriers with flights originating at many East Coast hubs and Midwest hubs. Though it is technically an international airport because of its cargo routes, all of the current direct passenger flights are domestic only. Auto rentals, taxis, rideshare services, and a bus are all available to transport visitors downtown.

Travelers arriving by car will find many major roads and highways leading into the city, and train travelers are perhaps the luckiest of all—Buffalo’s Amtrak station is located right downtown.

Getting around Buffalo

While it wouldn’t be impossible to visit without a car, it would certainly be inconvenient. I can’t recommend renting a car for your Buffalo trip enough as it will enable you to move through the city easily.

Driving in Buffalo doesn’t feel all that different from driving in other similarly-sized cities, and anything one might call “traffic” never materialized during the weekend, so it was fairly easy to navigate. However there are a number of one-way streets downtown, and while I’m sure locals have these streets memorized by heart, I thought the signage could have been made a little more apparent. Luckily, your favorite maps app should help with navigation.

If driving a rental car, I would highly recommend activating the “Avoid Toll Roads” feature in your navigation settings. Buffalo has several toll gantries along I-90 and I-190, and many rental car companies charge you a hefty fee on top of the toll—generally speaking, the price won’t be worth a barely quicker drive. For my East Coast friends who may drive their own vehicle (or decide to fly with your transponder), here’s a heads-up: New York is in the E-Zpass Network.

What about parking in Buffalo? You should expect to pay to park in popular areas like Allentown or Downtown Buffalo, but you may be able to avoid feeding the meter in certain neighborhoods by parking on residential streets (but always check signage before leaving your vehicle). If you’re from a city where paid parking is unheard of, it helps to think of any free parking that you may find as a bonus, not an expectation. Buffalo is a city of neighborhoods where you’ll find density in pockets, and it’s a treat to walk to explore.

Budgeting tips

There’s a Buffalo adventure for every budget, whether it’s taking advantage of free activities (Buffalo City Hall Observation Deck, Parks Adventure Bus, Shakespeare in the Park, or M&T Fridays) or splurging on a suite at a Bills game. Most of us fall somewhere in the middle, and the easiest way to streamline your Buffalo budget is by carefully choosing lodging and meals.

Staying near the city center is most convenient, but staying further afield will likely result in significant savings during peak times. To save on Buffalo’s dining scene, choose more casual restaurants or consider booking an upscale lunch rather than dinner. On the whole, I found most Buffalo prices similar to that of my home city of Charlotte—except booze, which was slightly cheaper.

What to pack for Buffalo

Seasonally-appropriate clothing, comfortable shoes, and a passport (if you plan on crossing the border) will get you pretty far. Style in Buffalo is ultra-casual, and you’ll spot locals in Bills gear even when it’s not game day. For a peek into my suitcase, you can check out my real-life packing list for Buffalo.


WITH MORE TIME IN BUFFALO

A weekend is an ideal amount of time to feel like you've really "visited" the city, but of course, there's always more to see
A path at Delaware Park
With more time, linger in Olmsted-designed parks like Delaware Park

More things to do

Remember how I said Buffalo is a city steeped in culture? Well, there's way more where that came from:

Catch a game | Buffalo is home to two pro teams (the Sabres and the Bills) and this feels like a cultural activity I want to experience

Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens | My brown thumbs may just turn green with envy at this stunning conservatory

Buffalo Transportation Pierce Arrow Museum | Explore the tradition of automaking in Western New York

Oxford Pennant | Though I saw many of their creations around town, I’d love to visit the shop in person once they reopen

The Buffalo History Museum | Stroll back through time and learn more about the Queen City

Olmsted Park System | Walk through America’s oldest coordinated system of public parks and parkways, designed by the famed landscape architect.

More places to indulge

I've already covered other Buffalo restaurants I'm eyeing here, but evidently, I still have sweets and drinks on the brain:

Hartman’s Distilling Co. | To, you know, truly delve into the spirit of Buffalo

Churn Soft Serve & Coffee | Northerners love soft serve, and I’m eager to try this one

Anderson’s Frozen Custard | A family-owned spot for classic fare and custard

Paula’s Donuts | Tim who?

Il Mulino | A unique barbershop/cocktail bar combo downtown (a bar/bershop, if you will)

Day-trips from Buffalo

After a day in Niagara, consider making the trek to one of these nearby destinations (approximate driving time):

East Aurora, New York (25m) | Stroll the streets and explore the local shops in this charming village

Ellicottville, New York (1h) | Warm up a winter visit with a day on the slopes

Rochester, New York (1h15m) | A city bursting with history and tons of wonderful museums (psst… all your Rochester travel guides are right this way!)

Erie, Pennsylvania (1h30m) | Enjoy the lake life and tour local wineries

Syracuse, New York (2h15m) | A city with a wonderful-looking culinary scene and the gateway to the Finger Lakes region

Toronto, Ontario (2h30m) | Grab your passport and spend a day in Canada’s most populous city (I’ve always wanted to visit, so I’ll probably make this my sole destination eventually!)

Have you visited any of these places? Leave a comment and let us know if it’s worth a visit!


FINAL THOUGHTS ON VISITING BUFFALO

Alyssa stands in front of the Keep Buffalo a Secret Mural
No, thank you, I will not keep Buffalo a secret…

The vast majority of my time in the Lyft on the way to the Charlotte airport to catch our flight was spent listening to the driver rag on Buffalo. I’m no stranger to this type of conversation because I love visiting destinations that are underestimated by many, but I admit I went into the weekend with a seed of doubt planted.

Yet just like I hoped, he was wrong (he was also wrong about using turn signals, but that’s a separate issue). Buffalo is an incredible city with a diverse population who has built it into the vibrant, cultural destination that it deserves to be recognized as. I hope that the words and photos on your screen today have convinced you to make the trip. I know I’m ready to return at least!

Thank you to the Martin House for generously hosting our tour!

Questions for you

Before today, what were the top three things that came to mind when you thought of Buffalo, New York?

Which attraction are you most excited to visit?

Have anything to add to this itinerary? Let me know!


Where to next? You may also enjoy:

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2 Comments on “From One Queen City to Another: The Complete Weekend Travel Guide to Buffalo, New York

  1. I already wanted to go back after your food post and now I want to go back even more! My first stop would be Buffalo City Hall and I would definitely go to Niagara Falls.

    My only add to the list is Graycliff, which is about half an hour away from the Martin house. It was their summer home, also designed by FLW. I wasn’t a fan of architecture before I started visiting his buildings and now I’m hooked.

    1. Buffalo has so much to offer—and it’s the perfect destination to return to over and over again!

      Ooh, Graycliff would be a wonderful complement to the Martin House! I absolutely agree, I feel like my eyes have been opened to the world of architecture and all the thought and design that goes into a truly great building.

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