25 Best & Fun Things To Do In Buffalo (New York)

There’s more to New York than just New York City, and Buffalo is one of the best places to come.

In Buffalo, you’ll get a glimpse at a totally impressive culture, full of tourist attractions unlike any place else.

There’s also a monumental history in Buffalo, greatly influenced by settlers from European countries like Germany and Poland.

When you come to Buffalo, you can see just how much American culture is sourced from other regions, in order to create something that feels brand-new.

You’ll constantly find new things to do when visiting.

These are 25 things to do in Buffalo today.

1. Darwin D. Martin House

Buffalo has some of the finest architecture in all of the northern United States.

At Darwin D. Martin House, you can see a building that is more than 100 years old, but hardly shows any age when it comes to engineering ingenuity.

It shows that good taste is something that never goes out of style.

The Darwin D. Martin House is the work of Frank Lloyd Wright, perhaps the most renowned architect in American history.

Upon visiting this Buffalo attraction, you’re likely to be impressed by all the elements, inside and out.

There’s the roof with a cantilever design and Wright’s own art glass.

Additionally, this Buffalo house is not a single unit.

Rather, it’s made of six total units, including a conservatory and a gardener’s cottage.

To see a place in New York that is full of artistry and history, come to the Darwin D. Martin House in Buffalo.

Address: 125 Jewett Pkwy, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA

2. Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

Some people get the idea that the only way to experience nature is to be far away from the city.

Anyone who’s spent any time in cities and their parks knows this isn’t true.

One of the greatest and more lavish displays of natural beauty in an urban environment is at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens.

These New York gardens are one of the nicest things you’ll see in Buffalo.

They have ties to New York City, as Frederick Law Olmsted, the mastermind behind Central Park, also created the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens.

Anyone who wants to see totally vibrant and colorful plants should come to these gardens.

You can also learn a lot by coming to the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens.

It’s a very good place for anyone interested in education about plants and how they relate to our lives.

It’s also a very good place for just stepping out of modern life and honoring nature and all it does for us.

Address: 2655 South Park Ave, Buffalo, NY 14218, USA

3. Buffalo Zoo

This is a different sort of nature representation, but you’ll find it just as important as the botanical ones.

If you want to know anything about how animals live and function, the Buffalo Zoo is one of the best places to go in New York.

This zoo speaks to the huge importance of the animal kingdom.

Animals you can see at this New York zoo include gorillas, polar bears, and tigers.

It features animals from all across the country, including ones from Arctic environments.

Founded more than a century ago, the Buffalo Zoo continues to show that they care about animals.

If you’re interested in learning and having important conversations about animals, visit the Buffalo Zoo.

You can see just how much these discussions matter and how zoos can help to keep endangered species alive.

A trip to the Buffalo Zoo on a weekend excursion is truly beneficial.

Address: 300 Parkside Ave, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA

4. Burchfield Penney Art Center

Make sure to pay attention to the spelling, as this isn’t a museum for art that’s only worth one cent.

Instead, the Burchfield Penney Art Center is home to some of the greatest art in Western New York.

It celebrated its tenth birthday last year, and it already seems to become a true part of Buffalo culture.

Some of the artists whose work you’ll have the privilege to see at the Burchfield Penney Art Center include Patrick Foran, Gloria Plevin, and Chuck Tingley.

If those names don’t sound familiar, have no fear.

These are contemporary artists whose work showcases just how much soul Buffalo has.

Admission to the Burchfield Penney Art Center is very affordable.

It costs $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $5 for students, and free for children 10 and younger if they come with an adult or senior.

Make some time in a Buffalo weekend visit for the Burchfield Penney Art Center.

Address: 1300 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, NY 14222, USA

Planning to visit other parts of New York? Be sure to check out our lists of things to do in Brooklyn & things to do in Rochester, NY!

5. Niagara Wine Trail

Vineyards aren’t restricted to California. New York is also host to some spellbinding sources for wine.

At the Niagara Wine Trail, near Buffalo, you can be treated to one of the most beautiful places in the US.

This bit of heaven on earth is the kind of place that may fill your heart with love on-sight.

It’s worth mentioning that when you plan a visit, you need to be specific about what you want to see.

That’s because this New York region isn’t just a few rows of grapes growing.

It’s an immaculate, sprawling space, composed of more vineyards than you can possibly imagine.

A weekend visit to the Niagara Wine Trail can show you the versatility of wine and grapes.

You can have a taste of amazing ice wine, made of frozen grapes.

There are also events like the Harvest Festival and the Niagara USA Wine Festival.

It’s definitely one of the most fun things to do in Buffalo.

6. Erie Basin Marina

Something you’ll figure out pretty quickly about Buffalo is that it’s an excellent place for experiencing city life and nature all at once.

The Erie Basin Marina stands as one of the most memorable attractions in all of New York.

This marina isn’t just a place for boats to dock.

At the Erie Basin Marina, Buffalo visitors can enjoy a splendid park, top-notch restaurants, and even an observation tower to catch a powerful view of the area.

It’s also quite calming for you to just walk along the water and listen to it gently flow.

If you want to get out on the water, be it in a luxury yacht or a humble kayak, this is one of the best places in New York to do just that.

The Erie Basin Marina shows just how special of a place Buffalo is.

With all of these attractions, how can you possibly pass up on a visit to this marina?

Address: 329 Erie St, Buffalo, NY 14202, USA

7. Niagara Falls

If you’ve only got time for one thing in Buffalo, you need to see Niagara Falls.

These falls have very rightfully earned a reputation as one of the most unique parts of not only New York but also the entire world.

The sounds and sights have to be taken in in-person so that you can know that they more than live up to the hype.

The part of the falls that are in Buffalo is incredible.

The Horseshoe Falls, featured in the middle, are some of the most incredible sights you’ll ever witness.

The entire area is completely spectacular.

To really get an idea of how incredible Niagara Falls in Buffalo is, you should take a boat excursion.

Going down the Niagara River, you can see just how awesome they.

There’s just one warning: you will get wet.

8. Hotel Henry

If you’re looking for a place to stay in Buffalo, one of the most important travel tips is to check in at Hotel Henry.

This is one of the best parts of Buffalo.

It’s close to downtown Buffalo and makes it easy to reach various points of interest and attractions around the city.

At Hotel Henry, you can reserve some of the grandest rooms and suites you may ever lay eyes on.

The staff is highly receptive and hospitable, doing all they can to offer you the full-scale VIP treatment.

When you take a look at the architecture, you’ll realize that this is a hotel fit for royalty.

This is also a great place to stay in New York, as you’ll be near all kinds of worthwhile spots.

You can easily make it to Elmwood Village and pristine parks.

For anyone wanting to have a truly classy New York stay, they should book a room at Hotel Henry.

Address: 444 Forest Ave, Buffalo, NY 14213, USA

9. Forest Lawn Cemetery

You’ll find on any trip to a new city that the most important activities aren’t always the most fun activities.

While there are plenty of fun things to do in Buffalo that let you put your worries aside and just have some New York fun, there are also ones like Forest Lawn Cemetery.

This graveyard should be considered one of the most important attractions in Buffalo for all the history that is on its grounds.

At this Buffalo cemetery, you can visit the graves of some of the most important people in American culture.

These include president Millard Fillmore, musician Rick James, and civil rights legend Mary Burnett Talbert.

All of these have added to the undeniable depth of our country.

Even if these souls have departed our earthly realm, we can still remember just how important they are to our world.

You can pay your respects and reflect on the value of life at Forest Lawn Cemetery.

It’s one of the foremost places in Buffalo for showing reverence to those who have gone before us.

Address: 1411 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14209, USA

10. The Buffalo Transportation Pierce Arrow Museum

If there’s one way to really get a grasp of how much a culture can change in a relatively short amount of time, it’s through transportation.

The advent of travel via horses, boats, trains, planes, and cars, has had an undeniable effect on the world.

Visiting the Buffalo Transportation Pierce Arrow Museum is one of the best things to do in Buffalo for understanding how important transportation evolution is.

Exhibits at this New York museum include important pieces of transportation history, including the 1909 Thomas Flyer 6-40 Flyabout and The 1919 Pierce Arrow Intercity Bus.

While many of these designs are antiquated, they are beautiful in how well they capture history.

Another one of the most beautiful and amazing sights in at the Buffalo Transportation Pierce-Arrow Museum is the Frank Lloyd Wright Filling Station.

Wright had the idea for a very cutting-edge filling station, which including a second story for customers to relax during fillings.

While it never came to fruition, this museum honors Wright’s vision by featuring a replica of what he had planned.

Address: 263 Michigan Ave, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA

Exploring other parts of New York? Why not check out some of the things to do in Lake George & some of the things to do in Long Island?

11. Old Fort Niagara

During a trip to Buffalo, you’ll quickly learn that Niagara is associated with even more than the famed falls.

There are also places like Old Fort Niagara, which shows the endurance of those who fought in colonial times.

Originally a part of the New France territory, Old Fort Niagara is one of the most meaningful attractions in New York.

The purpose of this fort, near Buffalo, was to act as a defense for New France.

Seized by the British, it was a key matter in the Seven Years’ War.

The strong design was apparent to anyone who encountered Old Fort Niagara.

It was also very important during the Revolutionary War, as it was manned by those who didn’t want to go against the rule of the British government.

Visiting Old Fort Niagara is one of the best things to do in Buffalo.

You can get a taste of marvelous New York history through re-enactments of important events as well as tours through the area.

Address: 102 Morrow Plaza, Youngstown, NY 14174, United States

12. Elmwood Village

One of the finest neighborhoods in all of New York, Elmwood Village is an example of what a strong community Buffalo has.

In this part of the city, you can encounter all kinds of noteworthy businesses.

It’s full of great places to dine, shop, and learn.

For eating and shopping in Buffalo, Elmwood Village gives you all kinds of options.

Go on a shopping spree and stop at Blush, Half & Half Boutique, and Her Story.

Restaurant options include Kuni’s, a sushi restaurant, Mister Goodbar, a place for wings, and Vera Pizzeria.

Elmwood Village also offers some of the top places to get educated in New York.

In addition to the Burchfield Penny Art Center, there’s also the Albright-Knox Art Gallery.

Spend a day in Elmwood Village to see just how many fun places are all around Buffalo.

Address: 875 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, NY 14222-1433, USA

13. Canalside Buffalo

Combining entertainment and nature in a uniquely Buffalo fashion, Canalside Buffalo is full of attractions for anyone who wants to have fun.

This is an example of New York at its finest, showing an urban environment while keeping things tied to nature.

Your trip to Buffalo won’t be complete without checking out Canalside Buffalo.

True to its name, Canalside Buffalo is a waterfront area.

Bordered by Lake Erie, residents and visitors can enjoy the glorious activities, including seeing live music and bike riding.

On a beautiful spring or summer day, there’s practically no place to be but Canalside Buffalo.

The water is especially great at Canalside Buffalo.

Activities like sailing, paddleboarding, and kayaking are yours for the taking.

If you come in the colder months, you’ll be able to use the canals for ice-skating.

This is definitely one of the most fun things to do in Buffalo.

Address: 44 Prime St, Buffalo, NY 14202, USA

14. Buffalo Museum of Science

Some of the greatest mysteries of the world have been solved through science.

Questions like why objects fall and stay on the ground or how fire is possible have been answered thanks to people putting their minds to work.

At the Buffalo Museum of Science, you can be astonished by just how much importance science has had on our world.

This is one of the most impressive museums in all of New York.

Among the disciplines covered include biology, astronomy, and geology.

Whether you want to learn about cell functions, space travel, or mountains, you can get something out visiting the Buffalo Museum of Science.

Your kids can also get a lot out of this New York museum.

The Buffalo Museum of Science offers curious young minds a chance to grow their minds through lively exhibits and interactive displays.

It’s one of the places to visit for anyone with an inquisitive mindset.

Address: 1020 Humboldt Pkwy, Buffalo, NY 14211, USA

15. Buffalo River History Tours

You may find that you don’t truly appreciate a city until you understand how it got to be what it is.

Buffalo, New York has one of the greatest histories of any city in the United States, and Buffalo River History Tours show just how far the city has come.

On these tours, you can enjoy a boat ride that’s as peaceful as it is informative.

Bringing you down the Buffalo River, these tours show how a standout city in New York came to be.

You can become educated on the development of the Erie Canal during the Buffalo River City Tours.

Silo Tours offer a history of Buffalo as a grain exporter.

You can also catch glimpses of the fabulous architecture from a great vantage point.

On these fun rides, you can imagine what it’d be like to experience Buffalo as it developed into a force of New York and the rest of the country.

Buffalo River History Tours take place on the River Queen, a 48-seat boat which is perfect for these sort of relaxed excursions.

You can feel like you’re near so much Buffalo history on these tours, and realize that history is always happening alongside us.

Address: 44 Prime St, Buffalo, NY 14202, USA

Looking for more thrills around New York? Why not check out some of the things to do in Manhattan & some of the things to do in Albany, NY?

16. Buffalo City Hall

Even if you don’t have any political business to conduct, Buffalo City Hall is still one of the best places to see in New York.

The design of Buffalo City Hall is quite incredible.

If you want to see some of the most superb architecture in all of New York, be sure to come to Buffalo City Hall.

When you stand outside Buffalo City Hall, you’ll see the massive towers that make up the complex.

The Art Deco design of the building makes it immediately unique.

With a height of 378-feet, you can quickly see why so many people flock to this part of Buffalo.

Although Buffalo City Hall is certainly worth viewing from the ground level, you can have a lot of fun from inside.

You can take part in one of the daily tours at noon.

You also need to make sure to get to the observation tower.

This is one of the most phenomenal views you’ll ever get of a city.

Address: 65 Niagara Square, Buffalo, NY 14202, USA

17. Buffalo Pedal Tours

If you want to get around Buffalo fast but don’t want to increase your carbon footprint, you should go on a pedal tour.

Buffalo Pedal Tours let you and other riders fuel a vessel through pedaling.

With a driver at the helm making sure you get where you need to be, these pedal tours can be a highlight of your Buffalo visit.

Part of the fun of pedal tours is how they show you all around a city.

Buffalo Pedal Tours take you across the city, giving you a chance to see great dining sites, stunning buildings, and the general beauty of the city.

You can do all this without hurting the environment.

Do your part for New York by giving its air a break.

On Buffalo Pedal Tours, you’ll make your way around town, get some great exercise, and show how much you care about your planet.

Address: 93 Pearl St, Buffalo, NY 14202, USA

18. Allentown Historic District

Some neighborhoods are better for living in, while others are better for hanging out in.

Allentown Historic District in Buffalo is so impressive because it has so much residential and commercial value.

In this neighborhood, you can feel the best of New York culture.

One of the oldest neighborhoods in all of Buffalo, Allentown continues to stand as a piece of unmistakable history.

The brick homes have a timeless design.

Nature in the residential part also helps to give it a very comforting environment.

There are lots of activities for anyone looking for something lively to do in New York.

Allentown has some of the most exciting music venues in Buffalo.

These are places where the environment is as exciting as the band’s on stage.

Be sure to come to Allen Historic District if you want to see just wonderful this city is.

19. Larkin Square

Another great Buffalo neighborhood, Larkin Square began in the early part of our current decade.

When you plan a trip to the city, you definitely need to check out Larkin Square.

It shows just how innovative this New York city is and gives hope for what the future could hold.

Once the location of the Larkin Soap Company warehouses, today, Larkin Square is one of the best places in Buffalo for activities.

It’s what to do in Buffalo if you want to look for all kinds of things to do see and experience.

You can be imbued with an amazing sense of community pride when you visit Larkin Square.

Activities at Larkin Square include watching live music, dining at food trucks, and just going for a leisurely walk.

It’s also a first-rate place for events like weddings.

Larkin Square is an example of how much Buffalo continues to grow.

Address: 745 Seneca St, Buffalo, NY 14210, USA

20. Pearl Street Grill & Brewery

One of the best travel hacks you can use is figuring out what the best places to eat are.

You’ll have all kinds of places to check out in Buffalo, but one of the best is Pearl Street Grill & Brewery.

At this New York restaurant, you can enjoy some of the best beer and most mouthwatering food in all of Buffalo.

The beer is arguably the star attraction at Pearl Street Grill & Brewery.

This entire building is made up of four floors with nine total bars.

On tap are fantastic craft beers like Trainwreck Amber Ale and Blue-eyed Blueberry Blonde.

Every beer has a distinct, complex flavor.

The menu also complements the beer quite well.

Items like steak sandwiches, onion rings, and stuffed peppers will go just right with your tasty brews.

If you’re on or near Pearl Street, be sure to check out this business, one of the best places to visit in the city.

Address: 76 Pearl St, Buffalo, NY 14202, USA

21. Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park

One of the best places to check out for those who want to see a great display of military history is the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park.

Those who have served in the Navy are honored with this spectacular museum.

Near Lake Erie, it’s one of the biggest points of interest in New York for anyone with an interest in combat.

The greatest attractions at Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park might be the ships.

Those who are determining what to do in Buffalo are bound to have a great time seeing these former Naval ships.

They are absolutely massive, and even though they’re no longer being used, their might is still apparent.

Aircrafts, vehicles, and less massive ships are also available for viewing.

Special events take place at Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park.

There are also camping opportunities at certain times of year that give you the opportunity to stay overnight.

A weekend stay at this naval park will be a great time for you and your family.

Address: Military Park 1 Naval, Marina Park S, Buffalo, NY 14202, United States

22. Mulberry Italian Ristorante

Pretty much every American city offers some kind of Italian food, but if you’re tired of tepid pizza and pasta, then you need to take a trip to New York.

Buffalo’s Mulberry Italian Ristorante will restore your faith in how terrific Italian food can be.

This is one of the biggest points of interest for any true culinarian.

On the menu at this downtown-adjacent restaurant are delicious gnocchi, lasagna, and fettuccine alfredo.

That’s only the start of this fantastic restaurant, which can make you feel like you’ve stepped into a Tuscany eatery.

This is definitely one of the top places to visit in Buffalo.

The menu is designed with total care and gives guests a show of how much great food is in this city.

If you’re coming up for a weekend, be sure to reserve a table at Mulberry Italian Ristorante.

Address: 64 Jackson Ave, Lackawanna, NY 14218, USA

23. Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site

Today, Theodore Roosevelt is considered one of the most beloved and influential presidents.

New York honors him with the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site.

This is one of the most fun things to do for anyone who is interested in our 26th president.

Even if you don’t know much about him, you’ll find lots of things to do as you go around this historic site.

Some of the things to do at the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site include checking out the different exhibits that provide a glimpse inside the life of this giant among men.

You’ll find that, even in his youth, Roosevelt showed signs of greatness.

It was following the assassination of President William McKinley that Roosevelt became commander-in-chief.

The courage that Roosevelt had shown under hardship, such as losing his mother and wife shortly after the birth of his daughter, allowed him to lead our country with total strength.

This museum also lets you learn all about Buffalo.

Tours offer an in-depth look at how the city has been part of America’s legend.

This is one of the best tourist attractions if you’re interested in learning more about one of our greatest presidents.

Address: 641 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14202, USA

24. Times Beach Nature Preserve

Another of the most fun things to do in this New York city is go birdwatching at Times Beach Nature Preserve.

All kinds of species can be sighted here.

Among the feathered attractions at Times Beach Nature Preserve include great horned owls, palm warblers, and tree swallows.

There are also remarkable insects, such as butterflies and related pollinators.

Pollinators are any species that is important for the transportation of pollen.

Bees are some of the best-known pollinators.

Without these species, plants are unable to flourish and provide us with fruits and vegetables.

Our world itself cannot sustain itself like it’s supposed to without pollinators.

Times Beach Nature Preserve has greatly contributed to New York and our entire ecosystem by giving birds and pollinators a place to live and be productive.

If you’re looking for things to do related to nature, check out Times Beach Nature Preserve.

You’ll get to experience just how magical nature can be.

Address: Coast Guard Station S Rd, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA

25. Albright-Knox Art Gallery

Part of the great Elmwood Village neighborhood, going to the Albright-Knox Art Gallery is one of the top things to do in Buffalo for anyone who wants to take in powerful creative expression.

The works at this gallery bring together art from different eras and styles to show that beauty can take many forms.

At Albright-Knox Art Gallery, you can see pieces from famed artists like Vincent van Gogh, Piet Mondrian, and Pablo Picasso.

There are also contemporary exhibits from newer artists like Oriol Vilanova.

Each piece has something unique to say about the world and how the artist perceived it.

Should you be in Buffalo for a weekend, be sure to come to Albright-Knox Art Gallery.

Checking out this gallery can be fun and inspiring.

If you’re truly inspired, you may strive to one day have your own art featured here.

Address: 1285 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, NY 14222, USA

Start Planning Your Trip To Buffalo, NY

There are so many things to do in Buffalo.

Looking for what to see or what to do in Buffalo will open your eyes to incredible tourist opportunities.

There are places to visit that teach you about history, in and out of Buffalo, and which give you a great idea of the culture of the city.

Even on a weekend, you can have tons of fun in this New York city.

The best things to do in Buffalo are comparable to the best things you’ll do in any other city.

Schedule a trip to Buffalo today.