What are Some Unique Things to Do in Buffalo Besides Niagara Falls?
Mention New York, and what springs to mind for most of us is New York City. It's Manhattan and Brooklyn and the Statue of Liberty. But there's more to New York State than the five boroughs. One of the state's most underrated cities is just 62 miles from our northern neighbor, Canada. Buffalo is famed for its proximity to Niagara Falls; however, there's so many things to do in Buffalo, NY, that have nothing to do with the falls. It's called the "City of Good Neighbors" for a reason!
01 Stroll around the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens
What is there more glorious for a trip to any American city without a glance at its nature? Found in Buffalo's South Park, the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens is a living museum dedicated to maintaining our human connection to the natural world around us. The highlight of the gardens is definitely the glass atrium. Inspired by the now-lost Crystal Palace in London, the house and its surroundings are full of wonder and harmony. As well as just wandering the gardens, there are also plenty of events that take place there. Why not make a day of it?
02 Visit endangered species at the Buffalo Zoo
The Buffalo Zoo was founded in 1875, meaning it's been providing entertainment and education for thousands of visitors for nearly 150 years. It's also the third-oldest zoo in the US and home to hundreds of different species. The Buffalo Zoo has every animal you can think of, from polar bears to chimpanzees and toads to sea lions, and it's a great day out for the whole family. Some of the best exhibits contain some of the world's most endangered animals the zoo strives to protect.
03 Take a Segway tour of Downtown Buffalo
Bicycles and scooters might be all the rage in big cities, but have you ever considered using a segway? Segways have been discontinued in several cities around the country. As much of a shame as that is, the Buffalo Touring Company still provides segway tours for residents and visitors alike. The segway tour will take you around all of the most notable Buffalo landmarks, allowing you to see the sights in an entirely brand-new way. You'll pass the zoo and the Darwin Martin House and learn about the city from expert guides along the way.
04 Cruise along the canal on the Spirit of Buffalo
You've tried ferries and other such vessels, but what if we told you you could ride a sailboat? The Spirit of Buffalo is just that; a 73-foot vessel with recognizable red sails that was built in 1992. On the Spirit of Buffalo, you'll find yourself going back in time, sharing sails around Lake Erie at all times of the day. As well as just sailing around, grown-ups can also take wine-sampling tours while kids can make their games come to life as pirates.
05 Immerse yourself in culture at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery
Exhibiting since 1862, the Albright-Knox Art Gallery is one of Buffalo's true gems. The vibrant museum stands in the heart of the city's cultural district and holds thousands of artistic treasures inside its walls. Artists from Frida Kahlo, Edgar Degas, and Vincent Van Gogh have pieces there, and with each visit, you'll find yourself discovering something wholly new. This is Buffalo's premier art gallery, and it's an exciting place to visit for all members of the family. Kids especially seem to enjoy the guided tours, and the fun doesn't stop inside. The grounds are full of interesting sculptures for you to discover.
06 Have a family picnic in Delaware Park
Although its name might be confusing, Delaware Park is in Buffalo and an ideal place for a romantic picnic. It's also where the Albright-Knox Gallery and the Buffalo Zoo are located, potentially allowing you to hit two birds with one stone. You can find Delaware Park in North Buffalo, and it was originally known simply as, The Park. Since its foundation, it's been divided into two unique areas: Meadow Park on the east and Water Park on the west. Delaware Park is, essentially, Buffalo's own version of Central Park. With so much to see and do, you might find yourself in the park every day.
07 Explore the expansive Forest Lawn Cemetery
Forest Lawn Cemetery covers 269 acres of land and houses over 150,000 burials. Some of the most famous burials there include President Fillmore and Rick James. Although not everybody sees cemeteries as good places to visit, their popularity is rising every year. One of the highlights of this particular cemetery is also the Blue Sky Mausoleum by Frank Lloyd Wright, who died before its completion. You can wander this site for hours or take one of the multiple expert tours that take place there. Either way, Forest Lawn is one of Buffalo's biggest attractions, and who'd want to miss out on that?
08 Take a selfie with Shark Girl
Shark Girl is one for the Instagram lovers out there, but she's worth everybody seeing at least once. One of the Albright-Knox sculptures, Shark Girl, is a little girl in a blue dress with a shark's head. Since she was constructed, she's become one of the most visited parts of Buffalo, with thousands of people stopping to take pictures of and with her on a yearly basis. One look at her, and it's easy to see why Cincinnati residents were peeved that she left the Ohio town for good old Buffalo.
09 Marvel at the Art Deco Buffalo City Hall
The art deco architecture of Buffalo City Hall is one of the standout parts of the Buffalo skyline. Although it looks like a work of art, the city hall is the actual seat of government for the city. Visitors can marvel at its exteriors and interiors, scale to the top of its 28 floors for free, visit the observation deck, and more. From the deck, on a good day, you'll be able to see the water vapor from Niagara Falls, the old Buffalo Central Terminal, and plenty more of the surprises lying in Buffalo's streets.
10 Hike to see the Eternal Flame
Shale Creek Preserve is hiding something wholly unique to Buffalo. Hikers can set out to find the Eternal Flame. While these days there are signs to help you locate the strange flame hidden inside one of the preserve's waterfalls, the journey to finding it can still be an exciting adventure. Hidden inside the rock face of Eternal Flame Falls is a natural gas leak that causes a fire that will never go out. If you're looking for unique things to do in Buffalo, it really doesn't get any more unique than this.
11 Discover Buffalo's rich architectural history
If you're passionate about great architecture, Buffalo is a city you need to visit. The city features a number of famous buildings as well as stunning landmarks that can be seen prominently from its streets. From the gorgeous Art Deco design of Buffalo City Hall to the starkly modern Brutalism of the Buffalo City Court Building, you'll encounter buildings constructed from a wide variety of architectural styles.
12 Taste Buffalo's famous chicken wings
Buffalo has become a household name due to its distinctive style of chicken wings, a style that has come to define the dish for many. If the buffalo wing is among your list of favorite foods, you have to sample what its originating city has to offer. According to Alex Delany of Bon Appétit, the best three places to grab wings are Gabriel's Gate, Elmo's, and Mammoser's.
13 Attend a Buffalo Bills or Sabres Game
Buffalo's rich sports culture and history will not disappoint sports fans. Practically everyone has heard of the Buffalo Bills, who have conquered their division for the past three years. Buffalo also has a hockey team, the Sabres. Make sure to catch a Bills or a Sabres game while you're in town.
14 Learn about Buffalo's industrial heritage at the Pierce-Arrow Museum
In addition to football and hockey, Buffalo is also known for its connection to the world of autosports. If you love autosports or cars in general, the Pierce-Arrow Museum is a wonderful addition to your itinerary. Founded in 1997 by two individuals as passionate about the sport as anyone, the museum offers a rare view of Buffalo's industrial heritage. Featuring vintage vehicles on display with an extensive collection of vehicles, the museum is a unique experience that can't be found elsewhere.
15 Visit Frank Lloyd Wright's Martin House Complex
Built in the early 20th century for businessman Darwin D. Martin and his family, the Martin House Complex still stands in Buffalo, where the public can openly view beloved architect Frank Lloyd Wright's work. With its iconic exterior, spacious modern interior, and stunning walkways, the estate is a vast complex of gorgeous buildings you won't want to miss out on seeing.
16 Take a scenic bike ride along the Buffalo Waterfront
When visiting a new city, sometimes the best way to see what it has to offer is to simply immerse yourself in it. The Buffalo Waterfront is a perfect spot to do just that. Take a bike ride through this scenic atmosphere and absorb the beautiful views of the cityscape and the Eerie Canal.
17 Explore the Buffalo Naval & Military Park
If you're passionate about naval history, you won't want to miss out on a visit to the Buffalo Naval & Military Park. The site is home to several decommissioned US Naval vessels that you can capture an up close and personal view of. With planes, tanks, and massive battleships, the park is something like a militaristic theme park that will please anyone passionate about the Navy and its history.
18 Enjoy craft beer at Buffalo's local breweries and taprooms
After a day spent exploring a new city, sometimes the best course of action is to relax with a good beer. Buffalo's vibrant beer culture ensures the city is a great one to grab a cold one. There are several breweries and taprooms in Buffalo where you can sample what the city has to offer and get a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process.
19 Experience the vibrant theater scene
If you're passionate about theater, Buffalo is the place for you. The city has over 20 professional theater companies, such as Shea's Performing Arts Center and Torn Space Theater. Whether you're in the mood for drama, comedy, or a good musical, you'll find no shortage of engaging and lively productions to catch while in town.
20 Wander through the Elmwood Village Neighborhood
In addition to its numerous architectural landmark, the city of Buffalo has many important historical sites scattered through its streets. The Elmwood Village Neighborhood is densely packed with such locales, featuring beautiful and significant buildings such as the Albrigh-Knox Art Gallery and the Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church. Take a stroll through the neighborhood and absorb what it has to offer.
21 Explore the West Side Bazaar
Nestled in the heart of Buffalo, the West Side Bazaar is not just a market; it's a vibrant tapestry of the city's diverse cultures. This indoor emporium brims with the aromas of Vietnamese pho, Burmese curry, and more, offering a culinary journey around the globe. Beyond the palate, find artisan crafts that tell stories from far-off lands, making every visit a discovery of flavors and traditions.
22 Zip lining at Buffalo RiverWorks
Buffalo RiverWorks isn't just about the water; it's an aerial adventure waiting to happen. Picture yourself soaring 110 feet above the ground, zipping across the Buffalo River with the city skyline receding behind you. This experience offers not only an adrenaline rush but also a unique viewpoint of Buffalo's rejuvenated waterfront and industrial heritage, all while gliding toward the gaping maw of a giant shark mural.
23 Attend a performance at Kleinhans Music Hall
Kleinhans Music Hall stands as a monument to Buffalo's cultural sophistication, beckoning music lovers with its iconic architecture and superior acoustics. Whether it's a spellbinding performance by the Buffalo Philharmonic or an intimate concert with world-renowned musicians, Kleinhans promises an unforgettable night out. The hall, a testament to Buffalo's love for the arts, offers every guest a seat not just in the venue but in the presence of musical greatness.
24 Discover the Naval & Military Park
Step into the Buffalo & Erie County Naval and Military Park and traverse the decks of history. Here, amidst the quiet hum of the city, you'll find ships that once ruled the waves and aircraft that soared through skies unknown. It's a tangible connection to the past, offering both young and old a chance to explore, learn, and pay homage to the brave souls who served.
25 Participate in Dyngus Day celebrations
Buffalo's Dyngus Day is a spectacle of fun, food, and Polish tradition, marking the end of Lent with a bang. The city comes alive with music, parades, and the playful splashing of water, as everyone, from locals to visitors, joins in the revelry. It's a day when Buffalo's community spirit shines brightest, showing off the city's quirky side and welcoming all to partake in the festivities.
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