Buffalo

From Eco Friendly Travels

Eco-friendly travel guide to Buffalo advises how to be a responsible tourist. Learn how to explore the attractions in a sustainable way and how to respect the local people and culture. Make your trip green by supporting locally owned hotels, organic restaurants and other businesses. Read more on how to protect the environment by making conscientious choices and how to travel green in Buffalo, New York (state), United States of America.

Skyline of Buffalo NY


  • Air quality: 3.9 / 5
  • Exploring by foot: 3.5 / 5
  • Exploring by bicycle: 3 / 5
  • Public transportation: 3.25 / 5
  • Parks: 3.7 / 5
  • Outdoor activities: 4 / 5
  • Locals' English level: 5 / 5
  • Safety: 3.8 / 5
  • Accommodation: US$15 - $900
  • Budget per day: US$85 - $1,000

Responsible Travel

Attracting millions of visitors annually from all over the globe, Buffalo is renowned for its nightlife, restaurants, a cultural rich hub for shopping, and its bustling downtown area. Buffalo does offer something for every traveler; whether you desire to explore downtown or you're visiting for a shortcut to Niagara Falls. If you're in the state of New York and you're not in New York City, the chances are high that you'll be in Buffalo, and this isn't actually surprising considering the fact that it's the second-most populous city in New York State. Buffalo is a city that's less likely to empty your pocketbook because it lacks the panache of other destinations. Boasting a burgeoning restaurant scene, it offers a number of exciting things to do, and it has a je ne sais quoi beauty about it.

Perched at the confluence of Lake Erie and the Buffalo River, Buffalo offers stunning things to do each seasonyou'll enjoy great photo opportunities with the streets lit up with bright colors by the domineering oak and maple trees during the fall; you can look forward to lush greenery and 80-degree days in the summer; you can explore Buffalo’s Frederick Law Olmsted–designed parks and take a break from freezing temperatures in the spring, and come winter, you've got a better chance of snagging a table without a reservation and snatch a great time to check out Buffalo’s food scene and please yourself with outdoor activities such as sledding, skiing, and snowboarding as you embrace the colder temperatures.

  • General tips on getting around. The Rail system and Metro Bus of the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) can be used in moving around the city but using ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft is more preferable to get around Buffalo and its suburbs. The train is free while traveling above ground and with several stops in between, it runs to the South Campus of the University at Buffalo along Main Street from the KeyBank Center. Nevertheless, take note that there's a small charge when you go down into the subway and your ride takes you past the Theatre District. Bus schedules are available at many local banks, the Downtown Visitor Center, the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center, and all transportation centers. In many spots throughout the region and on almost every street corner in the city, you'll find bus stops.
  • Recommended mode of transportation. You'll need a car if you want to be where you want to be when you desire and at the time it's required. The service of the city's extensive bus network and light rail system isn't usually easily accessible and irrespective of the fact that Buffalo has a sturdy public transportation system, renting a car is the recommended mode of transportation if you'll be moving around a lot. Driving is the easiest and most efficient way of getting around this city.
    • Best places to park. You'll definitely need to find places to park since the best way to get around Buffalo is by driving. You should be heading downtown if you're looking for some great parking deals and you can find the best places to park by using the service of some websites like Pay2Park.net or BestParking.com. There are loads of pay meters, lots, and parking garages in the downtown area but the only downside is that most of them tend to be somewhat pricey.
  • Biking is a great way way to see the city. Offering great ways to spend a summer day, the Riverwalk, Scajaquada Creekside Bike Path, and the Outer Harbor Bike Trail are scenic routes the city provides for cyclists. Biking is an increasingly popular way to get around Buffalo and you'll have a great time exploring the city on these two wheels when you maximize the biking opportunities and offers in the city. Bike repair and sharing services throughout the year are even offered by organizations like Buffalo BikeShare and GO Bike Buffalo.
  • Using the Metro Bus correctly. You can use the trip planner of the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) if you want to plan a trip to a specific destination. You can as well visit the NFTA website for schedules and more information. One way, day, and monthly passes are available, you can suit yourself to any that finds you well. Nevertheless, take note that drivers cannot give change so be sure you have the exact fare when riding the bus. Upon leaving the bus, do well to collect all personal belongings, and don't forget to pull the cord above the windows when you want to exit the bus. Also, take note that disabled and senior persons have the priority seating at the front of the bus and it's a good idea to arrive a little early at the station or stop because buses might run a bit ahead or behind schedule. Most importantly, routes and times are likely to change so, be sure you have a current bus schedule.
  • Take the Metro Rail. The Metro Rail is not difficult to use and its operation is pretty similar to that of the city's public bus. Ticket vending machines can be found at all rail stations. It travels to the southernmost point of downtown Buffalo and it starts at UB’s South Campus. It's a one-line rail/subway service and the NFTA personnel often check the rail tickets. Just like the bus, disabled and senior persons have the priority seating at the front of the rail.


Air Quality and Pollution

The air quality in Buffalo is rated to be good and it's further gathered that the city's air pollution poses little or no risk and you can enjoy biking, outdoor activities, and a quality air which is considered to be satisfactory. Speaking of the climatic condition in Buffalo, take note that January and December are the least comfortable months and the most pleasant months in Buffalo are August, July, and June.

Buffalo gets some kind of precipitation, on average, 164 days per year; it has an annual average of 155 sunny days per year, it averages 85 inches of snow per year, and it gets 39 inches of rain, on average. With an average high temperature of 80.8°, July is the hottest month in Buffalo, and with an average of 17.3°, January has the coldest nighttime temperatures. January is the rainiest month in Buffalo, February is the driest month, there are fewer rainy days in August which poses to be another very dry month, and November is the city's wettest month.


Respect the Culture

Buffalo is undoubtedly one of the best places in the world. In this city, you can pick up on the laid-back atmosphere that makes it a very unique place to be as you simply walk the streets, experience the festivals, galleries, restaurants, and museums. Buffalo offers you so many ways to experience its culture and it's a city with plenty of character, heart, and culture. Buffalo poses to be one of the most diverse places you can visit; judging with its events, festivals, food, its neighborhoods that are unique pockets of culture, and its fine blend of cultures and ethnicities. You'll have this aura of being in a cultural hub for a truly immersive experience when you visit any of the city's plentiful traditional Irish pubs, stroll the city's Little Italy on Hertel Avenue, or step into the historic Polish East side. Being a city with so much diversity, you'll have the opportunity of experiencing different cultures, and a good way to show respect for people's culture is to respect their beliefs and customs.


Top 10 Places to Visit

Buffalo is no doubt one of the places you'll be glad to visit if you finally made up your mind to consider it a worthy destination and it's high time people started looking beyond New York City when they think of New York. Buffalo is a treasure to discover on its own and it's repleted with amazing tourist attractions, unlike any other places. This city offers you an opportunity to catch a stunning glimpse at a totally impressive culture and settlers from European countries such as Poland and Germany greatly influenced this city — it's no surprise that the city does boast monumental history. You'll be opportune to see how much American culture is sourced from other regions when you come to Buffalo and as this city continues to dazzle you with a plethora of attractions here and there, you can plan your itinerary with this list of the top 10 places to visit in Buffalo;

  • Darwin D. Martin House: Come to the Darwin D. Martin House in Buffalo if you desire to see a place in New York that is full of artistry and history. It's composed of six total units which include a gardener’s cottage and a conservatory. It's pretty interesting to know that this Buffalo house is not a single unit and it features Wright’s own art glass and there's the roof with a cantilever design. The elements inside and out of this place will get you awed and this place is considered to be a very unique place to be because it's arguably the most renowned architect in American history. Being the work of Frank Lloyd Wright, the Darwin D. Martin House depicts that good taste is something that never goes out of style, and you can see a building that is more than 100 years old but never aging. All here.
  • Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens: If you seek a spot where you can honor nature and all it does for us while you step out of modern life, this place is where you need to be. More so, if education about plants and how they relate to our lives interest you, you'll never regret coming here. Coming to this botanical garden, you've got a whole lot to learn. These gardens will warmly receive you if seeing vibrant and colorful plants is what you crave to make your day a colorful one. The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens are created by the mastermind behind Central Park. Being one of the nicest things you’ll see in Buffalo, they offer pretty lavish displays of natural beauty in an urban environment.
  • Buffalo Zoo: Coming here on a weekend excursion is truly beneficial. If discussions on the importance of zoos in keeping endangered species alive interests you, you won't want to miss out on this place. This zoo doesn't relent in showing that it cares about animals and it features animals from all across the country. Tigers, polar bears, and gorillas are some of the animals you can see at this New York zoo. It emphasizes the huge importance of the animal kingdom, it's one of the best places to go in New York, and it's a fine place to be if you desire to have good knowledge of how animals live and function.
  • Burchfield Penney Art Center: A weekend visit to the Burchfield Penney Art Center is something you should make some time for during your stay in this city. While admission is free for children who are 10 years and under, admission costs $5 for students, $8 for seniors, and $10 for adults. Admission to this place is very affordable and there are works here showcasing just how much soul Buffalo has. Chuck Tingley, Gloria Plevin, and Patrick Foran are some of the artists whose work you’ll have the privilege of seeing here. This center is gradually growing to become a true part of Buffalo culture and it recently celebrated its tenth birthday. It houses some of the greatest art in Western New York and it's a fine place to be for art lovers.
  • The Erie Basin Marina: This unique place shows just how special of a place Buffalo is. It's one of the best places in New York to get out on the water; whether in a humble kayak or a luxury yacht. You can as well please yourself to a walk along the water and listen to its gentle flow — a calm experience you'll love to imbibe yourself in. Fun is well-served here. You can catch a powerful view of the area at the observation tower, there are a series of top-notch restaurants, and Buffalo visitors can even enjoy a splendid park at the Erie Basin Marina. This marina isn’t just a place for boats to dock, it's one of New York's most memorable attractions. It's an astonishing spot to experience city life and nature all at once.
  • Elmwood Village: If seeing just how many fun places are all around Buffalo catches your fancy, then spend a day in Elmwood Village. There's the Albright-Knox Art Gallery and the Burchfield Penny Art Center here. Offering some of the top places to get educated in New York, it's home to a handful of restaurants like Vera Pizzeria, Mister Goodbar; a place for wings, and Kuni’s; a sushi restaurant. You can also stop at Her Story, Half & Half Boutique, and Blush to go on a shopping spree. Elmwood Village gives you all kinds of options for eating and shopping in Buffalo, it's bustling with an array of fine places to learn, shop, dine, and you can encounter all kinds of noteworthy businesses in this part of the city. It's an example of what a strong community Buffalo has and it's one of the finest neighborhoods in all of New York.
  • Canalside Buffalo: It's one the most fun things to do in Buffalo and you'll be able to use the canals for ice-skating if you come in the colder months. Kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing are some of the activities you'll enjoy doing here and aside from the water which is great here, there’s practically no place to be but here on a beautiful spring or summer day. Bike riding and live music are a few of the glorious activities residents and visitors can enjoy at this place that's bordered by Lake Erie. Canalside Buffalo is a waterfront area; true to its name, and without dropping by here, your trip to Buffalo won’t be complete. Anyone who wants to have fun should come here as there are tons of attractions enough for all. In a uniquely Buffalo fashion, this fun spot combines entertainment and nature.
  • The Buffalo Museum of Science: Anyone with an inquisitive mindset will not regret coming here. Through lively exhibits and interactive displays, it offers curious young minds a chance to grow their minds. The Buffalo Museum of Science is a kid-friendly place and you can get something out visiting here; whether you want to learn about mountains, space travel, or cell functions. Geology, astronomy, and biology are some of the disciplines covered, and this museum is one of the most impressive ones in all of New York. Coming here, you'll see how much importance science has had on our world, and you can get all your questions answered.
  • Buffalo City Hall: You'll be able to catch one of the most phenomenal views you’ll ever get from a city, just make sure you get to the observation tower, and you can as well take part in one of the daily tours at noon. You can have a lot of fun from inside but don't miss out on viewing this place from the ground level. So many people flock to this part of Buffalo boasting a height of 378-feet and it's not hard to see why. This place is further made unique with its Art Deco design of the building and you’ll see the massive towers that make up the complex when you stand outside Buffalo City Hall. Be sure to come to Buffalo City Hall if you desire to see some superb architecture because the design of this place is strikingly incredible. It's regarded to be one of the best places to see in New York, even if you don’t have any political business to conduct.
  • Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park: If you want to have a great time with you and your family, hit up this naval park for a nice weekend stay. You can also enjoy the opportunity of staying overnight because, at certain times of the year, camping opportunities are available here. Special events take place here and a few things that are available for your viewing pleasure here are less massive ships, vehicles, and aircraft. There are absolutely massive naval ships here that are no longer in operation and these ships might be the greatest attractions here. Anyone with an interest in combat will find this place to be a big point of interest. Situated close to Lake Erie, it honors those who have served in the Navy, and it's a place to be for those who want to see a great display of military history.
Outside the Darwin D. Martin House


Explore

Buffalo offers visitors plenty to see and do with its plenty of amazing restaurants, a wide collection of attractions, gorgeous venues for events, beautiful botanical gardens, and lots more! Coming to this city, it's almost impossible to be faced with a shortage of this to do because the downtown area alone has an array of activities visitors and locals can enjoy, and if you're tired of exploring the famous Buffalo Museum of Science, you can take the little ones with you to the Buffalo Zoo. Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site, the Frank Lloyd Wright's Darwin D. Martin House Complex, and the Erie Basin Marina are some of the top things to do in Buffalo. However, the list never ends because when it comes to exploring different places in this city, your options are as rife as they can be.

As a matter of fact, being in Buffalo offers you an exclusive opportunity to a getaway to Niagara Falls, a fine place which is renown for its plentiful, immersive recreational opportunities. If you're looking for more things to do in Buffalo, you can see the naval ships and grab a bite to eat as you take a walk along the boardwalk and head to the harbor. The downtown area has several fine bars and restaurants that will delight you. The Frank Lloyd Wright house is a great spot for those who fancy architecture and for a great example of Art Deco architecture, don't forget to check out the Buffalo City Hall. There are as well tons of great shops and restaurants on Elmwood Avenue and this is a cool area where you can enjoy taking a walk.


City Parks

In this gorgeous city, there are lots of nice parks you can pay a visit to if you're up for some fresh air. You may be shocked to find out that Buffalo's got more nice parks than you'd imagined but anyway, city parks in Buffalo do give you a fine opportunity to soak up some sunshine and activities enjoyably.

  • Riverside Park: It boasts amazing waterfront views, picnic areas, a playground, and public pools. From pieces of history to a beautiful lighthouse monument, this park features enough facilities that will appeal to you. It's enlisted on the National Register of Historic Places and you'll forget that you’re in the city when you're here because it's a scenic destination. It overlooks the river and it covers over 20 acres.
  • Tifft Nature Preserve: Exploring the Tifft Nature Preserve in Buffalo is fun and it's always a good time to come here. The trails open each day from dawn until dusk and there are over five miles of hiking trails within the preserve. This park places you in the middle of wide-open, green spaces, it's situated close to the Buffalo Harbor State Park & Playground, and it covers over 260 acres.
  • Front Park: In the whole of Buffalo, it's renowned to be one of the most popular recreational destinations. It's very popular with the locals and it has a long history with them. There are Guided Bike Tours that can take you through the park and both out-of-towners and Buffalonians have year-round fun opportunities to enjoy here. Front Park can be found right out along the water in the city and it's part of the Buffalo Olmstead Parks Conservancy. It's another scenic attraction in the city.
  • Delaware Park: It's arguably the best place to go for a stroll in the Queen City! Home to several historic structures and attractions, it shelters the Albright-Knox Art Gallery along its western edge, and it's popular for hosting the annual Buffalo Cherry Blossom Festival. It covers more than 300 acres, it has plenty of playgrounds for the little ones, picnic, and recreational areas, as well as a stunning lake and a gorgeous Japanese. There are lots to discover inside this enormous park if you wouldn't be lazy to explore! It offers a variety of things for all to enjoy, it's situated in the heart of the city, and it's probably the most well-known park in Buffalo.
Panoramic view of Delaware Park with Hoyt Lake in the foreground


National Parks

National parks are not "a thing" in Buffalo, except you'll not mind taking a trip to some at the close-by cities. However, Buffalo is home to a number of national historic sites.


Beaches

Some of the beaches you'll find in the city are close to beach clubs, restaurants, lakeside bars, and they provide some of the most popular summer hangouts in the region. Within 45 minutes of downtown Buffalo, you'll find a series of public beaches along Lake Erie, and even though these beaches are not within the city limits of Buffalo, it's pretty fascinating and relieving to know that amazing sunsets, cool lake breezes, and sandy expanses are not too far from Buffalo.


Landmarks

Buffalo city hall is a popular landmark

Buffalo is repleted with several monuments, buildings, and a number of historic landmarks that will catch your interest. Offering superb panoramic views of the cityscape and taking pride in being one of the most famous landmarks in Buffalo, the Buffalo's City Hall, which dominates the skyline, is a special one you definitely won't want to miss out on, amidst several you'll find in the city. Buffalo does have lots of interesting artifacts, beautiful buildings, and a very rich history you'll be glad to explore. And to appreciate all of the cool historical places this city has to offer, you don't have to be a history buff.

  • Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site: If it interests you to have more knowledge about one of the greatest presidents of the United States of America, this is a landmark you should include on your must-see list. You'll be opportune to have an insightful look at how the city has been part of America’s legend with the tours offered here and this museum lets you learn all about Buffalo. It talks about how Roosevelt was able to lead the country with total strength, despite the loss of his darling wife and mother just after his daughter was given birth to. It values the courage that Roosevelt had shown under hardship. Roosevelt became commander-in-chief after President William McKinley was assassinated. Roosevelt showed signs of greatness even in his youth and you can get a glimpse inside the life of this giant among men by checking out the different exhibits here. There are tons of things to do as you go around this historic site even if you don't know who it's dedicated to. Anyone interested in the 26th president of the United States of America should not miss out on this place. The Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site is a honor to this man who's regarded to be one of the most beloved and influential presidents of the country.
  • Buffalo City Hall: You'll be able to catch one of the most phenomenal views you’ll ever get from a city, just make sure you get to the observation tower, and you can as well take part in one of the daily tours at noon. You can have a lot of fun from inside but don't miss out on viewing this place from the ground level. So many people flock to this part of Buffalo boasting a height of 378-feet and it's not hard to see why. This place is further made unique with its Art Deco design of the building and you’ll see the massive towers that make up the complex when you stand outside Buffalo City Hall. Be sure to come to Buffalo City Hall if you desire to see some superb architecture because the design of this place is strikingly incredible. It's regarded to be one of the best places to see in New York, even if you don’t have any political business to conduct.
  • Darwin D. Martin House: Come to the Darwin D. Martin House in Buffalo if you desire to see a place in New York that is full of artistry and history. It's composed of six total units which include a gardener’s cottage and a conservatory. It's pretty interesting to know that this Buffalo house is not a single unit and it features Wright’s own art glass and there's the roof with a cantilever design. The elements inside and out of this place will get you awed and this place is considered to be a very unique place to be because it's arguably the most renowned architect in American history. Being the work of Frank Lloyd Wright, the Darwin D. Martin House depicts that good taste is something that never goes out of style, and you can see a building that is more than 100 years old but never aging. All here.
  • Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens: If you seek a spot where you can honor nature and all it does for us while you step out of modern life, this place is where you need to be. More so, if education about plants and how they relate to our lives interest you, you'll never regret coming here. Coming to this botanical garden, you've got a whole lot to learn. These gardens will warmly receive you if seeing vibrant and colorful plants is what you crave to make your day a colorful one. The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens are created by the mastermind behind Central Park. Being one of the nicest things you’ll see in Buffalo, they offer pretty lavish displays of natural beauty in an urban environment.

Other nice landmarks in the city you'll be glad to visit include;

  • Prudential (Guaranty) Building
  • Cobblestone District
  • Palace Theatre
  • Market Arcade
  • Erie Canal
  • Forest Lawn Cemetery
  • Colored Musicians Club Museum
  • Buffalo Lighthouse


Museums

These two are the most popular museums in Buffalo;

  • The Buffalo Transportation Pierce Arrow Museum: There are expert guides here that can help you arrange an impressive collection and also take you through a guided tour. Designed by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, there's a replica of the 1927 Buffalo filling station this museum boasts. The Buffalo Transportation Pierce Arrow Museum features a 1903 Pierce Stanhope, vintage vehicles, historical artifacts, and an extensive collection of transportation memorabilia. It was opened in 2001 and the rich transportation history of Western New York is what it pays homage to. This museum is situated at the corner of Seneca Street and Michigan Avenue.
  • The Buffalo Museum of Science: Anyone with an inquisitive mindset will not regret coming here. Through lively exhibits and interactive displays, it offers curious young minds a chance to grow their minds. The Buffalo Museum of Science is a kid-friendly place and you can get something out visiting here; whether you want to learn about mountains, space travel, or cell functions. Geology, astronomy, and biology are some of the disciplines covered, and this museum is one of the most impressive ones in all of New York. Coming here, you'll see how much importance science has had on our world, and you can get all your questions answered.
Outside the Buffalo Museum of Science


Eat

Buffalo's food scene is like nothing you’d expect. The city has a burgeoning food scene and this could be attributed to its rich history filled with immigrants from all over the world. The food options in the city extend way beyond butter and hot sauce-covered chicken, even though the city is popular for its namesake wings. The point of it all is to tell you that Buffalo has more to offer than just Buffalo wings and pizza when it comes to food. The Italian-style Lombardo Ristorante is quite popular among foodies and The Left Bank serves up an eclectic international menu — these two are some of the fancier restaurants you'll be glad to patronize in the city. However, you can hit up Trattoria Aroma or Romeo & Juliet's Bakery & Café if you're in the mood for pizza. And, Gabriel's Gate, Anchor Bar, and Duff's Famous Wings are favorite spots for those who want wings.


Traditional Local Restaurants

Some of the traditional local restaurants in Buffalo include:

  • Mythos
  • Chef's
  • Osteria 166
  • SATO
  • Toutant
  • Rin Thai Bistro


Vegetarian and Vegan

There are lots of fantastic spots to eat vegetarian and vegan in Buffalo:

  • Amy’s Place
  • Grindhaus Cafe
  • Big Mood
  • The Healthy Scratch
  • Betty’s
  • Taste of Siam
  • Sunshine Vegan Eats
  • Squeeze Juicery
  • Green Eats Kitchen and Juice Bar


Street Food

Food trucks are doing pretty good in Buffalo and they are serving up some nice, delicious street eats:

  • Big Ed's Ba Ba BBQ
  • Caribbean Flava
  • Bada Bing Bar & Grill Food Truck
  • Mineo & Sapio Street Eats
  • Big Blue
  • Babz BBQ Food Truck
  • Rudy’s Kitchen
  • Amy's Food Truck
  • Antone's at the Fair Food Truck
  • Mikey Dee’s
  • Ted’s Hot Dogs


Drink

In number of bars per capita in the United States of America, Buffalo is among the top ten cities; this is in accordance with the U.S. Census Bureau. Buffalo does have its fair dense concentration of bars and taverns being a historically blue-collar town and, drinkers in this city have plenty of options of drink to choose from with different nightlife districts in the city catering to distinct crowd. To include, coffee culture is also alive and well in Buffalo.


Tap-water

Buffalo gets its tap water from Lake Erie and the city's tap water is considered safe to drink.


Organic Cafés

Some of the best organic cafés and restaurants in Buffalo are:

  • Organic 3 Cafe
  • Feel Rite Fresh Market
  • Go Veggies Cafe
  • Merge
  • The Grapevine Restaurant
  • Cugino's Italian Restaurant


Breweries

Every adventure-seeker, traditionalist, and drinker has something to hold on to from barrel-aged sours and imperial stouts to delicious IPAs and lots more. The beer scene in Buffalo has experienced a massive boom in the recent years and beer lovers can take advantage of the city's fine breweries"

  • Big Ditch Brewing Company
  • Thin Man Brewery
  • Community Beer Works
  • SATO Brewpub
  • Resurgence Brewing Company
  • Pressure Drop Brewing
  • Flying Bison Brewing Company


Activities

New York’s second-largest city offers visitors and locals alike an opportunity to enjoy exciting recreational outdoor activities and here are some cool ideas you can oblige to if you wish:

  • Hit the ice… on a bike
  • Explore the green spaces of Outer Harbor
  • Find unexpected adventure in a grain elevator
  • Zipline out of a 6 pack and into a brewery
  • Tailgate at a Bills game
  • Down wings where the locals do
  • Niagara Falls is way cooler than you realize, take a day trip there
  • Eat around the world at the West Side Bazaar
  • Experience the magic and weirdness of Dyngus Day
  • Booze cruise? Booze cruise! — The Spirit of Buffalo
  • Let your senses explode at neon bar Misuta Chow's


Yoga and Retreats

Here are some places you can trust for your yoga and retreats in Buffalo:

  • Himalayan Institute Buffalo - Yoga & Meditation
  • Yoga Parkside
  • Shakti Yoga
  • East Meets West Yoga, LLC
  • Raw Renewal Yoga
  • Power Yoga Buffalo


Accommodation

Buffalo caters to the taste of every traveler and you should be able to find an accommodation that suits your taste and preference, depending on your budget.


Green Hotels

Here are some of the best green hotels in Buffalo:

  • Courtyard Buffalo Downtown/Canalside
  • Hilton Garden Inn Buffalo Downtown
  • The Buffalo Grand Hotel
  • Holiday Inn Express & Suites Downtown Buffalo
  • Buffalo Marriott at LECOM HARBORCENTER


Hostels and Guest Houses

Hostels and guest houses are plentiful in Buffalo:

  • Hostel Buffalo-Niagara
  • Oma's Guest Haus
  • Buffalo Harmony House
  • The Parkside House Bed & Breakfast
  • Moreland Guesthouse
  • Richmond Place Inn Bed and Breakfast
  • Oscar's Inn (Bed & Breakfast)


Apartments

Apartments are not difficult to find in Buffalo. While you can check online for listings, you can as well speak to the locals around you, or save yourself all the stress, and go for an Airbnb option.


Couchsurfing

There's a great chance of finding a host for couchsurfing in Buffalo.


Camping

Buffalo Harbor State Park and Tifft Nature Preserve are some of the best places where you can enjoy camping in Buffalo.


How to Get There

Depending on your proximity to Buffalo, there are a few options you can explore to get into the city.


Air

The Buffalo Niagara International Airport is the main airport serving Buffalo.

It also serves Niagara Falls, Southern Ontario, Northwest Pennsylvania, and Western New York.


Bus

Buffalo is served as a hub for intercity buses by the Buffalo Metropolitan Transportation Center which is served by bus routes like Megabus, Greyhound, Fullington Trailways, and Coach USA.


Train

Buffalo is accessible from the east and west by Amtrak. The Buffalo-Exchange Street (BFX) station in downtown at 75 Exchange St and Buffalo-Depew (BUF) is at 55 Dick Rd. in the suburb of Depew are the two stations in or near Buffalo.

The Lake Shore Limited, the Maple Leaf, and the Empire Service are the Amtrak lines serving Buffalo.


Hitchhiking

Hitchhiking in New York state is illegal.


Others

There's a possibility of getting into the city by boat via the Erie Basin Marina.


Moving Around

Take note that hailing a cab on the street isn't easy and you'll have to call one of the city's trusted companies if you would prefer to move around in a taxi. Although the city offers both bus and train service, the best way to get around Buffalo is by car.


Walk

Walking is safely enjoyable in some parts of the city.


Bicycle

Although Buffalo lags behind many other "bikeable" cities like Boston, Portland, and Minneapolis, it's still striving to be more bike-friendly. And, the Scajaquada Creekside Bike Path and the Shoreline Trail are scenic bike routes common among cyclists.


Electronic Vehicles

Getting around Buffalo via an electronic vehicle is feasible.


Public Bus

There's an extensive bus network run by the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) which operates Buffalo's public transportation system. Along a tangle of routes throughout Buffalo, there are several buses carrying passengers, and while some buses run seven days a week, there are some that run on Monday through Friday.


Tram, Train and Subway

The Metro Rail is a single-line light rail system serving the city. Day passes are valid for both bus and metro travel, a seven-day pass costs $25, a day pass costs $5, and a basic fare costs $2.


Sustainable Shopping

Shopping sustainably in Buffalo isn't difficult as there are plentiful eco-friendly stores in the city you can patronize.


Food Markets

Some of the best food markets in Buffalo are:

  • Buffalo meats & deli
  • Lexington Cooperative Market
  • The Broadway Market and
  • Elmwood Market
  • Langfield Food & Meat Market
  • Clinton Bailey Farmers Market


Flea Markets

The Peddler, Buffalo Flea Fair, and Antique World and Flea Market are the must-visit flea markets in Buffalo.


Second Hand Stores

Second-hand stores are plentiful in Buffalo:

  • The Serendipity Shoppe of Buffalo
  • Hearts for the Homeless Thrift Shop
  • Southtowns LADD Thrift Shop
  • AMVETS Buffalo
  • Amar Second Hand Store
  • Second Chic


Eco-Fashion

There's a handful of eco-friendly and ethical fashion shops in Buffalo and these are places you can trust for your eco-fashion in Buffalo.


Recycling

Except for Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, there's recycling collection on the regular schedule all year, and there's a contractor under the Recycling Department charged with the collection of recyclables every week.


Waste

The Department of Streets and the Department of Sanitation are responsible for streets cleaning and waste collection in Buffalo.


Work and Study Abroad

Buffalo is a fine place for work and study abroad.


Exchange Student

The exchange student program is run by most of the higher institutions of learning in the city.


Au Pair

Au pairs have a good chance of finding opportunities in Buffalo.


Volunteering

There are lots of organizations you can volunteer for in Buffalo and some of them are;

  • TD Niagara Jazz Festival
  • Rural Outreach Center
  • Literacy Buffalo Niagara
  • Buffalo City Mission
  • Concordia Foundation INC.
  • Zoological Society of Buffalo
  • F Bites Inc.


See Also