Situated in the Niagara Frontier and the second-largest city in New York, Buffalo is full of surprises. The city offers great nightlife, cultural attractions, museums and tight-knit neighborhoods that have a true community spirit and a real sense of place. It appeals to travelers with its still-palpable sense of its history, with historic sites telling the story of a city that is significant in the past.
Sightseeing destinations in Buffalo
Buffalo has seen a remarkable transformation over the years, from a revitalized neighborhood and redeveloped waterfront to a place with a burgeoning craft beer scene. If you love architecture, then you can head to the Frank Lloyd Wright structures or stroll through the Frederick Law Olmsted parks. If it is arts and entertainment that you are looking for, then you can spend a morning at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery with Andy Warhol, the afternoon watching a Broadway show at Shea’s Performing Arts Center and the evening with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. You can also dig deep into the city’s history by checking out the place where President Theodore Roosevelt took his oath, taking a river cruise into the city’s industrial past or visiting the Buffalo History Museum. For a more casual experience, you can watch a game of the city’s famous sports clubs, shop at the Elmwood Village or just enjoy the scenery at the Canalside or Larkin Square.
Top tour activities in Buffalo
You will definitely be spoilt for choice on the things to do in Buffalo, but there are activities that you should not miss on your trip here.
- Visiting the Martin House - This horizontal Prairie style house is an early work of Frank Lloyd Wright that has been meticulously restored and rebuilt. On your tour here, you will learn about the exacting details, including visits to three neighboring buildings.
- Taking the Niagara Wine Trail - Thanks to the micro-climate near the Great Lakes, several wineries in the city are able to produce fine wines, including Cabernet, Riesling, Syrah, Pinot Noir and ice wines. Aside from tasting all these great wines, you can also find a wide selection of fine cheese to pair your wine selections.
- Indulging in Outdoor Recreation - Western New York’s outdoor scene offers you a range of year-round opportunities to be active, which include hiking, skiing, boating, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, golfing, trekking, running, biking and camping.
Top tour attractions in Buffalo
With the plethora of attractions in the city, the following should top your list for your sightseeing itinerary:
- Darwin D Martin House - Without a doubt, this house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright is one of the top attractions in Buffalo. Constructed in 1904 for the Martins, this building is regarded as the best of Wright’s Prairie House era designs.
- Shea's Performing Arts Center - This building, which was built in 1926 in classic style with a Neo-Spanish Baroque interior, is considered a fine example of the great movie palaces of its era. This National Historic Landmark features ornate chandeliers and a marble-lined grand lobby.
- Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens - This place covers a 1894 tri-domed glass conservatory building and Victorian-style gardens. Year-round highlights include a great herb collection, bromeliad house, orchid house and a waterfall.
Buffalo sightseeing tours and activities
To be able to create the best itinerary for your trip to this wonderful city, check out all Buffalo sightseeing tours and activities here at La Vacanza Travel.