Buffalo, NY Travel Guide & Recommendations
Out front of Buffalo’s Shea’s Performing Arts Center on Main Street.
SIMILAR PEARL HEADBAND | SIMILAR SWEATER | SIMILAR JEANS | PURSE | SHOES
I have a tremendous amount of pride in being from Buffalo, we’re the city of good neighbors after all! Now and then I’ll get requests for suggestions so I’ve put together an updated list of some of my favorite places and recommendations to visit, see, and stay while you’re in town.
WHY VISIT BUFFALO?
Although we’re known for our hearty winters, we have some incredible weather in the spring, summer, and fall. All of the “snowbirds” who leave for the winter, always find their way back during this time. Depending on your interests, anyone can find something worth their while. From the famous architecture to the waterfront activities to the underrated food scene and hidden gems of boutiques - there’s something for everyone! Niagara Falls is also pretty close, definitely something to see if you haven’t. Buffalo and its surrounding areas are also incredibly easy to navigate, everything is within a 20-minute drive!
HOW TO GET THERE // HOW TO GET AROUND
Most people who visit drive in (because a car is essential here) but you can fly into Buffalo/Niagara International Airport. It’s a very easy airport to navigate and offers a great variety of routes. You could also take the Amtrak train, depending on where you’re coming from. When you’re here, I would strongly suggest you rent a car. Uber/Lyft is readily available but renting a car may be more economical, it really depends on how far you want to go.
WHERE TO STAY
Buffalo has some incredible boutique hotels and Airbnb experiences. If I were traveling to Buffalo, I would stay closer to the downtown area - there’s a lot more happening than in the surrounding suburbs.
A few of my favorite locations (to shoot, especially):
Aloft Buffalo Downtown - Hotel at the Lafayette - The Mansion on Delaware Avenue -
The Foundry Suites - The Richardson Hotel - The Westin
If you’re all about racking up your Marriott/Hilton/etc. points there are some great new hotels downtown and near Canalside as well.
MOST IMPORTANTLY, WHERE TO EAT
here are a few of my favorites:
QUICK BITES:
Rachel’s Mediterranean, Joe’s Deli, Core Life Eatery, Squeeze Juicery, Ted’s Hot Dogs, Anderson’s Frozen Custard,
Fresh Catch Poke Co., Wegmans
BRUNCH + LUNCH:
Betty’s, Sophia’s, The Original Pancake House, Cole’s Restaurant & Bar, Providence Social, Roost, The Grange Community Kitchen, Creekview, Chris’ NY Deli, Ballyhoo, Allen Burger Venture, Panorama on Seven, Liberty Hound, Swan Street Diner, Kostas
SIT DOWN DINNER:
Bacchus, Frankie Primo’s, Tappo, Marble & Rye, The Left Bank, Lombardo, Roost, Acropolis, Romeo & Juliets, Pizza Plant
PIZZA:
Buffalo pizza has a style of its own and the town is always divided on who makes the best but my favorites include Picasso’s, La Nova, Franco’s, Mister Pizza, Macy’s Pizza, and Bocce Pizza.
WINGS:
Another touchy topic among passionate Buffalonians but a few of my personal favorites are
Elmo’s, Gabriel’s Gate, Bar Bill Tavern, The Wellington Pub, and Wingnutz,
SWEET TREATS:
Paula’s Donuts, Anderson’s Frozen Custard, DiCamillo Bakery, Muscoreils, Lake Effect Ice Cream, Donut Kraze, Churn Soft Serve & Coffee, Fairy Cakes, Watson’s Chocolate, Altheas Chocolates, King Condrell’s Candy and Ice Cream
THINGS TO DO
You should definitely bring your eating pants when you come to Buffalo. The food is pretty spectacular. But there is plenty to do, depending on what time of year you come. A few favorites (besides eating includes):
Walking around Delaware Park, Hoyt Lake, and the Albright Knox Art Gallery
Checking out Buffalo’s Waterfront Canalside and its Buffalo Naval & Military Park
Take a ride around canalside and into Lake Erie on the Moondance Cat catamaran
Scoping out some great local shopping off Elmwood Villiage + Hertel Avenue
Go get fitted for a bra at Lace & Day (had to sneak that in)
Hatchets & Hops (axe throwing - SUPER fun!)
Tees & Taps Virtual Golf Simulator (2 locations)
See a show at Shea’s Performing Arts Center
Food Truck Tuesdays in Larkin Square
Visit the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens
Frank Lloyd Wright's Darwin D. Martin House - if you’re into architecture!
Visit Niagara Falls, NY
Take a thrilling ride on the Whirpool JetBoats
Step Out Buffalo also has weekly roundups of things /events happening year-round. Check them out here!
THINGS TO KNOW + TIPS
Buffalo’s best weather is from June - December (in my opinion). January - May can be very hit or miss but it varies year to year. No matter the weather, you’ll always be greeted by friendly faces and good food! I hope this inspires your next trip to Buffalo! Feel free to leave any favorites I missed or questions below!