If you’re looking for fun things to do in Buffalo, New York, you’ve come to the right place. Below we’ve rounded up our favorite tours, activities and experiences that make this city so unique!
Buffalo often gets forgotten in favor of its cooler cousin New York City, but more recently it has – quite rightly – become a lot more popular amongst tourists and visitors for its unique mix of things to do, eat and see. Let’s not forget the incredible natural beauty that surrounds the city, including the jaw-dropping Niagra Falls and the sparkling harbor that runs through it.
There’s so many places to go in Buffalo to make the most of your time in the city… how do you know where to begin?
That’s where we come in!
Check out our round-up of Buffalo New York’s must-do activities, things to do and unforgettable experiences.
Silo City Vertical Tour - $40
We’re kicking off our guide with this one-of-a-kind experience for fans of high places!
Some of us are more than happy to observe sights from the ground, thank you very much – but for anyone who likes taking things up a notch, this unique ‘vertical tour’ is difficult to beat.
Your tour will take you high up over the city in an old-fashioned grain elevator, and you’ll learn all about the history of this unique structure. Once at the top, you’ll have unbeatable views of the city and Lake Eerie, so don’t forget your camera…
Drago's Castle Game in Buffalo NY - $64
How often can you defeat a dragon and save a princess in upstate New York? Set in 15,000 ft of interactive event space, this immersive game invites your team to enter Drago's Castle and solve riddles, clues, and mental tasks to complete the game.
The outcome of the adventure changes depending on your success rate, and at the end you'll receive a score on how well you did – so choose your team wisely! Experiences in Buffalo NY don’t get much more unique than this, so take your family on an adventure or treat someone to an unforgettable activity gift.
Buffalo River Works
If you’re looking for something fun to do in the great outdoors, Buffalo River Works has an activity to suit everyone.
You can take part in an exhilarating zip-line course from $35 which will see you soar through the air at 110 feet - not for the faint-hearted!
If you prefer watersports, you can experience the harbor from the seat of a kayak, with prices starting at $20 for an hour.
Want to try something a little more active? Why not attempt stand-up paddleboarding instead? Prices start at $20 for the hour, going up to $65 for the day.
You can also get some incredible, challenging exercise in by trying rock climbing from $7 for a single climb, or their high-ropes course from $20 a person.
There's no excuse not to get active by the harbor with all these activities to choose from... which one will you go for?
Elmwood Village
Sometimes you just want to go for a wander!
There’s no better place in Buffalo to go for an aimless amble than Elmwood Village. Bustling with independent stores, eateries and bars, Elmwood Village is a close-knit community with a city feel.
Simply take a stroll through the area’s gorgeous parks, or go for a little shopping spree for records and books. You might even just want to sit yourself down at one of the many cool cafes in the village for a cup of coffee and a people-watching session. If you’re a foodie, check out the farmer’s market for fresh, local produce.
Ice Bikes
For a totally new way to experience the ice, try ice bikes!
This outdoor activity makes a great form of exercise for anyone who doesn’t shy away from some cold weather! You’ll get to experience all the fun of riding a bike combined with the thrill of skating along ice – for those who are not too fond of ice skating itself…
This stable bike allows you to pedal and steer around the rink, exactly as you would going for a bike ride on regular old non-icey roads.
Buffalo Gardens
For a fun, outdoorsy activity that doesn’t cost the earth, head over to Buffalo Gardens for a picturesque stroll. Admission prices start at $12.50 for adults, with concessions for kids, seniors and students. Kids under 2 go free, so anyone can enjoy this serene outdoor experience.
You could spend hours wandering around Buffalo Gardens, whether hand-in-hand with your significant other for a romantic date, on your own for some quiet time, or with the kids for a family day out.
There's so many little corners of the Botanical Gardens waiting to be explored, from the Healing Garden, to the house of tropical plants, to the Asian rainforest and aquatic gardens - to name only a few!
If you’re a fan of the great outdoors, there’s no better place to visit in Buffalo for a slice of nature in the city.
Niagra Wine Trail
Calling all wine lovers!
For anyone who enjoys a glass or two of wine, it’d be a crime to skip out on the Niagra Wine Trail during your visit to Buffalo.
How you experience it is up to you!
There’s plenty of companies who run tours and transportation through the trail, allowing you to sample the best wines the area has to offer with the assistance of an expert sommelier.
You can even stay overnight at one of the many beautiful guesthouses, to keep the party going for days to come!
The Buffalo Zoo
You can’t go wrong with a trip to the zoo, a perfect outing for families or anyone who loves animals.
Buffalo Zoo is located in the beautiful Delaware Park. There, you can see several species of animals living together in perfect harmony, from reindeer, to rhinos, zebras and sea lions (oh my!)
With plenty of places to eat, sit and wander around, everybody will be satisfied with this family-friendly day out.
Buffalo River History Cruises
History buffs will love this 90-minute Buffalo River cruise!
With on-board narration, you’ll learn detailed historic facts about Buffalo’s past, including its place as the largest grain port in the world. You’ll hear about Eerie Canal, and view the largest collection of standing grain elevators.
As you travel along the famous waterway that built Buffalo into one of the biggest and richest cities in the world, you’ll see and learn about the impressive structures that make it unique. Hear about the workers who made the city so industrious in the docks and mills. By the end of your tour, you’ll feel infinitely more informed about Buffalo’s rich history!
Niagra Falls
Niagra Falls… heard of ‘em?
It kind of goes without saying that a must-do when you visit Buffalo is this absolute wonder of the natural world!
Straddling the international border between America and Canada, Niagra Falls are made up of three separate waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls straddle the border, while American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls sit on the American side.
There’s plenty of incredible ways to experience this awe-inspiring sight, but here are some of our favorites…
You can take a boat trip with Maid of the Mist, which will give you a well-rounded perspective of all three waterfalls. You’ll be kitted out in a fetching blue waterproof poncho before you board a fully electric boat to experience the full power of Niagra Falls!
If you just want to see the falls but don’t necessarily have time for a full tour or boat trip, it’s completely free to enter the Niagra Falls State Park, and gaze out at the beauty of the American Falls while you ponder the enormity of the universe... or whatever.
Or, what about dinner with a view? The Rainbow Room is a one-of-a-kind dining experience, placing its guests in front of incredible panoramic views of Niagra Falls. You can enjoy a gourmet menu while you look out at awe-inspiring views, the perfect location for a romantic date.
Larkin Square
If you’re just looking for a casual and relaxing way to experience Buffalo like a local, a trip to Larkin Square will be just the ticket.
Larkin Square is located in the heart of Larkinville, and provides a fun and accessible community feel with plenty to do and see.
If you're a foodie, you can't miss Food Truck Tuesdays, where local vendors serve up one-of-a-kind cuisine. Whether you're an ice cream fiend, a fan of tacos or are just craving a good old fashioned hot dog, Food Truck Tuesdays is bound to have something for you.
Music fans will love KeyBank Live At The Larkin, a summer concert series taking place from 5pm every Wednesday. You'll enjoy live music in the heart of Larkin Square, combined with local food, wine and beer vendors to really make a night of it!
Bookworms aren't left out of the fun, as they can take part in Larkin Square Authors & Speakers, featuring engaging talks and signings from authors.
Sample Local Cuisine
One of the things you probably already know about the city of Buffalo is its varied and wholesome cuisine, from Buffalo-style pizza which is described as a hybrid between a New York thin slice and a Chicago deep dish (sign us up), to its famous Buffalo wings (or simply ‘wings’ as they are called when you’re actually in Buffalo!)
Also famous amongst locals and tourists alike is the mouthwatering ‘beef on weck’, which is a sandwich consisting of perfect roast beef served on a kummelweck roll.
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, you have to try sponge candy. This is a classic Buffalo confection consisting of a spongey, sugary centre surrounded by sweet milk chocolate. Not for sugar lightweights!
A notable mention has to go to the gut-busting dish Spaghetti Parmesan, a comforting combination of cooked spaghetti covered in a sheet of mozzarella cheese and served with a side of marinara sauce… you’ll be getting a cab home from the restaurant after this one!
Thanks for reading!
Thanks for reading our guide to Buffalo New York. We hope you’ve found the perfect Buffalo day out, no matter who you are or what you love to do.
If you’re still looking, browse our full range of Buffalo New York experience gifts here.
