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Attractions & Sightseeing

Attractions & Sightseeing

New York State, USA

Iconic Landmarks

These sites include deep historical and cultural contexts, representing moments in Buffalo's development and architecture.

From a Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece to a stunning Art Deco City Hall and a revitalized waterfront, these locations tell Buffalo's ongoing story.

Information for Visitors

  • Frank Lloyd Wright's Darwin D. Martin House: Prairie Style masterpiece, guided tours recommended. Book ahead.
  • Buffalo City Hall: Art Deco building, free observation deck on 28th floor with panoramic city views. Free guided tours available.
  • Canalside: Re-developed waterfront district. Hub for recreation, events, and cultural interpretation. Check Canalside website for schedules.
  • Peace Bridge: International bridge connecting Buffalo to Fort Erie, Ontario. Viewable from waterfront points; crossing requires valid documents (no pedestrian access).

Museums & Cultural Institutions

Major Museums with Collection Highlights

  • Buffalo AKG Art Museum: Renowned for modern and contemporary art. Works by Picasso, Kahlo, Pollock. AKG Art Museum website.
  • Buffalo Museum of Science: Focus on natural sciences, technology. Interactive displays. Science Museum website.
  • Buffalo Naval & Military Park: Outdoor museum with decommissioned U.S. Navy vessels (USS Little Rock, USS The Sullivans, USS Croaker). Naval Park website.

Specialized Museums & Performance Venues

  • Explore & More Children's Museum: Interactive, hands-on exhibits for children at Canalside.
  • Pierce-Arrow Museum: Dedicated to historic Pierce-Arrow automobiles and transportation artifacts.
  • Shea's Performing Arts Center: Historic theater for Broadway shows, concerts.
  • Kleinhans Music Hall: Home to Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, exceptional acoustics.

Find tickets for attractions and cultural sites on GetYourGuide.

Historical Districts & Architecture

  • Delaware Avenue Historic District: Grand mansions from Buffalo's industrial heyday.
  • Allentown Historic District: Charming Victorian-era homes and commercial buildings.
  • Elmwood Village: Residential with well-preserved historic homes.
  • H.H. Richardson Complex: Architectural masterpiece (formerly state asylum). Guided tours available.

Religious & Memorial Sites

  • St. Paul's Cathedral:

    Gothic Revival Episcopal church, impressive stained glass.

  • Our Lady of Victory Basilica:

    Ornate Roman Catholic basilica, a national shrine.

  • President McKinley Monument:

    In Niagara Square, commemorates McKinley's assassination at 1901 Pan-American Exposition.

  • Soldiers and Sailors Monument:

    In Lafayette Square, honors Civil War service.

Industrial & Military Heritage

Buffalo's industrial past remains visible in various sites, offering glimpses into its manufacturing and trade history.

Sites for Heritage

  • Buffalo Naval & Military Park

    An outdoor museum with decommissioned U.S. Navy vessels for direct military history experience.

  • Silo City

    Dramatic landscape of towering, historic grain elevators. Once central to Buffalo's grain trade, now an unique example of industrial architecture.

  • Industrial Tours

    Some Silo City tours exist, offering a raw, atmospheric glimpse into Buffalo's industrial might.

  • Warehouse Districts

    Explore former industrial areas redeveloped into modern spaces.

  • Architectural Legacy

    Industrial buildings repurposed as breweries, restaurants, and art spaces.

  • Larkinville Area

    A prime example of industrial revitalization, now a community hub.

Parks and Gardens

Buffalo's park system, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, includes extensive green spaces like Delaware Park with trails and a zoo.

Scenic Viewpoints

The Outer Harbor includes panoramic views of the Buffalo skyline, Lake Erie, and the Peace Bridge. Niagara Falls (20 miles north) is a world-famous natural wonder for a day trip.

Wildlife Viewing Areas

Tifft Nature Preserve, an urban nature preserve, includes diverse habitats for birdwatching. The Buffalo Zoo, within Delaware Park, houses various animal species.

Waterfront Activities

Lake Erie and the Buffalo River include extensive opportunities for boating, fishing, and waterfront recreation. Public access points are available at Canalside and the Outer Harbor.

  • Boating/Sailing: Marinas along Lake Erie; The Spirit of Buffalo provides public sailing cruises.
  • Fishing: Lake Erie and Buffalo River for bass, walleye, perch. A New York State fishing license is required.
  • Beaches: Woodlawn Beach State Park (south of Buffalo) includes a sandy beach on Lake Erie.

Hidden Gems

Beyond the well-known attractions, Buffalo conceals unique spots that include a local experience.

From lesser-known architectural marvels to local favorite hangouts and emerging urban districts, these locations offer insight into the city's character.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Attractions

Explore unique sites that offer a different perspective of Buffalo's landscape and heritage.

Architectural Finds

  • Frank Lloyd Wright's Fontana Boathouse: A unique, smaller structure by Wright on the Black Rock Canal. Public access is limited, but exterior viewing is possible.
  • Silo City: Dramatic landscape of towering, historic grain elevators. Hosts occasional art installations, concerts, and walking tours.
  • Broadway Market: A historic public market; lively, especially around Easter.

Local Favorites

These spots are beloved by Buffalonians and offer a taste of authentic local life.

Community Mainstays

  • Founding Fathers Pub: A historic pub with a strong local following, known for its classic pub atmosphere and political gathering history.
  • Museum of disABILITY History: A unique museum dedicated to preserving and presenting the history of people with disabilities. It provides a compelling educational experience.
  • Neighborhood Eateries: Discover smaller, family-run restaurants outside the main tourist areas for authentic local cuisine.

Emerging Destinations

Formerly industrial, these revitalized areas include new restaurants, breweries, and event spaces.

Larkinville

  • East of downtown, significant revitalization.
  • A growing collection of restaurants and breweries.
  • Popular outdoor event space, Larkin Square.

Larkinville provides a lively atmosphere for dining, entertainment, and community events.

Unique Photo Opportunities

Capture Buffalo's unique aesthetic and atmosphere.

Visual Highlights

  • Murals and Street Art: Growing number of impressive installations, especially along Hertel Avenue and in Allentown.
  • Architectural Details: Intricate details of historic buildings like Art Deco City Hall or the Richardson Olmsted Campus.

These provide colorful and dynamic backdrops for photos.

Sunset Views

Experience breathtaking sunsets over the water.

Lakeside Spectacle

  • Sunset over Lake Erie: The Outer Harbor includes excellent vantage points for capturing dramatic sunsets.
  • Skyline Silhouettes: The Buffalo skyline is silhouetted against the colorful sky.
  • Silo City: Massive concrete forms offer a stark, imposing, and visually striking setting for photography, especially with changing light.

These moments truly capture the essence of Buffalo's unique visual appeal.

Planning Your Sightseeing

Less Crowded Times

Weekday mornings typically mean fewer visitors for attractions like the Martin House and City Hall observation deck.

Canalside Ambiance

Weekday mornings at Canalside are relatively quiet, ideal for a peaceful waterfront experience before crowds.

Guided Tours

Many attractions, like the Martin House and City Hall, include guided tour options for insight.

Local Insight

Buffalo’s rich architectural heritage and commitment to revitalizing its industrial spaces provide an unique backdrop for exploration.