Location: Buffalo
Top Things to do in Buffalo
What to do and see in Buffalo, New York (NY): The Best Budget-friendly Things to do
Buffalo is being reborn as a mecca for art, architecture, history, culture, dining and entertainment. Experience Frank Lloyd Wright’s stunning Darwin Martin House Complex and world-class modern art at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery. Relive part of the city’s incredible history at the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site. Explore the emerging Canalside waterfront district, hip Elmwood Village, more than 400 independently owned restaurants (serving our famous chicken wings and more) and nearby Niagara Falls.
Restaurants in Buffalo
1. Frank Lloyd Wright's Martin House
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,524 reviews
The Martin House (Buffalo, NY, 1903-05) exemplifies Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie House ideal and ranks as one of his finest residential works. Designed for Larkin Soap Company executive, Darwin D. Martin, the multi-residential estate is a one-of-a-kind composition consisting of the main Martin House, the smaller Barton House, a carriage house with chauffeur’s quarters and stables, a glass-roofed conservatory linked to the main house by a 100-foot pergola, and a gardener’s cottage. Tours explore the restored and reconstructed buildings, surrounding landscape, and an extensive collection of art glass and furnishings, all designed by Wright, which together form a totally integrated architectural masterwork. We welcome you to this National Historic Landmark.
Reviewed By bonnieh111 - Palmyra, United States
Went to the Darwin D Marting House and the summer home and I really enjoyed the tour. The guide was very good and didn't mind all of my questions, If you like architecture or how the wealthy lived, this is a must see.
2. Forest Lawn
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 494 reviews
As one of the first rural cemeteries in the United States, Forest Lawn – located in Buffalo, NY – is at the heart of Western New York’s cultural tourism renaissance. Its first interment took place in 1849; today there are more than 161,000 permanent residents in this 269-acre, non-denominational, non-sectarian, not-for-profit cemetery. Forest Lawn offers year-round guided tours on various themes and subjects, educational programming,special veteran programming and so much more. Forest Lawn is the only local full-service cemetery for traditional and cremation arrangements listed on the State and National Registries of Historic Places.
Reviewed By chriscP4256WU - Buffalo, United States
Forest Lawn Cemetery is a beautifully landscaped burial ground to some of Buffalo's most famous residents, including President Millard Fillmore and his wife Abigail, Red Jacket, a Seneca Indian Chief, Sara Hinson a school teacher who began Flag Day, and Rick James a rock star, to name just a few. You can take a self-guided walking tour or one offered by the staff. There are beautiful monuments, family mausoleums, tress and ponds throughout the 269 acres. It is a great place for a walk, run or a picnic.
3. St Joseph's Cathedral
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 69 reviews
MASS TIMES: Saturday at 4:30 pm; Sunday at 8:00 am & 10:30 am (choir) Monday, Wednesday & Friday at 12:10 pm Tuesday & Thursday at 7:15 am Confession after daily Mass and at 4:00 pm on Saturday
4. Sahlen Field
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 303 reviews
Reviewed By kimpastorius - Brantford, Canada
I've always preferred attending minor league baseball games because you can get so close to the action and these guys are on the verge of playing in the big time.
5. Albright-Knox Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 582 reviews
The Albright-Knox has been collecting and exhibiting art since 1862. While our Elmwood Avenue campus is closed for construction, we invite you to experience Albright-Knox Northland, Public Art, and our Art Truck.
Reviewed By margatemensch2016 - Coconut Creek, United States
Recently,I returned to the Albright-Knox Art Gallery on a hot late June day and I enjoyed their splendid collection of paintings and Art produced by French and American artists from the mid-19th Century until the present day..Personal favorites that day included:Gustave Caillebotte's"Study For Pont D'Europe",Claude Monet's"Towpath at Argentieul",Camille Pissarro's"Peasants in Field,Eragny",Vincent Van Gogh's"Old Mill",Henri Matisse's"Glimpse of Notre Dame,Late Afternoon",Raoul Dufy's"Pantheon at Saint Etienne",James Ensor's"Fireworks",,Giorgio di Chirico's"Anguish of Departure"(Italian),Phillip Elliot's"Shelochta,Pennsylvania",Emile Branchard's"Winter",and Yayoi Kusama's"Pumpkin"(creation).I also enjoyed the fine temporary exhibit of paintings and creations by Contemporary Artist,Robert Indiana.I especially liked his"Love Series"and "American Dream Series".Although this art museum is limited in its range of Art,I respect this art museum for its quality works on display
6. Pierce-Arrow Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 278 reviews
The museum is temporarily closed due to coronavirus as of March 16, 2020. Please check our web site, pierce-arrow.com for updates. This unique museum focuses on Buffalo's transportation history featuring Pierce Arrow, Thomas Flyer, electric vehicles, vintage bicycles, motorcycles, muscle cars and trucks, many made in Western New York. A special feature is the full scale Buffalo Filling Station by Frank Lloyd Wright, designed for Buffalo in 1927 but never built. Rights to build it were secured and the impressive structure with expansive copper roof and detailing is housed in the atrium of the museum. Guided tours can be arranged by appointment @ $25 per person with a minimum of 30 people required.
Reviewed By K5885UCdouglasm
We've lived in Western New York for many years but it wasn't until recently that we became aware of the Pierce Arrow Museum in downtown Buffalo. Our son is an avid fan of classic cars and I enjoy transportation artifacts (motorcycles, bicycles, antique gas pumps) that are commonly seen on the American Pickers television show. We were looking for something to do on a Sunday afternoon and decided to check out the museum. The museum is conveniently located off of the I-190 expressway in downtown Buffalo, and offers free parking on site. Admission was reasonable for a family of 3. We spent about 2 1/2 hours touring the entire museum. While admiring a 1960's Mercury Cougar, a museum docent by the name of Debra approached us and began telling us the history of that particular vehicle. She then proceeded to guide us from car to car, giving us detailed information about the history of each. She also explained the origin of the Frank Lloyd Wright gas station that was built inside the giant atrium from the original blueprints. For the next hour she walked us around the museum, giving us a personal tour of many of the major exhibits. We left having learned so much about the history of automobile manufacturing that once took place in Buffalo, as well as many of the unique automobiles, motorcycles, bicycles and transportation artifacts on display. The museum was the perfect size for what we wanted to see on a Sunday afternoon.
7. Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 492 reviews
Theodore Roosevelt was inaugurated as President of the United States in 1901 in Buffalo, NY, after the assassination of President William McKinley. Exhibits focus on the assassination and inauguration, details of Roosevelt's life and consequential issues of the day no less important to citizens more than a century later. Visitors can also tour nearby historic neighborhoods.
Reviewed By hduck50 - Hancock, United States
This was a great place to learn more about Theodore Roosevelt. Learn how he became the president and what challenges did he have. See where he was sworn in as president. Right now you can take a tour with your family up to 6 people. Make sure call and make a reservation ad you need to at this time.
8. Elmwood Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 258 reviews
The Elmwood Village, one of America's 10 Best Neighborhoods, as designated by the American Planning Association, and Buffalo/Niagara's most vibrant shopping, dining and cultural district, can be enjoyed year-round. Whether you're already in the neighborhood, elsewhere in Western New York, or visiting from across the border, the Elmwood Village is a wonderful destination.
Reviewed By happywaterdog - Annapolis, United States
Comfortable and convenient, Elmwood Village Inn is a cozy place to enjoy the neighborhood (and lots to enjoy) as well as have access to all the other joys of the area (downtown, niagra, etc). Rooms are unique and functional for 2...some have more space than others. Outside porch is a great pace to watch the word go by. Public space on first floor with small dining area would work well in cooler months. Parking was never an issue but is limited at busy evening times. All rooms are located upstairs and,like all old houses, you at folks coming and going. This is a great place to stay for a feel-like-you-are-at-home Buffalo stay.
9. Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 411 reviews
The Botanical Gardens is a national historic site, education center and tourist destination full of exotic horticulture treasures from around the world. Today, the Botanical Gardens is thriving! Over 125,000 people visit annually to enjoy the amazing architecture and the indoor and outdoor garden sanctuaries. It is a gathering place where visitors can find peace and harmony and enjoy the simple power of the natural world. Some visitors also see it as a place for spiritual healing, meditation and reflection.
Reviewed By gloroy - Conroe, United States
This place is amazing! Our trip there was so restful and fun seeing all the amazing plants from all over the world! This is a must see for sure.
10. Guaranty Building
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 70 reviews
Reviewed By johnsA3073BZ - Buffalo, United States
11/24/18 I was able to view the inside first floor lobby of the Guarantee Building. Great 10 minute video with numerous exhibits. This building was the first steel skyscraper at the time Buffalo was one of the major cities in the US. The history was fascinating and their is the connection between Sullivan and his apprentice Wright Sullivan beloved in the beauty of a building. The intricate Tera-Cotta is breathtaking. It is just amazing to see what was accomplished in the late 1800 by the craftsmen of that time. A definite short stop to this historic building is definitely in order if you are in the area.
