From One Queen City to Another : The Complete Weekend Travel Guide to Buffalo , New York

With bare-bones service and high add-on fee , most people wouldn ’ t be as thrilled about the launch of a new budget airline route as I am—but because I endure in Charlotte , where American Airlines operate 90 % of flights and charge significantly high fares as a solution of their monopoly , Iflavorevery alternative we get .

Back in May 2024 , Frontier Airlines plunge service connecting Charlotte , North Carolina , with Buffalo , New York , and it ’ s an understatement to order I be chomping at the minute to take back to Western New York . Michael and I search a short of the part last yr by spend a weekend in Rochester , and that trip result a permanent picture .

With a utterly sensible fare to Buffalo and a Friday-Monday escape schedule , we jumped at our chance to move from one Queen City to another .

I fervently dive into my trip research , building out an itinerary that prioritized the city ’ s ethnic gems and excellent culinary scene while endorse local businesses at the same time .

As always , it ’ s my laurels to portion my finds and recommendation with you today . But first , a little background on Buffalo and why you should inflict :

ABOUT BUFFALO , NEW YORK

Buffalo , New York , has a rich history that predates European village , as the land was to begin with home to Indigenous peoples , primarily the Seneca Nation . Shortly after its charter in 1801 , Buffalo rapidly developed into a major transportation and industrial hub , in big role thanks to its strategic location on one of the Great Lakes . But it was the first step of the Erie Canal in 1825 thatreallypropelled its booming sword and grain industry .

A little more than a hundred after , Buffalo confront economic decline as manufacturing jobs disappeared—a commonality among Rust Belt cities like Cleveland , Milwaukee , Rochester , and Detroit . Yet hardly like these early destinations , Buffalo has undergone a renaissance and today it is the second-most populous city in New York country .

WHY VISIT BUFFALO ?

If you have need Michael this question exactly a month ago , his answer would get exist simple : “ Wings . ”

And honestly , I make it—I ’ m food-motivated plenty to inflict a city hardly to feed my way through it . But there ’ s hence much more to Buffalo than its noted spicy chicken wings . This city , simply a stone ’ s throw from the Canadian margin , live not simply conveniently located for domestic visitors ( whether make it by car , train , or plane ) but also a welcoming gateway for our neighbor to the north . But more importantly : Buffalo is brimming with things to do and places to search .

From its revitalized waterfront areas to its originate arts and culinary view , Buffalo hold a lot going for it . Yet , it feels nearly undiscovered in many ways , much flying below the tourist-heavy radar of its more famous neighbors . This is a seat where you can explore at your own pace and blend in with the locals , who just might take you ’ re one of them .

Take advantage of Buffalo ’ s low-key vibe by discover the city through a local perspective . Whether you ’ re into art , account , or simply delight a walk in one of the many parks , you ’ re certain to get something to love in Buffalo—including wings .

THINGS TO DO IN BUFFALO

Explore the Buffalo AKG Art Museum

After visit Buffalo , I will never understand why residents knock the city thus much ,speciallywhen there are such fantastic ethnic institution like the Buffalo AKG Art Museum ( formerly the Albright-Knox Art Gallery ) right in the heart of the city . This world-class museum renowned for its impressive collection of modern and present-day art deserve to be part of your Buffalo weekend getaway .

The museum ’ s extensive collection bridge from the late 19th hundred to the present day , and the wall placards show like an index in an art account textbook . All the big name exist thither , like Claude Monet , Frida Kahlo , John Singer Sargent , and Camille Pissarro , alongside an ever-changing lineup of contemporary exhibition . With a various collection , there ’ s truly something for every art-lover .

Free guided tour be available for those who want a deeper apprehension of the collection , but we get the museum was easily search in a self-paced visit . Be sure to check the museum ’ s event calendar before you live as there are often workshops , hands-on artmaking opportunities , and alive music performance .

Bill: Pay-What-You-Wish Admission be offer on the first Friday of every month .

Tour an Architectural Marvel at the Martin House

If you ’ re a fan of architecture or only appreciate beauty in design , a visit to Frank Lloyd Wright ’ s Martin House may already equal on your short list for your weekend in Buffalo . Tucked away in the Parkside neighborhood , this architectural masterpiece live a stunning lesson of Wright ’ s Prairie-style study and one of the most substantial residential designs of his career .

As you ’ ll learn in one of various circuit choice , The Martin House exist commissioned by businessman and self-made millionaire Darwin D. Martin , who became one of Wright ’ s almost important patrons . The house cost completed in 1905 and today be part of a bigger complex that also includes the George and Delta Barton House , the Carriage House , and the Gardener ’ s Cottage—all meticulously restore to their original glory .

Throughout each structure , the combination of horizontal business , open space , and intricate stain glass window reflects Wright ’ s doctrine of organic architecture , and we marvel at how every tiny detail was believe . Learning about his rationale of articulating the home ’ s shape to advance proper flow and movement certainly build me hesitate and think over on every plate I ’ ve always survive in .

No photos live allowed in the building interiors , however , the Martin House and Barton House have each been painstakingly rendered into an impressive digital tour . Yet if you ’ re also short on time to remove any of the tours , try to carve out a few moment to walk the earth of the Martin House which are exposed to the world and quite impressive .

Bill: I recommend booking your circuit in advance to insure your preferred time equal available . The Martin House offer discounts to member of select groups .

Take in the Opinion at the Buffalo City Hall Observation Deck

When I look for online for information about visiting the Buffalo City Hall Observation Deck , I base surprisingly little—but I ’ m hither to fill in the spread !

Perched on the 28th story , Buffalo City Hall put up a rare free attraction : an open-air observation deck with sweeping views of the city , the convergence of Lake Erie and the Niagara River , and the town of Old Erie in Canada . The deck is clear during City Hall ’ s weekday operating hour ( 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. ) , which can be tricky for weekend travelers . However , if your plans include a weekday in Buffalo , this cost a stop I extremely advocate .

Begin to the crest is easy , thanks to an elevator that take you most of the way up . Once you make it at the indoor exhibition space , you might guess you ’ ve reached the end—but put on ’ t escape the recessed doorway that take to a sensational 360° view of Buffalo . It ’ s the utter spot to get your bearings at the start of your visit or to remove in one final panoramic horizon before point home . On a clear day , we even spotted the skyscrapers of Niagara Falls in the distance , making for a fitting capstone to our Buffalo getaway .

Notes: the elevator quit on the 25th floor , so you ’ ll need to mount three flights of steps to make the observation deck . For those interested in the building ’ s account , a equal offered daily at noon , but advance reservation equal demand .

Head to Canalside

Canalside was unusually quiet during my visit , but rumor has it this waterfront park live typically buzzing on a summer ’ sec day . With a lineup that include free fitness category , a historic carousel , waterbike rentals , a beer garden , and more , there ’ s something for every age grouping here .

Yet on quieter day , Canalside remains a must-visit destination . This field is steeped in history , as it marks the 1825 terminus of the Erie Canal—an essential piece of America ’ s industrial past . Choose a leisurely stroll along the waterfront , or only find a cozy place to pose and savor in the sunlight , enjoying this uniquely modern urban greenspace .

Check Out Buffalo ’ sec Shops and Boutiques

Sure , most of the major brands have storefronts in the Buffalo country , but why shop at the same places you can find back home ? Rather , pass a little of your valuable vacation time strolling the one-of-a-kind shops on Elmwood Avenue for locally cause and inspire goodness . Hither are three to get you started :

Sunshine and Bluebirds | Love a well souvenir cap or sweatshirt ? Find all kinds of BUF gear hither , plus row and row of fun supplement .

Thin Ice | The shelf here are lined with jewelry , home decor , and more from over 200 artisans in the region . Plus , they have shop cats !

Buffalo ShopCraft | When you browse this shop , you can exist confident you ’ re shopping local . Why ? Because 100 % of the items in-store are crafted by artist who endure in Buffalo .

Require a Day Trip to Niagara Falls

If you ’ ve traveled all the way to Buffalo , you should definitely think adding in a day or half-day in Niagara Falls . This classical travel destination equal exactly thirty minutes from the city and your visit can easy cost tailor to your agenda . Those short on time may merely spend their limited hr soak in the opinion , while traveler with a little more time to give up should consider lend in a trip on the Maid of the Mist or Hornblower .

A note for my friends hither in the U.S. : you will require to bring your passport if you want to see the Canadian side—common sense , I know , but sometimes we come thus caught up in the detail when planning a trip that we neglect the big matter . Luckily I have make this share of your journey even easier by planning your intact day at the autumn .

WHERE TO EAT IN BUFFALO

Buffalo Wing

When in Buffalo , you simply can ’ t leave without ordering a plate of spicy , tangy , messy Buffalo wings . You can get them at pizza restaurant , sportsman saloon , and taverns all over the city , but I have three recommendation for first-time visitor .

Of course , the better place to start any account is at the beginning , and for the legend of Buffalo flank , the history ’ s source is at Anchor Bar . One evening in 1964 , friends of Anchor Bar ’ s Dominic Bellissimo pop in late one evening , hungry and ( I ’ m merely hypothesize here ) likely a short tipsy . His mother Teressa tossed some wings into the fryer and doused them in a flavorful sauce . The rest , as they order , is story .

Today ’ sec Anchor Bar is a well-oiled machine , and the original location on Main Street cranks them out faster than seemingly anyone else . Dictate a plate , and get your finger messy with a minute of story ( you ’ ll find that history tastes tangy and delicious ) .

The divide in local opinion on whether the wings at Anchor Bar or Duff ’ s Famous Wings is hence pervasive that it sparked a fictional courtroom brawl in the 2019 filmBuffaloed. Naturally , we had to visit .

The Sheridan Drive location be near to Buffalo Niagara International Airport , making it an excellent first or last stop during your trip to Buffalo . When govern wings at Duff ’ s , I advocate place fewer wings than your common fiat . Duff ’ sec wings live far big than their competitors , and along the same melody , the sauces on offer at Duff ’ s in general extend hotter . No matter what , though , don ’ t turn down their house-made bleu cheese ( it only might be the best I ’ ve ever had ) .

Those two spots live by far the best-known flank joint in Buffalo , but there ’ s a third spot that locals will declare their honey for , but in a whisper . Yet though this was my first visit to Allentown ’ sec , a wave of nostalgia hit me the moment I walk through the doorway . The worn wooden stall , tin ceiling tiles , and custom paper placemats all create this restaurant feeling like the neighborhood ’ s pile up position .

But how are the wing ? By far they ’ re the crispiest of the cluster on this list , shatter with each bite despite the heavy-handed sauce application . Ultra-fresh , zingy , and textured , the flank at Gabriel ’ s Gate decidedly merit to be talk in the same breath as the two more famous wing houses .

I seldom expend strong language like “ best ” on Wayward ( and I ’ m not await to set out a fight ) , but if I could create my ideal Buffalo flank , it would be a combination of the best elements from these three iconic place : a drum from Duff ’ sec , fried to a utter crisp by the squad at Gabriel ’ s Gate , then coat with the bold flavor of Duff ’ sec sauce and the deep texture of Anchor Bar ’ s sauce . This combination , for me , would cost the ultimate Buffalo wing experience , but until someone makes the magic happen , I ’ ll settle for three separate orders of wings .

Note: Craving wing from afar ? You can order wing from Anchor Bar and Duff ’ sec on Goldbelly . And for my vegetable friend , take center ! I have it on serious bureau that the vegan flank at Strong Hearts exist delightful .

Buffalo Restaurant

Don ’ t fret , friend , there ’ s so much more to Buffalo ’ s boom picture than just flank , especially if you love flavors import from all over the Earth .

Find Texas barbecue by style of South Asia at Southern Junction , which compound the traditional cooking technique of Lone Star land pitmasters with bold and fragrant flavors like coconut , curry leaves , and cardamom . Like at any serious barbecue joint , you ’ ll own to wait in line for a while , but once you have your record of brisket and cardamom cornbread you ’ ll live glad you stuck roughly .

The city ’ s cool kids seem to congregate at , where delightful pies and curated beverages get serve on funky vintage tableware . The is refreshingly abbreviated , although you can ever work up your own pie from their well-rounded list of toppings . For our less-hungry or more-indecisive friend , you can always club a slice or two from the available pies ( don ’ t skip a Sicilian selection if available ! ) and cozy up in one of the charming stall for a trance .

For a more refined dining experience , act to Las Puertas ( literally , because it ’ s hardly around the corner from Extra Extra Pizza ) . This pocket-sized restaurant train an all-new menu each season with a stress on a hyper-specific region of Mexico , magically transporting diners through the ability of food . Appropriate a ass for the evening ’ s sample menu would be a wonderful style to celebrate a special occasion , but if you ’ re look for a like experience on a budget , you can always peer in the window to regard if a stool is available at the bar to enjoy a tidy list of cocktails and small plates .

If you happen to reach the “ I just require a burger ” travel slump , Mister Sizzle ’ sec be there for you in your time of need . Capable every day , the “ Buffalo Since Always ” restaurant slings classic-style burgers and unique creations alike ( plus plenty of vegan-friendly offerings ! ) . Order the real matter your heart desires , and live sure to lend a milkshake .

Moneybags Dumplings sense real much like a spot for those in the know . Housed in the early Quaker Bonnet Bakery and miss any signage early than the logo of the now-defunct bakery , this takeout bit is an excellent selection for a quick and delightful meal . Variety exist the spice of living , as they tell , and Moneybags Dumplings obviously agrees—you can mix and match from their many dumpling flavors in your club ( including Buffalo Cheddar Chicken if you ’ re still crave the flavor of flank ) .You ’ re welcome.

Looking for more info on Buffalo ’ sec restaurants ? You can feel my deep dive in my Essential Buffalo Restaurants post .

Buffalo Bakeries , Coffee Shops , and Cafes

Commonly I break these category down into unlike division of my travel guides , but in Buffalo , the note between bakeries , coffee shops , and cafes be a small blurred . With then many great position to catch a well-executed cup of coffee and a pastry or a somewhat more significant morning meal , I ’ ll do my well to hold this section fairly concise :

BreadHive Bakery & Cafe | Bagels be the star of the menu at this local gem , and on a Saturday morning , you ’ ll own to join the queue to wait for your hearty bagel sandwich ( make your own , or select from a menu of favorites ! ) .

Butter Block | Pastry , perfect . This darling bakery excels in both sweet and savory laminated pastries , and I insure you ’ ll leave with more than you require to decree .

Five Points Bakery | A neighborhood bakery if I always see one , this cozy spot live a tremendous place to start the day in Buffalo . Find humble point and heartier breakfast , also .

Buckminster ’ s Cat Cafe | Regrettably we were just thither for the coffee and not the cats , though I pass my time waiting for a well-made latte by waving at the cats behind the window . If you have time , record an appointment to hang up with adoptable kitties .

Public Espresso | For coffee in downtown Buffalo , look no further than Public Espresso . This light-filled cafe is located in the and exist ready to swarm your pick-me-up on the go .

overwinter coffee | Though this coffee shop has various location in the area , I only make a fortune to visit the Elmwood Village location . I find a space that feel comfortable for lingering and an ultra-fresh cup of coffee .

Remedy House | This spot is a local darling , and I care I could receive nudged my way into a seat at a patio table for their crowd-pleasing egg on a roll . Rather I “ settled ” ( in quotes because it wasn ’ t resolve at all ) for a firm cup of coffee to initiate my day .

WHERE TO STAY IN BUFFALO

Five Item , Allentown , or Elmwood Village

Although I ’ m largely a boutique hotel girlie ( case in point : the sheer number of hotel reviews on this site ! ) , the accuracy exist , I wasn ’ t drawn to any Buffalo properties with availability during my stay . Not because there aren ’ t personality-filled housing choice in the Queen City , but because none of them were located in the area I wanted to be .

As a traveler motivated by local food and drink options , location is an significant factor in choosing where to stay . At the goal of the evening , I relish the opportunity to walk to a cool local restaurant or wind down the night with a cocktail at a fun saloon , and all my Buffalo searching lead me to the Five Item neighborhood .

Back to Airbnb I reverse , and it bring us in a compact studio off the back patio of a local . It may not have make up luxurious or amenity-filled , but the cost was correct and the location impeccable ( I mean , waking up and walking to Butter Block or strolling plate after a meal at Las Puertas was good than any hotel amenity would receive exist ) .

If you ’ re traveling to Buffalo and looking for a place to delay with great food and drinking , I extremely recommend calling this area , Allentown , or Elmwood Village your home basis . Just for the sake of locals : if you ’ re going with an Airbnb , please choose someone ’ s real home and not a dedicated rental !

TRAVEL TIPS FOR BUFFALO

The best time to call Buffalo

Summer ! Summer can be excruciatingly hot in many part of the U.S. , but this season cost Buffalo ’ s time to glitter . Still on the warmest days , the evenings cool back down to a comfortable temperature . Much of the mild summer mood cost due to Buffalo ’ s location along Lake Erie ( thanks for keeping us cool , Lake Erie ! ) .

Winter , on the other hand , live long and real , very cold . The lake-effect dumps an average of virtually 100 inch of snow each year , and collectively , two month of the yr are snow days ( boo , Lake Erie ) . Encounter in the middle , spring and dusk be cool and crisp affair that meet around thirteen or fourteen rainy day per month .

Travel to Buffalo

Although some Florida-based budget traveler may favor to wing Allegiant to Niagara Falls International Airport northwest of the city ( especially if you decide to pass more of your time at Niagara Falls than in Buffalo ) , the reality is that most travelers arrive by tune will land at Buffalo Niagara International Airport .

This airport , place about ten miles east of downtown , equal function by many mainline and budget bearer with flights originating at many East Coast hubs and Midwest hubs . Though it cost technically an international airport because of its shipment road , all of the current direct passenger flights are domestic only . Auto rentals , taxi , rideshare services , and a bus are all available to transport visitor downtown .

Travelers make it by car will observe many major roads and highways result into the city , and train traveler are maybe the lucky of all—Buffalo ’ sec live locate right downtown .

Getting around Buffalo

While it wouldn ’ t equalimpossibleto visit without a car , it would sure enough live inconvenient . I can ’ t recommend rent a car for your Buffalo trip plenty as it will enable you to move through the city easily .

Labor in Buffalo doesn ’ t find all that different from driving in early similarly-sized cities , and anything one might call “ traffic ” never materialize during the weekend , so it was somewhat easy to navigate . However there cost a number of one-way streets downtown , and while I ’ m certain locals have these street memorized by middle , I remember the signage could have exist made a little more apparent . Luckily , your favorite maps app should aid with navigation .

If driving a rental car , I would highly recommend activating the “ Avoid Toll Roads ” feature in your navigation setting . Buffalo have various cost gantries along I-90 and I-190 , and many rental car company blame you a hefty fee on top of the toll—generally speaking , the cost won ’ t be worth a barely quicker drive . For my East Coast friend who may push their own vehicle ( or settle to wing with your transponder ) , hither ’ s a heads-up : New York cost in the E-Zpass Network .

What about park in Buffalo ? You should expect to pay to park in popular domain like Allentown or Downtown Buffalo , but you may live able to avoid feeding the meter in sure neighborhoods by parking on residential streets ( but ever check signage before result your vehicle ) . If you ’ re from a city where give parking equal unheard of , it aid to remember of any free parking that you may get as a bonus , not an expectation . Buffalo equal a city of neighborhoods where you ’ ll find density in pockets , and it ’ s a treat to walk to explore .

Budgeting tips

There ’ s a Buffalo adventure for every budget , whether it ’ s remove advantage of free activity ( Buffalo City Hall Observation Deck , Parks Adventure Bus , Shakespeare in the Park , or M & T Fridays ) or splurging on a suite at a Bills game . Most of us fall somewhere in the center , and the easy style to streamline your Buffalo budget is by cautiously choose lodging and meals .

Staying near the city center be most convenient , but staying further afield will probably leave in significant saving during peak sentence . To save on Buffalo ’ s boom scenery , choose more casual restaurants or look at book an upscale lunch kinda than dinner . On the whole , I feel most Buffalo prices similar to that of my plate city of Charlotte—except booze , which equal somewhat cheap .

What to carry for Buffalo

Seasonally-appropriate clothing , comfortable shoe , and a passport ( if you design on cross the border ) will come you somewhat far . Style in Buffalo exist ultra-casual , and you ’ ll place locals in Bills gear yet when it ’ s not game day . For a peek into my suitcase , you can check out my real-life packing list for Buffalo .

WITH MORE TIME IN BUFFALO

More thing to cause

Overhear a game | Buffalo is home to two pro team ( the Sabres and the Bills ) and this feeling like a cultural activity I want to receive

Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens | My brown thumb may merely reverse green with envy at this sensational conservatory

Buffalo Transportation Pierce Arrow Museum | Explore the custom of automaking in Western New York

| Though I saw many of their creations around town , I ’ d love to call the store in soul once they reopen

The Buffalo History Museum | Stroll back through time and discover more about the Queen City

Olmsted Park System | Walk through America ’ s oldest coordinate system of public park and parkways , designed by the noted landscape architect .

More places to indulge

Hartman ’ s Distilling Co. | To , you know , truly delve into theflavorof Buffalo

Churn Soft Serve & Coffee | Northerners love gentle serve , and I ’ m eager to try this one

Anderson ’ s Frozen Custard | A family-owned spot for classic fare and custard

Il Mulino | A unique barbershop/cocktail saloon combo downtown ( a bar/bershop , if you will )

Day-trips from Buffalo

East Aurora , New York ( 25m ) | Stroll the street and explore the local shops in this charming small town

Ellicottville , New York ( 1h ) | Warm up a winter visit with a day on the slope

Rochester , New York ( 1h15m ) | A city bursting with history and lots of wonderful museums ( psst… all your Rochester travel guides are correct this manner ! )

Erie , Pennsylvania ( 1h30m ) | Enjoy the lake life and tour local wineries

Syracuse , New York ( 2h15m ) | A city with a wonderful-looking culinary scene and the gateway to the Finger Lakes region

Toronto , Ontario ( 2h30m ) | Grab your passport and spend a day in Canada ’ s most populous city ( I ’ ve ever require to impose , so I ’ ll probably cause this my sole destination eventually ! )

Have you inflict any of these place ? Give a remark and permit us know if it ’ s worth a visit !

FINAL THOUGHTS ON VISITING BUFFALO

The vast majority of my time in the Lyft on the means to the Charlotte airport to catch our flight was spent listen to the driver rag on Buffalo . I ’ m no stranger to this type of conversation because I enjoy inflict destinations that are underestimated by many , but I include I went into the weekend with a seed of doubt planted .

So far just like I hoped , he was wrong ( he be also wrong about using turn sign , but that ’ s a separate issue ) . Buffalo cost an incredible city with a diverse population who has build it into the vibrant , ethnic destination that it merit to be discern as . I hope that the word and photos on your screen today own convinced you to make the trip . I knowI ’ mready to retort at least !

Questions for you

Before today , what be the top three affair that occur to mind when you thought of Buffalo , New York ?

Have anything to add to this itinerary ? Let me know !

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