35 Best Places and Things To Do in Buffalo, New York

Buffalo, New York, often referred to as the “City of Good Neighbors,” is a vibrant and culturally rich city located in western New York. From stunning architecture to a thriving arts scene, Buffalo offers a wide range of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy.

1. Buffalo Zoo

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the third oldest zoo in the United States. It houses a diverse range of animal species, including tigers, giraffes, and polar bears. Don’t miss the Rainforest Falls exhibit, where you can observe exotic animals up close.

2. Buffalo Museum of Science

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This interactive museum offers fascinating exhibits on natural history, space, and technology. Explore the Tifft Nature Preserve adjacent to the museum for beautiful walking trails and bird-watching opportunities.

3. Buffalo History Museum

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Learn about Buffalo’s rich history at the Buffalo History Museum. The museum showcases artifacts and exhibits that chronicle the city’s development, including its industrial heritage and the Pan-American Exposition of 1901.

4. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House

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The Darwin D. Martin House, commonly referred to as the Martin House Complex, is one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s most significant architectural masterpieces. Located in Buffalo, New York, this iconic residence showcases Wright’s innovative Prairie School architectural style and his vision for integrated design. the Martin House Complex consists of several interconnected buildings, including the main house, a pergola, a conservatory, a carriage house, and a gardener’s cottage. Wright considered it one of his finest achievements and described it as “a domestic symphony.”

5. Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park

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this park is home to historic naval vessels, including the USS Little Rock, USS The Sullivans, and USS Croaker. Explore the ships and learn about Buffalo’s naval history.

6. Forest Lawn

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Forest Lawn is a historic cemetery and cultural landmark located in Buffalo, New York. Established in 1849, it spans over 269 acres and serves as the final resting place for many notable individuals, including politicians, artists, and historical figures. Forest Lawn is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, meticulously maintained gardens, and tranquil atmosphere. The cemetery is dotted with rolling hills, winding paths, and majestic trees, creating a serene and peaceful ambiance.

7. Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site

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The historic site is housed in the Wilcox Mansion, the residence where Theodore Roosevelt took the oath of office. The mansion has been restored to its original appearance, allowing visitors to step back in time and witness the setting where this historic event occurred.

8. Canalside

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Canalside is a vibrant waterfront district located in downtown Buffalo, New York. It stretches along the Buffalo River and the Erie Canal Harbor, offering a wide array of recreational activities, events, dining options, and entertainment. Canalside has undergone significant revitalization in recent years, becoming a popular gathering place for both locals and visitors alike.

9. Pierce-Arrow Museum

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The Pierce-Arrow Museum is a captivating automotive museum located in Buffalo, New York. It celebrates the legacy of the Pierce-Arrow Motor Car Company, a renowned American luxury automobile manufacturer that operated from 1901 to 1938. The museum showcases a stunning collection of vintage automobiles, artifacts, and memorabilia related to Pierce-Arrow and the early days of automobile manufacturing.

10. Buffalo AKG Art Museum

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The Albright-Knox Art Gallery hosts rotating special exhibitions that showcase contemporary artists and explore various themes and artistic practices. These exhibitions provide visitors with an opportunity to engage with new and thought-provoking artworks.

11. Delaware Park

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Delaware Park is a beautiful and expansive urban park located in Buffalo, New York. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the renowned landscape architect, the park offers a tranquil retreat from the city’s bustling streets and provides a variety of recreational activities and natural beauty. Delaware Park encompasses over 350 acres of green spaces, meadows, and woodlands. It features winding trails and pathways that are perfect for walking, jogging, or biking. The park’s serene environment and scenic views make it an ideal place to reconnect with nature.

12. Erie Basin Marina

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The marina at Erie Basin provides docking facilities for boats, making it a popular spot for boating enthusiasts. It offers a range of services, including boat slip rentals, fueling stations, and boat launch ramps. The marina can accommodate both large and small vessels, and it serves as a gateway to Lake Erie for boaters looking to explore the waterways.

13. St Joseph’s Cathedral

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St. Joseph’s Cathedral was designed in the Gothic Revival architectural style by renowned architect Patrick Charles Keely and completed in 1855. The cathedral’s impressive exterior features intricate stonework, pointed arches, and towering spires. Inside, visitors can admire the beautiful stained glass windows, detailed woodwork, and the overall grandeur of the cathedral.

14. Richardson Olmsted Campus

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The Richardson Olmsted Campus, formerly known as the Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane, is a historic architectural gem located in Buffalo, New York. Designed by renowned architect Henry Hobson Richardson, with grounds planned by Frederick Law Olmsted, the campus is a stunning example of 19th-century Richardsonian Romanesque architecture. The Richardson Olmsted Campus consists of several interconnected buildings that were originally part of a state-of-the-art psychiatric hospital built in the late 1800s.

15. Burchfield Penney Art Center

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The Burchfield Penney Art Center is a prominent cultural institution located in Buffalo, New York. Dedicated to the works of renowned American watercolorist Charles E. Burchfield and other regional artists, the center is a vibrant hub for contemporary and modern art. The center houses an extensive collection of artworks that focus on the art and artists of Western New York.

16. Larkin Square

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Larkin Square offers a spacious outdoor area that serves as a gathering space for locals and visitors alike. The square features open lawns, colorful seating areas, and picnic tables, providing a welcoming environment for socializing, picnicking, and enjoying the outdoors.

17. Tifft Nature Preserve

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Tifft Nature Preserve features several miles of well-maintained trails and walkways that wind through the various habitats. Visitors can explore the natural surroundings at their own pace, immersing themselves in the beauty of the preserve. The trails offer opportunities for leisurely walks, birdwatching, and wildlife observation.

18. Buffalo Lighthouse

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The Buffalo Lighthouse holds significant historical value as one of the oldest lighthouses on the Great Lakes. It played a crucial role in the growth and development of Buffalo as a bustling port city during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The lighthouse stands as a testament to the maritime heritage of the region.

19. Buffalo Central Terminal

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The Buffalo Central Terminal is a majestic and iconic architectural landmark located in Buffalo, New York. Built in 1929, the Central Terminal served as the city’s main train station until 1979. Today, it stands as a symbol of Buffalo’s rich history and a testament to its architectural grandeur.

20. Erie Basin Marina Gardens

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The Erie Basin Marina Gardens are a scenic oasis located within the larger Erie Basin Marina complex in Buffalo, New York. Nestled along the shores of Lake Erie, these gardens provide a tranquil escape from the bustling city and offer stunning views of the waterfront. The gardens feature beautifully landscaped areas with a variety of plantings, including colorful flowers, ornamental grasses, and native shrubs. The meticulous design and maintenance of the gardens create a serene environment that is perfect for strolling, picnicking, or simply relaxing amidst nature’s beauty.

21. Cazenovia Park

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Cazenovia Park boasts expansive green spaces, including open fields and well-maintained lawns, perfect for picnics, frisbee games, or simply relaxing in the sunshine. The park is also home to several playgrounds, offering a safe and enjoyable space for children to play and explore.

22. Buffalo Harbor State Park

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Buffalo Harbor State Park provides ample opportunities for waterfront recreation. The park features a sandy beach where visitors can relax, sunbathe, or take a refreshing swim in Lake Erie. Kayaking, paddleboarding, and canoeing are also popular activities, with rentals available on-site.

23. Buffalo Fire Historical Society

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The Buffalo Fire Historical Society is an organization dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich history of firefighting in Buffalo, New York. It serves as a valuable resource for those interested in the city’s firefighting heritage and plays an essential role in educating the public about the bravery and sacrifices made by firefighters throughout history.

24. Blue Sky Mausoleum

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The Blue Sky Mausoleum is renowned for its unique and innovative design. It was created by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright in collaboration with the Forest Lawn Cemetery. The mausoleum’s design reflects Wright’s signature organic architecture style, which seeks to harmonize with the surrounding natural environment.

25. Iron Island Museum

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The museum features a variety of exhibits that showcase the history of the Lovejoy neighborhood and Buffalo’s East Side. These exhibits include artifacts, photographs, documents, and other historical items that provide insights into the area’s past, including its industrial heritage and the lives of its residents.

26. Buffalo Religious Arts Center

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The Buffalo Religious Arts Center, also known as the BRAC, is indeed located in Buffalo, New York. The center is dedicated to preserving and showcasing religious art and artifacts from various faith traditions. The Buffalo Religious Arts Center houses a diverse collection of religious art and artifacts from different cultures and time periods.

27. Walter V. Davidson House

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The Walter V. Davidson House was built between 1908 and 1910 for Walter V. Davidson, an executive at the Larkin Soap Company. The house showcases the distinctive features of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie School style, characterized by horizontal lines, low-pitched roofs with overhanging eaves, and integration with the surrounding landscape.

28. Michigan Street Baptist Church

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The Michigan Street Baptist Church was established in 1845 and became a central institution for the African American community in Buffalo. It played a crucial role in the fight against slavery, served as a meeting place for civil rights activists, and provided support for social justice causes.

29. Museum of Disability History

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The Museum of Disability History aims to promote understanding, acceptance, and inclusion of people with disabilities by educating the public about their experiences, challenges, and achievements. It seeks to challenge stereotypes and promote a more inclusive society.

30. St. Louis Church

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St. Louis Church was established in 1829, making it one of the oldest Roman Catholic parishes in Buffalo. The current church building was constructed in 1889 and is a magnificent example of Gothic Revival architecture. The St. Louis Church boasts stunning architectural features both inside and outside. The exterior showcases intricate stone carvings, pointed arches, and beautiful stained glass windows. The interior features a high vaulted ceiling, ornate altars, statues, and a pipe organ.

31. Japanese Garden

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The Japanese Garden in Buffalo is designed in a traditional Japanese style, incorporating elements such as serene water features, meticulously arranged rocks and stones, lush vegetation, and carefully manicured landscapes. The garden is thoughtfully designed to create a harmonious and balanced atmosphere, promoting relaxation and contemplation.

32. Front Park

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Front Park offers panoramic views of the Niagara River, including the mighty Niagara Falls in the distance. The park’s location provides a tranquil setting to enjoy the natural beauty of the water and its surroundings.

33. William R. Heath House

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The William R. Heath House is a prime example of the Prairie School architectural style, which was popularized by Frank Lloyd Wright. This style is characterized by low-pitched roofs with wide eaves, horizontal lines, open floor plans, and integration with the natural surroundings.

34. Broderick Park

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Broderick Park is situated along the waterfront, providing stunning views of the Niagara River. Visitors can enjoy the sight of the rushing water and the nearby Peace Bridge, which connects Buffalo to Canada. The park offers a serene and picturesque setting for relaxation and recreation.

35. Blessed Trinity RC Church

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Blessed Trinity RC Church is renowned for its exceptional architectural design. Designed by architect George J. Dietel, the church showcases a blend of Byzantine and Romanesque architectural influences. It is recognized as one of the finest examples of this architectural style in the United States.

Buffalo, New York, offers a diverse range of attractions, cultural landmarks, and natural beauty. Whether you’re interested in history, art, nature, or simply indulging in delicious food, Buffalo has something for everyone.