Buffalo is a city located in the Northwest of New York State. A city that often gets missed by many tourists! A city that people often fly to, to visit the famous Niagara Falls, yet bypass the beautiful city centre.
On my visit, I could feel the absence of tourists. The streets were empty, the city felt bare and airy. Was it because it was a weekday? Maybe it’s a city that comes more to life on a weekend? Maybe their winter is too cold for many people? I visited in March, and the days were still quite chilly. Maybe the city comes more to life in the warmer summer months?
Questions, I would love to know answers too!
Buffalo isn’t a big city, so you don’t necessarily need a whole weekend spare to explore. A day or even half a day is more than enough! If you do have more time, you could combine it with a trip to the Eternal Flame or Niagara Falls State Park, both which I will talk more about further down.
Here is what to see and do in Buffalo
Ok, I maybe haven’t sold this city to you yet. Nobody around, the streets are airy, and there’s not a lot to do. But hear me out……
Buffalo is a city full of beautiful, big architectural buildings, which will take your breath away! If you love walking by the lake or doing watersports, there’s a large park area to walk next to the lake shore, which is also meant to be a beautiful location at sunset too. Unfortunately, we had gone by that point and were unable to witness it!
So here is what to see and do in Buffalo in detail:
Downtown Area
The best way to explore Downtown Buffalo is on foot! Here’s what to look out for:
Buffalo City Hall
The City Hall is one of Buffalo’s most iconic landmarks! Honestly, it is breathtaking to see!
Located on Niagara Square, the art deco-style hall is 32 stories high, towering over many neighboring buildings. Every weekday, and Saturday, at 12 noon, there is a free, 1-hour long tour that takes you around the inside and up to the observatory deck.
McKinley Monument
Not only will you see the grand City Hall on Niagara Square, but also the McKinley Monument.
In 1901, President McKinley was assassinated while attending the Pan-American Exposition, at the Music Temple Building in Buffalo. Today, this monument is a reminder of the tragic event.
Erie County Court
The Erie County Court is a beautiful-looking courthouse in Buffalo. As far as I’m aware, it’s not open to the public. However, it’s still worth a visit! The building the courthouse is in, is just breathtaking!
Outskirts of Buffalo
To explore the outskirts of Buffalo, hiring a car is recommended!
Here are some of the things you can do, within a 30-minute drive from downtown Buffalo:
Buffalo Naval Park
If you are interested in learning more about Erie County’s Navel and Milerty, Buffalo has the largest inland Naval Park in the United States!
For more information, please visit their website: https://buffalonavalpark.org/
Outer Harbor Buffalo
The Outer Harbor is more than 200 acres of green space, beside Lake Erie. There is a 3-mile wellness trail you can walk, jog, or cycle. In the summer you can enjoy a lovely swim, paddleboard, or canoe. It’s a great place to escape the city, and catch a good sunset!
However, being honest with you, when we visited, we didn’t have a great experience here! But, I’ve included it in my blog as a recommendation as I think if you time it right, it can be such an enjoyable park area.
We visited on a weekday, out of season. There was nobody around except this one gang of lads, who looked to be up to no good. There was something about them, that made me feel very un at ease. So we decided to leave! If there was more people around, I would have probably felt more at ease, and likely to have stayed.
Therefore, if you are visiting the Outer Harbor, I probably recommend visiting when it’s busier. Maybe on a weekend? Or maybe on a lovely summer’s day?
Buffalo Harbor State Park
Buffalo Harbor State Park is a lovely place to go for a walk, and enjoy views over Lake Erie. If you have a boat, it’s a great place to launch it. It’s a park that comes to life more in the summer season! When we visited in March, everywhere was shut, boats were wrapped up for winter, and there was nobody around.
Afternoon Hiking to the Eternal Flame
If you have a car and love getting into nature, this walk is a must! It’s a flame beside a waterfall which has been burning for thousands of years. It’s honestly incredible to see!
I’ve written a full separate guide to this walk: Discovering The Eternal Flame
A Day Out To Niagara Fall State Park
Just a 30-minute drive away is one of the more incredible waterfalls in the world, Niagara Falls! If you come to Buffalo, you MUST drive out to Niagara Falls. The USA side is a beautiful State Park, which gets you up close to the falls. If you cross over Rainbow Bridge, you can head over to the Canadian side, and see Niagara Falls from a distance. Both sides of Niagara Falls will leave you breathless!
For my full guide to Niagara Falls: https://livingwiththewolf.co.uk/a-day-at-niagara-falls/
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Further Reading
Other guides you may like:
Chicago – 48 Hours in Chicago
Sedona – A Bucket List Hiking Destination: Sedona
Route 66 – The Ultimate Guide To Route 66
My book, How I Tamed the Wolf, Living with Lupus is available on Amazon via this link:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09M73X2JQ/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_MWAF58981F0VVMNRV1WN
