Best Tourist Spots in Buffalo

The City of Buffalo has heaps of top attractions to boast about. The presence of the magnificent Niagara Falls is definitely an icing on the cake, but beyond this geographical gem, the city embraces many more notable landmarks. Outdoor enthusiasts frequent the city's parks, rivers, nature preserves and lakes, which offer several outdoor activities, like skating, skiing, biking an hockey.  For sport fans, the city has something big to offer. The very popular Ralph Wilson Stadium and HSBC Arena attracts hoards of sport lovers during pro-football and hockey seasons. Downtown Buffalo has its share of historic districts, dotted with historic buildings, shops, museums, restaurants and night clubs. Though Buffalo may not be included in the top 10 American tourist destinations, but crossing it off from your travel bucket list, trust me, you're missing out on something awesome and original. Anyone who has been here will agree with this.

---

Two days trip to Buffalo!

---

Niagara Falls State Park

Niagara Falls State Park need no introduction as it has already gained its reputation as one of the world's top tourist destinations. This is the oldest state park in America and each year millions of tourist come to see the over 700,000 gallons rush over the cliff every second. A helicopter or cruise tour is also available to explore the mighty fall. The park has its American side and the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. Park's notable features include Three Sisters Island, Goat Island, Prospect Point, visitor's center, Luna Island at Bridal Falls, an observation tower and the Niagara Falls Discovery Center. Visitors are welcome to explore the park all year round and you can participate in hiking, fishing, biking and cross-country skiing.

Address: Niagara Falls, New York 14303
Phone: 716-278-1796
Phone: 716-278-1770
Website: www.nysparks.state.ny.us
Hours: Visitors' Center
October to March -  Daily 8a.m-6p.m
September - Sunday to Thursday 8am-6pm; Friday to Saturday 8am-9pm
July to August - Sunday to Thursday 8am-9pm; Friday to Saturday 8am-10pm

Spirit of Buffalo

Nestled on Lake Erie, Spirit of Buffalo is a fun filled and soothing voyage adventure provided by the Hilliman family. The vessel is so well maintained and there are various types of cruises available. A special mention is s the "Wind and Wine" cruise offers an opportunity to taste wines from the Niagara Wine Trail. The pirate cruise is a big hit among kids. It provides fun activities, like  swashbuckling stories, a treasure hunt, face painting and music by professional pirates.

Address: 1 Naval Park Cove, Buffalo, New York 14202
Phone: 716-796-7210
Website: www.spiritofbuffalo.com

Old Fort Niagara

Old Fort Niagara is a historic site that is hemmed on the tip of Niagara River. This is the oldest structure on the grounds that gives you a chance to explore many significant events of the bygone era and also an opportunity to learn aboutthe 18th and early 19th centuries life on the Niagara Frontier. A visit during summer time will let you encounter many special events, like - reenactments and cannon and musket firing demonstrations and. Guided tours are available.

Address: 1 Maintenance Avenue, Youngstown, NY 14174
Phone: 716-745-7611
Hours:
January to June -  Daily 9am-5pm
July to August -  Daily 9am-7pm
September to December -  Daily 9am-5pm

Forest Lawn Cemetary

Don't be put off just because this is a cemetery. Forest Lawn is a stunning place where you can pay homage to significant American dignitaries who have been laid to rest here. The cemetery has a park like setting with ponds, lawns, roads. You can laze around walking, jogging or enjoy a quite picnic with your family. We recommend that you avail a tour to cover all the highlights of the cemetery. There is a two-hour walking tour available for  $15, or you can opt for a 1.5- to 2 hour trolley tour will cost you around $25. The cemetery welcomes visitors from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. during spring and summer seasons and in the fall and winter times from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Address: 1411 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14209
Website: www.forest-lawn.com

Kleinhans Music Hall

Kleinhans Music Hall is one of the city's thriving performance halls that was the dying wish of a couple. The wish came true and the music hall was opened in 1940 with a concert by the Buffalo Philharmonic. The Music Hall holds 3 auditoriums that host several performance by many renowned artists. From the excellent acoustics to convenient seating arrangement, to exquisite decor - Kleinhans Music Hall has gained rave reviews as one of the world's best performance halls.  For show times, ticket prices and more information, visit their website.

Address: 3 Symphony Circle,  Buffalo, New York 14201
Website: www.kleinhansbuffalo.org

Buffalo City Hall

To see the city's finest art deco design, visit Buffalo City Hall. This massive Hall stands as the city's significant architectural landmark, with its exquisite geometric detailing in designs and stained glass ceiling decor. Aside from the architecture, the spectacular 360 degree view offered from the observation deck is breathtaking. You can see the stunning city's vistas, the Buffalo River and Lake Erie from the top. This tall 32 storied structure also holds over 1500 windows that will set your eyes to downtown and beyond. An hour long guided tour is offered to let you explore the towering structure completely. You don't need to pay extra to enter the observation deck as it is already included in the tour package.

Address: 65 Niagara Square, Buffalo, New York 14202
Website: www.visitbuffaloniagara.com/see-do

Buffalo Zoo

It's worth to pay a visit to the country's third oldest zoo - Buffalo zoo and get up close with different exotic animals, birds, reptiles. Visitors appreciated the eco-rainforest exhibit that features a rope bridge, from where you can watch the alligators and turtles below. The staffs there are really informative and helpful. Do not miss the zoo's star attractions - 2 polar bear cubs called Kali and Luna. The zoo is opened daily. For ticket prices, timings and other details, visit their website.

Address: 300 Parkside Ave,| Buffalo, NY 14214
Website: www.buffalozoo.org

St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral

This Gothic style church is a National Historic Landmark. The magnificent structure is built of Medina sandstone. The exquisite interior decor and its towering spires are beautiful. First Churches Tour will give you a tour of St. Paul's, which include a top at First Presbyterian and St. Louis.

Address: 128 Pearl Street, Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: 716-855-0900
Website: www.stpaulscathedral.org

Beaver Meadow Audubon Center

A 324-acre wildlife sanctuary - Beaver Meadow Audubon Center is a home to beaver species. The sanctuary comprises of wetland areas, field and forest. This is venue that helps the community to stay connected with nature. Both adults and children are welcome here to explore and appreciate nature via its array of nature and wildlife programs they offer. Your outdoor fun is taken to new heights with its 8 miles trails and serene beach. A visit here during winter time will offer you a chance to participate in cross country ski and snowshoe.

Address: 1610 Welch Road, North Java, NY 14113
Phone: 585-457-3228
Website: www.buffaloaudubon.com
Hours:
Visitors Center  opens from Tuesday to Saturday from 10am-5pm; Sunday from 1pm-5pm
Trails  open daily 24 Hours
Nature Preserves opens daily - Sunrise to Sunset

Map Guide of the Best Tourist Spots in Buffalo