- Buffalo is a vibrant, walkable city with world-class architecture, food, and art—perfect for a weekend escape.
- Don’t miss Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House, Canalside, and the city’s legendary food scene (Buffalo wings are a must!).
- Stay downtown or in Elmwood Village for easy access to top attractions and nightlife.
- Public transit, rideshares, and walking are the best ways to get around.
- Buffalo is generally safe, but use common sense, especially at night.
- Budget $150–$325/day, but plenty of free and low-cost activities make it accessible for all travelers.
- Best time to visit: late spring to early fall for festivals, patios, and perfect weather.
Why Buffalo Is the Ultimate Weekend Getaway
Buffalo, NY, is a city that’s constantly reinventing itself. Once known for its industrial past, it’s now a hotspot for art, architecture, food, and lakeside fun.
As a local, I’ve watched this city transform—today, you’ll find vibrant neighborhoods, historic gems, and a food scene that rivals any in the Northeast. Whether you’re a first-timer or a returning visitor, this guide will help you experience Buffalo like a true insider.
Where to Stay in Buffalo: Best Neighborhoods & Hotels
Downtown Buffalo
Best for: First-time visitors, nightlife, walkability
Pro tip: Book early for summer weekends or during big events like the National Buffalo Wing Festival. Both downtown and Elmwood Village are safe, lively, and central to everything you’ll want to see.
Personal insight: I love staying in Elmwood for its leafy streets and indie coffee shops—plus, you’re just a quick ride to the waterfront.
Top Things to See & Do in Buffalo
A masterpiece of Prairie School architecture. Guided tours available. martinhouse.org
Buffalo’s waterfront playground: kayaking, concerts, and ice skating in winter. canalsidebuffalo.com
Modern and contemporary art in a stunning building. buffaloakg.org
Tour decommissioned Navy ships and learn about military history. buffalonavalpark.org
Family-friendly, historic zoo with global species. buffalozoo.org
Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, it’s perfect for walks, picnics, and summer events.
Free panoramic city views from the 28th floor. buffalony.gov
Personal tip: If you’re short on time, prioritize the Martin House and Canalside—they’re Buffalo icons. For nightlife, Allentown and the Theater District are buzzing after dark.
Local’s favorite: Don’t leave without trying original Buffalo wings at Anchor Bar or Duff’s. I always bring out-of-town guests for a wing crawl!
Where to Eat & Drink
Buffalo’s culinary scene is legendary—from classic comfort food to modern farm-to-table. Here’s where I send friends:
Home of the original Buffalo wing: anchorbar.com
Beloved local bakery—don’t miss the peanut stick. paulasdonuts.com
Upscale American, great wine list. bacchuswinebar.com
Craft beer and creative pub fare. bigditchbrewing.com
Pro tip: Many restaurants offer vegan and gluten-free options, and reservations are recommended on weekends.
Typical Costs, Budgeting, and Money-Saving Tips
Average Daily Costs
- Hotel: $110–$220/night (mid-range downtown or Elmwood)
- Meals: $40–$80/day (mix of casual and sit-down dining)
- Attractions: $10–$25/ticket (many museums and galleries)
- Transit: $5–$15/day (NFTA Metro, rideshares)
Total: $150–$325/day per person (mid-range)
Money-Saving Tips
- Book hotels early and look for weekend deals.
- Use NFTA Metro for cheap, reliable transit.
- Many parks, festivals, and galleries are free or donation-based.
- Eat like a local—try food trucks and neighborhood diners.
Personal tip: I always recommend grabbing a CityPASS if you plan to visit multiple attractions—it can save you up to 40% on admission fees.
How to Get Around Buffalo
Buffalo is compact and easy to navigate. Here’s how I get around:
Affordable, reliable, and covers most major attractions. metro.nfta.com
Uber and Lyft are widely available.
Downtown, Elmwood Village, and Allentown are walkable. Reddy Bikeshare offers bikes citywide. reddybikeshare.com
Pro tip: Download the NFTA Metro app for real-time schedules. Parking is generally easy outside of peak downtown hours.
Personal insight: I love biking along the waterfront—Reddy Bikeshare makes it a breeze.
When to Visit, How to Get There, and Exploring Beyond Buffalo
Best Time to Visit
- Late May–September: Warm festival season, patios open
- Fall (Sept–Oct): Gorgeous foliage, fewer crowds
Getting to Buffalo
- Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF): 20 min from downtown
- Amtrak: Niagara Falls and Toronto connections
- By car: 1.5 hours from Rochester, 3 hours from Toronto
Day Trips & Nearby
- Niagara Falls (30 min): Iconic natural wonder
- Letchworth State Park: “Grand Canyon of the East”
- Chautauqua Lake: Boating, wineries, summer fun
Personal tip: If you have a car, Niagara Falls is a must. But even without one, Buffalo’s public transit and tour operators make day trips easy.
How to Stay Safe in Buffalo
Safety Tips
- Stick to well-lit, busy areas at night (downtown, Elmwood, Allentown).
- Keep valuables secure and avoid displaying cash or expensive items.
- Use licensed taxis or rideshare apps—avoid unmarked vehicles.
- Drink responsibly and never leave drinks unattended.
Emergency Contacts
- Police/Fire/Ambulance: 911
- Buffalo Police (Non-Emergency): 716-853-2222
- Visitor Information: 716-852-0511
- Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus: 716-859-5600
Personal insight: I’ve always felt safe in Buffalo, but like any city, it pays to be aware and prepared—especially at night or during festivals.
Pro tip: Save emergency numbers in your phone and know your hotel’s address.
Tours, Experiences & How Long to Stay
Recommended Tours
- Buffalo River History Tours (buffaloriverhistory.com)
- Buffalo Bike Tours (buffalobiketours.com)
- Architecture Walks (Martin House, downtown Art Deco)
Ideal Length of Stay
- 2–3 days: See the highlights, sample the food scene, and enjoy the waterfront.
- 4+ days: Add day trips to Niagara Falls, Letchworth, or local wineries.
Personal tip: A weekend is perfect for first-timers, but I always tell friends to extend if they can—there’s so much to see, especially in summer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Buffalo safe for tourists?
More safety tips
What is the best way to get around Buffalo?
Transit info
When is the best time to visit Buffalo?
What are the top things to do in Buffalo?
How much should I budget for a weekend in Buffalo?
What emergency numbers should I know?
- Emergency: 911
- Buffalo Police (Non-Emergency): 716-853-2222
- Visitor Info: 716-852-0511
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