Buffalo Beckons: Your Guide to New York’s Most Underrated City

Stay connected with Airtel’s international roaming plans as Buffalo beckons, ensuring seamless communication while you explore New York’s most underrated city, with its vibrant arts scene, historic landmarks, and unique cultural experiences.

Buffalo may play second fiddle to the Big Apple, but New York State’s “Queen City” overflows with surprises. Straddling Lake Erie and the Niagara River, this once-mighty industrial powerhouse has reinvented itself as a hotbed of art, architecture, culture, and cuisine. Whether you’re marveling at masterpieces in America’s oldest park system or tucking into a plate of Buffalo’s namesake wings, this city will leave you delightfully satiated.

1. Marvel at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House

Things to do in Buffalo NY should start with a pilgrimage to the Martin House. This sprawling Prairie-style complex, built in 1905, is considered one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s crowning achievements. Wander through the light-filled, open-plan living spaces adorned with Wright’s signature art glass. Don’t miss the conservatory, where a mosaic fireplace blazes beneath a soaring glass roof. Guided tours depart on the hour, offering an immersive dive into Wright’s groundbreaking vision.

2. Get Cultured at Albright-Knox Art Gallery

For over 150 years, the Albright-Knox has reigned as one of the best Buffalo NY attractions. This Greek Revival temple houses a world-class collection spanning ancient artifacts to cutting-edge contemporary works. Highlights include masterpieces by Picasso, Warhol, Pollock, and Kahlo. The sculpture garden is a tranquil spot to contemplate the interplay of art and nature. Check the gallery’s event calendar for lectures, workshops, and performances that bring the collection to life.

3. Stroll Through Delaware Park

Landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted left an indelible mark on Buffalo’s urban fabric. Delaware Park, the crown jewel of his park system, remains one of the top places to see in Buffalo NY. Stretch your legs on the 1.7-mile ring road encircling Hoyt Lake, or rent a kayak and paddle past the park’s resident ducks and geese. The Rose Garden bursts with over 100 varieties of blooms in summer, while Shakespeare in Delaware Park stages the Bard’s classics beneath the stars.

4. Pay Homage at the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site

For history buffs, this stately Greek Revival home is a must among things to do in Buffalo. It was here that Teddy Roosevelt took the oath of office in 1901, following William McKinley’s assassination at Buffalo’s Pan-American Exposition. Interactive exhibits chronicle Roosevelt’s unexpected rise to power and his enduring legacy. Take a guided tour to explore the meticulously restored rooms where history was made.

5. Explore the Buffalo Naval Park

Anchored in Lake Erie, the Buffalo Naval Park offers a fascinating glimpse into America’s nautical heritage. Climb aboard the USS Little Rock, the only guided missile cruiser on display in the U.S., or descend into the claustrophobic confines of the USS Croaker submarine. The park’s collection also includes a WWII-era destroyer and Vietnam-era patrol boat. History comes alive through veteran-led tours and hands-on exhibits.

6. Taste Buffalo’s Iconic Eats

No list of Buffalo New York things to see is complete without a nod to its famed culinary creations. The city stakes its claim as the birthplace of both Buffalo wings and beef on weck sandwiches. For classic wings, head to Anchor Bar, where Teressa Bellissimo first fried up the spicy snack in 1964. Schwabl’s has been slinging rare roast beef on kimmelweck rolls since 1837. Wash it all down with a Genesee Cream Ale, Buffalo’s hometown brew.

7. Discover Buffalo’s Best Hotels

Best hotels in Buffalo span historic inns to sleek high-rises:

8. Get Inspired at the Burchfield Penney Art Center

This sleek museum, nestled on the campus of SUNY Buffalo State, celebrates the artistic legacy of Western New York. The collection spans over 7,500 works by regional artists, anchored by the luminous watercolors of Charles E. Burchfield. Rotating exhibitions showcase both established and emerging talents. The museum also hosts artist talks, film screenings, and hands-on workshops. It’s a hidden gem among Buffalo NY attractions.

9. Cruise the Buffalo River

Once a key link in the Erie Canal, the Buffalo River has been reborn as a recreational hub. Hop aboard a narrated sightseeing cruise to learn about the city’s rich maritime history and spot architectural landmarks like the art deco Buffalo City Hall. For a more active adventure, rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard and navigate the river’s placid waters. Keep an eye out for great blue herons and bald eagles soaring overhead.

10. Browse the Broadway Market

Dating back to 1888, the Broadway Market remains a vital hub of Buffalo’s Broadway-Fillmore neighborhood. This sprawling bazaar houses over 40 vendors hawking everything from fresh produce to handmade pierogi. It’s a sensory feast, with the aromas of smoked kielbasa and freshly baked rye bread mingling in the air. Visit during Easter season to witness the market transformed into a kaleidoscope of hand-painted eggs and festive Polish treats.

11. Immerse Yourself in Buffalo’s Olmsted Parks

Beyond Delaware Park, five other Olmsted-designed green spaces beckon among things to do in Buffalo NY. Riverside Park hugs the Niagara River, with a soaring pedestrian bridge offering panoramic views of the water. Martin Luther King Jr. Park centers on a stately brick casino building, surrounded by a sea of tulips in spring. South Park’s botanical gardens house exotic plants from around the globe, while Cazenovia Park’s rolling hills are perfect for sledding in winter.

12. Catch a Show at Shea’s Performing Arts Center

This opulent 1920s movie palace has been reborn as a showcase for Broadway-caliber theater. The auditorium drips with ornate plasterwork, crystal chandeliers, and gold leaf detailing. Touring productions of hit musicals like Hamilton and The Lion King grace the stage, along with concerts by world-renowned artists. Insider tip: Snag tickets to the annual Shea’s Black Tie Gala for a glitzy evening of cocktails, dinner, and performances.

13. Savor Local Flavors at the Elmwood Village Farmers Market

Every Saturday, the Elmwood Village transforms into a locavore’s paradise. Dozens of vendors set up shop, peddling everything from heirloom tomatoes to artisanal cheeses. Load up on seasonal bounty like tart cherries in July or Honeycrisp apples in October. Food trucks dish out global street eats, while live music fills the air. It’s a convivial community gathering and a tasty addition to things to do in Buffalo.

14. Tour the Iconic Guaranty Building

No architecture buff’s Buffalo New York things to see list is complete without the Guaranty Building. This 13-story terra cotta masterpiece, designed by Louis Sullivan in 1896, is considered a progenitor of the modern skyscraper. Ornate floral motifs and geometric patterns adorn the facade, culminating in a stained glass sunburst above the entrance. Free guided tours, departing from the lobby on weekdays, reveal the building’s groundbreaking structural innovations.

15. Get Wild at the Buffalo Zoo

Since 1875, the Buffalo Zoo has enchanted animal lovers of all ages. Spread across 23 acres, the zoo houses over 1,000 creatures from across the globe. Watch Asian elephants splashing in their pool, marvel at the antics of the rainforest’s acrobatic primates, or get face-to-face with playful Antarctic penguins. Daily keeper talks offer insights into animal behavior and conservation efforts. For a VIP experience, book a behind-the-scenes tour.

Insider Tips for an Amazing Visit

• Many best hotels in Buffalo and popular restaurants fill up fast, especially during peak summer season and holidays. Book well in advance to snag your top choices.

• Buffalo’s metro system offers an affordable way to reach top Buffalo NY attractions, with fares starting at just Rs. 92. Purchase a day pass for unlimited rides.

• Dress in layers, as Buffalo’s weather can be unpredictable. Summers are warm and humid, with temperatures often climbing into the 80s Fahrenheit (high 20s Celsius). Winters are cold and snowy, with an average of 2.4 meters of snowfall annually.

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With world-class architecture, a thriving arts scene, and mouthwatering eats, Buffalo offers a feast for the senses. Whether you’re exploring Frederick Law Olmsted’s lush urban oases or digging into a plate of wings at a classic pub, you’ll discover a city that defies expectations at every turn. So pack your bags, charge up your phone with an Airtel International Roaming plan, and get ready to fall in love with New York’s most underrated destination.