Buffalo holidays
New York’s second-largest city is famous for its namesake chicken wings and easy access to Niagara Falls. You should certainly enjoy both on your trip to Buffalo, but the charms don’t stop there. The architecture alone is worth a pilgrimage, as is its grass-roots food scene. Throw in an intricate park system and serious sports fandom and you’ve got an East Coast city that’s no longer waiting in the wings.
Buffalo holiday highlights
Buffalo
Visit Buffalo Niagara
The Wright stuff
Before Frank Lloyd Wright designed NYC’s Guggenheim, he made his mark here. Visit several of the architect’s projects, from a filling station to a mausoleum, on your holiday to Buffalo. Absorb the geometric designs and natural hues of his prairie-style Martin House on a guided tour. Wander the grounds, including the conservatory and pergola, for a true sense of his mastery.
All the wings
Perhaps the city’s biggest cultural export, Buffalo wings have become standard snacking fare at American football games. Take a tour themed around the deep-fried chicken wings tossed in hot sauce and sample several of the best in town. All tours are sure to stop at Anchor Bar, where the recipe is believed to have originated in 1964.
Where to stay
You can find brand name hotels pretty much anywhere in the city. The biggest clusters are concentrated around Downtown and surrounding Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF). Boutique properties provide a charming stay, especially in Elwood Village and Allentown. A range of lodging options can also be found in the northern stretches near the University of Buffalo.
Buffalo: Know before you go
Language
English
Currency
United States dollar ($)
Time zone
UTC-5 (EST) and UTC-4 (EDT)
High season
June – August
Low season
January – February
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Caption
Photographer name
Things to do in Buffalo
Buffalo
Libby March for The Washington Post
Places to eat
Buffalo’s dining scene is experiencing something of a rebirth. A new generation of chefs who grew up in the area are reconnecting with their roots, opening creative restaurants with a local twist. You’ll also find a thriving community of eateries run by refugees and immigrants importing their home flavours from Cambodia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Myanmar and more.
Take in the culture
There’s a museum here for every interest. The Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park museum centres around four decommissioned ships, while the Colored Musicians Club & Jazz Museum preserves Black music. Art lovers should check out the Buffalo AKG Art Museum, featuring modern art, and Burchfield Penney Art Center, spotlighting local artists. Kids will enjoy Buffalo Museum of Science and its planetarium.
Shopping
The Elmwood Village neighbourhood tops shoppers’ lists for its upscale options and shops hawking everything from spices to vintage fashion. The hip Hertel Avenue corridor features a mix of record shops, chocolatiers and independent boutiques. Walden Galleria mall offers one-stop shopping for brand-name shops. Bargain hunters will have a ball at the Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls USA.
FAQs about Buffalo holidays
While on your trip to Buffalo, you'll be using the United States dollar (USD) for all your expenses. It's a good idea to carry a mix of cash and cards to avoid any issues with payments.
July is the warmest month in Buffalo, with temperatures reaching highs of 28ºC (82ºF).
The airline you choose, where you depart from, and when you go all influence the cost of a city break in Buffalo. Prices for Buffalo flights and hotels can vary widely, but booking early and keeping your travel dates flexible can help you score savings.
The wettest month is April, which gets an average rainfall of 11 cm. But don't let that put a damper on your Buffalo trip — there's still plenty to do indoors like browsing shops, exploring museums, or enjoying a long lunch.
English is the language you'll hear most often while on your city break in Buffalo.
A two- to three-day holiday to Buffalo will provide a comfortable amount of time to explore several unique museums and the Wright sites. Tack on a day for a side trip to Niagara Falls, just northwest of the city.
Plan your Buffalo holiday for January and you'll be there when the weather is at its coolest. -10ºC (14ºF) is as cold as it gets.
Buffalo is typically considered safe, but it's always wise to exercise some caution just as you would in any destination. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in busy tourist areas, and make sure your valuables are secure. Also choose official transport options whenever you can during your holiday to Buffalo.
Summer is undoubtedly the best time for a holiday to Buffalo, particularly July and August. The weather is warm, plus it’s when the city puts on its festivals. If you don’t mind chilly temperatures, spring and autumn are good times to visit Buffalo without the crowds.
You won't have to look far for awesome things to do in Buffalo. From Buffalo City Hall to Albright-Knox Art Gallery and more, this city has everything you need for a great trip.
Compared to bigger American cities, flights and hotels to Buffalo are more reasonably priced. Major US carriers American, Delta and United all service Buffalo Niagara International Airport, with lower cost options through JetBlue and Southwest. Hotels near the airport tend to be the cheapest in the area.
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