10 Things to Do in Buffalo, NY for First Time Visitors
There are plenty of reasons why you should go to the northernmost point of New York State. Buffalo has plenty of excellent attractions to see and things to do to entertain even the most difficult crowd. Buffalo is a beautiful setting, and the fact that it’s only a drive away from crossing over to our friendly Canadian neighbors up north is just another plus. There’s plenty of Buffalo to see and experience, and you should make sure that you have plenty of time to get to them all. If you’ve been planning a trip to Buffalo, New York for the first time, here are 10 things that you must do first before you do anything else.
1. Niagara Falls
This is the gem of Buffalo, and everyone who goes to Buffalo should plan to spend a day to see the falls. It’s something that you should definitely see if ever you get a chance to even be remotely close by. Niagara Falls is a stunning miracle of nature, and once you’re there, you’ll know exactly what we’re talking about.
2. Buffalo Wings
It doesn’t matter if you’re fan of the sauce or not. If you ever find yourself in Buffalo, you have to make sure that you try the sauce where it was invented. It may sound cheesy, but it’s definitely a gateway to the many culinary gems you can find all over Buffalo.
3. Forest Lawn
You might find it interesting that a cemetery made this list, but Forest Lawn is no ordinary cemetery. It’s actually one of the most visited sites in the area, and if you’re looking for a peaceful afternoon, there’s no better way to spend it than by walking the beautiful grounds of Forest Lawn. You could even do the walking tour, which is quite informative and interesting.
4. Architecture
Whether you’re familiar with Frank Lloyd Wright’s work or not, there’s certainly something that you could appreciate at the Darwin D. Martin House Complex. This architectural marvel is well over 100 years old, but it’s a true masterpiece from a genius. If you’ve never been to a FLW building before, you’ll be surprised at how entertained you’ll be.
5. Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park
Buffalo has a strong military history; therefore, it’s only right that you make a detour towards the Naval Park. You’ll get to tour two different ships—the USS The Sullivans and the USS Little Rock. It’s an educational experience that’ll surely check your childhood fancy of being in a submarine.
6. Canalside
You have to make sure that you spend some time at Buffalo’s historic waterfront. The site is different during the day and the night, so it’ll be better if you get to experience the Canalside on both times. Thousands of visitors flock to this location every year just to enjoy the waterway, ride tour boats, dine in excellent restaurants, and many more.
7. Buffalo Zoological Garden
A stop at this zoo is a must, especially if you’re an animal fan. The Buffalo Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the nation, and they have quite the attractions. The zoo has expanded and changed tremendously to what it is now, and the changes have been excellent. Spending some time with Mother Nature’s wonderful creatures is always a good thing.
8. Albright-Knox Art Gallery
A good day at the gallery is good for the soul. At this popular Buffalo staple, you’ll find some impressive modern masterpieces from the likes of Van Gogh, Picasso, and Matisse. In addition, the Albright-Knox Art Gallery is actually the oldest exhibition space of its kind in the country. That’s definitely something worth seeing.
9. Old Fort Niagara
Immerse yourself in even more history at the Old Fort Niagara. The fort is jutting out just over the waters of Lake Ontario, and it stands there now as a symbol of American history—colonialism, revolution, and many more.
10. Buffalo History Museum
Top off the historical experience of Buffalo by visiting the Buffalo History Museum. You’ll learn tons about the history of New York here, and you’ll get to see an impressive permanent collection of amazing artifacts. Enjoy various workshops or a relaxing walk in the surrounding grounds. Whatever you end up doing there, you’re sure to have a great time.
