Discover the Best 10 Things to Do in Buffalo, NY: A Guide for New Residents!

Moving to a new city can be both an exciting and daunting experience. As new residents of Buffalo, NY, you may be wondering what are the best things to do in the area? This will be different for everyone depending on your hobbies and interests, coffee and comics, sitting at the park and reading a book, or enjoying the outdoors and seeing some of the lovely sights of upstate NY. The city of Buffalo is full of amazing attractions and activities, giving you plenty of options to explore. This guide provides a comprehensive look at the top 10 things to do in Buffalo, NY, so you can make the most out of your new home.

Downtown Buffalo NY skyline view

Introduction - What to Expect When Moving to Buffalo

Most people don't know this but Buffalo is the second largest city in the state of New York. Crazy huh? It is located on the eastern shore of Lake Erie, directly across from Canada. This has always been a huge plus for many buffalonians, because of the quick access to another country. Canada is less than 30 minutes away and Toronto is only 2 hours away up the QEW, perfect for quick getaways and shopping trips. Buffalo is known as the "City of Good Neighbors'' and is home to a diverse and welcoming community. The city offers a wide variety of activities and attractions, from museums to performing arts centers to amusement parks and plenty of activities during the summer and winter months. Whether you are looking for a place to explore nature or for a night out on the town, Buffalo is the place to be.

The city is located in the heart of the Great Lakes Region, providing easy access to some of the most beautiful natural attractions in the country. Niagara Falls is just a short drive away, along with plenty of local parks and beaches to explore. In addition to its natural beauty, Buffalo also boasts a vibrant arts and culture scene. There are numerous music venues, art galleries, and theater performances to explore. Personally, I believe the best art to be seen are along the wall murals throughout the city. Over the last few years the city has been bringing in artists from all over the country to paint and showcase their amazing talents on the sides of street corners and buildings. This brings life to so many neighborhoods and really gives buffalo a sense of togetherness. 

Now let's get into the places to have fun while you're here!

Spend a Day at Canalside

One of the best things to do in Buffalo is to spend a day at Canalside, especially during the summer and fall months. Canalside is a popular tourist destination, great place to explore, and if you prefer the eat, play & sleep lifestyle. Located in downtown Buffalo, Canalside is a hub of activity. During the summer months, the area is bustling with activity as locals and visitors alike take advantage of the outdoor activities.

Canalside features a variety of attractions, including a carousel, a boardwalk, and a beach. The boardwalk is lined with shops and restaurants, making it the perfect place to spend a sunny afternoon. The beach is a great spot for swimming in the summer and ice skating during the winter. There are also plenty of recreational activities, including paddle boats and bike rentals. If you're a boat owner, you can also sail your boat down along the river, park and enjoy a full day of fun while being on the water.

In addition to the outdoor activities, Canalside also hosts a variety of events throughout the year. From concerts, which are generally free or have a small admission fee, to festivals, there is always something exciting happening at Canalside.

The Buffalo Zoo

The Buffalo Zoo is a great place to explore with the whole family, cannot go wrong here. The zoo is home to a wide variety of animals, including lions, tigers, and bears, oh my! The zoo also features a variety of educational programs and activities, making it a great place to learn about animals and conservation. The buffalo zoo is packed during the summer and fall months especially when schools take class trips or a local sponsor has donated tickets on that specific weekend. Word to the wise, bring your walking shoes, as parking is never easy in the Parkside neighborhood where the zoo is located. With Delaware park next door that area is full of people and children enjoying the sunshine from dusk to dawn.

The zoo also has a variety of exhibits and attractions, including a Rainforest Adventure, Reptile House, and Aquarium. The Aquarium is one of the most popular attractions, providing visitors with a chance to view a variety of underwater creatures. The zoo also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including animal shows and live music performances.

The Buffalo Zoo is the perfect place to spend a day exploring with the whole family. Whether you are looking to learn about animals or just have fun, the Buffalo Zoo is a great place to visit.

Niagara Falls

Just a short drive away, and I mean short. Less than 30 minutes away from Buffalo, lies the majestic Niagara Falls. Niagara Falls is one of the most famous natural attractions in the world, and is truly stunning to see in person. The falls are composed of three sections – the American Falls, the Bridal Veil Falls, and the Horseshoe Falls. It may sound massive or a lot of walking but  promise it's not that bad.

There are a variety of ways to experience the falls, from taking a boat tour, walking along the observation deck or driving across the Rainbow bridge and seeing the sites from the Canadian side. The view is much better from their side and they have more to do as far as restaurants and activities, if you would like to make a full day out of this. My favorite spot to recommend is Clifton Hills, this is too much fun to describe in one short paragraph, trust me! The falls does have a variety of attractions close by, two popular sites are the Cave of the Winds, and the Aquarium of Niagara.

No matter how you choose to experience Niagara Falls, it is sure to be a memorable experience. The majestic beauty of the falls is an awe-inspiring sight that will stay with you for years to come.

Buffalo AKG formerly known as Albright-Knox Art Gallery

For all my art enthusiasts out there, Buffalo AKG is one of the best places to experience art in Buffalo. The gallery is home to a variety of pieces, from classic works of art to contemporary pieces and since 2019 the museum has been closed due to the expansion of their campus and exhibitions. Setting the new opening date for May 25 2023, this campus has just dropped $230 million dollars for the extended campus. This is going to rejuvenate the life of art in buffalo greater than it has ever been and we all are super excited for its opening. Buffalo AKG will host a variety of educational programs, making it a great place to learn about art, events, social hours and exhibitions for the world to see and embrace. Whether you are a seasoned art enthusiast or a curious novice, the Buffalo AKG is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.

Delaware Park

Delaware Park, previously mentioned earlier next to the Buffalo zoo, is one of the most popular parks in Buffalo. The park is located in the heart of the city, making it a great place to explore nature. The park features a variety of attractions, from walking trails, basketball courts, calestatics gym, a place where everyone walks/runs and even a golf course. The park also has a variety of recreational activities, including paddle boats and bike rentals.

Delaware Park is also home to a variety of events, mostly summer Bar-B- Ques and events that a local organization will host there. Whether you are looking for a place to relax or a place to explore, Delaware Park is sure to provide an enjoyable experience.

Explore the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens are great places to explore the beauties of nature. I never knew there were so many different types of plants before attending the gardens. The gardens are home to a variety of plants and animals, making it a great place to observe nature in its natural habitat. The gardens also feature a variety of educational programs, making it a great place to learn about plants and wildlife. In the last few years they have also been incorporating a night show that includes an amazing light path through the gardens called “Gardens After Dark”. The gardens also feature a variety of attractions, including a butterfly house and a rose garden. Whether you are looking for a place to relax or a place to learn, the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens are a must see once you're in the Buffalo area.

Discover the Buffalo History Museum

The Buffalo History Museum is the perfect place to explore the city’s rich history, located not too far from Buffalo AKG off Elmwood Ave. The museum is home to a variety of exhibits, from natural history about the landscape of buffalo and how the falls were formed, to the major impact Fredrick Law Olmstead and other forefathers made on the design of the city. The museum also features local history with a variety of educational programs, making it a great place to learn about the history of Buffalo.

While you are there, take a walk outside to the back where the Japanese Gardens are, the pink Blossom of flowers and fresh air from Hoyt Lake is one anybody could appreciate. 

M&T also holds free admission there every third Friday of the month from 11am-2pm if your thinking about starting the weekend off strong

Buffalo Museum of Science

The Buffalo Museum of Science is one of the best places to explore science in Buffalo. The museum is home to a variety of exhibits, from astronomy to biology. The museum also features a variety of educational programs, making it a great place to learn about science.

The museum also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, from lectures to workshops. Whether you are looking for a place to explore science or a place to learn, the Buffalo Museum of Science is sure to provide an enjoyable experience.

Attend an Event at Shea’s Performing Arts Center

Shea’s Performing Arts Center is one of the premier performing arts venues in the city of Buffalo. The center hosts a variety of events throughout the year, from concerts to theater performances. Whether you are looking for a place to enjoy live music or a place to take in a show, Shea’s Performing Arts Center is sure to provide an unforgettable experience. And if you're looking for a captivating photo to prove you were in buffalo, outside on main street is the best place to do it!

Shop at the Walden Galleria Mall

How could you ever go wrong with shopping? The Walden Galleria Mall is one of the best places to go shopping in Buffalo, hands down. The mall is home to a variety of stores, from clothing and sneaker stores, boutiques, big retail stores like JC penney and Macys and local businesses that help the community of entrepreneurs. The mall also features some really good restaurants; Santoras for pizza and bar food, the Cheesecake factory, Texas De Brazil, and P.F. Changs makes it a great place to grab a bite to eat.

If you have never been to Dave and Busters, this adult arcade is the perfect place to bring out your inner child and competitive nature while grabbing a drink from the bar. 

Conclusion - Enjoy Your Stay in Buffalo!

Buffalo, NY is an amazing place to explore. From art galleries to theme parks, there is something for everyone in Buffalo. This guide provides a comprehensive look at the top 10 things to do in Buffalo, NY, so you can make the most out of your new home. If you want more information and a deeper dive into buffalo ny as a whole Check out my Youtube channel @Buffaloliving2.0. I’ve covered this in great detail there, while providing vlog tours so you can put visuals to the context.

There are plenty of things to do in Buffalo, NY, so don’t be afraid to explore. Whether you are looking for a place to explore nature or for a night out on the town, Buffalo has something for everyone. So grab your friends and family and start exploring all that Buffalo has to offer. From the magnificent Niagara Falls to the vibrant arts and culture scene, there is something for everyone in Buffalo. So get out there and start exploring all that Buffalo has to offer. Enjoy your stay in Buffalo!

Buffalo NY Pros & Cons

What are The Pros & Cons of Living in the Buffalo NY area?

Buffalo has an array of different Pros and Cons when it comes to lifestyle and Amenities. This is coming from someone who has lived here all his life, While also helping folks move here on the daily basis as a Realtor. Overall buffalo is a very good city for being a Mid size city. We have a population of about 250,000 inside the metro area and a total around 1 Million if you include the suburbs in the north and South towns. It's very affordable when it comes to real estate, cost of living is crazy low, yes we get snow but we do not face any natural disasters like hurricanes or massive tornadoes. When you leave the house you can confidently know it will be standing once you get back home. Without making this super long lets get into some bullet points:

If you want more information and a deeper dive into the pros and cons Check out my Youtube channel @Buffaloliving2.0. I’ve covered this is great detail there while providing vlog tours so you can put visuals to the context. It will give you a real in depth view of buffalo as a whole. See video Below or keep on reading:

Living in Buffalo NY PROS AND CONS: 

Pros

• VERY AFFORDABLE: especially when it comes to real estate. Median home cost is $241,500. However you can find them for much lower prices.

• COST OF LIVING: we are about 20% less than the national. Our utilities and car insurance is higher than most states

• AMAZING FOOD & BEER: some of the best food in the entire nation. We have 35+ breweries and 5+ distilleries.

• Last Call is at 4 AM : Yes most people decide if they are going out or not around 12am

• ALL FOUR SEASONS: We Don’t worry about any natural disasters, the most we get is snow and that melts every single year or you can shovel it away.

• SMALL BIG CITY: Development is happening around buffalo heavily. But we don't have the crazy skyline like Atlanta or Houston

• GREAT SCHOOLS :Now inside the city they are not nearly as good. Suburbs most schools are amazing. Either way you child gets a NYS degree and they will be fine

Cons:

• NOT A GREAT NIGHT LIFE: We are bar people not really a major club scene

• SEGREGATION AND LACK OF DIVERSITY: to me this has always been a plague to buffalo but it is changing for the better every year. Buffalo had a long history of redlining and you can see it as you go about different neighborhoods. West side is known to be Hispanic, east side African American, North Italian and south buffalo irish and polish. The suburban areas and majority white

• TRANSPORTATION AND PARKING SUCKS (inside city): most people drive here, our metro system is not the best. There have been talks of expansion. Very tough to find parking inside the city streets.

• CRIME ( Like any major city): Buffalo gets a bad rep for some reason about this but its only in a couple areas inside the city. Every city has crime, just don't go to those areas if you don't feel safe

• TAXES ARE HIGH: crazy high taxes

This should give you a great start and feel for buffalo. If you want more information and a deeper dive into the pros and cons Check out my Youtube channel @Buffaloliving2.0. I’ve covered this is great detail there while providing vlog tours so you can put visuals to the context. It will give you a real in depth view of buffalo as a whole.