For most people New York State is synonymous with New York City; however, Buffalo has as many cultural, historic, and entertainment opportunities as any major city in America. Considered the gateway to the west, Buffalo remains the statеs second largest city, a major railroad center, and one of the busiest Great Lakes ports. In addition, its proximity to Niagara Falls makes Buffalo a wonderful destination for those with a rental car in Buffalo or even from New York City.
Getting there
Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BNIA) is 10 miles northeast of downtown Buffalo. Averaging numerous daily flights with non-stop services to 21 cities, it serves over four million passengers annually to and from major cities and airline hubs throughout the US. Amtrak users will find themselves well serviced to and from Buffalo with national travel deals. The Empire Service runs from Niagara Falls to Penn Station in New York City. Continuing west, the Lake Shore Line heads for Chicago. The route between Toronto and NYC is also serviced by the Maple Leaf Line. Greyhound services connect Buffalo to the other major towns in New York State and all over the US.
By car rental in Buffalo, Interstate I-90, the main east-west thoroughfare from Albany, passes through Buffalo then heads southwest along the great lakes. Buffalo also has easy access to Toronto, Canada, via Niagara and Hamilton.
Key attractions
At the center of the well-planned downtown area is Niagara Square where you’ll see the monument to President William McKinley, who was assassinated in Buffalo on 1901. Facing the square, the classic Art Deco Buffalo City Hall (1931) offers panoramic views from its 28th story observation deck. The city waterfront offers sightseeing cruises and the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park with WWII ships, a fighter plane, and a submarine. Online you can find national deals on travel to Buffalo.
The two-mile pedestrian mall called Buffalo Place runs along Main Street, offering easy access to many attractions using the rapid rail line. The 20-block theater district is anchored by Shea’s Performing Arts Center, a National Historic landmark (1926). Beautifully designed in classic Baroque style, its state-of-the-art facilities today host the full range of theatrical performances. Nearby, the Buffalo Zoological Gardens features unique animal and botanical exhibits while the Buffalo Museum of Science rounds out the natural sciences.
Leisure options
Among the cityеs many parks, Delaware Park and the historic Forest Lawn Cemetery stand out, as does the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens. Established in 1888, the Broadway Market is a year-round public food market, with deli, bakery and arts and crafts booths. Buffalo also boasts professional football, hockey, and soccer teams and semi-pro baseball. Other events include professional opera, chamber music, and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra as well as art gallery shows, and the largest theater offerings outside of NYC. Unique bars and pubs provide live music (and comedy routines) and lively atmosphere for all tastes.
Out and about
Located only 25 miles from Buffalo by rental car, the breathtaking Niagara Falls draws 11 million visitors a year. Whether Niagara is your main reason for visiting Buffalo or just an added bonus, the falls will not fail to fill you with awe. If you want to stretch your legs in more natural surroundings, the Tifft Nature Preserve, on the shores of Lake Erie, has five miles of nature trails, boardwalks, and a cattail marsh that is excellent for bird watching and hiking.
In addition, with car rental you can explore the surrounding areas of Buffalo to get a better feel for this City of Good Neighborsе. With Lake Erie and Canada to the west of downtown, the other three sides of the city offer various attractions. To the north and northeast you’ll find beautiful parks, natural scenery, and the North Campus of the University at Buffalo. For family fun, a theme park with rides, shows, and a riverboat is located in Grand Island.