Why Go to Buffalo
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Buffalo is one of the best comeback stories in America. Long known mostly for snowstorms and football heartbreak, New York's second-largest city has spent the last decade reinventing itself, powered by local pride and grit. The things that made Buffalo great in the first place, its Great Lakes waterfront, its architecture and art, and above all its people, are front and center again.
Explore the revitalized Canalside waterfront, admire stunning architecture by Frank Lloyd Wright and others, and spend time at the excellent Buffalo AKG Art Museum. Eat a plate of wings in the city where they were invented, and catch a Bills game if you can. Niagara Falls is just a short drive away.
Buffalo has big-city amenities with a small-town feel. Prices are reasonable, most places are less than 20 minutes apart, and it truly lives up to its nickname, the City of Good Neighbors. People here will talk with you over a beer, give you their favorite local tips and even help dig your car out of the snow. I'll pair Buffalo with Niagara Falls and plan a weekend full of food, architecture and game-day fun.
BEST FOR
Architecture lovers, history buffs, foodies and regional explorers
BEST MONTHS
May–October for waterfront activities and pleasant walking; winter offers snowy scenery and a quieter museum itinerary.
EXPLORE
Downtown includes historic buildings and Canalside; Elmwood Village offers shops and cafés; Allentown has arts and heritage; Delaware Park adds green space.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Buffalo
North America › Northeast › USA › New York
Architectural treasures and lively Lake Erie neighborhoods
Lake & River
Architecture
History
Snow
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Reserve a Frank Lloyd Wright Martin House tour ahead of time, then combine Buffalo AKG with a walk through Delaware Park.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Check the event calendar and weather before planning an outdoor visit.
Canalside
The revitalized inner harbor offers waterfront walks and seasonal community activities.
Give yourself enough time to explore multiple galleries.
Buffalo AKG Art Museum
A major art museum presents historic and contemporary works in the city’s cultural district.
Book the guided tour in advance; access is generally tour-based.
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House
A carefully restored architectural complex reveals one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s significant residential designs.
Check seasonal vessel access and allow time for stairs aboard ships.
Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park
Historic naval vessels and exhibits line the downtown waterfront.
Pair an afternoon stroll with nearby cultural attractions.
Delaware Park
A major Olmsted-designed park offers lakeside paths and green space near museums.
A historic property within the Richardson Olmsted Campus, appealing to architecture enthusiasts and guests planning museum visits. A short drive or transfer is needed for downtown waterfront sights.
The Richardson Hotel
Elmwood Village / Richardson Olmsted Campus
Boutique · City
A boutique stay in a restored mansion near the Allentown district, suited to visitors prioritizing historic character and neighborhood dining.
The Mansion on Delaware Avenue
Allentown / Delaware Avenue
Boutique · City
A full-service hotel close to Canalside and arena events, convenient for waterfront attractions and sports visitors. Check event traffic and parking.
Buffalo Marriott at LECOM HARBORCENTER
Canalside / Downtown Waterfront
City · Family
A centrally located hotel on Lafayette Square, practical for visitors exploring downtown architecture, transit and restaurants.
Hilton Garden Inn Buffalo Downtown
Downtown / Lafayette Square
Value
An upscale downtown property on Delaware Avenue, suitable for city breaks and business trips near cultural and dining venues. Confirm current services and parking arrangements.
The Westin Buffalo
Downtown / Delaware Avenue
City
A historic downtown building turned boutique hotel with a rooftop bar.
The Curtiss Hotel
Downtown
Boutique · City
A restored landmark with stylish rooms and a brewery downstairs.
Hotel @ The Lafayette
Downtown
Boutique · City · Value
A restored mansion B&B near the Elmwood Village shops.
InnBuffalo off Elmwood
Elmwood Village
Boutique
Two-room suites with free breakfast, good for families.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Buffalo
Downtown
Family · City
A central hotel connected to the convention center.
Hyatt Regency Buffalo
Downtown
City
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Buffalo
High 48°F · Low 35°F · Rain 3.6 in
Shorter days make museums and heritage visits practical; plan around weather. For a destination-specific November plan, consider Buffalo architecture.
May–October generally offer appealing conditions, although local weather, crowds and seasonal events vary. Check forecasts and current conditions before departure.
Best Times to Visit Buffalo
WHEN TO GO
Where to Dine
DINING
06
Walking & Seasonal Conditions
Canalside and several central neighborhoods are walkable, but distances between attractions can be substantial. Dress for wind and snow near Lake Erie.
05
Niagara Falls Day Trips
Niagara Falls is a separate trip north of Buffalo, accessible by car and some scheduled transit options. Border documents are required if you plan to enter Canada.
04
Rideshares & Taxis
Taxis and rideshares can help with airport transfers and dining evenings. Pickup may take longer during major events or winter storms.
03
Metro Rail & Buses
NFTA Metro provides a light-rail line and city bus network. The rail route is useful for selected downtown connections; check current schedules for other areas.
02
Driving & Rental Cars
A car is convenient for exploring waterfront neighborhoods, museums and Niagara Falls. In winter, lake-effect snow can significantly disrupt travel.
01
Arriving by Air
Buffalo Niagara International Airport is a common gateway for the city and the U.S. side of Niagara Falls. Plan separate ground transportation to your hotel.
Fly into Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF). Downtown Metro Rail connects parts of Main Street; a car or rideshare is useful for Martin House, the Outer Harbor and regional day trips.
Getting Around Buffalo