There’s more to New York State than New York City. For instance, there’s Buffalo, up north in the Erie County. Often overlooked by its shinier, glitzier big sister, Buffalo has plenty to offer. Like architecture? Feast your eyes on Buffalo’s neoclassical buildings or the finest Prairie-style home in the country. Love art? View artworks by western New York artists and big names such as Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol. Hungry? The local dining options are fantastic, it would take us hours to go through the best restaurants in the city. The fact of the matter is: Buffalo is great! And it makes for an exciting destination. To get a taste of the city, here are 10 things to do on the weekend in Buffalo, New York.
1. Tee off at Bayview Raceway & Golf
Try your hand at mini-golf or race your friends to the finish line in go-karts at the Bayview Raceway & Golf, a family-friendly spot just off Bayview Road. Regulars love going here because of the fun and the great staff, not to mention the affordable food stand offering delicious burgers and ice cream next door.
Bayview Raceway & Golf
Address: 3808 Bayview Road, Buffalo, NY
Website: Bayview Raceway & Golf
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 1pm - 8pm; Fri - Sun: 11am - 8pm
Price: 15 USD (go-karting), 10 USD (18-hole mini-golf)
2. Visit Buffalo Zoo
Don’t miss a chance to head out to Buffalo Zoo. At 140 years, it is the third oldest zoo in the United States. It started out as a home to a pair of deer in 1875 and now, it is home to a wide variety of animal species and 26 distinct exhibits. More importantly, Buffalo Zoo is also active in research and animal conservation.
Buffalo Zoo
Address: 300 Parkside Avenue, Buffalo, NY
Website: Buffalo Zoo
Opening hours: 10am - 4pm (daily)
Price: 13.95 USD (regular), 11.95 USD (seniors), 10.95 USD (children), free (infants and members)
3. Explore the lush green Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens
Looking for a change of scenery? A visit to the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens might be what you need. Designed by the John F. Cowell, David F. Day, William A. Burnham, and Frederick Law Olmsted, the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens and its Victorian glass houses will surely impress.
Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens
Address: 2655 South Park Avenue, Buffalo, NY
Website: Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens
Opening hours: 10am - 4:30pm (daily)
Price: 11 USD (adults), 10 USD (seniors), 9 USD (students), 6 USD (children), members and kids under two are free
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4. Visit the Burchfield Penney Art Center for a healthy dose of contemporary art
The Burchfield Penney Art Center is home to a fine collection of contemporary art, mostly made by local artists and of course, the museum’s namesake, American watercolorist Charles E. Burchfield. Spread throughout this modern facility are 30 different exhibits, shining the spotlight on a wide variety of subject matters and art techniques.
Burchfield Penney Art Center
Address: Buffalo State College, 1300 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, NY
Website: Burchfield Penney Art Center
Opening hours: Tue - Fri, Sat: 10am - 5pm; Thu: 10am - 8pm; Sun: 11am - 4pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 10 USD (adults), 8 USD (seniors), 5 USD (students)
5. Go on a day trip to the Buffalo Transportation Pierce-Arrow Museum
The Buffalo Transportation Pierce-Arrow Museum is a repository of everything related to Western New York’s rich transportation heritage. Aside from an impressive collection of cars, you’ll also find bicycles, antique vehicles, Pierce-Arrow artifacts, and the Corvette exhibit on display. A must-visit for automobile fans!
Buffalo Transportation Pierce-Arrow Museum
Address: 263 Michigan Avenue, Buffalo, NY
Website: Buffalo Transportation Pierce-Arrow Museum
Opening hours: Fri - Sun: 11am - 4pm (closed on Mon - Thu)
Price: 10 USD (adults), 5 USD (children 13 and below)
6. Embark on a Buffalo River history tour on the 48-seater River Queen
Learn more about Buffalo River and Erie Canal in this 90-minute journey aboard the River Queen. This tour is highly recommend for culture lovers, especially those who are interested in the economy of the Gilded Age. If you want to learn more, you also have the option to take the other tours offered by the company, such as the Silos and Steamships tour, which will take you closer to the SS Columbia.
Buffalo River History Tours
Address: 44 Prime Street, Buffalo, NY
Website: Buffalo River History Tours
Opening hours: 9am - 8:30pm (daily)
Price: 23 USD (adults), 12 USD (children)
7. Go on a sailing adventure on the Spirit of Buffalo
Enjoy the sights of Lake Erie on the Spirit of Buffalo, a beautiful 73-foot (22.25 meters) topsail schooner distinctive for is red sails. You can opt for a day or evening cruise or any one of the special packages offered. Expect only the most amazing sailing experience on the beautiful Buffalo Harbor with this family-owned enterprise.
Spirit of Buffalo
Address: 44 Prime Street, Buffalo, NY
Website: Spirit of Buffalo
Opening hours: Times vary
Price: Prices start at 25 USD
8. Experience outdoor theater at Shakespeare in Delaware Park
Shakespeare in Delaware Park offers a real treat if you are a theater fan, particularly a lover of Shakespeare’s work. You’re in for a memorable experience, as Shakespeare in Delaware Park is one of the oldest Shakespeare companies in the United States. Best of all, it’s free! Shows run from mid-June to August.
Shakespeare in Delaware Park
Address: 199 Lincoln Parkway, Buffalo, NY
Website: Shakespeare in Delaware Park
Opening hours: Performances begin at 7:30pm (Tue - Sun)
Price: Free
9. Pay a visit to the Darwin D. Martin House Complex
Designed by the world-renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, the Darwin D. Martin House Complex is one of the finest samples of Wright’s signature Prairie architecture. There are a total of seven buildings in the complex, divided into the original five and the two buildings added in 1907. The entire complex is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Self-guided and guides tours are available.
Darwin D. Martin House
Address: 125 Jewett Parkway, Buffalo, NY
Website: Darwin D. Martin House
Opening hours: 10am - 3pm (daily)
Price: Tours start at 22 USD
10. Check out the St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral
St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral is one of Buffalo’s most enduring landmarks and a designated U.S. National Historic Landmark. It celebrated its 200th year in 2017. It’s a phenomenal example of Gothic architecture. Moreover, it’s also one of the tallest buildings in all of Buffalo with a total height of 84 meters (275 feet).
St. Paul's Cathedral
Address: 139 Pearl Street, Buffalo, NY
Website: St. Paul’s Cathedral
Weekends in the Queen City
Take your time to experience Buffalo’s inherent grandeur and let it take you in with its embrace. We recommend staying for a couple of days to truly take in the sights and sounds of the Queen City. Looking for more Buffalo, New York travel guides? You only need to browse our website to find what you’re looking for. Safe travels and see you in the next destination.
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Top 15 Weekend Trips From Buffalo, New York - Updated 2024Franchesca Judine -
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