The area surrounding Buffalo is full of wonderful activities just waiting for you to explore. But it’s hard to venture out when you can get all the fun you need without ever leaving the city limits! Here are 11 unforgettable attractions in downtown Buffalo you’ll want to visit. (Listed in no particular order, of course, because they’re all top notch.)
- Hatchets & Hops – 505 Main Street
Hatchets & Hops - Facebook If drinking beer and throwing axes sounds like a bad idea, you’re wrong. This is one of the latest and greatest downtown Buffalo attractions. Just one throw of the hatchet and you’ll see why!
- Shea’s Performing Arts Center – 646 Main Street
Shea’s Performing Arts Center - Facebook If you like things a bit fancier, Shea’s is a great spot to frequent in the Queen City. This gorgeous performing arts center hosts Broadway shows and performances that will make you feel like you’re enjoying an evening in NYC (but better — because you’re in Buffalo!).
- Buffalo RiverWorks – 359 Ganson Street
Buffalo RiverWorks - Facebook Looking to experience Buffalo’s nightlife? Head towards the giant six pack to RiverWorks and see what the hype is all about. This is one of the most popular downtown Buffalo attractions for events both big and small. It’s also a great place to grab a bite to eat, drink a beer, or go rock climbing!
- Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park – 1 Naval Park Cove
Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park - Facebook Brush up on your history with a trip to the Naval Park, and you’ll be amazed by the massive naval ships adorning the shores of Lake Erie. This is a great destination for families, history buffs, or someone looking to quietly stroll through Buffalo on a sunny day!
- Canalside Buffalo – 44 Prime Street
Canalside Buffalo - Facebook Canalside is well known as the downtown Buffalo attraction that has it all. From ice skating in the winter to riding paddle boats in the summer, there’s never a shortage of fun at this waterfront destination.
- Lock and Key Escape Room – 504 Elmwood Avenue
Lock and Key Escape Room - Facebook Test your skills at one of the area’s several escape rooms and you’ll quickly realize why this trend is taking off! Lock and Key Escape Room is our personal favorite pick, located on beautiful Elmwood Avenue.
- Albright-Knox Art Gallery – 1285 Elmwood Avenue
Albright-Knox Art Gallery - Facebook When in doubt, always head to the Albright-Knox! The art gallery changes its exhibits regularly, so you’ll rarely have to worry about seeing the same galleries twice.
- CEPA Gallery – 617 Main Street, #201
CEPA Gallery - Facebook The CEPA Gallery is located within the Market Arcade downtown and features revolving artwork from Buffalo’s latest and greatest artists. There’s always top notch local talent to check out, making this one of the best hidden gems in terms of downtown Buffalo attractions!
- Western New York Book Arts Center – 468 Washington Street
Western New York Book Arts Center (p/c Yeah Buffalo) - Yelp Western New York Book Arts Center (WNYBAC) is quiet, but mighty! WNYBAC features letterpress prints, book arts, and so much more to indulge your inner bibliophile!
- Buffalo City Hall – 65 Niagara Square
Payton Chung - Flickr Taking a trip to City Hall might sound like a snooze-fest, but we can assure you this place will become one of your favorite downtown Buffalo attractions! A tour of the facilities is always eye-opening, and you can get killer views of the city from the observation deck.
- Delaware Park – Meadow Drive
Delaware Park Buffalo - Facebook Take it easy and enjoy the surroundings of Delaware Park and Hoyt Lake, where you can peacefully people watch, have a picnic, take a walk, or simply sit and enjoy a slice of serenity within city limits.
What is your favorite of these downtown Buffalo attractions? There’s so much to do in the 716, it’s hard to pick just a few. Share even more recommendations with us in the comments below!
Hatchets & Hops - Facebook
If drinking beer and throwing axes sounds like a bad idea, you’re wrong. This is one of the latest and greatest downtown Buffalo attractions. Just one throw of the hatchet and you’ll see why!
Shea’s Performing Arts Center - Facebook
If you like things a bit fancier, Shea’s is a great spot to frequent in the Queen City. This gorgeous performing arts center hosts Broadway shows and performances that will make you feel like you’re enjoying an evening in NYC (but better — because you’re in Buffalo!).
Buffalo RiverWorks - Facebook
Looking to experience Buffalo’s nightlife? Head towards the giant six pack to RiverWorks and see what the hype is all about. This is one of the most popular downtown Buffalo attractions for events both big and small. It’s also a great place to grab a bite to eat, drink a beer, or go rock climbing!
Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park - Facebook
Brush up on your history with a trip to the Naval Park, and you’ll be amazed by the massive naval ships adorning the shores of Lake Erie. This is a great destination for families, history buffs, or someone looking to quietly stroll through Buffalo on a sunny day!
Canalside Buffalo - Facebook
Canalside is well known as the downtown Buffalo attraction that has it all. From ice skating in the winter to riding paddle boats in the summer, there’s never a shortage of fun at this waterfront destination.
Lock and Key Escape Room - Facebook
Test your skills at one of the area’s several escape rooms and you’ll quickly realize why this trend is taking off! Lock and Key Escape Room is our personal favorite pick, located on beautiful Elmwood Avenue.
Albright-Knox Art Gallery - Facebook
When in doubt, always head to the Albright-Knox! The art gallery changes its exhibits regularly, so you’ll rarely have to worry about seeing the same galleries twice.
CEPA Gallery - Facebook
The CEPA Gallery is located within the Market Arcade downtown and features revolving artwork from Buffalo’s latest and greatest artists. There’s always top notch local talent to check out, making this one of the best hidden gems in terms of downtown Buffalo attractions!
Western New York Book Arts Center (p/c Yeah Buffalo) - Yelp
Western New York Book Arts Center (WNYBAC) is quiet, but mighty! WNYBAC features letterpress prints, book arts, and so much more to indulge your inner bibliophile!
Payton Chung - Flickr
Taking a trip to City Hall might sound like a snooze-fest, but we can assure you this place will become one of your favorite downtown Buffalo attractions! A tour of the facilities is always eye-opening, and you can get killer views of the city from the observation deck.
Delaware Park Buffalo - Facebook
Take it easy and enjoy the surroundings of Delaware Park and Hoyt Lake, where you can peacefully people watch, have a picnic, take a walk, or simply sit and enjoy a slice of serenity within city limits.
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