Buffalo
Recommended Tours

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When Buffalo isn't being hit with tons of snow, it can be a nice place to visit. There are many historical and cultural attractions to explore, all within walking distance of one another.

Downtown
Anyone that enjoys beautiful architecture will find Buffalo's side-by-side mix of historic buildings and new construction appealing. The Erie Community College City Campus, located on Ellicott Street, is a large Flemish Gothic structure opened in 1901. It used to be Buffalo's main Post Office. Across Swan Street is Dunn Tire Park, the home of the Buffalo Bisons. The popular Chef's Italian Restaurant is right next to the Park. Designed to recall older ballparks with its green metal roof, arched entrances and old-style stone façade, this facility is a summertime favorite of area residents and visitors. From the ball park, cross Washington Street and then Swan Street so you are diagonally across from the stadium and you'll be at the entrance to the French Renaissance style Ellicott Square Building. Named for Joseph Ellicott, the man who helped design the street system for New Amsterdam (renamed Buffalo), this building was completed in 1896 at a cost of $3.5 million. It features a large open courtyard with a glass roof, marble floors and stairs and was the largest office building in the world when it was built.

Theater District
Exit onto Main Street for the part of the walking tour where you don't have to walk. The Main Street Pedestrian Mall, created upon the opening of Buffalo's rapid rail line, stretches from the waterfront north to Tupper Street in the heart of the Theater District. It covers a distance of almost two miles. The eclectic Alleyway Theatre, the renowned Irish Classical Theatre Company, the Studio Arena Theatre and the Pandora's Box Theatre Company are all located in this district. Once you've finished exploring this district, stop by the Towne Restaurant and try the gyros.

Main Street
Main Street is also full of things to see and do. M&T Plaza is a white 20-story marble tower built in the mid-1960s. It was the first major structure to be built in downtown Buffalo in decades. Central Park Plaza, which contains the Gothic Revival St Paul's Episcopal Cathedral dating back to around 1840 and one of the city's oldest structures, is right across the street. If you're looking for a place to grab some lunch, the Pearl Street Grill & Brewery is a brasserie serving microbrews alongside hearty fare. Behind the Cathedral is the Guaranty Building, also known by the name it held for much of its life, the Prudential Building. Notably, it was the first building to use an all-steel frame, making it one of the original "skyscrapers." The Old Erie County Hall is a clock-towered, High-Victorian granite structure that opened in 1872 and was Buffalo's city hall until 1931. Inside you'll find beautiful murals of Western New York scenes.

Fountain Plaza
The Lafayette Court Building on Main Street is an excellent example of neo-classical architecture, with immaculate granite floors and an impressive tower. The Main Place Mall, the only mall in downtown, is just a few blocks away. You'll find many place to dine in this area as well, such as the HB Carvers diner. The CEPA Gallery sometimes holds exhibitions here. The Fountain Plaza is often filled with people on summer days, enjoying a picnic lunch. Shea's Performing Arts Center is one of Buffalo's landmarks, and hosts some of the most renowned plays ever produced.

Buffalo Convention Center
Head north on Franklin to Genesee Street. You'll pass the United States Courthouse and the Buffalo Convention Center before arriving at your next site: the former Statler-Hilton Hotel. For decades this was the premier address for the Buffalo visitor. Walk through the lobby dotted with chandeliers and art and you'll see why. Built on the site of Millard Fillmore's residence, this English Renaissance Revival structure is now the Statler Office Tower. Stop into Katrina's for some delicious Sicilian fare. To the west, dominating Niagara Square, is Buffalo City Hall. Built in 1931, this depression-era structure is one of the best examples of Art Deco design anywhere. Be sure and take in the view from the 28th-floor observation deck. St Joseph's Cathedral, a Gothic Revival building made of local gray limestone, can also be found nearby.

If the walking tour of Buffalo's downtown leaves you wanting to see more of the city and its surrounding areas, here are a few suggestions that you may want to try. Outside of Buffalo you'll find many things to see and do, from winery tours to walks through historical homes.

Boat Tours
Miss Buffalo Cruises ( +1 716 856 6696 / http://www.missbuffalo.com/ )
Lockport Cave Underground Boat Ride ( +1 716 438 0174 / http://www.lockportcave.com/ )
Lockport Locks and Erie Canal Cruises ( +1 716 433 6155 / +1 800 378 0352 / http://www.lockportlocks.com/ )

Balloon Tours
Balloons Over Letchworth ( +1 585 493 3340 / http://www.balloonsoverletchworth.com/ )

Historical Tours
Frank Lloyd Wright's Graycliff ( +1 716 947 9217 / http://graycliff.bfn.org/ )
Frank Lloyd Wright's Darwin D Martin House ( +1 716 856 3858 / http://www.darwinmartinhouse.org/ )
Architectural Treasures Tours ( +1 877 969 6011 / http://www.burchfield-penney.org/ )
Preservation Coalition of Erie County ( +1 716 803 8556 / http://www.preservationcoalition.org/ )

Winery Tours
Marjim Manor ( +1 716 778 7001 / http://www.marjimmanor.com/ )

Maritime Tours
Lower Lakes Marine Historical Society ( +1 716 849 0914 / http://www.llmhs.org/ )

Nature Tours
Tifft Nature Preserve ( +1 716 896 5200 / http://www.sciencebuff.org/tifft_nature_preserve_visitor_info.php )
Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy ( +1 716 838 1249 / http://www.buffaloolmstedparks.com )