Buffalo: Discovering the Hidden Gems of New York

Buffalo: Beyond Niagara Falls

When people think of Buffalo, New York, many immediately picture chicken wings, the passionate fans of the Buffalo Bills, or the iconic Niagara Falls. However, there's so much more to this city. As a Buffalo native, I can attest that for a long time, these were the main things travelers associated with our city. But over the last two decades, Buffalo has made an impressive comeback, thanks to investments in art, architecture, and waterfront development.

For instance, the expansion of the $230 million Albright-Knox Art Museum and the $180 million allocated from the state’s regional redevelopment fund to beautify the waterfront are just a few examples. The city has also dedicated $56 million to preserving the legacy of architect Frank Lloyd Wright through the renovation of the Darwin Martin House and the construction of a new visitor center at Graycliff Estates.

The Best Time to Visit Buffalo

If you’re a sports enthusiast, now is the perfect time to visit Buffalo, as the Sabres are leading in the NHL and the Buffalo Bills are gearing up for a new season in their $2.2 billion stadium. Additionally, Buffalo's culinary scene is booming, drawing the attention of national food critics and earning several nominations for James Beard Awards, signaling an exciting new chapter in the city's food culture.

Moreover, since 2019, Buffalo has even been considered a “climate refuge” after a Harvard study revealed it as one of the best cities to relocate to in order to avoid the risks of climate change. For these reasons, Buffalo has been voted one of the top travel destinations in the U.S. for 2026.

So, when you decide to visit Buffalo, consider this your local guide to the best places to eat, stay, and play while you’re here. As former Buffalo Bills coach Marv Levy once said, "Where else would you want to be right now?"

How to Get to Buffalo

Direct flights are available from airlines like Southwest, JetBlue, Delta, United, and Frontier from major cities in the East and Midwest, as well as popular tourist destinations. If you’re flying from the West Coast or internationally, be prepared for a stopover at major hubs like Atlanta, Phoenix, or Chicago. For those preferring the train, Amtrak offers direct service to Buffalo from Boston, Cleveland, Chicago, New York, and Toronto, with scenic views through mountains and valleys in the fall.

What to Eat in Buffalo

Buffalo is famous for its chicken wings, and you won’t be short on places to find them. Bar-Bill Tavern is one of the best spots, known for its deep-fried wings smothered in a buttery BBQ sauce, a favorite of quarterback Josh Allen. In contrast, Gabriel’s Gate prepares their wings fried and then drenched in Frank’s Red Hot sauce, creating a crispy exterior and juicy interior.

However, Buffalo offers more than just wings. Recently, the city has invested in upscale restaurants featuring tasting menus that have garnered attention from national food critics and multiple James Beard nominations. For example, Las Puertas offers a tasting menu that fuses Mexican and French cuisines, with dishes like lamb mixiotes and aguachile with white fish. Mira, a new Mediterranean restaurant, fills a long-standing gap in the local dining scene with Italian, Greek, and Spanish dishes.

Then there’s Southern Junction, owned by Ryan Fernandez, a two-time Beard nominee, specializing in BBQ that blends Tex-Mex and Indian flavors. Arrive early to enjoy a cocktail before ordering. The menu features seven types of smoked meat daily, and you should definitely try the combo with pork ribs, smoked sausage, or barbacurry beef.

Where to Stay in Buffalo

Buffalo may not be the most walkable city, but it has many pedestrian-friendly areas, each with its own unique charm. Choosing the right neighborhood to stay in is crucial for your trip. While Buffalo is often described as “15 minutes apart,” all areas are just a short drive from one another.

Fortunately, the city boasts numerous inns and boutique hotels housed in historic buildings. Elmwood Village is perfect for visitors wanting to explore museums, shop, and dine. The Richardson Hotel, located in the Richardson Olmsted Complex, which was once an insane asylum, offers 88 luxurious rooms for guests.

InnBuffalo, situated in the stunning Hewitt mansion in the neighborhood, features 11 suites that transport you back to the 19th century with gold-leafed walls and ceilings, Queen Anne-style stained glass windows, and a beautiful Richardsonian porch. Parkside House is also a fantastic option with picturesque views from a Victorian home built in 1898, located in Buffalo's historic Parkside area. This house is close to famous architectural landmarks and just a short walk from Delaware Park.