12 Things to Do in Buffalo without a car

There is more to New York than just New York City.

One other corner of New York you might want to visit is the city of Buffalo. For me, it is one of the best places in New York.

Here, you will take a peek at a different yet impressive culture. The city is full of tourist destinations unlike any other part of New York.

Buffalo also got its heavy influences from the European settlers of the past. Here, you will notice that Germany and Poland left a part of their respective cultures in this city.

Buffalo has a culture that may look and feel familiar to you. The culture, sourced from other regions and brought to the city, feels friendly yet not.

You will regularly find new places to visit when you are in Buffalo.

Having no car here is not a problem. You can always walk or take a cab. And because it is in New York, getting from one place to another is easy.

And so, do you want to know my 12 favorite places in Buffalo?

Read on.

1. Darwin B. Martin House

If there is one thing about Buffalo, it is its fine architecture. It has one of the most exemplary architectures in the country.

A solid proof of this is the Darwin D. Martin House.

It is evident at first glance that the house is more than 100 years old. But its age does not show much, especially when you think about its sturdy and ingenuine.

Its architectural makeup shows you that the house was in good taste.

The house was the work of Frank Lloyd Wright. He was one of the most renowned architects in American history.

What impresses me with the house is its elements, from inside to the outside.

The roof comes with a cantilever design. Wright’s glass also dons the top.

Also, this house is not a single-unit house.

It is a house with a total of six units. The home also includes a conservatory and a cottage for the gardener.

If you are in Buffalo and want to see something full of artistry and history, the Darwin D. Martin House should be your best bet.

2. Erie Basin Marina

The park is Buffalo’s most beautiful attraction.

Located in downtown Buffalo, the Erie Basin Marina sits next to the Erie Canal Harbor. It houses a private marina, a public park, and numerous gardens with a beautiful waterfront observation tower.

The park also has restaurants and a scenic waterfront path to spend your afternoon stroll.

If you are still thinking about what to do on a sunny weekend, the Erie Basin Marina is a beautiful place for you to visit.

The garden is beautiful during summer. Its extensive collection of flowers and award-winning rose gardens provide a lovely backdrop to the water and the bobbing yachts behind.

Summer is when this attraction is at its most beautiful. And so, expect the marina to be full of walkers, joggers, and boaters. There are also kayakers and families enjoying the view during this time of the year.

3. Burchfield Penney Art Center

The Burchfield Penney Art Center is another museum you should not miss.

The museum houses some of the most exceptional art pieces in Western New York.

The museum is already more than a decade old. And up to this day, it holds the actual value of Buffalo culture.

There are famous names in this museum.

The list of notable artists includes Patrick Foran, Gloria Plevin, and Chuck Tingley.

If you are not familiar with these names, fret not because a visit to the museum is an excellent introduction to how great their artworks are.

These are contemporary artists. Their work shows the beautiful soul of Buffalo.

The admission to the museum varies.

Adults pay the most. Seniors have a bit of a discount.

Students get to pay the least.

Your ten-year-old kids can enter the museum for free. Of course, they have to come with an adult in tow.

If you are into contemporary arts, add the museum to your itinerary.

4. Allentown Historic District

Allentown is full of Victorian houses and structures. It banks on its beauty.

It has several mural-splashed streets. It has hip eateries and quirky bars. Finally, it has numerous galleries where you can spend an afternoon exploring.

The Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site is a few minutes away from Allentown Historic District. Getting here is easy.

The district also has several historical exhibits, libraries, and more.

If you are thinking of a place to visit on a weekend afternoon where you can have all the fun in one place, come here.

Allentown Historic District will let you explore, enjoy, and eat without the need for so much commuting.

5. Niagara Wine Trail

If you talk about vineyards, the first thing that comes to mind is California.

But it is not only in the state of California that you will find vineyards. You can also find them in New York. And yes, these vineyards in New York are home to some of the best-tasting wines around.

The Niagara Wine Trail in Buffalo, New York, is one of the most beautiful places in New York. It could even be one of the most beautiful in the U.S.

Before you come here, you need to specify what you want to see.

The reason is that this area is not just land with rows and rows of grapes. There are several vineyards here than you can count or even imagine. This vast space is full of perfect and sprawling space.

A weekend here can give you insight into how versatile wine and grapes are.

And if there is something I could recommend, try tasting their ice wine. Made of frozen grapes, drinking ice wine is an experience you should not miss.

This tourist destination hosts several festivals like the Harvest Festival and the Niagara USA Wine Festival.

Coming over is one of the best things you can do when you are in Buffalo.

6. Buffalo River History Tours

Taking a river cruise can never be this educational.

The 90-minute river cruise along the Buffalo River is fascinating and educational.

The Buffalo River History Tours provides its guests with a trip down the river’s waterway. And together with the cruise, you will hear discussions about the Erie Canal while admiring the beautiful buildings you pass by along the way,

While on the cruise, you will also learn more about the city’s history as the most crucial grain port globally.

Aside from the usual group tour, you can also have the whole term reserved for special occasions. It can also come with catering facilities should you choose to.

7. Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park

This museum educates its visitors about the American Navy.

The Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park is on the shore of Lake Erie in Buffalo, hence, the name.

The museum houses several decommissioned U.S. Naval vessels. The collection includes a Fletches-class destroyer USS, The Sullivans.

There is also a Cleveland-class cruiser, USS Little Rock. Finally, you will also find here the submarine USS Croaker.

Aside from the larger ships, the museum also houses some smaller ones. There are smaller vehicles, vessels, and aircraft related to the Navy.

All these are on display at the museum.

The museum also hosts several events related to significant historical moments in the Navy. It can also be a place you can use to host traditional Scout overnight encampments.

There are also educational tours. You can also come here for a fun-filled academic field trip for younger students.

8. Spirit of Buffalo

If you love the water as much as I do, you will enjoy Spirit of Buffalo.

Here, you get to experience Buffalo from the water. A sailing adventure aboard the Spirit of Buffalo takes you on a cruise of the waterways of the Erie Canal.

Along the way, you will be taking in the sights and sounds of the city of Buffalo.

The schooner is 73 feet long—a professional crew sailing and operates the vessel for the whole duration of the cruise.

My favorite part of the cruise is during sunset.

Sunsets over Lake Erie (while sipping from a glass of wine) is one of the best experiences you can have here.

9. Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site

The Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site is a museum. It has its focuses on the life and accomplishments of the 26th President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt.

The museum houses a wide range of interactive and immersive exhibitions. The displays follow the life of Theodore Roosevelt from his birth to his presidency. The museum also shows the vital role of Roosevelt in leading the country into what it is now.

There are tours done daily.

The tours will take you to the time of Buffalo’s most significant years. You will also learn about the Pan-American Exposition.

Aside from these, you will learn more about the other groundbreaking events that played a role in the history of the United States.

10. Albright-Knox Art Gallery

Established in 1862, the Albright-Knox Art Gallery is one of the best galleries you can find in Buffalo.

The Buffalo Fine Arts Academy had the gallery built at the time.

Located on Elmwood Avenue, the gallery displays an exceptionally modern and contemporary art collection.

It focuses on making its guests understand and appreciate contemporary and modern art.

The gallery plays its role as an artistic, educational, and cultural resource for the community. As previously mentioned, it houses a collection that is unlike any other.

Paul Gauguin, for instance, has his works displayed here. The same is true with some artworks done by Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Joan Miro, and Piet Mondrian.

The gallery holds educational programs regularly. Classes include Art with Artists, the Director’s Lecture Series, and the Art of Jazz.

Also, the museum has a library.

Its extensive collection of books and archives is an invaluable resource for the research of students and budding artists.

11. Buffalo City Hall Tour

The city hall of Buffalo is a world-renowned structure. It is also one of the biggest city halls in the United States.

It is the seat of power in the city of Buffalo. Its architectural design is one of the most wonderful around. It is also open to the public.

Completed in 191, The City Hall of Buffalo’s design was John Wade and is part of the National Register of Historic Places.

You can tour the building. There are guides, and tours are free of charge.

The tours include viewings of the Council Chambers. You will also be able to take a peek at the Mayor’s Office and visit an observation deck. This observation deck gives you an amazing view of the whole city of Buffalo.

12. Delaware Park

The father of American landscape architecture, Frederick Law Olmsted, designed the Delaware Park.

Delaware Park is one of the three parks that composes the Buffalo Olmsted Park System.

Named The Park by Olmsted, Delaware Park serves as Buffalo’s “Central Park.”

It spans 350 acres and has an extensive collection of gardens and meadows. It has forests, lakes, and picnic lawns for its visitors. Also, it has playgrounds where kids can play and enjoy.

The park is also home to many renowned cultural organizations of Buffalow.

For instance, the historic Parkside Lodge is here. Parkside Lodge features manicured croquet and picnic lawns that you can rent.

The Quarry Garden, a beautifully landscaped garden, is also here. It comes with reflective pools, arched bridges, and stone walls.

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There are many activities and tourist destinations when you are in Buffalo.

If you are looking for things to do or places to visit while in the city, you will always find one.

Some places would teach you about the city’s history. There are places where you can relax, dine, or have your kids enjoy.

And what is best about this is because all these attractions are near each other.

And so, on the weekend, all you have to do is walk for a few minutes, and you are there. If in case, you need a ride, it will not be too long for you to reach your destination.

All these make Buffalo a city worth exploring with or without a car.

How about you?

Are these attractions in Buffalo you would like to see on the list?

Let me know.