Things to do in Buffalo, NY
That’s BUFFALO for you…
Buffalo is where historic charm meets bold creative spirit – an inviting city of welcoming people, remarkable food, and unforgettable experiences.
Shopping
Elmwood Village – Trendy, Walkable, Local
Distance from the Buffalo Convention Center : 2.7 miles
Modes of Travel: Light Rail via Main Street, Exit – Utica Station, 0.6 mile walk to Elmwood Avenue
- Elmwood Ave. Boutiques – Independent clothing shops, jewelry, home goods
- Lexington Co-op Market – Local groceries and gifts
- Talking Leaves Book Store – Cozy, local, independent bookstore
- Coffee & Gelato Cafes – Perfect for strolling breaks
Hertel Avenue – Retro Meets Modern
Distance from the Buffalo Convention Center: 4.8 miles
Modes of Travel: Light rail via Main Street, Exit – Lasalle Station, 0.2 mile walk to Hertel Avenue
- Antique Stores & Retro Shops – Mid-century furniture, vinyl, collectibles
- Italian Bakeries & Markets
- Local Apparel Shops
- Murals along Hertel Avenue
Allentown – Artistic, Bohemian, Creative
Distance from the Buffalo Convention Center: 1 mile
Modes of Travel: Light Rail via Main Street, Exit -Allen-Medical Campus Station, 0.3 mile walk down Allen Street.
- Allen Street Galleries and Studios
- Vintage Clothing Stores
Walden Galleria Mall – Largest Shopping Destination
Distance from the Buffalo Convention Center: 9.3 miles
Modes of Travel: Uber or taxi (14-minute drive)
- Flagship Clothing Stores
- Entertainment Zone
- Restaurants
Need some groceries?
- Downtown Food Mart (472 Main Street) – Small convenience store (.2 miles away)
- Price Rite Grocery (250 Elmwood Avenue) – Full grocery store (1.3 miles away)
- Lexington Co-op (807 Elmwood Avenue) – Locally sourced and organic foods (2.4 miles away)
- Broadway Market (999 Broadway) – Ethnic food vendors and local cuisine (2.1 miles away)
Food
Buffalo is one of the most underrated food cities in the U.S., famous for its comfort food, culture, chef-driven restaurants, and warm neighborhood vibes.
Signature Buffalo Foods you MUST Try:
(Check out our Local Cuisine Tour!)
- Chicken Wings - Invented here!!! (Anchor Bar)
- Beef on Weck – Thin-sliced roast beef on kummelweck roll with horseradish (Charlie the Butcher)
- Sponge Candy – Buffalo’s signature sweet treat (Parkside Candies)
- Friday Fish Fry – A Western New York tradition (Wiechec’s Lounge, The Salty Chef, Gene McCarthy’s, Eddie Brady’s)
- Pierogi & Polish Classics – Reflecting on Buffalo’s rich Eastern European Heritage. Available at the Broadway Market!
The following restaurants are within one mile from Buffalo Convention Center.
Coffee Places
Start your day off right at a number of breakfast spots downtown with expected prices of $10-$20.
- Spot Coffee (.3 miles)
- Public Espresso & Coffee (.3 miles)
- Tim Horton’s (.2 miles)
- Overwinter Coffee (.3 miles)
- Jake’s Cafe (.4 miles)
- Starbuck’s (.3 miles)
- Penny’s Coffee Shop (.9 miles)
- Wonder Coffeehouse (1.7 miles)
- Five Point Bakery (2 miles)
Lunch
- Moura’s Deli
- Southern Tier
- Pizza Plant
- Hofbräuhaus
- Ballyhoo
- The Salty Chef
- Hearth + Press
- Sue’s Deli
- Chef’s
Brunch and Breakfast
- Jack’s Corner Café
- The Salty Chef
- Public Espresso & Coffee
- Betty’s
- Wonder Coffeehouse
- Swan Street Diner (2 miles)
- Paula’s Donuts (2 miles)
Dinner
- Panorama on Seven
- Vault 237
- Streetlight Brasserie
- Coco
- Bacchus
- Frankie Primo’s
- K Dara Noodle Bar
- Pearl Street Grill
- Marble + Rye
The following restaurants are beyond one mile from Buffalo Convention Center.
Elmwood Village – (Distance from Buffalo Convention Center: 2.7 miles)
- Jack Rabbits – Classic American
- Mira - Mediterranean
- Sato- Ramen, Sushi
- The Place – Great ambiance, American dishes and comfort food
- Café Aroma – Cozy spot for coffee and pasta
Allentown – (Distance from Buffalo Convention Center: 1 mile)
- Allen Burger Venture – Homemade Burgers
- Fat Bob’s Smokehouse - BBQ
- Mother’s – Upscale eatery
- Gabriel’s Gate – Eclectic ambience, American cuisine
Hertel Avenue – (Distance from Buffalo Convention Center: 4.8 miles)
- Kostas – Classic Greek Food
- Bob & John’s, La Hacienda – Pizza, wings and subs
- Sterling Place – Neighborhood tavern with sandwiches
- The Garage Bar & Restaurant – American food
- Taisho – Sushi and Japanese
Larkinville (Distance from Buffalo Convention Center: 2 miles)
- Paula’s Donuts – The best donuts in the world!
- The Swan Diner – Classic Streetcar Diner
- Hydraulic Hearth – Oven roasted pizza
- Eckl’s @ Larkin - Steakhouse
For more information about Buffalo restaurants and entertainment, see visitBuffalo.com.
Outdoor & winter-specific experiences
Niagara Falls State Park (USA side)
When the temperatures drop and the crowds thin, Niagara Falls State Park becomes even more magical. With trees that sparkle and views that take your breath away, bundle up and come experience what is considered the most wonderful time of the year!
Enjoy the most beautiful time of the year at this winter wonder! The water and beauty doesn’t stop when the summer ends, and there is nothing more breathtaking than the Niagara Falls in the winter. Marvel at the ice-coated trees, and the “frozen falls” will amaze you. (Spoiler alert: the Falls never really freeze, it just looks like it!) Warm up at the World Changed Here Pavilion at the Cave of the Winds, and learn about the magnificent history that happened here. And with special programs running all winter long, there is no better time to visit Niagara Falls State Park!
Winter activities in Buffalo waterfront / outdoors
- At the waterfront in Buffalo you’ll find outdoor skating, ice-bike rentals, ice bumper cars and even curling / cross-country skiing in some spots. Buffalo Waterfront+1
- If you want something active: try sledding, skiing or snowshoeing in nature reserves around Buffalo. Visit Buffalo+1
Museums, art & indoor culture in Buffalo
Buffalo AKG Art Museum
- Address: 1285 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, NY 14222. Buffalo AKG Art Museum
- Why go: A major art museum with collections of modern & contemporary art, and strong special exhibitions. Buffalo AKG Art Museum
- Tip: Check ahead for timed-entry tickets for major shows.
Buffalo Museum of Science
- Address: 1020 Humboldt Pkwy, Buffalo, NY 14211. Buffalo Museum of Science
- Why go: Great for families and science-fans — exhibits on animals, technology, astronomy, etc. Wikipedia+1
- Tip: If visiting with kids, allocate 2-3 hours. Check whether planetarium or special shows require separate tickets.
The Buffalo History Museum
- Address: 1 Museum Court, Buffalo, NY 14216. The Buffalo History Museum+1
- Why go: Focuses on Western New York’s history — local stories, immigrants, industry, Indigenous Peoples. The Buffalo History Museum+1
Other sources for things to do in Buffalo
A Winter Guide to Buffalo, NY | Visit Buffalo Niagara
The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Buffalo in the Winter: Fun Activities, Delicious Food & More