What to Do in WNY

Western New York Surprises at Every Turn

From vibrant cities to charming villages, this region is rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. Whether you’re exploring world-class museums, strolling through scenic parks, catching a show at a historic theater, or hiking along breathtaking trails, WNY offers something for everyone. This guide will help you discover the area’s hidden gems and must-see attractions—from zoos and art galleries to quiet lakeside towns and lively local festivals.

A photo of a naval ship docked in a canal. Text says "Take a Tour"

Take a Tour – With so much to see in Buffalo, why not start with the museums and cultural centers? You can tour WNY on foot, on a bike, on a boat, or even by air!

A wooden table top with a basket of chicken wings, celery, and a pint of beer. Text says "Eat Your Heart Out"

Eat Your Heart Out – Buffalo is known for its’ food, but there’s more to it than wings! Be sure to ask a local where to eat before heading out to find these hometown favorites!

  • Charbroiled Sahlen’s Hot Dogs
  • Chicken Wings (We don’t call them Buffalo Wings here!)
  • Beef on Weck Sandwiches
  • Loganberry (try it in a milkshake, trust us!)
  • Spongecandy
  • Buffalo-style Pizza
  • Spaghetti Parm
  • Peanut Sticks
  • Chicken BBQ
  • Frozen Custard
  • Fish Fry
  • Pastry Hearts
  • Pierogi
  • Bison Dip
  • Weber’s Mustard

Check out this guide to Buffalo Classic Foods from Visit Buffalo Niagara!

Looking for great restaurants?

Look no further! Buffalo is home to an incredible foodie scene. Check out all the guides at stepoutbuffalo.com!

Visit Buffalo Niagara has some great recommendations, too!

An aerial view of a small town. Streets are lined with buildings and trees. Text says "City of Good Neighbor(hoods)"

City of Good Neighbor(hoods) – Shopping, Dining, Live Music, Waterfront… there’s so much to do just outside of the city! Western New York’s charming villages are each uniquely individual!

  • Lewiston, NY – Niagara Gorge
  • Williamsville, NY
  • East Aurora, NY
  • Elmwood Village
  • Larkinville
  • Lancaster, NY
  • Hamburg, NY – Lake Erie
  • Orchard Park, NY
  • Kenmore, NY
  • Clarence, NY
  • Amherst, NY
  • North Tonawanda, NY – Erie Canal
  • Ellicottville
  • Chatauqua
  • Niagara-on-the-Lake (Ontario, Canada)
A photograph of Buffalo Ny's City Hall. A large art-deco inspired building. Traffic lights, street signs, and a monument can be seen in the foreground. Text reads "Buffalo's Bluepritns"

Buffalo’s Blueprints – Buffalo is home to remarkable architecture. From grand Gilded Age mansions to striking Art Deco landmarks, the city’s landscape reflects its rich and storied past.

Recommended Tour Groups

More Information

A view of Highmark Stadium, home of the Buffalo Bills NFL team, from the upper seats. The end zone can be seen. Text reads "Root for the Home Team"

Root for the Hometeam (No matter what) – Buffalo’s sports culture runs deep, with passionate fans ready to face any weather to cheer on their team. Whether it’s a snowy Sunday at Highmark Stadium or a summer night at Sahlen Field, the city lives and breathes its teams year-round.

Highmark Stadium is located just 5.6 miles from Rusty Nickel Brewing. The new stadium is currently under construction and is expected to open in early 2027. Fans are invited to visit the Bills Store 7 days-a-week, year-round. In July, catch the players during Training Camp at St. John Fisher University. If you’re visiting during Pre-Season or Regular Season, try to catch a game… there is nothing like tailgating with Bills Fans!

While our football fans might have the most famed reputation, our lacrosse fans really have something to cheer about! The Buffalo Bandits have won seven NLL championships and brought home back-to-back-to-back titles in 2023, 2024, and 2025. “Banditland” is all about entertainment and enthusiasm. The team regularly sells out KeyBank Center, boasting the largest average attendance of any team in the National Lacrosse League!

Can’t make it to a game, but visiting on game-day? Join us for a watch party at Rusty Nickel! We’ll have the game on all TVs whenever possible!

Old For Niagara, a stone building, sits on a grassy hill. melting snow can be seen on the front lawn. text reads "Step back in time"

Step Back in Time – Buffalo’s history is woven into its streets, architecture, and waterfront. Once a thriving industrial hub and gateway to the West via the Erie Canal, the city played a key role in America’s economic growth. Visitors can explore preserved 19th-century buildings, historic neighborhoods, and landmarks tied to war, presidents, inventors, and social movements. These points of interest will transport you through time.

Look for special events and reenactments at these historical sites!

Text reads "Think NY, Drink NY". The slogan of the New York State Brewers Association. The photo shows someone pouring a beer from a tap into a tulip glass

Think NY, Drink NY –  Did you know New York State is home to more than 600 craft breweries? That makes it the second largest craft beer market in the US! Craft Beer has played an important role in our community’s economic growth. By supporting our local breweries, especially Farm Breweries like Rusty Nickel Brewing, you’re supporting local jobs, farms, and more! So be sure to grab a pint with us, or attend festival or event!

*Pro Tip: Download the Think NY Drink NY mobile app for a brewery passport and a guide to events happening at New York State breweries.

WNY is also home to two wine trails, and dozens of local distilleries, cideries, and meaderies!

As a NYS Farm Brewery, Rusty Nickel Brewing is proud to offer a full bar menu featuring New York State wines, spirits, meads, hard ciders, beer, and seltzers! So if you don’t have time to explore our region, you can still get a taste of it!

And while you might find a Tim Hortons on every corner here, there is no shortage of excellent coffee shops in Buffalo and the surrounding areas! Sip local!

A snowy ski hill surrounded by frost covered pine trees. The text reads "embrace the flakes"

Embrace the Flakes – If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em, right? Buffalo is known for it’s winters, and there’s no escaping it, so do what locals do and put on your snow boots!

Skiing / Snowboarding

Toboggan Run/ Sledding

Ice-Skating

Curling

Tubing

Snowshoeing/ Cross Country Skiing

Safety First! Winters in Buffalo can be beautiful, but they can also be powerful. Pay attention to weather reports, dress appropriately, and make sure you and your vehicle are ready for the road before setting out to travel. Below are some great resources for winter safety tips.

NYSDEC – Winter Recreation Safety (What to Wear)

AAA – Winter Driving Tips

Park NYC – Winter Emergency Tools to Have in Your Car

NYS – Winter Safety Tips

The Maid of the Mist enters the waters below Niagara Falls. A rainbow reflects off the water. Text reads "Make a Splash"

Make A Splash! – Niagara Falls is one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders, drawing millions each year with its breathtaking power and beauty. From boat tours and scenic overlooks to hiking trails and nearby attractions, the area offers unforgettable experiences for every kind of traveler.

For the thrill-seekers:

From the Canadian Side:

Other links:

Two friends stand in front of a stage at an outdoor concert venue. They are shaping their hands into hearts. The text reads "Music to Your Ears"

Music to Your Ears – Western New York has no shortage of live music venues and talented local musicians. Below are some great concert venues, but you’re likely to stumble across live music in bars and restaurants all year long.

Large Venues

Intimate Venues

Annual Music Events

An empty historic theater shown from the balcony. Red velvet seats and curtains fill the space. Text reads "Curtain's Up"

Curtains Up! – Buffalo’s theater scene is alive with Broadway hits and local productions. Be sure to check local guides for must-see shows while your in town!

Overview: Visit Buffalo Niagara

Historic Cinemas

Comedy

"Fun for the family", two kids play with bubbles in a museum exhibit

Fun for the Family! – WNY offers endless opportunities for family fun, from hands-on museums and outdoor adventures to kid-friendly attractions and seasonal events. With something for every generation, it’s the perfect place to make lasting memories together.

Be sure to check out our guides to “Take a Tour”, “Root for the Home Team” and “By the Season” for other great family acitivities!

Family-friendly Events:

An aerial view of trees in the fall. Text reads "By the Season"

By the Season – Those who say you can’t have all four seasons in one day, have never been to Buffalo! We are fortunate to experience four distinct seasons here in Western New York, with the next one being even more beautiful than the last. Here are some great ways to take advantage of the seasons while you’re visiting!

Spring

Summer

Fall

Winter

A view of Adirondack Park from the peak of Whiteface Mountain on a sunny summer day. Text reads "I heart NY"

I Love NY – From Great Lakes to Finger Lakes, skyscrapers to mountain tops, big cities to small towns, New York has it all! Explore the Empire State!

More Links:

The Lake Erie waterfront on a sunny day. Text reads "The Great Lake Effect"

The Great Lake Effect – Situated between two of the Great Lakes, Western New York offers plenty for those seeking the lake life! Boating, fishing, kayaking, and beach days await on Lake Erie and Lake Ontario!

A lush park, with a walking path, trees, and lawn areas. The text reads "Nature Lovers"

Nature Lovers – Despite the big city reputation, New York State is made for nature lovers and adventure- seekers! Our region is known for it’s parks, beaches, and waterways. Escape the hustle and bustle, and take a hike!

Western New York

Statewide

  • Catskill Mountains
  • Adirondack Mountains
  • Finger Lakes
  • Thousand Islands