Buffalo, nicknamed the “City of Good Neighbors,” is full of history, distinctive regional cuisine, restored architectural landmarks, a redeveloped waterfront, and a world-renowned arts scene.
Buffalo, nicknamed the “City of Good Neighbors,” is full of history, distinctive regional cuisine, restored architectural landmarks, a redeveloped waterfront, and a world-renowned arts scene. From group-friendly hotels, restaurants, and breweries to new waterfront attractions like the Heritage Carousel and RiverWorks, Buffalo is the perfect place for a group getaway.
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canalside-photo by Grant Taylor
Explore our Underground Railroad sites, see a Broadway show, walk through the national historic site where Teddy Roosevelt took the oath of office, visit the house Frank Lloyd Wright called “a perfect composition,” enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Erie , and soak in the majesty of Niagara Falls. In 2025, Buffalo will celebrate the bicentennial of the opening of the Erie Canal — the perfect opportunity to visit this historic and dramatically reimagined city. Located at the western terminus of the canal and considered the “Gateway to the West,” the port city of Buffalo is both a testament to and beneficiary of the canal’s power. The endless traffic of Great Lakes ships, canal boats and railcars directly influenced our growth and prosperity, making Buffalo an icon of culture, architecture and the arts. Today, the newly revitalized Canalside district pays homage to that heritage, and is a popular gathering spot, hosting hundreds of events each year.
Look for special events and tours throughout 2025 and beyond.
Erie Canal celebrates its bicentennial
Start your visit in Buffalo with an Explore Buffalo walking tour of the grain silos, trails and tavern at the reimagined industrial grounds of Silo City. Thanks to the Erie Canal — celebrating its bicentennial! –Buffalo was once the largest grain port in the world. So come learn how the waterfront worked. After the tour, hit the cantina known as Duende. This tavern, in an old flour company office, features jazz, Americana folk and string ensembles. If the timing works out, stay for a meal. The surrounding grain silos are more than a century old. This city has one of the largest, if not the largest, collections of intact silos. Visit the Buffalo Lighthouse. Climb the stairs for a great view of the water and some perspective on history: The 1833 lighthouse, built to assist boats coming in and out of the canal harbor, is surrounded by a park with maritime relics. In the evening head north for a Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Cruise. Enjoy dinner and an evening ride through the only set of double locks along the canal.
seneca chief-photo by Tom Burns
Buffalo History Museum and more
Pay a visit to The Buffalo History Museum, where the story of the 1901 Pan-American Exposition is on exhibit. Buffalo hosted this world’s fair when the Erie Canal helped make it the 8th largest city in the nation. Tour the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site where the 26th president was sworn in. For a unique lunch , try Buffalo RiverWorks. This sports bar and entertainment center is surrounded by a grain silo complex. Spend the afternoon on the water. Explore Canalside, a park and district around what was once the Erie Canal port and terminus. Here there are excavated foundations of buildings, signs explaining the history and a waterfall marking the former commercial slip. If it hasn’t left the dock for an exhibition trip, step inside the Seneca Chief, a floating museum and recreation of the first boat down the Erie Canal. Learn more about the water highway at the Waterway of Change exhibit (opening Spring 2025) at the nearby Longshed, built to evoke a circa-1800 storehouse. Get an ice cream, walk the boardwalk, tour the Buffalo Naval & Military Park and go back in time on the restored Buffalo Heritage Carousel. For dinner, try The Barrel Factory, where music bingo and trivia nights add to the fun.
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