Things To Do In Buffalo

Originally settled by the French in 1758, Buffalo on the western edge of New York State has plenty to offer both the visitor and the new settler. Leave behind any thoughts of descriptions that Buffalo city is a remote and cold place 400 miles from New York City, but looking like the very worst of run-down areas in "The Big Apple". Like all of the best cities in the USA, Buffalo has worked hard in recent years to re-invent itself and smarten itself up and now, instead of a run down downtown area, you’ll find a smart new campus for the University of Buffalo and the old industrial areas being converted into new ‘high-tech’ business parks.

Sights to see in Buffalo

We’ll give you one guess where the first ever skyscraper can be found - yes you guessed it, in Buffalo. The Prudential Building on Church Street was originally called the Guaranty Building which, using a design by Louis Sullivan and Dankmar Adler in 1895, utilized a revolutionary steel frame and stands at a mighty proud 167 foot in height making it the world’s first modern skyscraper. Other notable architectural features in Buffalo include the M&T Bank on Main Street, with a gilded dome that needed 140,000 sheets of gold leaf; and a dazzling display it makes in the sun too. Buffalo is also home, excuse the pun, to six Frank Lloyd Wright houses; with the Darwin Martin House and Barton House being particularly worth seeing. Although actually outside of Buffalo you can’t possibly go there and not visit Niagara Falls, just 20 miles to the north. Straddling the border with Canada the Falls are one of the most spectacular sights you can see anywhere in the world. Finally, for those of you that are keen on your history of American Presidents, you’ll know that Theodore Roosevelt took the oath of office at Buffalo in 1901 following the assassination of William McKinley.

Where to stay in Buffalo

If you’re passing through Buffalo there are plenty of places to choose from to stay in. If your budget is tight there are plenty of nearby campsites you can easily travel in to Buffalo from. Alternatively try one of the numerous Bed and Breakfast Guest Houses such as Beau Fleuve in the historic Linwood district, which was built in 1882 and features rooms themed on the nationalities of the original Buffalo settlers. The usual international chains of hotels are all present such as the Holiday Inn and a Hyatt. However, if your budget will stretch to it, why not treat yourself to some seriously opulent living at the Mansion on Delaware. Here you can take a basic Classic room or hire a full suite of rooms so that you can really spread out - not to mention eating in the sumptuous restaurant. However, make sure the bank balance is good before booking as a Classic room with breakfast can cost at least $300 during busy periods.

Places to eat and drink in Buffalo

Apart from gastronomic experiences at a place like the Mansion on Delaware here are some more ideas for places to eat and drink in Buffalo. Chef’s, on Seneca Street, was established 85 years ago and still maintains its position as one of the places to eat in Buffalo. The main fare is classic Italian dishes, but with the sort of reputation they have - if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! Betty’s on Virginia Street serves a greater range of cuisine and, in all honesty, in a restaurant where you really feel the customer is king. Don’t expect over-elaborate cordon bleu cooking though, as many of the dishes are re-inventions of good old American favorites. If you can’t go far without a fast-food-fix, perhaps for lunch one day, then visit Ted’s on Sheriden Avenue for a foot long hot-dog. Any Buffalo resident will always try and get you to sample the local Chicken wings, which they will insist are the best anywhere. Such is their keenness for eating wings - should you be in Buffalo on Labor Day get yourself down to (would you believe it) the National Buffalo Wing Festival at the Coca Cola Field on Washington Street. If you fancy just going out for a drink in Buffalo the Allen Street Hardware Cafe is to be recommended as here you can also be entertained by the local musicians. Whilst Fugazi, on Franklin Street in the gay sector of the city, specializes in martinis -shaken, stirred or just simply flavored. Or, if you prefer something a bit grungier, visit Nietzches on Allen Street.