The city that made Buffalo Wings famous has so much more to offer travelers!

When you ask yourself why you should visit Buffalo, Niagara Falls and, of course, Buffalo wings come to mind – though January snowstorms might put a stop to all that travel dreaming. But Buffalo, the second largest city in New York, has loads more fun to offer the urban traveler. If you’ve only got one free weekend, visit in the summer and use this guide to find the best eats, sleeps and fun activities Nickel City has to offer.

Best Downtown Buffalo hotels

Mansion on Delaware

Renovated in 2001, this 1860’s boutique hotel is rich with historic charm. Hand-carved original walnut pocket doors and midcentury furniture grace the common areas while private rooms feature fireplaces and/or whirlpool tubs. Complimentary cocktails are served in the evening at the honor bar and butler service is available upon request. For more information, visit them online: MansionDelaware.com.

Hyatt Regency Buffalo

Built in 1923, this contemporary downtown Buffalo hotel blends its historic roots with an 80’s-chic glass atrium - though the lobby and atrium is currently under renovation. Rooms were upgraded in 2009 and women travelers can request to be on the women’s floor and enjoy a robe, slippers and cosmetic mirror – not to mention a much quieter floor. E. B. Greens Restaurant, named after the architect of the building, is well-known for their steaks. For more information, visit them online: BuffaloHyatt.com.

Hotel at Lafayette

A short walk from Buffalo Bison Stadium, the Lafayette was designed in 1904, for the Pan-American Exposition by Louise Blanchard Bethune, the first professional woman architect in the US. The hotel features 57 unique Pan-American themed rooms. One of three onsite restaurants, the Pan-American Grill & Brewery, reprises the original hotel’s grand dining room and mezzanine – be sure to visit Teddy Roosevelt’s trophy room as well. For more information, visit them online: HotelLafayette.com.

GoGirlfriend’s favorite Buffalo restaurants

When it comes to food, Buffalo’s got a few hidden gems that we think should be on your must-taste list.

Merge

Across the street from the Mansion on Delaware makes this a great spot to spend an evening – no need for an Uber home. They specialize in locally-sourced, vegan dishes but meat lovers need not worry – Bison sliders, maple bourbon chicken and shrimp risotto are just a few treasures waiting for you to sample. My favorite app – the seitan wings – might actually make your meatitarian question his ways. For more information, visit them online: Merge.com.

Café 59

Tucked into a side street in Allentown Historic District, Café 59 is a treat for lunch – even though it will likely spoil your dinner. Another vegetarian friendly spot, there’s also lots of meaty dishes on the menu – and everything here is delish. Our favorite is the Moroccan Spiced Chick Peas. For more information, visit them online: Cafe59.com.

Chocolate Bar

While Chocolate is their specialty (obviously), there’s lots more to charm you for lunch or dinner. Start your meal with a martini paired with one of their many flatbread creations and move onto fresh pasta tossed with white chocolate cream. Don’t forget about dessert – that would be a sin. For more information, visit them online: ChocolateBar.com.

Sue’s NY Deli

Take a mid-day break from sightseeing and pop into Sue’s for a tasty pita and salad. When possible, food is locally sourced and servings are ample – chances are you’ll be taking a doggy bag home to enjoy later. For more information, visit them online: SuesDeli.com.

Bacchus Wine Bar & Restaurant

Wine Spectator has recognized Bacchus’ wine list for 10 consecutive years – and with good reason. It’s located in the heart of Buffalo’s historic entertainment district and offers visitors an upscale, refined dining experience, along with an award-winning wine list paired with foods designed by executive chef, Brian Mietus. The main dining room has recently been renovated (reserve a window table for the best view and ambiance) but they also have a new summer courtyard and private dining room. For more information, visit them online: Bacchus.com.

Food Truck Tuesday

Every Tuesday, dozens of food trucks from across Buffalo and Rochester flood Larkin Square for a night of food, music and fun. From live music on The Boardwalk to an overabundance of adult beverages served throughout the square, this is a must-do event. Additional food trucks and carts are parked at Flying Bison Brewery, a short walk down the street from Larkin Square. For more info, visit LarkinSquare.com.

What to see do, and love about Buffalo

Shea’s Theater

The original Shea’s Theater opened in 1926 as a movie theater and is now three live performance theaters on Main Street, walking distance from most restaurants and hotels. Shows range from family-friendly performances like Finding Neverland to STOMP to (Drag) Queens Across America. Tours are available during daytime hours. For more information, visit them online: Sheas.com.

Canalside

Walkable from most hotels and restaurants, Canalside in Buffalo is treat, no matter the season and regardless of your age. Skate the canal in the winter and bring a picnic in the summer. Spring, summer and early fall, you’ll find weekly and weekend events, such as summer concerts on Thursday, that keep this area a hotbed of free family fun. For more information, visit them online at CanalsideBuffalo.com.

Albright-Knox Art Gallery

Founded in December 1862, the gallery is one of the country's oldest public arts institutions in the United States. It’s dedicated to enhancing the understanding and appreciation of contemporary and modern art and is hub of artistic and cultural energies. Whether you want to tour their current collection or take a class, this is a great place to while away an afternoon. For more information, visit them online: AlbrightKnox.com.

Buffalo Science Museum (BMS)

Since 2010, the BMS has been on an aggressive path to renovate all of the museum's permanent exhibit experiences, transforming its former diorama-based exhibits into eight highly interactive and immersive science studio exhibit spaces. Even if you don’t have kids, this is a great place to get your science geek on. For more information, visit them online: BuffaloScience.com.

Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Historical Site

On September 14, 1901, Theodore Roosevelt took the oath of office as the 26th president of the United States in Buffalo, NY. His predecessor, William McKinley, had been shot by an assassin at the Pan-American Exposition on September 6, dying a week later. For more information, visit them online: NPS.gov.

Botanical Gardens

The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens is a living museum of plant life – and an astoundingly beautiful way to spend an afternoon. Indoor & outdoor gardens, including a 67-ft. dome housing tropical palms – flower and light shows are seasonal. Open year round but we recommend visiting in the summer. For more information, visit them online: BuffaloGardens.com.

Buffalo Harbor Cruises

Welcome aboard the Miss Buffalo II for sightseeing, weekly scheduled parties, scenic views, great entertainment and fun for the whole family. City skylines and picturesque sunsets await you aboard the Niagara Frontier’s best excuse for a party on the waterfront. For more information, visit them online: BuffaloCruise.com.

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