Buffalo, one of America’s most underrated cities, is usually known for one thing: extreme winter weather. In winter, temperatures can drop to a frigid 0°F (-18°C), or even lower. But wait, it gets worse—or better if you like to ski—Buffalo is one of the snowiest places in New York State. According to the Farmer’s Almanac, only Syracuse receives more. That’s why come summer, you’ll find a lively, vibrant city making the most of the heat. Sailing around Lake Erie and kayaking up the Buffalo River, exploring the city’s Frederick Law Olmsted-designed park system, and digging into the city’s world-famous spicy chicken wings are just a few of the incredible things to do in Buffalo. Travelers with a knack for history and culture will love touring the old city’s art galleries and mansions (especially Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House), a holdover from it was an extremely wealthy border city. With Niagara Falls just over the horizon, Buffalo makes a spectacular travel destination. Come with low expectations, or no expectations, and be prepared to be wowed.
Buffalo’s winters can be blisteringly cold, with temperatures routinely plummeting to 0°F (-18°C) or even lower during the coldest months of January and February. There’s really no good reason to visit the city at this time unless you want to ski or snowboard at Kissing Bridge which offers nearly 40 runs spread out over 700 acres. While seeing nearby Niagara Falls frozen in winter remains an otherworldly spectacle, most travelers will prefer to visit in summer, which can become surprisingly hot: expect highs of around 82°F (28°C) in July and August. Like most places with brutal winter weather, locals try to make the most of summer months and you’ll find them filling up their days with outdoor concerts, parties, street festivals, garden shows, and trips into nature.
Many of the local sights and attractions are concentrated around the Canalside, downtown, and Elmwood Avenue areas, each of which are generally within walking distance from each other. The city also has a reliable Metro Rail public transit system that operates a single line through the city’s suburbs, making it useful for visitors to the University of Buffalo and the First Niagara Center. The city buses, however, are by far the most useful form of public transit for exploring the city, with some options venturing out to Niagara Falls.
The Buffalo City Hall is a magnificent, imposing art deco building constructed in 1931, and visitors can tour it for free on weekdays at noon. Tours will let you explore rooms that you can’t see independently, like the picturesque stained-glass ceiling of the City Council Chambers, and provide information on the beautiful artworks in the lobby, making the building seem more like a museum than a city hall. Anyone can visit the 28th-floor observation deck during the building’s opening hours and the panoramic views offer unparalleled views of Lake Erie and even the spray of Niagara Falls on clear days!
