Buffalo/Niagara Guidebook
Sightseeing
This is one of the natural wonders of the world.
*Pro Local Tip: Park at the Seneca Niagara Casino ramp for free parking! It is a short 5 minute walk to all of the attractions in Niagara Falls!
If you are going to goat island and don’t mind a short walk, follow the signs to RV parking and park for free in that lot! It is a short but beautiful walk to any attraction on goat island.
1606 locals recommend
Niagara Falls
This is one of the natural wonders of the world.
*Pro Local Tip: Park at the Seneca Niagara Casino ramp for free parking! It is a short 5 minute walk to all of the attractions in Niagara Falls!
If you are going to goat island and don’t mind a short walk, follow the signs to RV parking and park for free in that lot! It is a short but beautiful walk to any attraction on goat island.
A great place to see the Niagara gorge and the rapids as the water empties into Lake Ontario
17 locals recommend
Devils Hole
A great place to see the Niagara gorge and the rapids as the water empties into Lake Ontario
If you want to get very close to the falls, go to cave of the winds. A seasonal deck is installed at the base of the Bridal falls where you can walk and enjoy the view of the falls from below. If you want to get wet, go to the Hurricane Deck where you will be blasted with water and wind. (You can also choose to bypass this deck if you wish)
72 locals recommend
Cave of the Winds
Goat Island RoadIf you want to get very close to the falls, go to cave of the winds. A seasonal deck is installed at the base of the Bridal falls where you can walk and enjoy the view of the falls from below. If you want to get wet, go to the Hurricane Deck where you will be blasted with water and wind. (You can also choose to bypass this deck if you wish)
Take a boat ride at the base of Niagara Falls. The boat will pull right up to the horseshoe falls and you will be blasted with water spray from the falls. (Ponchos are provided)
*Pro Local Tip: Park at the Seneca Niagara Casino ramp for free parking! It is a short 5 minute walk to all of the attractions in Niagara Falls!
123 locals recommend
Maid of the Mist
1 Prospect StTake a boat ride at the base of Niagara Falls. The boat will pull right up to the horseshoe falls and you will be blasted with water spray from the falls. (Ponchos are provided)
*Pro Local Tip: Park at the Seneca Niagara Casino ramp for free parking! It is a short 5 minute walk to all of the attractions in Niagara Falls!
This is a great free museum that highlights the hydroelectric power generation from the Falls. This is a great place to visit on a rainy day!
22 locals recommend
Niagara Power Vista... Niagara Power Project.... New York Power Authority
5777 Lewiston RdThis is a great free museum that highlights the hydroelectric power generation from the Falls. This is a great place to visit on a rainy day!
Lots of history and waterfront views of the lower Niagara River and Lake Ontario. On a clear day you can also see Toronto
17 locals recommend
Old Fort Niagara
Lots of history and waterfront views of the lower Niagara River and Lake Ontario. On a clear day you can also see Toronto
Small Islands near the falls that go out into the Niagara river. This is a great place for photos or to take a relaxing walk.
14 locals recommend
Three Sisters Island
Small Islands near the falls that go out into the Niagara river. This is a great place for photos or to take a relaxing walk.
The best place to get up close and personal with the falls. This is free (including parking if you follow the signs to the RV lot ;)
Luna Island
Goat Island RoadThe best place to get up close and personal with the falls. This is free (including parking if you follow the signs to the RV lot ;)
Located in downtown Buffalo on the waterfront, this is a great place to walk, grab a bite to eat, see the old warships, and relax on the shores of Lake Erie
Erie Basin Marina Observation Deck
329 Erie StLocated in downtown Buffalo on the waterfront, this is a great place to walk, grab a bite to eat, see the old warships, and relax on the shores of Lake Erie
Can’t go to Canada, no problem! Take a stroll on the observation deck to get the best view of the American falls. As an added bonus, you can take the elevator down and get up close and personal with the cool fresh water as it plunges into the lower Niagara river!
Niagara Falls Observation Tower
332 Prospect StCan’t go to Canada, no problem! Take a stroll on the observation deck to get the best view of the American falls. As an added bonus, you can take the elevator down and get up close and personal with the cool fresh water as it plunges into the lower Niagara river!
Food scene
Best Italian food in the area. Located in the very nice Elmwood Village area of Buffalo. You will also find some nice local boutiques to browse as well.
Great small town with some nice local restaurants. Here you can walk along the water of the lower Niagara River or go to an outdoor concert at ArtPark.
56 locals recommend
Lewiston
Great small town with some nice local restaurants. Here you can walk along the water of the lower Niagara River or go to an outdoor concert at ArtPark.
VEGAN & More - A "divey" little restaurant close to the University at Buffalo where you can find some vegan options alongside regular options for travelers with mixed diets. *Cash Only
31 locals recommend
Amy's Place
3234 Main StVEGAN & More - A "divey" little restaurant close to the University at Buffalo where you can find some vegan options alongside regular options for travelers with mixed diets. *Cash Only
BEST STEAK - This is the best chop house we have in Buffalo. In the heart of downtown Buffalo, this place is a must stop for carnivores.
18 locals recommend
Buffalo Chophouse
282 Franklin StBEST STEAK - This is the best chop house we have in Buffalo. In the heart of downtown Buffalo, this place is a must stop for carnivores.
Chef's
291 Seneca StBEST PASTA- This is where locals go for the best pasta in WNY.
BEST LOCAL FOOD - Charlie the butchers has been a staple or generations. The local dish here is "Beef on Weck". This is a juicy roast beef sandwich piled high on a kimmelweck roll which is a roll with plenty of crusty salt on top with a little caraway seeds. Add horseradish to complete the delicious combination if you care to.
This place is a order at the counter and pay type of place but, it is an experience.
11 locals recommend
Charlie the Butcher's Kitchen
1065 Wehrle DrBEST LOCAL FOOD - Charlie the butchers has been a staple or generations. The local dish here is "Beef on Weck". This is a juicy roast beef sandwich piled high on a kimmelweck roll which is a roll with plenty of crusty salt on top with a little caraway seeds. Add horseradish to complete the delicious combination if you care to.
This place is a order at the counter and pay type of place but, it is an experience.
BEST BREAKFAST SANDWICH- The Mike sandwich is simple but very delicious. A egg and cheese sandwich on a bagel (or any other bread you choose) with cream cheese. Don't knock it until you try it!
22 locals recommend
SPoT Coffee Hertel
1406 Hertel AveBEST BREAKFAST SANDWICH- The Mike sandwich is simple but very delicious. A egg and cheese sandwich on a bagel (or any other bread you choose) with cream cheese. Don't knock it until you try it!
BEST BBQ- Fat Bobs is a neat little barbecue joint in the heart of the Allentown district. This is the closest you will get to true slow smoked BBQ in the area. If BBQ is your thing, this is the place to go for sure!
16 locals recommend
Fat Bob's Smokehouse
41 Virginia PlBEST BBQ- Fat Bobs is a neat little barbecue joint in the heart of the Allentown district. This is the closest you will get to true slow smoked BBQ in the area. If BBQ is your thing, this is the place to go for sure!
BEST PIZZA- Yes, this is not New York or Chicago but the pizza competition is fierce in WNY. La Nova is the local favorite and has been for years!
43 locals recommend
La Nova Pizzeria
5151 Main StBEST PIZZA- Yes, this is not New York or Chicago but the pizza competition is fierce in WNY. La Nova is the local favorite and has been for years!
Great food and tea. A lot of options can be made Vegan if you ask!
Boba Tea Cafe & Vietnamese-Thai Restaurant
Great food and tea. A lot of options can be made Vegan if you ask!
BEST DOUGHNUT- These doughnuts are huge and always fresh. Don't be surprised if your doughnut is still warm when you receive it. They have a very good variety. One is almost like a meal!
19 locals recommend
Paula's Donuts
2319 Sheridan DrBEST DOUGHNUT- These doughnuts are huge and always fresh. Don't be surprised if your doughnut is still warm when you receive it. They have a very good variety. One is almost like a meal!
Strong Hearts Buffalo
Fully Vegan restaurant. Delicious milkshakes and desserts as well!
BEST WINGS - Anchor bar may be the most famous but Duffs is much better. Go were the locals go when we want wings! Warning: Hot is very very hot...
Duff's Famous Wings
BEST WINGS - Anchor bar may be the most famous but Duffs is much better. Go were the locals go when we want wings! Warning: Hot is very very hot...
A great place near Niagara Falls to grab a quick breakfast or lunch
19 locals recommend
Power City Eatery
444 3rd StA great place near Niagara Falls to grab a quick breakfast or lunch
The Griffon Gastropub
2470 Military RdGreat food near the shopping district of Niagara Falls.
Not your traditional Buffalo wings but, much bigger and better! Pro tip: Be sure to try the Wingnutz mild sauce! DELICIOUS!
Wingnutz Bar and Grill
Not your traditional Buffalo wings but, much bigger and better! Pro tip: Be sure to try the Wingnutz mild sauce! DELICIOUS!
Great baked goods, desserts, and delicious food. Definitely worth the time to stop by!
13 locals recommend
DiCamillo Bakery
811 Linwood AveGreat baked goods, desserts, and delicious food. Definitely worth the time to stop by!
An amazingly delicious French bakery. Bonus: there is a full case of Vegan desserts that are amazing!
Fig Tree Patisserie
3062 Delaware AveAn amazingly delicious French bakery. Bonus: there is a full case of Vegan desserts that are amazing!
With delicious food, this is a great place for dinner or a romantic night out. Be sure to call ahead and reserve a table.
40 locals recommend
Wine on Third
501 3rd StWith delicious food, this is a great place for dinner or a romantic night out. Be sure to call ahead and reserve a table.
Simply delicious. Located on the historic Erie Canal, you won’t be disappointed with the food or atmosphere here. There is often live music during dinner to add to the ambience. The reviews speak for themselves!
23 locals recommend
Remington Tavern and Seafood Exchange
184 Sweeney StSimply delicious. Located on the historic Erie Canal, you won’t be disappointed with the food or atmosphere here. There is often live music during dinner to add to the ambience. The reviews speak for themselves!
In addition to its regular menu, this place has a HUGE vegan menu! The vegan sausage sub is one of my favorites!
The Wurlitzer Pizza Co., Inc.
1401 Nash RdIn addition to its regular menu, this place has a HUGE vegan menu! The vegan sausage sub is one of my favorites!
Cook your steak on a hot stone right at your table. Or enjoy a large selection of fresh sushi right in Niagara Falls. The whole family is sure to find something here! Vegan options available here.
Steak Stone & Sushi
1340 Military RdCook your steak on a hot stone right at your table. Or enjoy a large selection of fresh sushi right in Niagara Falls. The whole family is sure to find something here! Vegan options available here.
A local favorite during the hot summer months. (Vegan options available) Located on the upper Niagara river, this is a great place for a burger and ice cream right in the waterfront. Go for a nice stroll on the path near the water and watch the boats go by. Free summer concerts are often held in this area.
9 locals recommend
Mississippi Mudds
313 Niagara StA local favorite during the hot summer months. (Vegan options available) Located on the upper Niagara river, this is a great place for a burger and ice cream right in the waterfront. Go for a nice stroll on the path near the water and watch the boats go by. Free summer concerts are often held in this area.
A delicious French restaurant located near the historic Erie Canal. The food is incredible! This is a great place for a date night. Be sure to make reservations though!
14 locals recommend
Webster's Bistro & Bar
102 Webster StA delicious French restaurant located near the historic Erie Canal. The food is incredible! This is a great place for a date night. Be sure to make reservations though!
Entertainment
Artpark
450 S 4th StThis place has a lot of nice concerts and events throughout the year.
New Era Field
1 Bills DrEveryone loves a good football game! Go Bills!
A small but very nice place to see lush greenery. Especially in the winter.
56 locals recommend
Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens
2655 South Park AveA small but very nice place to see lush greenery. Especially in the winter.
Seneca Niagara Casino
310 4th StA beautiful and fun fall activity for all ages. Amazing photos are to be had here!
Sunflowers in Sanborn
3311 Saunders Settlement RdA beautiful and fun fall activity for all ages. Amazing photos are to be had here!
Another great fall spot. Weekends have the most going on but, this is a fun place to go any day of the week, especially with the kids
Great Pumpkin Farm
11199 Main StAnother great fall spot. Weekends have the most going on but, this is a fun place to go any day of the week, especially with the kids
A theater from the bygone era. Travel back in time while watching live entertainment. Shea’s always has a unique lineup of entertainment for the whole family. The theater is beautiful and fully restored to its former glory.
99 locals recommend
Shea's Buffalo Theatre
650 Main StA theater from the bygone era. Travel back in time while watching live entertainment. Shea’s always has a unique lineup of entertainment for the whole family. The theater is beautiful and fully restored to its former glory.
Laser tag! Lasertron js a great place to go with families. There are tons of games to play as well as their signature laser tag. A great place to go on a rainy day, to let the kids get their energy out, or for adults to challenge each other. You’ll definitely break a sweat here!
LASERTRON
5101 N Bailey AveLaser tag! Lasertron js a great place to go with families. There are tons of games to play as well as their signature laser tag. A great place to go on a rainy day, to let the kids get their energy out, or for adults to challenge each other. You’ll definitely break a sweat here!
City advice
Getting around
Free Parking in Niagara Falls
The casino has a parking ramp that is free year round. It is a short walk to Niagara Falls State Park from there. In the winter, you can also park for free on goat island. Pass the first paid lot and follow the signs to the RV parking lot. In the summer, you can also park here at a reduced rate from the main lot.