City of Trees, City of Light, City of Good Neighbors – all nicknames for the city of Buffalo, NY. Buffalo was the first city in the U.S. to have electric street lights, and finding your way around this fun town is a breeze. Located at the intersection of the Niagara River and Lake Erie, this waterfront city is a front-runner in art, architecture and natural beauty. As the second largest city in New York, there is a lot to see in Buffalo, so read on for trip tips on Buffalo attractions.

Olmsted Park and Parkway System
Buffalo weather can be cold and snowy in the winter, but the sunny and dry summers make it worth the wait. To truly experience the beauty of Buffalo, head outside to enjoy the many parks in the Olmsted system, including the popular Delaware Park. Buffalo residents love their parks so much they even have a winter Flurrious Festival where they ice skate and play snow tennis!

Buffalo Zoo
Kids will go wild for the Buffalo Zoo where they can see lion, tigers and bears - and we’re not talking about any old bears: the Buffalo Zoo has polar bears. You can also get a peek at reindeer, sea lions, otters and big horn sheep. Wrap up your visit with a stop by the Delta Sonic Heritage Farm to see what farm life was like on the Erie Canal in the 1850s.

Darwin D. Martin House Complex
If you are more of a history buff, visit the Darwin D. Martin House Complex for a unique look at the work of architect Frank Lloyd Wright. This complex of five interconnected buildings is one of the finest examples of his famous Prairie House ideal. Book a tour of the property or plan your visit for one of their special events, like yoga at the Greatbatch Pavilion.

Elmwood Village
Explore local Buffalo color with a walk around Elmwood Village, one of the most charming neighborhoods in the city. Browse boutiques, visit the farmer’s market, or enjoy an outdoor concert in the summer. There are also great restaurants in this area, so be sure to hit this neighborhood when you’re hungry.

Allentown Art Festival
Another lovely neighborhood to visit while you’re in Buffalo is the Allentown Historic Preservation District. For over 50 years they have been hosting the Allentown Art Festival during one art-filled weekend in June where you can view and buy artwork from over 400 juried exhibitors. This is one of the oldest and largest art festivals in the U.S.

Albright-Knox Art Gallery
Art lovers should also take a look at the permanent collection at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery. The center features modern and contemporary art with free admission on the first Friday of the month. Check out their web site for information about upcoming special exhibits and events. This lively gallery always has something new going on.

The University at Buffalo
Get in on the local college scene with a visit to The University at Buffalo. You can catch a Bulls football game or experience culture at the Center for the Arts. UB is a hub of activity, so check out their events calendar to find out what’s happening in the concert hall, at the art galleries and on campus.

Chicken Wings and Beef on Weck
There’s a wide variety of great Buffalo chow to choose from, but dining in Buffalo isn’t a complete experience without trying “Beef on Weck.”  Imagine a crusty bun piled high with roast beef, horseradish and a pickle. This hometown sandwich is served at many Buffalo eateries, so try a few and pick your favorite. Yum!

If you still have room in your belly, snack on a pile of Buffalo’s famous chicken wings. They were first created at the Anchor Bar, where you can pick up a bottle of wing sauce to take home.

Niagara Falls
A short 20-minute drive north will take you to famous Niagara Falls and attractions like Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds. The many observation decks give you amazing vantage points to feel the power of the Niagara River and embrace the wonder of the Falls. If you are up for braving the winter chill, you can enjoy the new Niagara Holiday Market for a European-style holiday market experience overflowing with shopping, food, and family fun.

Buffalo, NY is a diverse town with both indoor and outdoor activities for every walk of life and season of the year.