Discover the Best of Western New York
Explore the diverse attractions and unforgettable experiences that make WNY a must-visit destination.
Historic Landmarks
Experience the rich history of WNY through stunning sites that tell stories of the past and inspire the present.
Cultural Hotspots
Immerse yourself in vibrant arts, theaters, and museums that celebrate the region’s unique creative spirit.
Natural Adventures
Enjoy breathtaking trails, parks, and outdoor activities that showcase WNY’s beautiful landscapes.
Take a Tour – With so much to see in Buffalo, why not start with the museums and cultural centers? You can tour WNY on foot, on a bike, on a boat, or even by air!
Buffalo On Foot – Self Guided Walking Tour
The Buffalo Transportation Pierce Arrow Museum
Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House
Corning Museum of Glass (Corning, NY)
The National Comedy Center (Jamestown, NY)
National Baseball Hall of Fame (Cooperstown, NY)
The Strong National Museum of Play (Rochester, NY)
Balloons Over Letchworth (Hot air balloon rides)
Helicopter Tours
Eat Your Heart Out – Buffalo is known for its’ food, but there’s more to it than wings! Be sure to ask a local where to eat before heading out to find these hometown favorites!
- Charbroiled Sahlen’s Hot Dogs
- Chicken Wings (We don’t call them Buffalo Wings here!)
- Beef on Weck Sandwiches
- Loganberry (try it in a milkshake, trust us!)
- Spongecandy
- Buffalo-style Pizza
- Spaghetti Parm
- Peanut Sticks
- Chicken BBQ
- Frozen Custard
- Fish Fry
- Pastry Hearts
- Pierogi
- Bison Dip
- Weber’s Mustard
Check out this guide to Buffalo Classic Foods from Visit Buffalo Niagara!
Looking for great restaurants?
Look no further! Buffalo is home to an incredible foodie scene. Check out all the guides at stepoutbuffalo.com!
Visit Buffalo Niagara has some great recommendations, too!
City of Good Neighbor(hoods) – Shopping, Dining, Live Music, Waterfront… there’s so much to do just outside of the city! Western New York’s charming villages are each uniquely individual!
Niagara-on-the-Lake (Ontario, Canada)
Lewiston, NY – Niagara Gorge
Williamsville, NY
East Aurora, NY
Elmwood Village
Larkinville
Lancaster, NY
Hamburg, NY – Lake Erie
Orchard Park, NY
Kenmore, NY
Clarence, NY
Amherst, NY
North Tonawanda, NY – Erie Canal
Ellicottville
Chatauqua
City of Good Neighbor(hoods) – Shopping, Dining, Live Music, Waterfront… there’s so much to do just outside of the city! Western New York’s charming villages are each uniquely individual!
Niagara-on-the-Lake (Ontario, Canada)
Lewiston, NY – Niagara Gorge
Williamsville, NY
East Aurora, NY
Elmwood Village
Larkinville
Lancaster, NY
Hamburg, NY – Lake Erie
Orchard Park, NY
Kenmore, NY
Clarence, NY
Amherst, NY
North Tonawanda, NY – Erie Canal
Ellicottville
Chatauqua
Root for the Hometeam (No matter what) – Buffalo’s sports culture runs deep, with passionate fans ready to face any weather to cheer on their team. Whether it’s a snowy Sunday at Highmark Stadium or a summer night at Sahlen Field, the city lives and breathes its teams year-round.
- The Buffalo Bills (NFL) – Highmark Stadium
- The Buffalo Sabres (NHL) – KeyBank Center
- The Buffalo Bandits (NLL) – KeyBank Center
- The Buffalo Bisons (MiLB) – Sahlen Field
- The UB Bulls (College) – University at Buffalo
Highmark Stadium is located just 5.6 miles from Rusty Nickel Brewing. The new stadium is currently under construction and is expected to open in early 2027. Fans are invited to visit the Bills Store 7 days-a-week, year-round. In July, catch the players during Training Camp at St. John Fisher University. If you’re visiting during Pre-Season or Regular Season, try to catch a game… there is nothing like tailgating with Bills Fans!
While our football fans might have the most famed reputation, our lacrosse fans really have something to cheer about! The Buffalo Bandits have won seven NLL championships and brought home back-to-back-to-back titles in 2023, 2024, and 2025. “Banditland” is all about entertainment and enthusiasm. The team regularly sells out KeyBank Center, boasting the largest average attendance of any team in the National Lacrosse League!
Can’t make it to a game, but visiting on game-day? Join us for a watch party at Rusty Nickel! We’ll have the game on all TVs whenever possible!
Step Back in Time – Buffalo’s history is woven into its streets, architecture, and waterfront. Once a thriving industrial hub and gateway to the West via the Erie Canal, the city played a key role in America’s economic growth. Visitors can explore preserved 19th-century buildings, historic neighborhoods, and landmarks tied to war, presidents, inventors, and social movements. These points of interest will transport you through time.
- Old Fort Niagara
- Old Fort Erie (Ontario, Canada)
- Genesee Country Village & Museum
- Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site
Look for special events and reenactments at these historical sites!
Think NY, Drink NY – Did you know New York State is home to more than 600 craft breweries? That makes it the second largest craft beer market in the US! Craft Beer has played an important role in our community’s economic growth. By supporting our local breweries, especially Farm Breweries like Rusty Nickel Brewing, you’re supporting local jobs, farms, and more! So be sure to grab a pint with us, or attend festival or event!
- Think NY Drink NY (NYSBA)
- WNY Brewer’s Guild
- Step Out Buffalo’s Complete Guide to Breweries in Buffalo & WNY
- Visit Buffalo Niagara Guide to Breweries
- Upstate Beer Tourist
- WNY Beer Trail
*Pro Tip: Download the Think NY Drink NY mobile app for a brewery passport and a guide to events happening at New York State breweries.
WNY is also home to two wine trails, and dozens of local distilleries, cideries, and meaderies!
As a NYS Farm Brewery, Rusty Nickel Brewing is proud to offer a full bar menu featuring New York State wines, spirits, meads, hard ciders, beer, and seltzers! So if you don’t have time to explore our region, you can still get a taste of it!
And while you might find a Tim Hortons on every corner here, there is no shortage of excellent coffee shops in Buffalo and the surrounding areas! Sip local!
Embrace the Flakes – If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em, right? Buffalo is known for it’s winters, and there’s no escaping it, so do what locals do and put on your snow boots!
Skiing / Snowboarding
Toboggan Run/ Sledding
Ice-Skating
Curling
Tubing
Snowshoeing/ Cross Country Skiing
Safety First! Winters in Buffalo can be beautiful, but they can also be powerful. Pay attention to weather reports, dress appropriately, and make sure you and your vehicle are ready for the road before setting out to travel. Below are some great resources for winter safety tips.
NYSDEC – Winter Recreation Safety (What to Wear)
Make A Splash! – Niagara Falls is one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders, drawing millions each year with its breathtaking power and beauty. From boat tours and scenic overlooks to hiking trails and nearby attractions, the area offers unforgettable experiences for every kind of traveler.
For the thrill-seekers:
From the Canadian Side:
- Whirlpool Aero Car
- Journey Behind the Falls
- Niagara Takes Flight
- Zipline to the Falls/ Whirlpool Adventure Course
Other links:
Music to Your Ears – Western New York has no shortage of live music venues and talented local musicians. Below are some great concert venues, but you’re likely to stumble across live music in bars and restaurants all year long.
Large Venues
- Artpark
- Darien Lake Amphitheater
- Kleinhan’s Music Hall (Home of the BPO)
- Terminal B at the Outer Harbor
- KeyBank Center
Intimate Venues
- Babeville
- Electric City
- The Caz
- Town Ballroom
- Buffalo Iron Works
- Buffalo RiverWorks
- Seneca Niagara Casino
- The Riviera Theatre
Annual Music Events
Curtains Up! – Buffalo’s theater scene is alive with Broadway hits and local productions. Be sure to check local guides for must-see shows while your in town!
Overview: Visit Buffalo Niagara
- Shea’s Buffalo Theatre
- Shea’s 710 Theatre
- Shea’s Smith Theatre
- University at Buffalo Center for the Arts
- Historic Palace Theatre
- Lancaster Opera House
- Shakespeare in Delaware Park
- and many, many more!
Historic Cinemas
Comedy
Fun for the Family! – WNY offers endless opportunities for family fun, from hands-on museums and outdoor adventures to kid-friendly attractions and seasonal events. With something for every generation, it’s the perfect place to make lasting memories together.
Be sure to check out our guides to “Take a Tour”, “Root for the Home Team” and “By the Season” for other great family acitivities!
- Six Flags Darien Lake
- Niagara Amusement Park and Splash World
- Hidden Valley Animal Adventure
- Paddock Chevrolet Golf Dome & Mini Golf
- Lasertron
- Canalside Buffalo
- Explore and More
- The Buffalo Zoo
- Aquarium of Niagara
- Sky High Adventure Park
- Grand Island Fun Center
- Lancaster Motorplex
- Penn Dixie Fossil Park
- Buffalo RiverWorks High Ropes Course & Adventure Park
Family-friendly Events:
By the Season – Those who say you can’t have all four seasons in one day, have never been to Buffalo! We are fortunate to experience four distinct seasons here in Western New York, with the next one being even more beautiful than the last. Here are some great ways to take advantage of the seasons while you’re visiting!
Spring
- See the Cherry Blossoms at the Japanese Gardens
- Catch a baseball game at Sahlen Field
- Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day or Dyngus Day
- Rock out at Rusty Nickel’s St. Patrick’s Day Music Fest!
- Spend the day at the Buffalo Waterfront
- Enjoy a food or heritage festival like Eden Corn Festival or Niagara County Peach Festival
- Explore our Gorge-ous parks in Ithaca
- Spend a night under the stars at Transit Drive-in Theatre
- Don’t miss Rusty Nickel Brewing’s Anniversary Party with live music all day!
Fall
- Attend Rusty Nickel’s Brewing’s Harvest Fest for all the fall-fun!
- Visit a Farm, pick your own pumpkins or apples, take a hayride, taste some homemade baked goods
- Tailgate on Game Day
- Visit the cider mill
- Ellicottville Fall Festival
- Visit Letchworth State Park during peak foliage
Warm up with Soup Stroll Williamsville (February)
Compete with your meat at Rusty Nickel’s Sausage Fest!
Get outside, check out our “Embrace the Flakes” guide
Watch a hockey game at KeyBank Center or catch a basketball game at UB
I Love NY – From Great Lakes to Finger Lakes, skyscrapers to mountain tops, big cities to small towns, New York has it all! Explore the Empire State!
More Links:
The Great Lake Effect – Situated between two of the Great Lakes, Western New York offers plenty for those seeking the lake life! Boating, fishing, kayaking, and beach days await on Lake Erie and Lake Ontario!
Lake Ontario Parks and Beaches
Buffalo Boat Tours, Buffalo Harbor Cruises, Grand Lady Cruises
Nature Lovers – Despite the big city reputation, New York State is made for nature lovers and adventure- seekers! Our region is known for its parks, beaches, and waterways. Escape the hustle and bustle, and take a hike!
Western New York
- Hiking
- Biking
- Join WNY Bikes Thursday Night Rides, a loop ride from Rusty Nickel Brewing every week May – September!
- Kayaking
- Have your own kayak? Launch near the brewery at the Harlem Road Boat Launch and paddle the shallow waters of Buffalo Creek!
- Fishing
- Nature Preserves & Wildlife Viewing (Reinstein Woods, Tifft Nature Preserve, Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge)
- Outdoor Fitness Classes
- Parks & Trails
- Camping/ Day Use
- Zoar Valley
- White Water Rafting with Zoar Valley Canoe & Rafting Company (April – May)
Statewide
Thousand Islands
Catskill Mountains
Adirondack Mountains
Finger Lakes