How to Spend 48 Hours in Buffalo City NY State [updated 2024]

Buffalo City, located in Western New York, is a vibrant and culturally rich destination that offers a multitude of attractions to explore. From its stunning waterfront views to its thriving art scene and delectable food options, this city has something for everyone.

If you find yourself with just 48 hours to spend in Buffalo, fear not! In this article, we will guide you through an itinerary that highlights the must-see sights, mouthwatering culinary experiences, and unique activities that will make your short stay in Buffalo City an unforgettable one.

Get ready to immerse yourself in the charm and excitement of this hidden gem on the shores of Lake Erie!

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To whet your appetite why not check out our Youtube video on what to do in Buffalo in 48 hours?

Short History on Buffalo

Locals shared with us their thoughts and history on Buffalo.  Back in the 1900s, Buffalo was the 8th largest city in the USA by population. Buffalo was then a prosperous port city located on the Eyrie Canal which was the centre of industry. The decline of Buffalo came about in 1959 and the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway which diverted a lot of the sea traffic away from Buffalo.  Some freighters still unload and load in Buffalo Harbour, there is only a small part of the port still in operation.  The old shipyard lands are now part of a new redevelopment program for recreation (see Riverworks mentioned later in the article).

What is encouraging to see is that the younger generation is coming back to Buffalo and their roots. They are excited about the emerging food scene with many new restaurants, cafes, and bars opening up.

You can feel their vibe and passion when they talk about their home city and what brought them back.  ‘Buffalo’s future is its past”.

Read More: How To Plan Your Visit to the USA

You can now download our article and be your own tour guide visiting the highlights of Buffalo offline.

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Where is Buffalo City in New York State

Buffalo New York Map

We were surprised to find out that Buffalo is the 2nd largest city in New York State, the first being New York itself.  Buffalo is the capital of the County of Erie in the western area of New York State.

Buffalo is located on Lake Erie’s eastern side close to Niagara Falls.  So close, in fact, you could take a side trip from Buffalo.  Did you notice we said a side trip from Buffalo and not a side trip from Niagara Falls?  After spending 48 hours in Buffalo (which of course was too short, now that we have visited) we know that there is a lot to experience there.

There is more to come in the next few years for this unique city! Buffalo is a perfect example of the regeneration of a city.  We were fortunate to spend 48 hours in the company of  Visit Buffalo Niagara where we received first-hand knowledge of the city from those who know it well!

Travelling from New York to Buffalo takes 6.5 hours – 374 km.

Travelling from Buffalo to Niagara Falls takes 25 minutes – 20 km.

Before we start on what to do in Buffalo in 48 hours we must introduce you to what we can now say as one of our ‘unique hotel properties’ that we have ever stayed in around the world.  That is saying a lot since we have been on the road since 2013 and we have stayed in hundreds of properties in all different styles and classes.

Hotel Henry Buffalo – our top Hotel in Buffalo NY (now called The Richardson)

Check out our YouTube video on what it is like to spend the night at Hotel Henry Urban Resort Conference Center in Buffalo.

Click our link for the latest prices and for booking your rooms.

So why do we love Hotel Henry so much? On our first glimpse, we thought we were staying in Harry Potter’s Hogwarts but in fact, we were staying in a National Landmark building that dates back to 1880 when it was the Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane.  The building is considered one of Buffalo’s most important Romanesque style buildings designed by Henry Hobson Richardson.

Not only was the outside of Hotel Henry dramatic and impressive but we were blown away by the interior.  We were greeted with very high dramatic ceilings, long winding corridors, and cosy corners where you can relax, work or read.  Stunning artwork adorned the corridors of the hotel.  You must try out the delights of “100 Acres – The Kitchens” Hotel Henry’s restaurant, cafe, bar and bakery.

Our Bedroom at Hotel Henry:

Our Deluxe King Bedroom was all that we had imagined, we even had our own column reaching up to the 18-foot high ceilings.  The coma-inducing king-size bed and its linens and pillows were so comfortable that we did not want to leave but we had a lot to see and do in 48 hours.

Hotel Henry provided all the amenities that you would need for a two-night stay:

• a flat-screen TV with cable channels
• free WiFi
• seating area for relaxing
• luxury toiletries
• coffee machine
• plenty of power points for charging our equipment
• gym

The Buffalo News recently showcased the weekly Christmas markets that are run by Hotel Henry leading up to Christmas. This would be a perfect time to spend 48 hours or more in the city.

Address: 444 Forest Avenue Buffalo

Our Travel Around Buffalo City

For Buffalo City, we would suggest that you hire a car.  For great deals on cars we recommend Auto Europe.

Buffalo City is easy to drive around.  We now use Google Maps for easy navigation all over the world.

Things to do in Buffalo NY

Visit The Martin House Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in Buffalo

The New York Times has claimed, “Buffalo is home to some of the greatest American architecture of the late 19th and 20th centuries.”

Three famous architects who were known as the “Trinity of American Architecture” had links with Buffalo.  Henry Hobson Richardson, Frank Lloyd Wright and Louis Sullivan.  Louis Sullivan designed the Guaranty Building in Buffalo with his partner Dankmar Adler and it was one of the earliest skyscrapers.  Frank Lloyd Wright designed the Martin House.

Frank Lloyd Wright (1867 – 1959) was one of America’s most famous architects and he designed the masterpiece for wealthy Buffalo businessman Darwin D. Martin.

The Martin House is located at 143 Jewett Parkway, Buffalo.  The Martin House took two years to build from 1903 – 1905.  Jewett Parkway is one of Buffalo’s oldest historic neighbourhoods.

The Martin House is spread over 1.5 acres and Wright created 5 interconnected buildings on the site in Jewett Parkway and added a gardeners cottage in 1909.

Mr. and Mrs. Martin, their 2 children and their gardener and chauffeur lived in the house from 1905 to 1937. Mr Martin passed away in 1935 and in 1937 his wife and daughter moved out. Sadly for 17 years, the home was left vacant where it deteriorated from the weather and vandalism.

In 1986 the Martin House achieved the National Historic Landmark Status.

In 1992 the Martin House Restoration Corporation raised funds for the complete restoration of the Martin House.

The Martin House Complex offers:

• guided tours
• educational programs
• facilities that are ideal for supporting teaching, research and study in architecture art and design

What Can You Experience in the Martin House on a Tour

In 1905 Wright travelled to Japan.  Whilst there he was inspired by woodblock prints which he has used in the Martin House. The walls were designed with gold finishes between the bricks. There are over 8 1/2 miles of wood trim throughout the house.  Tiles used outside were also used inside the house.

Wright was unique as his focus was to bring nature inside creating a home that is in harmony with nature.  He certainly achieved that in the Martin House.

You can’t help but look up towards the ceilings as you wander through the house.  Wright used various heights to create a unique spacial feeling from the low ceilings at the entrance to various heights used in different rooms.  The external cantilevered roofline protected the house from the snow and rain.

400 light screens used throughout the house in the windows, doors, lay lights and skylights created once again Wright’s fascination with nature. The Tree of Life design in one light screen can contain more than 750 individual panes of glass.

Our favourite piece the Wisteria Mosiac Fireplace is a masterpiece.  The bronze gold and green colour scheme of tens of thousands of individual glass tiles are mesmerizing every way you view it. It has taken 2 years to restore the 360-degree work of art in the wisteria motif with twisting branches of blossoms. It took the Restoration Group 20 years to find an artist that could recreate this.

The design of the Martin House was so important to Martin himself that he checked every detail even down to the size of the door.  We were taken back when we entered his study expecting his desk to be facing out towards the street.  Mr Martin preferred his desk to face the wall so that he would not be distracted from the expansive views of the front yard.

Some of the furniture has survived over the years and some has been given back from the family’s property Graycliff.  Wright also designed furniture.  The Stickley Table is on display in the house.  Wright chose the upholstery material for the chairs that were commissioned by Martin.

The kitchen was a bit of a surprise.  It lacked softness and a woman’s touch.  A request by Mr Martin was to have a commercial kitchen that was sterile and white.

Wheelchair Accessibility Martin House

For those who are interested in the 1-hour tour of the house, there is a lift available for wheelchair accessibility.

Visit Graycliff House

Situated 20 minutes south of Buffalo is Graycliff House. Graycliff was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright as the summer house for the Martin family.  Its location on a bluff affords it the best lake views in Western New York.

There are tours available for Graycliff:

Basic Tour

Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes 18 which includes the building exteriors, grounds and both floors of the Isabelle R Martin House

Restoration Tour

Duration: 2 hours an expanded tour of both floors of the Isabelle R Martin House, Foster House, landscape and focuses on the evolution of Wrights Plans during the mid-20s.

For bookings: click here

Wheelchair Accessibility

Extract from FAQs on Mobility at Graycliff:

“The first floor of the Isabelle Martin House, the main house at Graycliff, is wheelchair accessible and our golf cart may be requested for those who may need mobility assistance.  To reserve the golf cart for a tour, e-mail [email protected] or call (716) 947-9217.”

Visit the Albright Knox Art Museum in Buffalo

A short walk from Hotel Henry is the 6th oldest art museum in North America – the Albright-Knox Art Museum

Some fun facts about the Albright Knox Museum:

• It is 5 years older than Canada
• It was founded in 1862 at the height of the civil war when Abraham Lincoln was President of the United States
• The Museum always features modern contemporary artists who are living
• The Museum appointed the first woman director in North America of a major art museum. In 1910 she could not vote but she could run a major art museum.
• It was one of the first art museums in the world to recognise photography as an art form
• The Museum had one of the very first photography art shows curated by Alfred Stieglitz in 1911
• Famous artists such as Jackson Pollack used to hang out here
• When you walk around the gallery the paintings show when they were painted and when they were purchased
• There are works of art from Matisse, Andy Warhol, Monet, Gaugin, Picasso, Frida Kahlo and many others

For more information on opening times, exhibitions and tickets click here.

Address: 1285 Elmwood Avenue Buffalo

Wheelchair Accessibility, hard of hearing and blind or partially blind information for visiting Albright Knox Art Museum

The following link provides all the information required for your visit. Click here.

Enjoy a Drive Around Buffalo

You can spend a couple of hours exploring the city by car.

Delaware Street is one of the most expensive streets in Buffalo.  There are large mansions, very impressive and situated on oversized blocks of land, some of them have been turned into professional offices. The architectural style of these homes varies as you drive around.

Visit Elmwood Village,  – Buffalo’s funky neighbourhood for great cafes, restaurants, shops and galleries

Lincoln Parkway is another interesting street to drive down with many examples of large architecturally styled homes. It would be interesting to view the interiors of these properties.

At sunset head down to the Marina for expansive views of the city’s skyline.

Visit the 1833 City Lighthouse Buffalo

The City Lighthouse built in 1833 is located at the mouth of the Buffalo River at the north entrance to Buffalo Harbour. For $ 5 USD you can visit the grounds with its historic displays of artefacts.  The Tower is open on scheduled days only. Check their Facebook page for appointments.

Try Zip Lining Between The Old Grain Silos at the Riverworks or Enjoy a Meal or a Drink by the Waterfront in Buffalo

Other things to do in Buffalo is zip lining between the old Grain Silos down at the Riverworks between two silos.

Buffalo’s Riverworks is located on the banks of the Buffalo River.  The complex has been created as a major entertainment hub for Buffalo offering waterfront dining and bars, sporting activities such as boating, skating, and hockey as well as concerts and entertainment.

Visit The Coloured Musicians Club in Buffalo

Our plan was to visit the Club on our first night but unfortunately, it was closed.  The Club was designated a historical preservation site in 1999. It is the only remaining African American Club in the United States.  There is also a museum to visit.

Buffalo City Hall

The Buffalo News in 2018 named the Buffalo City Hall Tour as one of the ‘100 things every Western New Yorker should do at least once.

The free City Hall Tour includes the history of the City Hall, art deco masterpieces and architectural design.  The tour runs weekdays at noon.

Address: Preservation Buffalo Niagara, 617 Main Street, Suite 201 Buffalo

Museum of disAbility History Buffalo

The museum is dedicated to the history and achievements of Americans with disabilities. You will also see artifacts and inventions such as Mattel’s Wheelchair Becky Doll.

Address: 3826 Main Street, Buffalo

For the latest information on tours click here.

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Buffalo’s Restaurant Scene

There is nothing better than getting tips from a local on the ‘best restaurants in Buffalo’.  Since Buffalo’s resurgence, the city is really making a turn-around not only in its many attractions but it’s food and craft beer scene.  It is an exciting time for locals to be a part of this transformation.

One of the most famous Buffalo Restaurants is the Anchor Bar – the home of the original Buffalo Wings. Teressa Bellissimo changed the course of American Food History back in 1964.  Hungry friends of her son, Dominic,  were looking for a late-night snack.  Teressa took the original chicken wings that were destined for soup that she was making, fried them up and tossed them in a hot sauce and served them to the hungry group.

The Anchor Bar has grown to over a dozen locations.  Its famous sauce is sold in over 3,000 supermarkets worldwide and has even made its way to Japan.

The address: 1047 Main Street Buffalo

If you enjoy wings, Buffalo has created a Buffalo Wing Trail

You may not cover all of these in 48 hours but at least you may be able to try one or two.

Coles Restaurant and Bar Buffalo:

For classic wings and new flavours such as sweet soy sauce and sweet chilli gochujang head to Coles.  Whilst there try one of the 36 microbrews that they have on tap.  We have also heard that their Beef on Weck sandwiches with 5 wings is legendary.

Address: 1104 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo

Bar-Bill Tavern Buffalo

We had never heard of painted wings but at Bar-Bill Tavern you can enjoy painted wings.  This is where the staff hand paints each wing with housemade sauces.

If you are a regular visitor to Buffalo, for $ 50 USD you can have your own Mug with your name on it.  The benefits are that each domestic beer you buy only costs you $ 1 USD.

Address: 185 Main Street East Aurora

Blackthorn Restaurant and Pub Buffalo

For an Irish welcome, banter, hospitality and south Buffalo Wings head to Blackthorns.  They also serve the best Irish comfort food.

Address: 2134 Seneca St Buffalo

Doc Sullivans Pub Buffalo

A special 6 spices recipe that has been passed down through the generations of the owners of Doc Sullivans Pub is served up with their wings.

Address: 474 Abbot Road, Buffalo

Lenox Grill Buffalo

With an interior similar to the TV sitcom Cheers the Lennox Grill is the oldest continuously operating hotel in Buffalo.  They offer Korean-style BBQ wings.

Address: 140 North Street, Buffalo

Duff’s Wings Buffalo

If you love hot wings this is the place.  But be careful how you order your wings.  Medium hot is very hot and if you want very very hot you need to ask for hot. Since 1964 Duff’s has been serving wings to VIPs, even President Obama visited in 2010.

Address: 3651 Sheridan Drive Amherst

Gabriel’s Gate Buffalo

For regular old-school wings in one of Buffalo’s oldest neighbourhoods head to Gabriel’s Gate.

Address: 145 Allen St Buffalo

Elmo’s Bar Buffalo

Elmo’s Bar is famous for its double-dipped wings. You can order wings that are grilled or double dipped, fried and tossed in Cajun sauce, or BBQ hot fusion or Cajun Honey mustard.

Address: 2349 Millersport Hwy Getzville

Glen Park Tavern Buffalo

Glen Park Tavern in Williamsville was originally a stagecoach stop between Buffalo and Rochester.  The tavern dates back to 1887 and now serves spicy Sicilian Wings on its menu.

Address: 5507 Main St Williamsville

Gene McCarthy’s Pub Buffalo

For blue cheese wings with a hot BBQ sauce head to Gene McCarthy’s Pub.

Address: 73 Hamburg St Buffalo

Mammosers Tavern Buffalo

Mammosers Tavern specialises in dry wings with no added butter or margarine with a special sauce.

Address:16 South Buffalo St Hamburg

Other Best Restaurants in Buffalo

During our 48 hours in Buffalo, we not only visited the Anchor Bar, but two other restaurants.  The famous Schwabl’s in Seneca and Toutant at 437 Ellicott Street Buffalo.

Schwabl’s Buffalo

Since 1837 Schwabl has been known for its great food and service.  In 2009 Anthony Bourdain featured the restaurant in his well-known TV series – No Reservations –  in the Rustbelt Episode. Schwabl’s is famous for its New York regional fare, especially the roast beef on kummelweck.  Some of the restaurant’s most famous dishes are their fish fry, homemade German Potato salad, homemade soups and a variety of old-fashioned cocktails.

Address: 789 Center Road West Seneca New York 14224

Toutant Buffalo

Toutant is located in downtown Buffalo and offers contemporary country cuisine influenced by the American South.  Some of the mouthwatering dishes you can expect at Toutant are:

• Traditional Creole Jambalaya
• Fried Shrimp Poboys
• Maw Maw’s Gumbo
• Buttermilk Fried Chicken

They offer vegetarian options as well.

Food Truck Tuesday at Larkin Square Buffalo

If you are in Buffalo on a Tuesday night you must head to Larkin Square to sample local cuisine from a variety of food trucks.  Visit Buffalo Niagara told us Food Truck Tuesday is the biggest weekly gathering in the eastern USA and we were so fortunate to be able to attend the venue.

What a buzz! We suggest you head there for the variety of food on offer, the music and the great atmosphere.

Best Beer Places in Buffalo

With over 25 breweries in Western New York, it will take you a lot longer than 48 hours to try them all out. Here is the list for you to try!

12 Gates Brewing Company Williamsville

Address: 80 Earhart drive Williamsville

42 North Brewing Company East Aurora

Address: 25 Pine Street East Aurora

Big Ditch Brewing Company Buffalo

Address: 55 East Huron Street Buffalo

Brick Yard Brewing Company Lewiston

Address: 436 Center Street Lewiston

Buffalo Brewing Company Buffalo

Address: 314 Myrtle Avenue Buffalo

Buffalo Brew Pub

Address: 6861 Main Street Williamsville NY

Buffalo Riverworks

Address: 359 Ganson Street Buffalo

Community Beer Works Buffalo

Address: 15 Lafayette Avenue Buffalo

Ellicottville Brewing Company

Address: 28 Monroe Street Ellicottville

Five and 20 Spirits Brewing

Address: 8398 West Main Road Westfield

Flying Bison Brewing Company Buffalo

Address: 840 Seneca St Buffalo

Four Mile Brewing

Address: 202 East Greene Street Olean

Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant

Address: Walden Galleria Cheektowaga

Hamburg Brewing Company

Address: 6553 Boston State Road Hamburg

John Labatt House

Address: 79 Perry Street Buffalo

Lafayette Brewing Company

Address: 391 Washington Street Buffalo

New York Beer Project

Address: 6933 Transit Road Lockport

Old First Ward Brewing Company

Address: 73 Hamburg Street Buffalo

Pearl Street Grill and Brewery

Address: 76 Pearl Street Buffalo

Resurgence Brewing Company

Address: 1250 Niagara Street Buffalo

Rusty Nickel Brewing Company

Address: 4350 Seneca Street West Seneca

Southern Tier Brewing Company

Address: 2072 Stoneman Circle Lakewood

Thin Man Brewery

Address: 492 Elmwood Avenue Buffalo

West Shore Brewing Company

Address: 10995 Main StreetClarence

Woodcock Brothers Brewing Company

Address: 638 Lake Street Wilson

Best Distilleries in Buffalo

There are 5 distilleries in Buffalo to choose from.

Buffalo Distillery Company

Address: 860 Seneca Street Buffalo

Lakeward Spirits Buffalo

Address: 65 Vandalia Street Buffalo

Lockhouse Distillery & Bar Buffalo

Address: 41 Columbia Street Buffalo

Niagara Distillery Company

Address: 459 Ellicott St Buffalo

Tommyrotter Distillery

Address: 500 Seneca Street Buffalo

When is the Best Time to Visit Buffalo

We understand from the team at Visit Buffalo Niagara that September is a great time to visit Buffalo.  The evening light is magical and the autumnal seasonal changes of the trees are spectacular. We believe anytime is a great time to visit Buffalo.

Buffalo weather is perfect during the summer months between June and September but it does coincide with the high tourist season.  Spring and Autumn are favourite travel times for visiting when there are not so many tourists.

Rainy weather in Buffalo New York is usually during May, August and September.

Buffalo’s temperature can fall below zero during the winter months and snowfalls occur between mid-November and mid-April.

How to Get To Buffalo from New York City

To travel from New York to Buffalo you have options of flying with Jetblue, Delta, United, American and Southwest. Buffalo’s airport is located 10.  5 miles from the city.

For the latest flights to Buffalo Ny deals click here.

By train there are 4 daily services from Penn Street Station.

If you want to travel by bus the 7-hour journey is available with Trailways, Greyhound and Megabus.

Book your bus tickets here.

Downtown Buffalo

The city has a metro rail to get around downtown Buffalo.

Wheelchair accessibility is via above-ground ramped platforms.

I Love NY has created an article on Wheelchair Accessibility in New York State which includes Buffalo.  Read it here.

Part of their article states “There is a free audio walking tour on the I LOVE NY app, which has been vetted for the wheelchair accessibility of its route and is accessible to deaf and hearing-impaired users via text versions of all of the audio.”

Other Hotels in Buffalo NY and Surrounds

For the latest prices and availability click our link below:

For the top hotels and reviews from Tripadvisor click here.

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Conclusion:

In conclusion, a 48-hour trip to Buffalo City NY offers visitors a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. From exploring the architectural wonders of Frank Lloyd Wright to indulging in the city’s famous cuisine, there is something for everyone in this vibrant destination. Whether you’re strolling along the waterfront or immersing yourself in the local art scene, Buffalo City has an undeniable charm that captures the hearts of its visitors. With its rich heritage and welcoming atmosphere, it’s no wonder that Buffalo City is quickly becoming a must-visit destination for travellers seeking an authentic urban experience. So pack your bags and embark on a memorable adventure through this hidden gem – you won’t be disappointed!