Accessible Travel Guide to Buffalo, NY

Let’s head to the place where classic Buffalo wings were born: Buffalo, NY. This is a city of bold flavors and bold design. Frank Lloyd Wright left his mark here, and you can still tour homes and buildings that carry his signature style. The waterfront has transformed in recent years, turning into a favorite spot for concerts, skating, and summer walks.

And then there’s Niagara Falls. Just a quick drive north, it’s easy to combine the two — a day at the Falls, an evening in Buffalo. Big nature, small city vibe. They go together well.

Buffalo is also practical for travelers with disabilities. Hotels, attractions, and even public transit have mapped accessibility details you can check before you go. No second-guessing.

This guide walks you through it all: where to stay, what to do, and how to make the most of your trip.

Getting Around Buffalo

Buffalo is easy to navigate once you know your options. The city is compact, especially downtown, but spread out enough that you’ll want to plan ahead for how to get between neighborhoods and attractions.

Downtown itself is tight-knit. Most sights are within a 10–15 minute roll or stroll, so hopping from the waterfront to dinner or an attraction is straightforward.

The NFTA Metro Bus system covers the city and suburbs with wheelchair-accessible buses that have ramps, securement areas, and audio announcements. It’s reliable if you’re moving between downtown, the University at Buffalo, or out toward shopping centers, but like any city bus system, it takes longer than driving. If you’re staying right in the center, it’s useful for shorter trips without needing to park.

For a quicker way to get across town, the NFTA Metro Rail is a solid option. It runs along Main Street, connecting Canalside on the waterfront with the University at Buffalo South Campus. The downtown portion is free to ride, which makes it easy to hop between restaurants, theaters, and shops. All stations are step-free, with elevators and accessible boarding areas.

If you’d rather drive yourself, parking in Buffalo is less of a headache than in bigger cities. Downtown garages and surface lots are common, and accessible spaces are clearly marked near major attractions. For those who need a wheelchair-accessible rental van, Mobility Works offers vehicles that can be reserved ahead of time. This is a good option if you’re planning day trips to Niagara Falls or exploring more of Western New York.

The bottom line: if you’re staying downtown, you can walk or roll to many major attractions, and the Metro Rail makes it easy to cover more ground without a car. But if you want to explore neighborhoods or take trips outside the city, renting a car or van will give you the most flexibility.

Where to Stay in Buffalo

Downtown is the most convenient choice if you want to be close to Canalside, KeyBank Center, and the growing food scene. The Buffalo Marriott at Harborcenter sits right by the arena, making it a great pick if you’re in town for a Sabres game or a concert. You’re also steps from the waterfront, and the hotel itself has modern rooms with roll-in showers and on-site dining. Just a few blocks away, The Westin Buffalo offers a more upscale feel. Rooms are large, the style is polished, and accessibility has been mapped so you’ll know exactly what to expect before checking in.

If you’d rather be a little outside the hustle, Hampton Inn Buffalo – Amherst is a solid option near the University at Buffalo. It’s budget-friendly compared to downtown hotels, and free breakfast makes mornings easy. Accessibility has been verified, including roll-in showers in some rooms, so you can plan ahead. For something with more boutique character, Reikart House, Buffalo, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel is a standout. It mixes local style with modern comfort, and its restaurant is a local favorite in its own right.

Families or anyone looking for extra space might prefer the Buffalo Marriott Niagara, which puts you north of the city with larger layouts and easy access to Niagara Falls if you’re planning a day trip. The Best Western Buffalo Inn & Suites is another practical choice, keeping things simple and affordable while still offering accessible features like elevators and parking.

Wherever you choose, each of these hotels has verified accessibility details, so you’ll know about entrances, bathrooms, and common areas before you arrive. Downtown gives you energy and walkability, Amherst brings value and university-town energy, and the suburbs offer more space and calm.

Accessible Things to Do in Buffalo

Canalside

If there’s one spot you can’t miss, it’s Canalside. This is Buffalo’s revitalized waterfront, built where the Erie Canal once ran. Today it’s the city’s go-to gathering place. In summer you’ll find kayak rentals, food trucks, outdoor concerts, and festivals that spill across the boardwalk. In winter, the space transforms with ice skating, lights, and seasonal events. History still lingers here — signs and installations tell the story of how Buffalo grew up around the canal — but the energy is fresh and modern. Wide walkways connect the whole area, and it’s one of the best places to get a real feel for the city.

Buffalo RiverWorks

Buffalo RiverWorks takes the idea of a waterfront hangout and turns it up a notch. The complex sits inside and around old grain silos, which now house breweries, restaurants, and event spaces. There’s always something happening — from roller derby matches to concerts and food festivals. You can grab a beer brewed on-site, watch zipliners soar past, or just sit outside and enjoy views of the Buffalo River. The mix of industry and entertainment gives it a unique vibe, and it’s become one of the city’s most recognizable spots.

Buffalo AKG Art Museum

The Buffalo AKG Art Museum is a must for art lovers. Originally founded in the 19th century, the museum has grown into one of the country’s leading modern and contemporary art institutions. Inside you’ll find works by Jackson Pollock, Andy Warhol, Frida Kahlo, and other world-famous names. But it’s not just about the art on the walls — the museum itself has been expanded and reimagined with striking architecture that blends old and new. Outdoor installations spill into Delaware Park, creating an art experience that feels like it belongs to the city as much as the gallery itself.

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House

Step into design history at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House. Built in the early 1900s, it’s considered one of Wright’s most important Prairie-style homes. The house is stunning — long horizontal lines, stained-glass windows, and Wright’s signature attention to detail everywhere you look. Tours take you through restored rooms and gardens, showing how architecture and nature blend seamlessly. For anyone interested in design, it’s not just a house tour, it’s an immersive experience in one of America’s greatest architectural minds.

Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park

Right on the waterfront, the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park puts history front and center. Here you can step aboard decommissioned naval vessels, including a guided missile cruiser, a submarine, and a destroyer. Exhibits inside the museum dive into military history and honor local veterans. Even if you’re not a huge history buff, walking along the decks of these massive ships is an unforgettable experience. The park also has a riverside trail and memorial monuments that make it a reflective place to spend some time.

Explore & More Children’s Museum

Families traveling with kids will want to carve out time for Explore & More – The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children’s Museum. This isn’t the kind of museum where you stand back and look — everything here is hands-on. Kids can splash, build, climb, and learn through play in themed areas that highlight Buffalo’s culture and history. It’s colorful, engaging, and designed to spark curiosity. Parents will appreciate that the layout makes it easy to navigate while still giving kids plenty of freedom to explore.

Buffalo Zoo

The Buffalo Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the country, dating back to 1875, and it’s still a favorite for locals and visitors. Spread across 23 acres, it houses animals from around the world — from polar bears and gorillas to reptiles and tropical birds. Seasonal exhibits and interactive programs keep things fresh, so every visit feels a little different. The zoo balances history with modern conservation efforts, making it both fun and meaningful.

Buffalo Museum of Science

The Buffalo Museum of Science mixes natural history with hands-on exhibits. Fossils, gems, space displays, and cultural artifacts fill the galleries, but what really stands out is how interactive it all feels. You can touch, test, and try things out as you move from one area to the next. It’s as much about sparking curiosity as it is about presenting information, which makes it a great fit for both kids and adults.

Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens

If you’d rather swap steel and concrete for greenery, the Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens is your spot. The glass-domed conservatory is straight out of the Victorian era and houses plants from all over the world. Wander through tropical rainforests, desert landscapes, and seasonal flower displays — all under one roof. Outside, the surrounding gardens make for a peaceful break from the city. It’s especially beautiful in winter, when the warmth and color inside feel like an escape from Buffalo’s snow.

Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve

Just outside the city, Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve offers a different kind of Buffalo experience. This protected forest is full of trails, ponds, and wildlife, making it a great spot to slow down and connect with nature. Seasonal changes bring something new each time you visit — wildflowers in spring, colorful foliage in fall, and snowy quiet in winter. It’s a reminder that Buffalo isn’t just about architecture and food, but also about the natural beauty surrounding the city.

West Side Bazaar

If you want a taste of Buffalo’s diversity, stop at the West Side Bazaar. This marketplace is home to small businesses run by immigrants and refugees, with food stalls, shops, and crafts from all over the world. You might try Ethiopian coffee, Burmese noodles, or handmade jewelry from Nepal all in one visit. It’s vibrant, welcoming, and gives you a chance to experience Buffalo’s global side in a single building.

Accessible Places to Eat and Drink in Buffalo

There are no shortage of places to choose from in Buffalo. However, we want to ensure accessibility is verified, so we will include the two places where experts mapped and measured, so you can know for sure if it works for you.

Anchor Bar

If you’re in Buffalo, you can’t skip Anchor Bar. This is where the original Buffalo wing was born back in 1964, and the recipe hasn’t changed much since. The wings are crispy, tangy, and messy in the best possible way. Inside, the walls are covered with photos, license plates, and memorabilia that tell the story of the place. It feels like part restaurant, part museum of Buffalo food culture. Even if you’ve had wings a hundred times before, eating them here is something special because you’re tasting the real deal in the spot that started it all.

Big Ditch Brewery

For craft beer fans, Big Ditch Brewery is one of the best stops in Buffalo. The name is a nod to the Erie Canal, which gave Buffalo its first big economic boom, but today it’s about good food and great beer. The brewery has a rotating list of IPAs, stouts, lagers, and seasonal releases, all brewed on-site. The space itself is modern and open, with long tables that make it easy to hang out with a group. The food menu is solid too — think elevated pub fare like tacos, burgers, and pretzels that pair perfectly with a pint. On weekends, it’s lively without being overwhelming, making it a good fit whether you’re out with friends or winding down after exploring the city.

Events in Buffalo

Buffalo doesn’t just have history, food, and architecture — it knows how to throw a festival. If you time your visit right, you can catch one of the city’s signature events that bring people together from all over.

National Buffalo Wing Festival

If you love wings (and really, who doesn’t in Buffalo?), the National Buffalo Wing Festival is a bucket-list experience. Held every Labor Day weekend, it takes over Highmark Stadium with dozens of vendors serving every style of wing you can imagine. Traditional hot, garlic parm, dry rubs, creative sauces — you’ll find them all. There are eating contests, live music, and cooking demos that celebrate the city’s most famous food. It’s equal parts food festival and cultural event, and you’ll leave with sauce on your fingers and a big grin on your face.

Taste of Buffalo

For a broader food experience, the Taste of Buffalo happens every July and is one of the largest two-day food festivals in the United States. More than 50 local restaurants and food trucks set up shop downtown, alongside wineries and breweries. Streets are closed off, which makes it feel like one big block party where you can sample everything from pierogi to barbecue. It’s a great way to taste Buffalo beyond wings and see just how diverse the food scene has become.

Borderland Music + Arts Festival

If music and art are more your scene, head to the Borderland Music + Arts Festival in East Aurora each September. It’s a celebration of Americana, folk, rock, and jam bands, with multiple stages set up across Knox Farm State Park. Between sets, you can wander through art installations, shop local vendors, and grab food and craft beer from Western New York favorites. The setting — rolling fields and big skies — gives it a relaxed vibe that feels more like a weekend escape than a crowded festival.

Ready for Your Accessible Buffalo Visit?

Buffalo is easy to enjoy when you know accessibility is covered. With hotels, attractions, and restaurants already mapped, you can spend less time worrying about logistics and more time soaking up the city’s food, culture, and waterfront views.

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