Things to do in Buffalo

New York's second-largest city is booming again with a re-developed waterfront area, a major airport expansion and a revived arts and cultural scene. One of the most memorable aspects of Buffalo is its rich history of notable architecture, with Art Deco spires and soaring skyscrapers. It has a good selection of museums and art galleries and ample opportunities for sports lovers.

Albright-Knox Art Gallery

The Albright-Knox Art Gallery enjoys a worldwide reputation as an outstanding centre of modern art. It is one of the nation’s oldest public arts organisations, featuring modern and contemporary collections from around the world. The gallery's collection is especially rich in post-war American and European art, acquired mostly through the generosity of its patron, the late Seymour H Knox.

Abstract expressionism, pop art and art of the 1970s through the end of the century are well-represented by artists such as Gorky, Pollock, Warhol and Johns. In addition, the permanent collection offers a variety of art through the centuries, from a Mesopotamian figure dated 3,000 BC to American and European art of the 18th and 19th centuries.

Impressionism and post-Impressionism are well-represented by such leading French artists of the 19th century as Gauguin and van Gogh. Cubism, surrealism and other trends are documented by a large selection of significant works by Picasso, Braque, Matisse and others. Phone: +1 716 882 8700.

Buffalo Zoo

Throughout the year, the Buffalo Zoo offers guests fascinating animal exhibits, naturalistic wildlife habitats, beautiful garden areas and several unique areas in which to enjoy an environment that is full of fun, adventure and history. The zoo's history can be traced back to 1870, when a prominent furrier presented a pair of deer to the City of Buffalo.

Today, there are four primary exhibit zones, accessed from a central pathway and including Asian River and Highlands, African Watering Hole, South American Rainforest and Arctic Edge. In addition, a two-part exhibit near the entrance features sea lions and river otters. At the other end of the zoo, crocodiles, tigers, lions and gorillas inhabit enclosures in front of the main animal building, while a series of outdoor enclosures explore the plight of the earth’s ‘vanishing animals’. Phone: +1 716 837 3900.

Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens were built by the City of Buffalo in the mid-1890s. The conservatory gained historical status on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982, when it was listed as a contributing structure to Buffalo's Olmsted Park system. Visitors can actually see three historic attractions in one: Olmsted's South Park; the 1899 tri-domed glass conservatory building; and the Victorian-style gardens.

The plants inside are arranged in classic Victorian style and similar plants from throughout the world are grouped together. Although there are some plants native to the region, most of the plants are from tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. Tel: +716-827-1584

Broadway Market

Broadway Market was started by immigrants in the late 1800s, who were looking to preserve their Eastern European traditions and heritage. It quickly became an ideal place for combining business with socialising and for sharing the latest in gossip and news. The area grew to become Buffalo's second largest business section, offering exotic delicacies from around the world. The market features candy shops, delis and restaurants. There are also assorted sundry shops and service centres which serve the Broadway-Fillmore neighbourhood.

Wilcox Mansion-Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site

In the spring of 1901, President William McKinley was assassinated during the Pan American Exposition in Buffalo. Theodore Roosevelt was inaugurated as President of the United States at this historic site, the Wilcox Mansion. There are guided tours of the home and exhibits focus on the assassination and inauguration, details of Roosevelt's life and turn-of-the-century America. The tour includes four restored areas and a permanent exhibit. Phone: +1 716 884 0095.

Buffalo City Hall

The towering City Hall is a classic example of Art Deco architectural design, richly decorated with figures and symbols that portray the history and spirit of the city. Located in the centre of downtown and overlooking Buffalo's main public square, it is one of the largest and tallest municipal buildings in the United States, and is the seat for local government in the City of Buffalo. It was designed in 1929 by John J Wade, while the friezes were sculpted by Albert Stewart. The 28th floor observation deck offers panoramic views of Lake Erie and western New York. Phone: +1 716 851 4200.

Graycliff

Set on a 70-foot cliff overlooking Lake Erie, this impressive home was built by Frank Lloyd Wright for the industrialist Darwin D Martin in 1927. The house blends into the natural landscape and the long and narrow design is full of sunlight and air thanks to its many windows. It's a transitional point from Wright's earlier prairie-style houses and his late concrete designs. Even if you are not familiar with his work, it's worth a visit to take in the beautiful views from the balconies of the house, or to wander the gardens and wooded landscape. Phone: +1 716 947 9217.

Lockport Cave and Underground Boat Ride

Located on the Erie Canal, the unique caves offer the public an exciting 70-minute guided tour through America’s past. You will explore the historic Erie Canal locks 67 to 71, constructed in 1838. You will also view ruins from an earlier industrial age, walk safely through a water tunnel that was blasted out of solid rock in the 1850s, view stalactites, flow stone, various geological formations and artefacts left behind by the men who built the tunnel in the early days of the Erie Canal.

After the tour, you can embark on America’s longest underground boat ride, viewing cave formations in their early stages of development. You can also tour locks 34 and 35, which allowed boats to travel ‘uphill’ 60 feet through the Niagara Escarpment ridge of rock. Phone: +1 716 438 0174.

Museums

The Pierce-Arrow Company manufactured some of America's high-end cars early in the 20th century. Its customers included the White House, the royal families of Japan and Saudi Arabia, and some of the wealthy local industrialists. The Buffalo Transportation/Pierce-Arrow Museum displays some of these cars in its huge open space, along with the bikes and motorcycles the company also made.

Also on a transport theme, the Pedalling History Bicycling Museum is the world's largest bicycle museum. The enormous collection features tandem bikes with side-by-side seating, army bikes mounted with machine guns, folding paratrooper bikes from WWII and the only surviving floating marine bike from the 1880s.