Niagara Falls (New York) Travel Guide

Plan your upcoming trip to Niagara Falls (New York) with this comprehensive travel guide that includes a list of must-see attractions, hiking and biking routes, accommodation options, food and drinks, local culture and customs, and safety and health tips.


Introduction to Niagara Falls (New York)

Located in Niagara County, in the Niagara Frontier region of New York, Niagara Falls is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. The city is named after the world-famous Niagara Falls, which consists of three waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. With a range of attractions and activities, Niagara Falls (New York) has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Niagara Falls (New York)

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center
  • Castellani Art Museum
  • Niagara Falls History Museum
  • Old Fort Niagara

Natural Attractions of Niagara Falls (New York): Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Niagara Falls State Park
  • Cave of the Winds
  • Whirlpool State Park
  • Devil’s Hole State Park
  • Niagara Gorge Trail
  • Jet Boat Tour

Hiking/Biking Routes of Niagara Falls (New York)

  • Niagara Gorge Rim Trail
  • Niagara River Greenway Trail
  • Devil’s Hole Trail
  • Robert Moses Recreation Trail

Best Things to Do in Niagara Falls (New York): Activities and Tours

  • Maid of the Mist Boat Tour
  • Niagara Falls Helicopter Tour
  • Niagara Falls Illumination Tour
  • Niagara Falls Adventure Pass

Week-Long Itinerary for Niagara Falls (New York)

Day 1: Visit Niagara Falls State Park, Cave of the Winds, and Maid of the Mist Boat Tour. Day 2: Explore the Niagara Gorge Trail and Jet Boat Tour. Day 3: Visit Niagara Falls History Museum, then stroll around the Old Fort Niagara. Day 4: Hike the Niagara Gorge Rim Trail, and enjoy the picturesque views of the falls. Day 5: Visit the nearby charming town of Lewiston and enjoy the scenic stroll by the Niagara River. Day 6: Take Robert Moses Recreation Trail and the Niagara River Greenway Trail, explore the local attractions and discover the local food scene. Day 7: Enjoy the water and light displays on the Niagara Falls Illumination Tour.

Food and Drink Scene of Niagara Falls (New York)

Must-Try Dishes

  • Buffalo chicken wings
  • Beef on Weck sandwich
  • Sponge candy
  • Fish fry
  • Pierogi
  • Loganberry

Local Beverages

  • Genesee Cream Ale
  • Southern Tier IPA
  • Finger Lakes wine
  • Buffalo Bloody Mary

Where to Stay in Niagara Falls (New York): Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino
  • Niagara Falls Marriott on the Falls
  • Sheraton Niagara Falls
  • Comfort Inn The Pointe
  • Anchor Motel

What to Buy in Niagara Falls (New York): Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Souvenir t-shirts and magnets
  • Niagara Falls snow globes and keychains
  • Local maple syrup and honey
  • Buffalo sauce and hot sauce
  • Wine and craft beer

Local Culture and Customs of Niagara Falls (New York)

  • Tipping 15-20% is customary in restaurants and bars.
  • Smoking is prohibited indoors in public places.
  • Public transportation is with limited availability, and taxis are scarce.
  • Visitors should be respectful to the Native American heritage and cultural sites.

Best Time to Visit Niagara Falls (New York)

The best time to visit Niagara Falls (New York) is from June to August, when the weather is warm and the falls are at their fullest. However, visitors can also enjoy the fall foliage views in September and October and the winter ice formations in December to February.

Do’s and Don’ts of Niagara Falls (New York)

Do:

  • Wear comfortable shoes and dress according to the weather when exploring outside.
  • Keep your valuables safe while visiting crowded areas.
  • Respect the safety barriers and follow the guided routes on the trails.

Don’t:

  • Touch the waterfalls or the wild animals in the parks.
  • Throw anything into the waterfalls or the nearby rivers.
  • Ignore the warning signs and instructions of the park rangers and tour guides.

Safety and Health

Safety in Niagara Falls (New York)

  • Stay alert and watch out for scammers in tourist traps.
  • Keep your car doors and windows locked in parking lots.
  • Use sunscreen and insect repellent, and drink plenty of water when hiking or cycling.

Health in Niagara Falls (New York)

  • Visitors should receive a COVID-19 vaccination before traveling, and follow the local health and safety protocols.
  • Be cautious of tick-borne diseases, such as Lyme disease and like Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

Getting to Niagara Falls (New York): Transportation Options and Logistics

  • Niagara Falls International Airport (IAG) is about 7 miles from Niagara Falls.
  • Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) is about 25 miles from Niagara Falls.
  • Greyhound and Megabus serve the Niagara Falls Bus Station.
  • Visitors can rent a car, take a taxi, or use a ride-share service from nearby cities.

How to Get Around in Niagara Falls (New York)

  • Visitors can rent a bike, use the local bus system, hire a taxi, or walk to get around the city center.
  • For visiting the local attractions and hiking trails, visitors may need a car or take a shuttle bus.

Where to Go Next from Niagara Falls (New York): Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Buffalo, New York
  • Toronto, Canada
  • Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada
  • Allegheny National Forest, Pennsylvania

Conclusion

Niagara Falls (New York) has numerous activities and attractions to offer for solo travelers, couples, families, and groups. From exploring the natural wonders to enjoying the local food and drinks, discovering the cultural heritage to experiencing the outdoor adventures, Niagara Falls is a unique destination that should be on everyone’s bucket list. Plan your upcoming trip and enjoy the breath-taking views and the friendly hospitality of this iconic city.

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