Buffalo is a city of grand old architecture, waterfront views and a compact downtown, with neighbourhoods spreading north toward the university and east toward the airport. Winters are long and lake-effect snow is a real factor in where you might want to be based, especially if you plan to walk to your sights.
For a visitor, the city divides fairly simply: downtown and its surrounding historic districts hold most of the restored buildings and the Metro Rail spine, while the suburbs to the north and east hold the highway-oriented chains. This guide covers which areas to base yourself in, what each is like, and which suits different kinds of trips.
Best areas to stay in Buffalo
1. Downtown
Downtown is the heart of the city and the most convenient base for a first visit. Many beautiful but vacant old buildings have been restored and repurposed as hotels, so staying here puts you inside a real Gilded Age setting. The Metro Rail runs through downtown, with stops such as Lafayette Square and Erie Canal Harbor, connecting you to the waterfront and onward to other districts.
This area suits first-time visitors, anyone relying on public transport, and travellers who want dining, bars and nightlife within walking distance. You will find the widest range of lodging types here, from budget and mid-range options to full-service and luxury properties, including suites with full kitchens.
2. Allentown and the Delaware Avenue area
The area around Delaware Avenue sits near the border of Allentown and downtown, in a cluster of restored 19th-century mansions and historic buildings. It is quieter and more residential in feel than the core of downtown, but still close enough to walk or take a short bus or Metro Rail ride to the centre. The Allen-Medical Campus Metro Rail stop and several bus routes serve the area.
This suits travellers who want a calmer base with character, and those interested in boutique and luxury lodging in restored historic houses. It is a good choice if you prefer a neighbourhood setting over a commercial downtown one.
3. Amherst, south of the University at Buffalo North Campus
Amherst, just south of the university's North Campus, holds one of the two big clusters of hotels in the region. This is suburban territory, with budget and mid-priced chains found primarily around highway interchanges. It is practical rather than scenic, and you will generally need a car or a bus to reach the city's sights.
This area suits families, prospective students and anyone visiting the university, as well as drivers who want easy highway access and parking. Expect the standard range of chain accommodation rather than historic buildings.
4. Around Buffalo Niagara International Airport
The second large cluster of hotels sits around the airport, in the suburbs east of the city. As with Amherst, this is highway-interchange territory where budget and mid-priced chains concentrate. It is the most convenient base for a very early flight or a short layover.
This suits transit passengers and travellers passing through by car. It is not a good base for sightseeing on foot, since the city's districts are a drive or a longer transit ride away.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: hostels, guest houses and budget chain motels, with the chains concentrated mainly around highway interchanges in the suburbs.
- Mid-range: a wide choice of hotels, motels and B&Bs, including restored historic buildings downtown and mid-priced chains in the suburbs.
- Splurge: full-service and luxury hotels, including boutique properties in restored 19th-century mansions and downtown hotels with waterfront or skyline views.
Best area for a first visit
Downtown is the best base for a first visit. It puts you within walking distance of dining, bars and nightlife, and on the Metro Rail line that links you to the waterfront and other districts. It also has the widest range of lodging, including the restored Gilded Age buildings the city is known for.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a car if I stay downtown?
Not necessarily. The Metro Rail serves downtown stops including Lafayette Square and Erie Canal Harbor, and bus routes connect the surrounding districts, so you can reach many sights without driving.
Where are the main clusters of hotels outside the city?
There are two especially big clusters: just south of the University at Buffalo's North Campus in Amherst, and around the Buffalo Niagara International Airport.
What kinds of accommodation can I expect in the suburbs?
Suburban lodging is mainly budget and mid-priced chains, found primarily around highway interchanges.
Is downtown noisy?
Downtown holds the city's dining, bars and nightlife, so expect more activity there than in the residential areas around Delaware Avenue or in the suburbs.
Compare live prices for your dates with the booking tools on this page before you decide.