Niagara Falls - Western New York, NY

Travel Guide

Delaware Park showing a river or creek as well as a couple
Buffalo which includes a city and central business district
Buffalo featuring a monument
Buffalo featuring a monument
Forest Lawn Cemetery showing a cemetery and heritage elements

A world-famous waterfall together with wild state parks and bustling city streets combine to make this New York region a rewarding destination for a vacation.

The Niagara Falls and Western New York region is an incredible place to explore the state’s wilderness without having to venture too far from the big city. Take a boat under one of the world’s most famous waterfalls, visit vineyards and sleepy towns, and watch a football game in a local stadium.

The mighty Niagara Falls serve as a reminder of the sheer power of Mother Nature. Hundreds of thousands of gallons of water flow through the waterfall every second in the summer months. There are a few different ways to experience the falls: embark on a Maid of the Mist boat tour, fly above them by helicopter or try a Cave of the Winds tour, during which you trek through the Niagara Gorge.

The closest big city to the falls is the museum and restaurant-packed Buffalo. Visit Darwin Martin House, a prairie house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, marvel at beautiful canvases in the Albright-Knox Art Gallery and have lunch at Broadway Market. Time your visit for June or August and join enchanting garden tours as part of the National Buffalo Garden Festival.

Get back to nature at Allegany State Park. Kayak on shimmering lakes, hike through dense woods and camp on hilltops overlooking lush green foliage. Go whitewater rafting in Letchworth State Park and, for a once-in-a-life-time thrill, take a hot-air balloon ride over dramatic cliffs.

The area around Chautauqua Lake is peppered with charming rural communities and fishing spots teeming with potential catches. Learn about the history of the Chautauqua Institution, visited by many U.S. presidents, including Gerald Ford and Ulysses S. Grant.

High season runs from May to September and most of the hotels, shops and restaurants in the area remain open during this period. Summers are warm and comfortable, though if it does get hot, just head to Niagara Falls to let the mist cool you down.

For a different perspective on Niagara Falls and Western New York, visit in the winter so you can zoom down the slopes at Holiday Valley Ski Resort and admire glittering snow-covered trees.

Where to stay in Niagara Falls - Western New York

Fallsview

Fallsview

4.5/5(3,689 area reviews)

Surrounding the Falls, this tourist hotspot boasts attractions like Skylon Tower, Minolta Tower, and Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort. Easily explore via the Falls Incline Railway, connecting to Table Rock Center and Journey Behind the Falls.

Fallsview
Buffalo showing a city, a monument and a skyscraper

Downtown Buffalo

4/5(1,204 area reviews)

Experience the city's rich culture with visits to the oldest urban parks system in the US, Albright–Knox Art Gallery, and Shea's Performing Arts Center. Enjoy annual festivals and explore nearby universities.

Downtown Buffalo
Niagara Falls which includes modern architecture and a bridge

Downtown Niagara Falls

4/5(2,198 area reviews)

The enchanting waterfalls and first-class casinos are just a few highlights of Downtown Niagara Falls. Make a stop by Niagara Falls State Park or Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino while you're exploring the area.

Downtown Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls featuring night scenes, a cascade and mist or fog

Clifton Hill

While visiting Clifton Hill, you might make a stop by sights like Clifton Hill and Fallsview Indoor Waterpark.

Clifton Hill
Old Town Historic District which includes a sunset and a house

Old Town Historic District

5/5(106 area reviews)

Old Town Historic District is known for its lake views, and you can plan a trip to Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Club and Shaw Festival Theatre while you're in town.

Old Town Historic District
Journey Behind The Falls which includes a waterfall, boating and a river or creek

Queen Victoria

If you're spending some time in Queen Victoria, Clifton Hill and Niagara's Fury are top sights worth seeing.

Queen Victoria
M Hotel Buffalo

M Hotel Buffalo

3.5 out of 5
2040 Walden Ave, Buffalo, NY
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Buffalo. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
7.2/10 Good! (2,181 reviews)
"Everything was great"

Reviewed on Sep 24, 2025

M Hotel Buffalo
Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino

Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino

4 out of 5
310 4th St, Niagara Falls, NY
The price is ¥17,843 per night from Oct 16 to Oct 17
¥17,843
¥21,580 total
Oct 16 - Oct 17
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Niagara Falls. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3,638 reviews)
"Even though check in was at 4pm. I had a drive of 7 hrs. so I arrived before 4pm and was able to check in one out of the two rooms I reserved at 2p instead of having to wait until 4p and the free valet is a plus. I will stay there again next year."

Reviewed on Sep 25, 2025

Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino
Buffalo Airport Hotel

Buffalo Airport Hotel

3 out of 5
4600 Genesee St, Buffalo, NY
The price is ¥16,537 per night from Sep 30 to Oct 1
¥16,537
¥18,811 total
Sep 30 - Oct 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Buffalo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar ...
7.8/10 Good! (2,686 reviews)
"Good experience, the only complaint is that the ac has a water leak and sounds all night"

Reviewed on Sep 24, 2025

Buffalo Airport Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
PTR | Charming Apt - N Buffalo near Falls & Parks!

PTR | Charming Apt - N Buffalo near Falls & Parks!

2 out of 5
Buffalo
Stay at this apartment in Buffalo. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Buffalo Zoo and KeyBank Center are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
Great Stay
"Comfortable bed, well appointed kitchen. Great location"

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

PTR | Charming Apt - N Buffalo near Falls & Parks!
New! Panorama Lakeview Place: Canandaigua Lake escape w pool, game room & more!

New! Panorama Lakeview Place: Canandaigua Lake escape w pool, game room & more!

2 out of 5
Naples
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Naples. Enjoy private pools, a water park, and a garden. Popular attractions Canandaigua Lake and Arbor ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (17 reviews)
"This is a fabulous house with a million dollar view and remote location. We had five friends who travel together every year and the house was such a treat. Very clean, comfortable, quiet and peaceful with beautiful sunrises to enjoy with your morning coffee and a game room to enjoy in the evenings. ..."

Reviewed on Sep 11, 2025

New! Panorama Lakeview Place: Canandaigua Lake escape w pool, game room & more!
Vaulted Loft in Historic Bank on Hertel King Bed + walk to shops

Vaulted Loft in Historic Bank on Hertel King Bed + walk to shops

Buffalo
Stay at this apartment in Buffalo. Enjoy an in-room coffeemaker, in-room fireplaces, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Buffalo Zoo and Walden Galleria ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (9 reviews)
Chasing our family roots
"The loft was better than described. Design and decor was exceptional and Amanda was very responsive and provided real time insight for our stay. We would highly recommend the opportunity to stay here, located in a beautiful and safe neighborhood!"

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

Vaulted Loft in Historic Bank on Hertel King Bed + walk to shops
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Cities near Niagara Falls - Western New York