Elmwood Village
The Elmwood Village stretches along Elmwood Avenue, from Forest Avenue to Buffalo State College. It’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon strolling, window shopping, and stopping for a bite to eat. You’ll find a mix of locally-owned boutiques selling gifts, clothing, and home goods, as well as coffee shops like SPoT Coffee and cafes like Cafe Talea. There are also several restaurants to choose from, like the vegetarian-friendly Root & Bloom Cafe or the classic Buffalo wing joint, Bar Bill Tavern. In the summer, the Elmwood Village comes alive with outdoor dining, festivals, and events. The Elmwood Avenue Festival of the Arts takes place in August, with hundreds of artists and craftspeople selling their wares. There are also outdoor concerts and movies in the park throughout the warmer months. The Elmwood Village is one of the most walkable areas in Buffalo. Your charter bus driver can drop your group off right on Elmwood Avenue near Forest Avenue, where you’ll find the greatest concentration of shops and restaurants. Then your group is free to explore on foot, while your driver waits in nearby Delaware Park. If you want to cover more ground, your charter bus can also shuttle your group to other destinations in the Elmwood Village area, like the Buffalo Zoo or the Albright-Knox Art Gallery.
Museum District
If you’re looking for Buffalo’s top cultural attractions, head to the Museum District. Situated around Delaware Park and Elmwood Avenue, this neighborhood is home to world-class museums and galleries. The most famous is the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, which houses an impressive collection of modern art. See works by Picasso, Matisse, Pollock, and more. Their contemporary art collection is one of the best in the country. The Burchfield Penney Art Center located on the Buffalo State College campus also has excellent exhibits of works by Western New York artists.
The Buffalo History Museum provides great insight into the city’s past. Learn about the Pan-American Exposition of 1901, see artifacts from when Buffalo was a major shipping hub, and take a selfie next to the historic pedal car that set a land speed record. Buffalo is also home to specialty museums like the Pierce Arrow Transportation Museum for car enthusiasts and the Buffalo Museum of Science for your budding scientists. When you’re done exploring the museums, take a stroll through Delaware Park. This 350-acre green space was designed by famous landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted and is home to several monuments and sculptures. On a nice day, pack a picnic lunch and relax on the grass. Your charter bus driver can easily drop your group off right by the Albright-Knox Art Gallery. When you’re ready to move on, give your driver a call and they’ll pick you up to whisk you off to the next item on your Buffalo itinerary.
Lake Erie
Buffalo’s waterfront along Lake Erie provides scenic views and recreational opportunities. The Inner Harbor is a top spot to enjoy the lakeside location.
Your group can take a narrated sightseeing cruise of the Buffalo River and Lake Erie aboard the Miss Buffalo II River Cruise. See the city skyline, historic grain elevators, and even a waterfall right in the middle of downtown! The Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park is also located on the waterfront, where you can tour three naval vessels and see exhibits on Buffalo’s military history.
If you want to get out on the water yourself, rent a kayak from the small boat harbor and paddle around the Buffalo River. Or rent a surrey bike for a fun group activity and leisurely ride along the shoreline. The Inner Harbor hosts free events throughout the summer, like the Thursday night concert series and free yoga classes on Saturday mornings. Your group could come for an evening of live music and relax on the grass while listening to talented local musicians. The waterfront trail is great for a walk, jog, or bike ride as well. Your charter bus driver can drop your group off right at the Naval Park, then meet you at a designated time and place once you’re ready to head out. With panoramic views of Lake Erie, the Inner Harbor is one of Buffalo’s most beautiful areas.
Downtown Buffalo
Buffalo is a city known for its architecture. Downtown Buffalo has countless buildings showcasing designs from the late 1800s and early 1900s. Some key architectural gems your group can see include:
The Guaranty Building – Considered one of the best examples of early modern skyscrapers. Designed by famous American architect Louis Sullivan in 1896. Impressive terra cotta exterior.
St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral – Modeled after the medieval cathedrals of Europe. Features stained glass windows designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany.
Hotel Lafayette – Historic hotel opened in 1904. French Renaissance style exterior with elaborate detail. Recently restored after sitting vacant for many years.
Shea’s Performing Arts Center – Originally opened in 1926 as a movie palace. Over-the-top ornate interior in French Baroque style. Intricate plasterwork, chandeliers, and murals.
Buffalo City Hall – This 32-story art-deco skyscraper was finished in 1931. Distinctive design with detailed geometric patterns on the facade. Observation deck on the 25th floor.
Many of these architectural landmarks offer guided tours if you want to learn more details about their history and design. Your charter bus driver can transport your group around downtown Buffalo efficiently so you have enough time to marvel at the soaring skyscrapers, stone carvings, and other impressive building features. Architecture buffs will be in heaven exploring the streets of downtown Buffalo!
New Era Field Area
If you’re a sports fan traveling to Buffalo, visiting the stadiums where the Bills and Sabres play is a must. New Era Field is home to the Buffalo Bills football team, while KeyBank Center hosts the NHL’s Buffalo Sabres hockey team. Your charter bus can drop you off right at the VIP entrance to New Era Field in Orchard Park. Before the game, get rowdy with Bills Mafia in the parking lots as they grill up wings and burgers next to their tailgate buses. Try some unique Buffalo food favorites like beef on weck sandwiches and sponge candy. Once inside, get ready to shout “Go Bills!” at the top of your lungs with 70,000 fellow fans. The energy is electric during big rivalry games and playoff matchups. KeyBank Center downtown provides a fun game-day experience too. Watch the Sabres zip across the ice and crash into the boards up close from seats along the glass. Stop by the Labatt Blue Zone before the puck drops to play some hockey trivia and snap a photo with Sabretooth, the team’s furry mascot. With your own charter bus rental, you won’t have to worry about driving and parking or waiting around for rideshares with other fans after the game ends. Your bus will be ready and waiting to bring your crew to the next sports bar or back to your hotel. Let Charter Bus Company Buffalo handle the transportation details so you can focus on cheering on the Bills and Sabres!
Buffalo Theater District
If you’re looking to experience Buffalo’s art and culture scene, plan a visit to the Buffalo Theater District. Home to Shea’s Performing Arts Center, this historic area downtown hosts Broadway shows, concerts, and other performances. Shea’s originally opened in 1926 as a movie palace and vaudeville theater. It still retains much of the ornate Baroque architecture and interior plasterwork from its early days. The 3,000-seat theater presents touring Broadway shows like Wicked, Dear Evan Hansen, and Hamilton. Your group can easily book tickets for an evening of musical theater then have your charter bus drop you off right at Shea’s front entrance. Down the street, Kleinhans Music Hall is home to the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. Designed by famous Finnish architect Eliel Saarinen, its sleek International Style design makes it one of the most notable buildings in Buffalo. If your group wants a night of classical music, you can attend one of over 100 annual BPO performances at Kleinhans. Smaller theaters like the Irish Classical Theatre Company, the Kavinoky Theatre, and the Alleyway Theatre also offer productions in the Theater District. And when you need a bite to eat before the show, the neighborhood provides convenient dining options like the West Side Bazaar’s global food court. With your charter bus as transportation between theaters and nearby restaurants, you can easily fit in a show after a busy day of sightseeing in Buffalo. Experiencing the performing arts is a great way to round out your group’s visit to this cultural city.
Book a Bus With Us
At Charter Bus Company Buffalo, we provide premium charter bus rentals for group trips of all kinds in the Buffalo area. Our fleet includes 56-passenger motorcoaches, 28-passenger minibuses, and 14-passenger luxury vans to accommodate groups large and small. Each charter bus rental comes with a professional driver and amenities like WiFi, power outlets, and DVD players with monitors to make your time on the road comfortable and convenient. We have experience providing transportation for weddings, corporate outings, school field trips, sporting events, and more. Our team handles all the details from start to finish, so you can focus on enjoying Buffalo’s top attractions with your group. And with Charter Bus Company Buffalo, you’ll always receive transparent pricing with no hidden fees. Ready to explore Buffalo’s distinct neighborhoods, museums, and culinary scene? Call Charter Bus Company Buffalo today at (716) 342-0721 to get a free quote for your charter bus rental.