Elmwood Village
Elmwood Village is one of Buffalo’s most vibrant and walkable neighborhoods. Located just north of Downtown Buffalo, Elmwood Village is known for its beautiful historic homes, indie shops, diverse eateries, and thriving arts scene. The neighborhood’s main drag is Elmwood Avenue, which is lined with over 300 small businesses. You’ll find everything from vintage clothing boutiques to record stores to coffee shops. Grab a cup of joe at SPOT Coffee or a craft cocktail at Mr. Goodbar. Bibliophiles will love browsing the stacks at Talking Leaves Bookstore. Elmwood Village is also home to Buffalo’s “Museum Mile” on Elmwood Avenue. Here you’ll find the Burchfield Penney Art Center, Buffalo History Museum, and Albright-Knox Art Gallery. The latter features works by Picasso, Van Gogh, and other renowned artists. In the warmer months, Elmwood Village comes alive with outdoor concerts, festivals, farmers markets, and more. The Elmwood Festival of the Arts takes place every August along Elmwood Avenue and brings in over 300 artists and 80,000 attendees.
Allentown
Tucked behind Elmwood Village, Allentown is one of Buffalo’s most historic neighborhoods. Many of the ornate Victorian homes here were built in the late 1800s for the city’s wealthy residents. Today, Allentown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Nearly all the homes here are immaculately restored mansions built in Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, and other regal styles. Take a stroll down streets like North Pearl Street to admire the charming architecture. Allentown is also known for its flourishing art community. You’ll find galleries like Allentown Art Festival and independent studios throughout the neighborhood. Allentown Art Festival takes place each June along Allen Street and North Pearl Street. The neighborhood’s restaurant scene is top-notch as well. Grab a craft beer at Gabriel’s Gate or enjoy upscale Southern cuisine at Betty’s. The neighborhood bar Allen Street Hardware Cafe is a local favorite.
North Buffalo
North Buffalo offers a comfortable suburban feel just minutes from downtown. Many of the homes here are beautiful Colonials, Tudors, and other residential styles built in the early 20th century. The neighborhood has a very family-friendly vibe. Hertel Avenue is North Buffalo’s main thoroughfare, lined with shops, eateries, and entertainment. Browse antiques stores like Finders Keepers or grab a burger and brew at Mac’s. Live music venues like Sportsmen’s Tavern keep the neighborhood lively at night. The historic North Park Theatre shows indie films. North Buffalo is also home to Buffalo’s largest park, Delaware Park. Designed by famous landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, the 350-acre green space has something for everyone. Go for a jog, picnic, or visit the Buffalo History Museum. The park hosts concerts and events during warmer months.
Parkside
Adjacent to Delaware Park, Parkside is one of Buffalo’s greenest and most peaceful neighborhoods. Mature trees line its streets, which are filled with beautiful historic homes built in the early 1900s. Main Street is Parkside’s central hub. You’ll find cozy neighborhood taverns like the Parkside Candy Shoppe and restaurants like Danny’s serving Southern comfort food. The neighborhood’s proximity to Elmwood Village and Allentown make it easy to enjoy the amenities of both. During the summer, Parkside comes alive with the Shakespeare in Delaware Park festival. This free outdoor theater festival takes place on the grounds of Delaware Park and features professional productions of Shakespeare’s works. Parkside is also conveniently located near the Buffalo Zoo, Albright-Knox Art Gallery, and the shops and eateries of Elmwood Village. It provides an oasis of green within the city.
First Ward
Tucked along the Buffalo River, the First Ward neighborhood claims an integral part in the city’s history. As an old industrial center, the First Ward relied on the river and canals to transport goods and supplies in and out of Buffalo. Today, the First Ward celebrates its past through preserved architecture and monuments. The most famous is the Erie Canal Harbor, which includes canals, bridges, and the Commercial Slip dock dating back to the mid-1800s. Guided boat tours are available during summer. New developments are also drawing visitors to the First Ward. Canalside is a revitalized area with green spaces, restaurants, and family activities. Catch a concert at the outdoor amphitheater or take the kids to Explore & More Children’s Museum. The First Ward is just a quick water taxi ride over to the entertainment district, making it a convenient home base during your Buffalo travels.
Black Rock
Historic Black Rock neighborhood offers a unique blend of old and new Buffalo. Once a thriving 19th century village absorbed by the city, Black Rock still retains its small-town charm along historic Amherst Street. Today, Black Rock is one of Buffalo’s trendiest neighborhoods. New restaurants, breweries, and stores mix effortlessly with preserved historic buildings. Grab a craft brew at Resurgence Brewing Company or fresh doughnuts from Paula’s Donuts, a neighborhood staple since 1968. The Black Rock Historic District includes over 300 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Walk down tree-lined streets like Dearborn Street to admire the Victorian homes and commercial buildings. Black Rock is also conveniently located near the Niagara River, making it easy to access waterfront parks and recreation trails. Its proximity to downtown, Canalside, and First Ward make it a great home base during your Buffalo travels.
Elmwood Village
If you want to experience Buffalo’s art and culture scene, look no further than Elmwood Village. This vibrant neighborhood is packed with museums, live music venues, galleries, boutiques, and some of the city’s best restaurants. Elmwood Avenue serves as the neighborhood’s main thoroughfare. Take an afternoon stroll down the street, popping into the indie shops and cafes that line it. Bibliophiles will want to peruse Talking Leaves Bookstore, while vintage lovers can sift through the racks at Pastiche. Don’t miss the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, the Burchfield Penney Art Center, and the Buffalo History Museum, which make up the city’s “Museum Mile” along Elmwood Avenue. View works by Picasso, O’Keeffe, and other renowned artists. When evening hits, catch some live local music at venues like Nietzsche’s or have a drink on the patio at Mr. Goodbar. If you’re looking for a unique dining experience, try a meal at one of Elmwood Village’s international restaurants.
Riverside
Situated along the Niagara River, Riverside offers scenic waterfront views and plenty of recreational opportunities. The peaceful neighborhood provides an escape from the hustle and bustle of downtown Buffalo. Stroll or bike along the shoreline on the Riverwalk, which stretches for miles past parks, marinas, and nautical-themed attractions. Stop for a meal at waterfront restaurants like Docksider Bar & Grill or Sunset Bar & Grill and take in the views. History buffs will appreciate Riverside’s many well-preserved historic homes and landmarks. Check out the Front Park System, a series of connected green spaces designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, or tour the Darwin Martin House, a prairie-style Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece. The neighborhood’s proximity to Niagara Falls, Grand Island, and Canada makes it easy to explore Western New York’s other attractions once you’ve had your fill of Riverside’s natural beauty.
Kaisertown
Tucked away just southeast of downtown Buffalo, Kaisertown offers old world charm and a strong sense of community. German immigrants first settled in the neighborhood in the mid-1800s, and their influence remains today. Stroll down Clinton Street to check out historic church architecture and shops. Grab a bite at Schwabl’s Restaurant, a beloved eatery serving German staples like sauerbraten, schnitzel, and spaetzle. Or sample German beers at the Old First Ward Brewing Company. In July, Kaisertown celebrates its heritage with the annual Kaisertown German Festival. This family-friendly event includes music, dancing, food, a parade, carnival rides, and more. Residents take great pride in their homes, many of which are well-preserved historic structures. The neighborhood’s garden plots and tree-lined streets maintain its old-world ambiance.
University Heights
As the home of the University at Buffalo’s South Campus, University Heights has a vibrant, youthful vibe. College students and young professionals flock to the neighborhood’s affordable housing options and lively social scene. Main Street offers a nice selection of restaurants, cafes, and shops catering to a student budget. Grab a burrito at Moe’s Southwest Grill or a coffee and pastry at Sweetness_7 Cafe. Bars like Santora’s Pizza Pub & Grill supply a lively nightlife. When students need a break from academics, they can enjoy the great outdoors at John James Audubon Parkway. This Olmsted-designed green space offers trails, sports fields, and scenic river views. University Heights provides an edgy, artsy urban experience combined with plentiful green spaces. It’s an ideal home base for college students and young people exploring all that Buffalo has to offer.
Parkside
Bordering Delaware Park, Parkside lives up to its name with gorgeous green spaces and scenic Olmsted parkways. Mature trees and historic early 20th century homes line its peaceful streets. Main Street serves as the neighborhood’s quaint commercial center. Grab a bite at cozy eateries like the Parkside Candy Shoppe or Danny’s Southern Comforts Cafe. In summer, Parkside comes alive with the free Shakespeare in Delaware Park festival. Professional theatre productions take place outdoors against the beautiful backdrop of Delaware Park. The neighborhood provides easy access to the Buffalo Zoo, Albright-Knox Art Gallery, and Elmwood Village’s shops and restaurants. Parkside’s green spaces and historic charm make it one of Buffalo’s most beloved neighborhoods.
The West Side
Buffalo’s West Side showcases the city’s diversity and determination. Long a predominantly Polish neighborhood, today the West Side is home to Hispanic, African American, Arab, and Asian residents. Grant Street serves as the thoroughfare through the West Side’s historic Polonia district. Stop by the Broadway Market for Polish staples like kielbasa and pierogi. Catch a show at the Riviera Theatre, a 1920s movie palace that still hosts events. In recent years, the West Side has worked to revitalize its commercial corridors. New restaurants and small businesses are popping up along Niagara Street, and the neighborhood hosts an annual Juneteenth Festival celebrating Black culture and history. No matter your background, you’ll feel welcome taking in the rich cultural mix of Buffalo’s West Side.
Book a Bus With Us
Ready to explore Buffalo’s distinct neighborhoods? At Charter Buses Buffalo, we make it easy to get your group around the city in comfort and style. Our fleet includes minibuses and full-sized coaches to accommodate groups large and small. All our vehicles offer amenities like WiFi, TVs, power outlets, and restrooms for your convenience. Let us handle the driving and parking so you can focus on experiencing the best of Buffalo’s food, culture, history, and architecture. Contact Charter Buses Buffalo today at (716) 919-3490 to book your bus and start planning your Buffalo adventure!