No matter where you go to college, the surrounding city naturally becomes a part of your college experience. Buffalo is the second largest city in New York and is considered among the state’s most neighborly. A city on the rise, Buffalo delivers a special blend of culture, history, entertainment, and community, making exploring a reward all its own. Whether you’ve lived here your whole life or you’re heading to the city for the first time to attend Villa Maria College, creating a Buffalo, NY bucket list is a fun way to experience the city to the fullest—and knock out a few must-do activities along the way.
Try Buffalo’s Most Iconic Foods
You probably already know that Buffalo is famous for its wings with bleu cheese. However, everyone’s favorite spicy, shareable app only scratches the surface. While you’re here, make sure to try some other local staples, including:
Beef on weck: A roast beef sandwich served on a kummelweck roll with au jus.
Sponge candy: A crunchy-yet-airy spun sugar treat covered in chocolate.
Loganberry pop: A semi-sweet, tart carbonated soft drink.
Buffalo-style pizza: Sold by many pizzerias, Buffalo-style pizza has a thick crust, extra cheese, sweet sauce, and cup & char pepperoni.
Chicken finger sub: Plain or sauced-up chicken fingers served on a hoagie roll, usually with lettuce, tomato, onion, and bleu cheese dressing.
Catch a Professional Sports Game
Whether you’re a diehard fan or just in it for the snacks and vibes, cheering on Buffalo teams is a rite of passage. And for a city its size, Buffalo has an impressive lineup of professional sports teams, and the game-day atmosphere is something every student should experience at least once. Football fans will love (and, admittedly, sometimes hate) rooting for our beloved Buffalo Bills. Downtown, KeyBank Center houses the Sabres hockey team and the Bandits indoor lacrosse champions. Also downtown, the Bisons minor league baseball team suits up at Sahlen Field.
Visit the City’s Array of Museums
Buffalo is rich in history, art, and culture, and the city’s many museums reflect that. Dive into science and technology at the Buffalo Museum of Science or immerse yourself in local and national history at the Buffalo History Museum. Art lovers in particular will love the AKG Museum and Burchfield Penney Art Center, while designers will appreciate the architectural marvel that is Frank Lloyd Wright’s Darwin Martin House. There’s also the Naval & Military Park, the Buffalo Transportation Pierce-Arrow Museum, and the always-beautiful Botanical Gardens. Many of these spots offer discounted student admission, so don’t miss out.
See a Show at Shea’s
Shea’s Performing Arts Center is a must-visit for anyone studying in Buffalo. This stunning theater hosts Broadway productions, concerts, comedy acts, and much more throughout the year. Whether you’re into musicals, stand-up, or just want to sit in a velvet seat beneath a glittering chandelier, catching a show at Shea’s is a true Buffalo experience.
Spend Time in Delaware Park
There’s a lot more to Delaware Park than just green space. This Olmsted-designed park is a hub for outdoor activity and seasonal events. Visitors can walk or bike around Hoyt Lake, enjoy a Shakespeare in the Park performance during the summer, or visit the peaceful Japanese Gardens outside the history museum. Forest Lawn Cemetery, located adjacent to the park, is not only a beautiful place for a walk but also houses several famous graves; President Millard Fillmore and singer-songwriter Rick James, both Buffalo natives, are laid to rest in Forest Lawn.
Catch a Concert at One of Buffalo’s Music Venues
Live music is everywhere in Buffalo. From major headliners at KeyBank Center to waterfront performances at Outer Harbor, shows are available year-round. Buffalo’s smaller venues, including Town Ballroom, Buffalo Iron Works, Rec Room, and Electric City, offer a more intimate setting and often spotlight local artists or up-and-coming acts before they make it big. Whatever your taste in music, you’ll find it represented on a Buffalo stage.
Take a Day Trip Outside the City
If you have the means, there are a few notable natural wonders nearby that are well worth the trip. Niagara Falls is a must-see and is only about 30 minutes away from the city. Head south to Chestnut Ridge Park (just outside Orchard Park), home to the Eternal Flame. This natural gas-powered flame burns continuously behind a small waterfall and is accessible via a hike. If you’re up for a longer drive, Letchworth State Park should make your shortlist. Called the “Grand Canyon of the East,” the park overlooks iconic Upper, Middle, and Lower waterfalls.
Learn More About Villa Maria College
Thinking about attending college in Buffalo and want a close-knit, supportive campus that offers a creative and career-focused education? Villa Maria College might be the perfect fit. To learn more about what makes Villa unique and how you can become part of our community, get in touch with our admissions team or schedule a tour!
