Buffalo City Guide

Buffalo is known for Buffalo wings, Beef on Weck, and sponge candy. There are many international food options, including Italian, Polish, Middle Eastern, and Asian. Vegetarian and vegan options are growing. Some places stay open late.

Nightlife centers around Allentown, Elmwood Village, and Chippewa Street with bars, live music, breweries, and clubs.

Buffalo has a lively coffee scene with local roasters and community-centered cafes popular for work and socializing.

Tipping is expected and common for most service jobs. Restaurants typically get 15-20%, taxis and rideshares 15-20%, and barbers around 15-20%.

SIM cards are sold by major carriers like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile at carrier stores, electronics shops, and some convenience stores. ID is required for registration.

Downtown and popular neighborhoods are generally clean with regular waste and recycling services.

Some pharmacies and convenience stores are open 24/7. Emergency rooms operate all day. Late-night diners and fast food can be found, especially on weekends.

Supermarkets like Wegmans, Tops, and Dash's offer a good range of local and international foods. Broadway Market has fresh and ethnic options. Most stores open early and stay open late.

Cashless payments like credit cards and mobile pay are widely accepted. Cash is still used, but you can get by without it.

ATMs are common at banks, supermarkets, and gas stations. Major banks include Chase, Bank of America, KeyBank, and M&T Bank. Out-of-network ATM fees range from $2.50 to $5.

Buffalo offers public and private schools. Languages of instruction are mainly English. There are few international schools, but some private schools accommodate international students.

The digital nomad scene is small but growing, with co-working spaces and online groups helping remote workers connect.

The Olmsted park system and waterfront parks provide ample green space for outdoor activities.

Buffalo has safe, scenic running routes including parks, waterfront, and the Erie Canalway Trail.

Buffalo has several gyms including 24/7 options and places offering classes and personal training.

Tennis courts are available at public parks and private clubs. Equipment rentals are limited.

Padel courts are rare but available at some specialized clubs.

Yoga studios offer various styles and drop-in classes, with many English-speaking instructors.

Martial arts schools offer classes in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Tae Kwon-Do, Kung Fu, and MMA for all ages.

Several ski resorts like Holiday Valley and Kissing Bridge are nearby, offering trails for all levels and equipment rentals.

Kayaking, paddleboarding, water bikes, and sailing are popular on Lake Erie and the Niagara River, especially near Canalside.

Surfing is not common due to Lake Erie's water conditions.

Diving is mostly for shipwreck exploration in cold, low-visibility water. Not common for snorkeling.

Buffalo has quality hospitals with English-speaking staff, including Buffalo General Medical Center and Mercy Hospital. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens are common and often have drive-thru.

Tap water meets safety standards and is generally safe to drink. Occasional contaminants may appear due to old pipes; filters can help.

Family attractions include the Children's Museum, Buffalo Zoo, and Museum of Science. Canalside offers kid-friendly outdoor activities and playgrounds are common in parks.

The city is accepting and inclusive, with friendly neighborhoods and annual Pride events.

Buffalo is pet-friendly with dog parks, pet-friendly patios, and veterinary services available.