7 Hidden Gems You Have To See In Buffalo Before You Die

When most people think of Buffalo, New York, they think of Niagara Falls and Lake Erie. However, those who call it home know there’s a lot more to the area; and some of our best spots fly under the radar. From restaurants and coffee shops to nature preserves, the following list nightlights some of the many secret places in Buffalo, NY. So, if you’re in the area and wondering, “What are some of the best things to do near me?” read on to discover so much more to explore!

Dnipro Ukrainian Cultural Center Buffalo NY, 562 Genesee St, Buffalo, NY 14204, USA

Google/Victor Bandriwsky

The Dnipro Ukrainian Center looks a lot different on the outside than it does once you enter. Upon stepping inside, you'll feel like you're entering another country. Since 1955, this has been one of the best secret places in Buffalo, with weddings, live music, and Ukrainian school taking place here. It's open to the public every Friday, where you can go for home-cooked Ukrainian food and great beer.

Eternal Flame Falls, Eternal Flame Hiking Trail, Orchard Park, NY 14127, USA

Kim Carpenter / Flickr

Located in the beautiful Chester Ridge Park, Eternal Flame Falls has a very distinct feature: a small flame that keeps burning due to the natural gas the waterfall's base emits. If you live in Buffalo, we think you owe it to yourself to see this natural marvel at least once when you're seeking some of the best things to do near me.

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Niagara Cafe, 525 Niagara St, Buffalo, NY 14201, USA

GoogleMaps

Don't let the unassuming exterior fool you. Inside this humble cafe, you'll find the best Puerto Rican food in the city (and possibly the country). Niagara Cafe always seems to be busy, yet some locals don't even know that heading here is one of the best things to do in Buffalo when you're craving a bite to eat.

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Whirlpool State Park, Niagara Scenic Pkwy, Niagara Falls, NY 14303, USA

andyfrelick / TripAdvisor

You'll find this secret place in Buffalo NY at Whirlpool State Park. Walk to the top of the gorge from the parking area and turn left at the stairs, where you'll find a quiet (and often uncrowded) three-mile trail waiting for you to explore.

Facebook/The Dalmatia Hotel

This old-school bar and grill is nestled in a quiet neighborhood, where it has been serving patrons tasty burgers, wings, and booze since the 1930s. The atmosphere is laid back and welcoming, with hearty pub grub and other specials offered weekly. We suggest heading here when you're looking for a local experience that's one of the best Buffalo things to do.

Tifft Nature Preserve, 1200 Fuhrmann Boulevard, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA

Tifft Nature Preserve/Facebook

If you enjoy being near nature but don't want to deal with the crowds of some of the area's top spots, you can head to this peaceful nature preserve. The 264-acre nature refuge is quiet and relaxing, with five miles of nature trails and plenty of wildlife. Hence, it's the perfect destination when you're wondering "What are some of the best things to do near me?"

Buffalo & Erie County Library, 1183 E Delavan Ave, Buffalo, NY 14215, USA

Google/Dell Williams

While most are aware of this magnificent library's existence, not many realize there's an entire room dedicated to Samuel Clemens, aka Mark Twain, who spent some time in Buffalo. The room features plenty of mementos from the author, including the original Adventures of Huckleberry Finn manuscript! Therefore, we suggest adding it to your list of secret places in Buffalo NY.

How many of these hidden gems have you discovered? Are there others you would add to this list of under-the-radar places? Share your suggestions in the comments below!

Buffalo may be one of New York’s most populated cities, but it’s still possible to escape the crowds. There are also plenty of peaceful destinations in Buffalo to check out when you don’t feel like being around hordes of other people. If you’re looking for more unique things to do in Buffalo, I recommend taking a look at AirBnb experiences, too.