Keys to the City

Facts & Fundamentals

With a population of over 270,000, Buffalo is the second largest city in New York.

Its location, on Lake Erie and a short drive from Niagara Falls, has been key to the city's economic development. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Buffalo's waterways made it an important center for trade and industry.

Although modernization and the development of more efficient trade routes in the mid-1900s temporarily sent the city's economy into decline, it has since rebounded and remains a popular tourist destination due its proximity to Niagara Falls.

Notable employers include the Ford Stamping Plant, Chevrolet and Trico.

Weather

Receiving approximately 93 inches of snowfall per year, Buffalo is known for its cold winters and has four separate seasons. Months from December to March are generally the coldest. Summers are sunny, with an average July temperature of 80 degrees.

Holidays & Business Hours

On federal and state holidays, many offices and businesses close or have truncated hours. Naturally, policies vary, but in general, the following holidays are broadly observed:

Coming & Going

The Buffalo-Niagara International Airport offers almost 110 flights daily in conjunction with over 12 passenger airlines. Approximately 8 miles outside of Buffalo, the airport offers on-site car rentals, and the ITA shuttle provides hourly transportation from the airport to downtown hotels for $15/person. Taxi service to downtown costs approximately $30 for up to 5 people. Many area hotels offer airport transportation as well.

Making Your Way

Driving is recommended, but if you're unable to drive, Metro Bus and Rail offers public transportation. Bus fare starts at $1.75 and an additional fifty cents for each zone crossed. The Metro Rail runs from 5:30am-midnight Mon-Fri, 7am-midnight Sat, and 9:30an-6:30pm Sun. Above-ground rail service is free and extends from HSBC Arena to the Theater station, while underground service, from the Theater station to Kenmore, costs $1.75.

News & Views

For comprehensive daily coverage and the latest scoop on upcoming events, pick up a copy of the Buffalo News. Buffalo Rising, a monthly magazine, highlights arts, entainment and sports in the city. Artvoice, a weekly publication, features information on dining, entertainment, community events and the arts.

Quirks & Curiosities

Most visitors to Buffalo won't want to leave without seeing majestic Niagara Falls. While you may view the falls from the New York state park, the Canadian side offers the best views. Just be prepared to cross the border, with passports or birth certificates and sufficient cash to pay crossing fees in hand. If you wish to linger for shopping or dinner, keep in mind you'll need to exchange currency and declare any purchases at customs.

Getting Your Bearings

Need help fine-tuning the details of your stay once you arrive? The Buffalo Niagara Convention and Visitors Bureau offers suggested itineraries with driving directions, hotel information, maps, brochures and more.

Buffalo Niagara Convention and Visitors Bureau
617 Main St
Buffalo, NY 14203-1496
800-283-3256
Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

Necessities - Post Offices

It's usually not too difficult to spot a drop box when you're out and about, but if you need to conduct more serious postal business, it's not always that easy. In the heart of Buffalo, several locations are convenient to travelers and residents. They include:

Broadway-Fillmore Station
1035 Broadway S
Buffalo, NY 14212
716-846-2401
Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 8:30am-1pm, 1:30pm-3pm; Wed 8:30am-1pm; Sat 8:30-noon

Buffalo
1200 William St
Buffalo, NY 14240
716-846-2401
Mon-Fri 8:30am-6pm; Sat 8:30am-3pm

Mid City
1245 Main St
Buffalo, NY 14209
716-883-8708
Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm; Sat 8:30am-3pm

Common Courtesies

Although tipping is generally a personal matter, there are some guidelines that prove helpful to travelers. At restaurants, servers typically get 15% of the bill, although 10% acknowledges basic assistance, and 20% awards exceptional service. It is also common now for some restaurants to charge an automatic gratuity of 18% for groups. You should be aware of this possibility before providing an additional tip. Taxi drivers usually fit into similar guidelines by receiving a tip equivalent to 15% of the tab.

Often, a dollar tip covers many situations. Bartenders are customarily given $1 per cocktail, hotel maids are provided $1 for each day of a stay, bellhops get about $1 per bag, and a coat-check clerk typically receives $1 as well. The exception is a concierge, who generally receives $5-$10 for standard service (additional assistance suggests more).