New York’s fifth largest city, Syracuse is nestled in the picturesque Finger Lakes region. There is a charming downtown with many historic buildings and attractions that visitors can explore. Additionally, the area offers lively shopping and dining options.
The upstate city was an important intersection for many centuries. It flourished alongside the Erie Canal, railway network and other infrastructures that influenced the growth of the States. There are many beautiful old buildings and cultural landmarks, as well as amazing museums, in this city. The oldest State Fair of the United States is also held here.
Syracuse’s highly-rated Zoo and New York City’s biggest mall are two of the best things to do. There are many other options, including sublime nature spots or untold entertainment.
14. Everson Museum of Art
Just southeast of the center is the Everson Museum, which was the first to be exclusively dedicated to American artists. It is located in an unusual building by I.M. It is home to an amazing collection of photos and paintings, as well as sculptures, ceramics, and photographs by Pei.
The highly-regarded institution was founded in 1897 and now has more than 11,000 art works and inspiring installations. With its extensive galleries that span several centuries, it displays important Jackson Pollock works and Helen Frankenthaler pieces as well as Maria Martinez and Gustav Stickley.
It is worth visiting the museum to view its amazing architecture and its prints. The Everson also hosts talks, workshops, and temporary exhibitions.
13. Webster Pond
DreamstimeWebster Pond is a tranquil spot located in the south of Syracuse. It offers countless outdoor recreational activities as well as other amenities. It is often described as a secret gem because its tranquil waters house hundreds of geese and ducks, with furtive deer occasionally being spotted among the trees.
The sanctuary is small enough that you can truly immerse yourself into nature while enjoying a wonderful time with the birds. Despite their overwhelming numbers at times, they can be quite intimidating. However, the interactions are fun for both children and adults.
You can relax in the peaceful atmosphere and watch out for adorable ducklings.
12. NBT Bank Stadium
(c) DreamstimeThe NBT Bank Stadium offers peace and tranquility, but also thrills with an exciting event. The intimate arena is a great place to watch the Syracuse Mets take on the Dodgers in a thrilling baseball match.
The ballpark was built in 1997 and is located right beside Onondaga Lake. All the suites and seats offer stunning views of the pitch. It is a very family-friendly place with many food stands scattered about. Prices are extremely reasonable for the lower and upper tiers.
It is quite an experience to watch the Triple-A affiliate team of the New York Mets. The International League season runs from April through September.
11. Skaneateles trip
(c) DreamstimeIt is only half an hour drive from Syracuse’s southwest, so it’s worth making a stop at the Skaneateles. It is located at the northernmost end of the narrow, long-stemmed lake with the same name, making it one of the most picturesque settlements in the Finger Lakes.
The tranquil waters of Long Beautiful Lake in Iroquois translate to the town’s name. It has been the summer vacation spot for the wealthy and well-known. Its shores are lined with stunning, historic mansions. However, the tiny centre is dotted with boutiques, galleries, and restaurants.
You can enjoy beautiful views of the sparkling lake from its picturesque waterfront parks. This laid-back town hosts great events such as the Dickens Christmas Festivals and Skaneateles Music.
10. Landmark Theatre
John Hoey/FlickrThe Landmark Theatre, one of the most impressive and striking buildings in downtown is a must-see. The amazing performing arts venue is where you will find spectacular Broadway performances. There are also comedy nights, community events, and concerts.
The extravagant Oriental-style movie palace, now a National Historic Landmark has been opened for the first time in 1928. The lavish interior retains its red-and-gold decor, with exquisite murals and other motifs decorating the auditorium and great entrance hall.
The theatre has a unique place that you will remember for a movie or musical. It has hosted many famous performers over the years: Steely Dan, Jerry Seinfeld, Bob Dylan, and even the most recent Broadway stars.
9. Green Lakes State Park
DreamstimeGreen Lakes State Park is located to the east from Syracuse and features stunning scenery, landscapes, and natural beauty. It offers a multitude of outdoor adventures, including two stunning glacial lakes as well as a famed 18-hole Robert Trent Jones golf course.
It was established in 1928 and is located around Green Lake or Round Lake. Both are known for their unique blue-green colors. These two beautiful lakes are great for viewing and taking photos, especially because their water layers don’t mix. They are surrounded by vast areas of old growth forests, rolling hills and shady trails that wind their way around the area.
You can take pictures, hike, cycle, or kayak around the park. But you also have the option to camp, picnic, and even play some golf.
8. Discover Downtown Syracuse
c) ShutterstockIt is the heart of Syracuse’s vibrant downtown. There are many things to do and see. The area is home to many beautiful Neoclassical or Gothic buildings. There are also hundreds of bars, restaurants and cafés to choose from.
Although it covers a large part of the city’s center, many restaurants and other establishments are located around Armory Square. There are many bars and nightclubs here, with Hanover Square and Clinton Square both drawing large crowds.
The district also boasts top tourist attractions such as the Everson Museum of Art and Landmark Theater, Erie Canal Museum, and the Everson Museum of Art.
7. Central New York Regional Market
Smerdis/ WikipediaThe colorful, chaotic Central New York Regional Market can be found on the northern side of Syracuse. It is located in central New York’s Lakefront District, and boasts over 300 vendors that you can slowly walk past.
The market has seen a lot of growth since its inception, when stands collapsed under the weight and fresh produce. Now, there are also vendors selling handcrafted crafts, wine and cheese. You can stop by any of the local kiosks or cafes for a quick snack, coffee, or meal while you explore its many rows of handmade food products.
The flea and farmers markets are open all year, with the flea and former on Saturdays while the former on Sundays.
6. Museum of Science and Technology
DreamstimeThe Museum of Science and Technology is located just south of Armory Square and has many educational and entertainment exhibits. It offers a wide range of experiments, hands-on activities and an IMAX theater, making it a fun day for the whole family.
It is the first interactive museum in New York to be opened. The ginormous galleries are housed within a castle-like structure that was once used as an armory. Its engaging exhibits are a hit with visitors since 1981. Some sections focus on geology, paleontology, and other areas on space and flight, and future technology.
In its planetarium, visitors can gaze at the sky and stars in addition to enjoying some of its cool documentaries in the IMAX.
5. Destiny USA
DreamstimeDestiny USA, after the many outdoor and scenic activities, is the perfect place for some retail therapy. It is the largest mall in New York State and lies on the Lakefront. The complex can be found near the CNY Regional Market or NBT Bank Stadium.
It is one of the nation’s most popular shopping malls. The seven floors are home to a wide variety of restaurants, shops and entertainment venues. They include Macy’s, Armani, Old Navy and TJ Maxx as well as Urban Outfitters and Urban Outfitters.
It has more than 250 locations where you can shop and dine, with establishments that cater to all budgets and interests. It offers live entertainment venues, a comedy club and even a go-kart track. There’s also a ropes course and a challenging ropes course. Despite all of this, the stunning glass atrium remains an outstanding sight.
4. Clinton Square
DreamstimeClinton Square, the original city center, is filled with stunning 19th-century buildings and a large fountain in its middle. It is now a park and is popular for its many festivals and other community events.
The charming square’s long history has been a major crossroads. Its development is directly linked to the city of Syracuse. It became a bustling marketplace when the Erie Canal was opened in 1825. Every day, thousands of shoppers and sellers flocked here to buy goods.
The square has a quieter atmosphere these days, unless there is a Jazz Fest or Oktoberfest happening. You can also enjoy the beautiful architecture and monuments such as the Soldiers and Sailors and the daring Jerry Rescue.
3. Rosamond Gifford Zoological Garden
DreamstimeThe Rosamond Gifford Zoological Park is a must-see for all animal lovers. It has been a main attraction in the city since long. It now houses more than 900 reptiles, birds, and animals from over 275 species.
It spreads across large areas of Burnet Park. The spacious exhibits and enclosures were first open to the public in 1914. The zoo’s collection has grown tremendously over the years, with giant elephants and fierce Tigers on display alongside tiny penguins, adorable frogs, and slow-moving Sloths.
You can explore either the Primate Park, or its Elephant Preserve. Guests are welcome to visit its U.S.S.S. and check out any amphibians, insects, or ocean-dwelling animals. Antiquities cave. There are many picnic spots and playgrounds scattered around the Zoo, which is also well-known for its exceptional medical, research and conservation programmes.
2. Erie Canal Museum
DreamstimeIt is a must-see museum, as the Erie Canal was a key part of the state’s development. Visitors can also board a canalboat and take a tour of the replica town from canal era.
The 1850 Weighlock Building houses its extensive collection of antique tools, equipment, paintings, and photographs. It is located just outside the city centre. It is the last structure remaining of its type in America. This building used to be used to weigh the boats that were traveling down the canal, to determine how much to pay.
You can see how this clever system works and learn more about the building of the canal, which runs 363 miles from Albany to Buffalo. The interactive exhibits also show how life was in the canal towns of that time, and their impact on growth and development.
1. New York State Fair: The Great New York State Fair
c) ShutterstockThe Great New York State Fair is August, which makes Syracuse one of the best times to visit. There are thirteen days of amazing exhibits and concerts that showcase both the best and worst aspects of state agriculture, entertainment, and technology.
It is not only the oldest but also the largest state fair in America. Each year, millions flock to it. Since 1841, the Empire Expo Center, which is located alongside Onondaga Lake in New York, hosts its competitions, shows and displays.
You can explore the many art and agricultural stands as well as live music and rides. There are many food and drink vendors near the large dairy cow herds and massive thematic sculptures that are slowly being built during the fair.
A Map of Things to Do In Syracuse, NY
Faqs
– 5 Wits Syracuse. 1.9 mi. Arts & Entertainment.
– The Listening Room At 443. 0.7 mi. Cafes, Music Venues, Beer, Wine & Spirits.
– GlowGolf. 1.9 mi. Arcades.
– Museum of Intrigue. 1.9 mi.
– Movie Tavern Syracuse. 6.8 mi.
– The Fitz. 1.2 mi.
– Three Lives. 1.3 mi.
– Singers Karaoke Club. 3.3 mi.
– Three Lives. 1.3 mi. Burgers, Arcades, Cocktail Bars.
– The Fitz. 1.2 mi. Bars, Music Venues.
– Taste Of Syracuse. 1.2 mi. Festivals.
– New York State Fair. 4.1 mi.
– Al’s Wine & Whiskey Lounge. 1.3 mi.
– Dave & Buster’s. 1.8 mi.
– Movie Tavern Syracuse. 6.8 mi.
– Shifty’s. 1.0 mi.
– Go on a picnic.
– Take a walk.
– Sing karaoke.
– Go eat at a restaurant you’ve never eaten at before.
– Go to a coffee shop. We love this one!
– Play board games. It’s amazing how much fun they are as an adult!
– Go see a movie. Flip a coin to decide who picks if you have differing opinions!
– Go to an arcade.
U.S. News & World Report ranks Syracuse as one of the best places to live in the nation, thanks to quality of life, affordability, and lower crime rates than similarly sized metro areas. It all adds up to this declaration from the state’s iconic I Love New York: “Syracuse is an incredible kid-friendly city.”
– Museums and history.
– Performing arts.
– Art galleries.