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See Niagara Falls (Ontario) for information about the Canadian side of the falls
Falls seen from Prospect Point on US side, Canadian city in background on the right

Niagara Falls is in the Niagara Frontier region of New York state.

Understand

The Niagara Falls consist of three sections. The large Canadian falls—with their distinctive curved shape—are also known as the Horseshoe Falls. They are separated by Goat Island from the American Falls, which are separated from the narrow Bridal Veil Falls by a small island at their south end.

Each side of the falls offers a different perspective, and it is always best to visit both sides to maximize your experience. In contrast to the panoramic view of the falls afforded by the Canadian side, what is seen from Niagara Falls, New York is a heart-pounding, sidelong, close-up look at the rushing water at the moment it tumbles over the precipice. On the American side, the immediate vicinity of the falls is part of Niagara Falls State Park, the oldest state park in the nation. The presence of the state park (originally laid out by renowned landscape designer Frederick Law Olmsted) serves to preserve the natural beauty of the area and prevent the kind of commercialization that you'll find on the Canadian side. Visitors looking to experience the falls as a natural wonder will appreciate this.

During the Winter season, a lot of maintenance of the falls, tours, and surroundings takes place. Many areas, such as Terrapin Point and Luna Island, are closed due to slippery conditions. Plan accordingly and attempt to visit during the warmer seasons.

Get in

Overview map of Niagara Falls

By air

Buffalo-Niagara International Airport (BUF IATA), in Buffalo is a major airport, with flights across the United States. It is about 30-40 minutes away.

  • Buffalo Airport Shuttle, +1 716-685-2550, offers service from the Buffalo-Niagara airport to Niagara Falls. A family of 4 can expect to pay $22 per person and the drivers often have great tips on where to go and what to avoid.
  • BUF Buffalo Airport Taxi Service, +1 716-292-4425, provides service from the Buffalo-Niagara Airport to Niagara Falls. Expected cost is $65 total for 1-7 people.

Niagara Falls International Airport (IAG  IATA) is the closest airport to the falls, served by two commercial airlines as well as charter and private flights.

John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (YHM IATA) is about a one-hour drive west of Niagara Falls in the Canadian province of Ontario. The airport hosts low-cost Canadian carrier WestJet which offers frequent flights all over Canada. In addition, Transat Holidays offers weekly direct flights to Cancun, Mexico and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ IATA), in Mississauga is about a 1½ hour drive from the falls. However, expect to deal with heavy traffic in the greater Toronto area which could make the trip much longer.

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE IATA), in Cleveland is around 3 hours drive from Niagara Falls, but is a hub for United Airlines, and has direct flights to many destinations. It is another opportunity to seek out cheap fares into the region.

By train

  • Amtrak's Niagara Falls station (NFL) is served daily by the Empire Service from New York City and the Maple Leaf from both New York City and Toronto.

By car

  • From Buffalo-Niagara International Airport: Take the I-90 East to the I-290 West to the I-190 North. Take the I-190 North (over both Grand Island Bridges, $1 toll) to the Robert Moses Parkway.
  • From Toronto Pearson International Airport: Take Highway 427 S to QEW towards Hamilton. Drive for about 60 mi (100 km) and then keep left to take the Regional Road 420 E/Roberts Street toward Niagara Falls Bridge to U.S. Continue onto Falls Avenue and then cross via Rainbow Bridge. Roberts Street changes to State Route 384/Niagara Street once in the U.S.
  • From New York, Boston, and the East Coast: Take I-90 W towards Buffalo to the 290 W. Exit onto the 190 N towards Grand Island and Niagara Falls. Follow I-90 N through Grand Island, then take exit 21A immediately after the North Grand Island Bridge (as you're leaving the island) for the Robert Moses Parkway. Continue until in downtown Niagara Falls.
  • From Chicago and the Midwest: Take I-90 East towards Buffalo to the 190 W. Follow signs for Grand Island and Niagara Falls. Follow interstate through Grand Island, then take exit 21A immediately after the North Grand Island Bridge (as you're leaving the island) for the Robert Moses Parkway. Continue until in downtown Niagara Falls.

By bus

Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA Metro). Route 40 buses provide service from downtown Buffalo.

Get around

The City of Niagara Falls in winter

By foot

You can really do a lot without a car once you get to the immediate vicinity of the Falls. If you are staying downtown you may be able to get by without a car. The toll for walking the Rainbow Bridge westbound to Canada is 50¢ (both U.S. and Canadian currency accepted), paid on the Canadian side coming into the U.S. (There is no eastbound toll.) If you travel with any baby carriage, you pay no extra toll. Do not photograph or film on the Bridge without getting Bridge Commission approval and signing a liability waiver first. You cannot walk across the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge.[1]

By bicycle

Bicycling can be faster than walking to get around. The toll for bicycling and walking the bridge across the national border is the same. On the bridge sidewalk, bicyclists are officially supposed to walk their bikes, but you may bicycle on the far right lane of the Rainbow Bridge and Lewiston-Queenston Bridge like a car.

By car

Car is a convenient option to get around, and to see the attractions surrounding the Falls.

There is ample parking on the American side of the falls, and parking on the American side and walking across the bridge may be an attractive method of getting to the Canadian side for a day trip.

If parking in the downtown falls area, there are clearly posted signs which should direct you pretty hassle-free to the tourist area. Most shops and attractions are within walking distance from the downtown falls area.

Crossing the Border

If you want to see the Canadian side, you can cross at the Rainbow Bridge (downtown) or the Queenston-Lewiston Bridge (north of the city). Be sure you have proper documentation for yourself (passport or other approved alternative) and your vehicle (registration, insurance card, etc...) If you're driving a rental car, pay particular attention to your rental contract. Unlike driving into Mexico, most national rental firms in the US don't have an issue with you driving into Canada; however, there's a decent chance that Canadian travel is not included in your unlimited mileage allowance, (unless the rental originated in New York State) and surcharges may apply. Remember, you can always park in downtown Niagara Falls, NY and walk across the Rainbow Bridge to enjoy the sights there.

By bus

NFTA Route 55T (the Trolley) loops through downtown Niagara Falls and also connects to the Niagara Falls International Airport.

See

Downtown Niagara Falls

Waterfalls

Views of Niagara Falls are free and accessible. Access to the riverside walks and parks offer great views. You can walk across to Goat Island on the pedestrian bridge.

There are a number of attractions designed to give different experiences of the falls.

  • Cave of the Winds, ☏ +1 716 278-1730. Daily 9AM-7:30PM from Spring 2013. An elevator takes you 175 feet down to a walkway that leads you right to the bottom of the Bridal Veil Falls. You will definitely get a feel for the true power of the falls! This is the closest you can get to the falls on either side without actually leaping into them! Ponchos and sandals are provided, and you will definitely need them. $12, 6-12 yr: $8, younger children Free but must be 42 inches or taller. 
90 foot, three deck passenger vessel sails close to and parallel with huge waterfall
The Maid of the Mist and the American Falls
  • Maid of the Mist. A boat ride, taking you down around the bottom of the falls. Some information is given about the falls, but the real experience is looking up at the falls from below and feeling the mist coming off the falls (hence the name). Wear a poncho to avoid getting wet. Boats leave from both the American and Canadian sides, so you may want to check the exchange rates to see which will be more cost-effective when you visit! Apr-Oct. 
  • The Niagara Gorge Discovery Center. Although its easy to enjoy the falls visually, the Discovery Center provides another way to appreciate the magnificence of the falls; geologically. Exhibits show the history of the entire area, including the falls, how they were originally formed, and how they've changed over time. 
  • Niagara Adventure Theater. 
  • Niagara Scenic Trolley. Use this to get around the park more quickly if needed. $2 adults/$1 children for the entire day. Hop on and off. 

You can combine all these attractions with a Niagara USA Discovery pass for $35, which you can purchase at the attractions.

  • Whirpool Tours in nearby Lewiston is a jet boat ride that will take you to the falls.
  • Helicopter Rides Howard Johnson's on Rainbow Blvd.

Must stay a night and see the night view of the Niagara Falls. It is equally beautiful.

Other

Do

There are literally dozens of operators offering tours of the area. Only a few offer value-added services on top of simply ferrying you place to place and describing the sites, though. This one does:

  • Helicopter Tour. It's an awesome experience though the charge of $90 may seem like a lot for a 15 minute ride. 

If you get bored with the scenery and don't much care for probability and statistics, the local Native American tribe has just the place:

Buy

There is an outlet mall, which may be of interest to bargain hunters crossing the border.

  • 1 Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls (Prime Outlets), 1900 Military Rd (I-190 to exit 22 and head S), ☏ +1 716 297-2022. Designer names like Coach. 

There are numerous places to pick up gifts and souvenirs including:

Book lovers should definitely check out:

  • 3 The Book Corner, 1801 Main St (at South Ave), ☏ +1 716 285-2928, . M-W, F-Sa 9AM-5:30PM, Th 9AM-7PM. Western New York's largest independent bookstore. Three floors filled to the brim with new books and used treasures. Shows and other events on the third floor. 

Eat

  • Niagara Falls Culinary Institute, 28 Old Falls St, ☏ +1 716 210-2525. The new home of Niagara County Community College's Hospitality & Tourism programs opened in 2012 and they're serving up some of the best food in the city. And by dining at their restaurants, you're helping to train the next generation of hospitality workers. 
    • Savor, ☏ +1 716 210-2580. Lunch: Tu-Sa 11AM-2PM; Dinner: Tu-Th 5PM-9PM, F Sa 5PM-10PM. The Institute's fine dining restaurant offers pizza, pasta, steaks, and seafood. The seasonal menu is based on locally grown products. $6-36. 
    • La Patisserie, ☏ +1 716 210-2587. Su M 9AM-6PM, Tu-Th 9AM-8PM, F Sa 9AM-9PM. A French-style bakery with breakfast pastries and desserts. $2-4. 
    • Old Falls Street Deli, ☏ +1 716 210-2585. Su M 11AM–6PM, Tu-Th 11AM–8PM, F Sa 11AM–9PM. Soups and salads, and paninis and wraps made to order. $5-9. 

Budget

  • Collaso Taco II, 2440 Pine Ave, ☏ +1 716 284-1498. A high rated Mexican restaurant. 
  • David's, 7616 Niagara Falls Blvd (just south of the city proper), ☏ +1 716 283-3322. Home of the cheesesteak hoagie. It has some of the best cheesesteaks in the area. 
  • Halal Mobile Foods, 102 Niagara St. The food is filling and is in a tourist location. 
  • Mighty Taco, 18 locations in Western New York. Way better than Taco Bell. 
  • 2591 Military Rd, ☏ +1 716 297-7198. 10AM-midnight daily, drive-thru Su-Th 10AM-1AM, F Sa 10AM-2AM. 
  • Misty Dog Grill, 431 Main St, ☏ +1 716 285-0702. The place for cheap eats. With over 100 menu items, you can't go wrong. From several different styles of hot dogs to venison, ostrich, buffalo, and Kobe beef burgers, this is the best place to eat lunch. Beef On Weck, a Buffalo favorite, is also available here. 
  • Twist O' the Mist, 18 Niagara St, ☏ +1 716 285-0702. Huge portions of frozen custard, ice cream, Italian water ice, and other specialties for very reasonable prices. It is located one block east of the Rainbow Bridge. The building is hard to miss as it's shaped like an ice cream cone. 

Mid-range

  • Michaels, 3011 Pine Ave (Little Italy), ☏ +1 716 282-4043. Very good prices and big portions of American and Italian fare. 
  • Punjabi Hut, 26 Niagara St. Home-style cooking. 

Splurge

  • Fortuna's, 827 19th St, ☏ +1 716 282-2252, fax: +1 716 282-1853. W Th, Sa from 4PM, F from 11:30AM, Su from noon. Main courses include handmade gnocchi, ravioli, steaks, veal, poultry, and fresh seafood. They use the freshest ingredients and even their salad dressings are all made there and there is a substantial wine list. 
  • Koi, Seneca-Niagara Casino and Hotel, toll-free: +1 877-8SENECA (736322). Su-Th 5PM-9:30PM, F-Sa 5PM-midnight. A fairly new fine dining Chinese place. 

Drink

The drinking age in New York is 21, however, due to the fact that Niagara Falls straddles the border, 19 and 20 year-olds may cross the border into Canada to legally drink. Alcohol is more expensive in Canada.

  • 1 Judi's Lounge, 2057 Military Rd, ☏ +1 716 297-5759. Townie bar specializing in wings. 

Sleep

There are not really any major luxury hotels in the area, but a new hotel is now at Seneca Niagara Casino. There are several other nice-looking hotels downtown by the Falls, and then a series of motels on Niagara Falls Boulevard, including several $20/night fleabag specials (where they really always charge you more than that anyway).

Downtown, the best hotels are Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel, Doubletree Hotel & Conference Center, and The Red Coach Inn. Radisson on the River is coming soon on Buffalo Avenue and is located on the Niagara River overlooking the North Grand Island Bridge.

There are several B&B's: Butler House, Park Place B&B, and the Elizabeth House.

  • 1 The Red Coach Inn, 2 Buffalo Ave (at Main St), ☏ +1 716 282-1459. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. Historic bed and breakfast inn since 1923. Modeled after the Old Bell Inn in Finedon, England. Overlooks the Upper Rapids. Two-bedroom suites, one-bedroom suites and guestrooms, uniquely decorated with period antiques and reproductions, kitchens, fireplaces, canopy beds, air conditioned, other luxury appointments. Continental breakfast and newspaper are provided daily in the restaurant, plus champagne with fruit and cheese in your room upon arrival. Smoke-free. Pets are not allowed. $99-199. 
  • 2 Wanderfalls Guesthouse & Hostel, 601 Spruce Ave (at Main St), ☏ +1 716 804-6235. Check-in: 4PM-9PM, check-out: 11AM. There are three dorm rooms (four beds per room) and one private room (twin bunk). Free Wi-Fi, guest kitchen, BBQ grill, parking, laundry. Dorms $16-22, private room $36-55. 
  • 3 Gorge View, 723 3rd St, ☏ +1 716 286-0707, fax: +1 716 286-0909. Hostel with male, female, and co-ed dorms, along with private rooms. All bathrooms en-suite. Reception hours from 9AM-7PM daily; late check-in is possible if arranged in advance. Free wireless internet, laundry facilities. Dorms $25+, privates $60+. 

Connect

  • The Niagara Falls area code is 716 for the entire area.
  • The Niagara Falls zip codes are 14301-14305

Stay safe

Downtown Niagara Falls — that is, the area immediately surrounding the falls themselves — is undergoing something of a renaissance, with a small boom in new hotels being constructed, new shops and restaurants on Old Falls Street, and a general sprucing up compared to a few years back. However, many of the residential neighborhoods surrounding downtown remain rundown, a victim of the economic malaise that swept over the region as a whole in the late 20th Century, a time when many of the chemical plants and other industries that employed residents shut down. If you're straying outside of downtown, common-sense rules for any urban area apply: lock your car doors, avoid flashy displays of wealth, keep your wits about you. Exceptions to this rule are the DeVeaux neighborhood as well as adjacent areas along the lower Niagara River north of downtown, which are quite well-to-do residential neighborhoods, as well as the busy commercial strip of Niagara Falls Boulevard and the adjacent middle-class neighborhood of LaSalle, near Niagara Falls International Airport.

Go next

There are numerous other waterfalls in western New York (all much smaller), notably the 3 falls of the Genesee River within Letchworth State Park. Old Fort Niagara, a historical site, is around half an hour to the north, and Buffalo is about half an hour away.

You can travel to the Canadian side for a closer view of Horseshoe Falls and to visit the other attractions in Niagara Falls, Ontario and Niagara on the Lake, although you will need a passport or another document proving both identity and citizenship, the main Canada article covers documentation requirements and crossing the border by land in depth.

Lewiston is just to the north, and is usually visited as part of a trip to the Falls. Lewiston's Artpark State Park has a popular open-air auditorium in addition to the normal park activities. Lewiston also has The SandDocks and the Niagara Escarpment on Lewiston Rd.

Routes through Niagara Falls
END ←  W  E  → Buffalo → Albany (Rensselaer)
Toronto ← Niagara Falls (Ontario) Template:Lfarrow ←  W  E  → Buffalo → Albany (Rensselaer)
Niagara Falls (Ontario) ← Lewiston ←  N  S  → Grand Island → Buffalo
END ←  N  S  → North Tonawanda → Buffalo
END ←  W  E  → Lockport → Rochester
END ←  W  E  → Lewiston → Rochester
END ←  W  E  → Grand Island → Clarence
Ends at ← Niagara Falls (Ontario) Template:Lfarrow ←  W  E  → END



This city travel guide to Niagara Falls is a usable article. It has information on how to get there and on restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page.
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