The Erie Canal once passed right through downtown -- including Clinton Square, where it's old path is filled by the fountain/skating rink. You can see an excavation of the old canal bed in a corner.
This monument commemorates the rescue of the fugitive slave William “Jerry” Henry. In defiance of the Fugitive Slave Act, citizens of Syracuse stormed his jail cell & helped him escape to freedom.
Recently voted Best BBQ in America by ABC’s “Good Morning America Weekend” viewers, the original Dinosaur Bar-B-Que is a Syracuse landmark. Don’t leave without trying the Wango Tango BBQ Sauce!
This building was one of I.M. Pei's first designs and features the most significant collection of American ceramics in the US. You'll also find rotating exhibits, children's interactive gallery & more Read more.
Historic theater built in 1928, once home to silent films now hosts concerts, movies and a popular ghost tour.
This cool museum is housed in an 1850 Weighlock Building. Discover artifacts, a full-sized canal boat replica, interactive displays & more. Check out the Gingerbread Gallery during the holidays. Read more.
The depth and richness of local history gets an excellent showing here - a real eye-opener for locals or vistors. We've been at the heart of invention, innovation, and the struggle for rights for all!
Located in an old historic church, stained glass windows intact, The Mission features the best Mexican in the area, in a charming venue!
One of the nation's great gems of art deco architecture, completed in 1932 for Niagara Mohawk, then the nation's largest utility co. Officially added to National Historic Register in 2010.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Armory Square, once a meat-packing and factory district, is now a trendy spot for dining, shopping & nightlife. The Onondaga Creekwalk starts here. Read more.
The largest rotating selection of draught pulls in Syracuse. Pair it with one of their delicious sandwiches for a great lunchtime spot.
Great ambiance, awesome music, awesome setup and great drinks! Not too expensive either
Hit up this local brewpub spot for their infamous Blues Brunch on Sundays. Delicious breakfast pizza and live music!
The only "kaiten-sushi" bar in Central New York. Great people and service. Read more.
A long-lived Syracuse classic offers fine pasta dishes in a cozy atmosphere downtown, with hearty portions and reasonable prices.
A surprisingly large science museum for a city as small as Syracuse. It's aimed primarily at kids, who should have a great time; and the IMAX shows both science films and studio releases!
The only Bumble & Bumble salon in the area, the stylists make frequent trips down to NYC to get the latest styles and techniques from "head"quarters!
The first day that it is warm (40 degrees for Syracuse) students will be throwing frisbees and relaxing on the Quad!
Varsity has been a landmark on the SU campus for more than 80 years. It's a favorite spot for SU fans to share their #OrangeSpirit before games. Read more.
A really impressive zoo for such a small city! Don't rule it out in those long Syracuse winters, either - it's less crowded, the animals are active and easy to spot, and there's tons inside, too!
A place where you can buy local produce, eggs, meat, pasta, soap and more! Not all vendors are selling local stuff, so ask and/or be aware of what is in season.
The Great New York State Fair is the oldest state fair in the country, dating to 1841! Though they've seen better days, some of the depression-era, WPA buildings have wonderful detail and character.
A great spot to start a hike along the Old Erie Canal -- plenty of distance in either direction, with some lovely vistas along the way. Couldn't ask for a more relaxing place to stroll or jog.
One of my favorite places year-round, but a great place to take a walk in the fall ~ make sure to walk Round Lake, which is right behind Green Lake. Dog-friendly park :)
Discover why upstaters rave about Wegmans at one of their largest and most upscale locations. Everything from kitchenware to local produce to fresh prepared food, plus organic and skincare sections!
Chef/Owner Yuske Honda, trained at top restaurants, introduced Syracuse to sushi over 20 years ago, and still brings passion, strict freshness standards, and constant innovation to this labor of love
This depression-era masterpiece of public architecture has original Stickley furniture in the library, a magnificent theater space, and an excavation of the original Wells mansion on the grounds!
The "donut pond" is actually a reservoir for the old Ledyard dike, which provided water power to Fayetteville in the antebellum era. In the winter, it's a popular ice skating spot!
A point of local pride, located in the original Stickley factory building, it features frequent community events, a cafe, the Stickley museum upstairs, and an impressive collection of local history!
Best ice cream. Ever. Try the trash can w choc ice cream or the dipped cones- peanut butter topping is amaz. There's always those milkshakes... #toomuchtohandle #noms
Stop by the current Stickley factory for a free tour of one of the nation's most famed furniture makers!
Great place for apples and all things Fall, just south of Syracuse. Right down the road from the Apple Festival too!
An excellent alternative to Beak & Skiff up the road, and less prone to overcrowding. Apple fritters are the best!
William Seward, Lincoln's Secretary of State, called it the "most beautiful body of water in the world" - it still is, and the village is as quaint and postcard-perfect as you could wish.
A finger lakes institution! Don't be scared off by the line -- it's long because it's worth the wait! Fish trucked in fresh daily from Boston & Gloucester. Grab it to go and eat by the lake!
One of the most beautiful new wineries in the Finger Lakes, with a great view, garden, and cafe. While most staff are fine, a couple can be condescending to young or out of town visitors.
Possibly the best place for Seafood in the Syracuse area. Fantastic view, the Sommelier is wonderful, and it's BYOB on Tuesday and Thursday. If you're in town for their brunch, it's worth it....
Great national touring acts at the event center, a full casino, luxury hotel and spa, and Lava Lounge - it's quickly become the premiere entertainment complex in Central NY!
A mall? As the biggest regional attraction? Hey, what the heck, Minneapolis does it, why not us? It's a lovely, airy, symmetric design - ruined a bit by the new "DestiNY USA" expansion.
