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Syracuse, NY: Where Fun and Adventure Collide – The Best Places to Visit and Things to Do!

Downtown is where most of this list sits, and the whole of it walks easily. Armory Square and Clinton Square sit a block or two apart from each other. The zoo and Green Lakes State Park are both a short drive out of town. Destiny USA sits north of downtown and swallows a whole afternoon. You want the car for the lakes and your feet for the rest of it.

Welcome to Syracuse, New York, a city that rewards most kinds of visitor. Whether you read history, walk, look at art or eat, Syracuse runs enough attractions and activities to fill the days. In this article, we work through the things to do and the places to visit in Syracuse.

Downtown Syracuse is where to start. You can walk the historic Armory Square, which holds the restaurants, bars and shops. You can also take the Clinton Square Fountain, which is where the photographs come from. If you want scale, visit the Destiny USA mall, one of the largest in the country, with over 250 stores, restaurants and entertainment venues.

If museums and exhibits are the interest, Syracuse holds plenty. You can visit the Everson Museum of Art for its American art collection, or the Museum of Science and Technology for the interactive science and technology exhibits. You can also work the Erie Canal Museum, which sets out the Erie Canal and what it did to Syracuse and the country around it.

Key Takeaways

• Syracuse has something for everyone, whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, an art lover, or a foodie.
• Downtown Syracuse is a great place to start your adventure, with its historic Armory Square and the Destiny USA mall.
• Syracuse has plenty of museums and exhibits to explore, including the Everson Museum of Art, the Museum of Science and Technology, and the Erie Canal Museum.

Downtown Syracuse Adventures

Ready for the middle of Syracuse? Downtown Syracuse is where it happens. With the atmosphere, the boutiques, the restaurants and the bars, the evening looks after itself.

Armory Square

First stop: Armory Square. This neighborhood holds the bars and restaurants Syracuse is known for. Grab a drink at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, a movie theater with a full bar and restaurant. Or head to Empire Brewing Company for a pint of their signature beer and some proper pub food. And if you want live music, check the Westcott Theater.

Clinton Square

Next: Clinton Square. This historic square is where you sit and take downtown Syracuse in. In the summer, the square runs events like Jazz in the City and the Syracuse Arts & Crafts Festival. And in the winter it turns over to ice skating and a giant Christmas tree.

Niagara Mohawk Building

Last: the Niagara Mohawk Building. This Art Deco skyscraper is the stop for anybody who looks at buildings. Take a walk around it and give the design the attention it wants. And if you can get up there, the 16th floor puts the whole city in front of you.

With this much in downtown Syracuse, the day wants planning. Be sure to take the Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, a Syracuse institution known for its ribs and its live music. And stop at the local boutiques on the way past.

So what is keeping you? Get down into downtown Syracuse and work through it.

Museums and Exhibits

If you read history, Syracuse runs museums and exhibits worth the days. Here are the spots to take:

Weighlock Building

Built in 1850, the Weighlock Building once weighed the boats passing through the Erie Canal. Today it is a museum setting out the canal and what it did to Syracuse and the rest of the state. You can walk the building and take the canal’s history through the interactive exhibits and displays. Plus it costs nothing to go in.

Interactive Exhibits

If you want a museum with your hands in it, check the Museum of Science and Technology. This museum runs interactive exhibits covering everything from the human body to outer space. There’s also a planetarium for the stars and the planets.

For anybody who looks at art, the Everson Museum of Art is the stop. The museum’s permanent collection carries paintings, sculptures and photographs from around the world. Plus the rotating exhibits keep bringing new artists through.

If the salt history of Syracuse interests you, do not skip the Salt Museum. Located in a former salt warehouse, this museum sets out the city’s salt industry and what it did to the local economy. You can even try harvesting salt using the traditional methods.

Finally, the Erie Canal Museum is where the canal’s effect on Syracuse and the rest of the state is laid out. The museum runs exhibits on the canal’s history, its construction and its operation. There are also displays carrying artifacts from the canal’s working years.

Outdoor Fun in Syracuse

Looking for the outdoor half of Syracuse? You’re well served. Syracuse runs a range of adventures and finger lakes excursions that will get the heart going.

Unique Adventures

If you want something off the usual line, Syracuse has it. For example, why not try stand-up paddleboarding on Onondaga Lake? Not only is it a real workout, the lake and the parks around it are worth the effort.

If you walk, take Green Lakes State Park. This park holds two meromictic lakes, which means the layers of water in them never mix, alongside hiking trails running through fields of spring flowers and heavy forest.

Finger Lakes Excursions

No trip to Syracuse is finished without the Finger Lakes region. Skaneateles Lake in particular is the one to take. Take a boat tour for the history and the country, or rent a kayak and work the lake yourself.

If you drink wine, take some of the wineries in the Finger Lakes region. Many run tastings and tours, so you can work through the finer wines in the area with the country in front of you.

Overall, Syracuse works for anybody who came for the outdoors. With the parks, the lakes and the adventures on offer, the range is wide. So pack the sunscreen, take the hiking boots and get out into it.

The Artistic Side of Syracuse

Syracuse carries real art and culture. Whether the interest is American art, ceramics or simply looking at what people make, Syracuse has it. Here are two places to take if you want the artistic side of Syracuse:

Everson Museum of Art

If American art is your thing, the Everson Museum of Art is the place. This museum holds a deep collection of American art across styles and periods. From paintings through to sculptures, it is all in there.

One of the reasons to go is the ceramics collection. The Everson Museum of Art holds one of the largest ceramics collections in the country, which makes it unmissable for anybody who follows the form.

Downtown Art Scene

If you want to be inside the art rather than looking at it, head downtown. Syracuse runs a working downtown carrying art galleries and studios.

One of the strengths of the downtown art scene is that it never settles. There are new exhibits and events running constantly, so you never know what you walk into. Whether the want is paintings, sculptures or something else entirely, downtown Syracuse will have it.

So if you want the artistic side of Syracuse, take the Everson Museum of Art and the downtown art scene. You will not regret either.

Sports and Entertainment

Syracuse University Sports

If you follow sport, Syracuse University is where to be. The Orange carries a long athletic history, with championship teams in basketball, football and lacrosse. You can take a game at the Carrier Dome, the largest domed stadium on any college campus in the country.

Basketball is the sport Syracuse University is known for above the rest. The Orange basketball team has a fan base that fills the Carrier Dome for games. You’ll struggle to find a better atmosphere for college basketball anywhere in the country.

But do not overlook Syracuse football or lacrosse. The football team plays in the ACC and has a long record of producing NFL talent. The lacrosse team is among the strongest programs in the country, with 11 national championships behind it.

Carrier Dome Events

The Carrier Dome is not only for sport. It’s also a working venue for concerts and other events. The dome has held some of the largest names in music, Bruce Springsteen, U2 and the Rolling Stones among them.

In addition to concerts, the Carrier Dome runs monster truck rallies and trade shows. There’s rarely a quiet week at the dome, so check the schedule before you plan around it.

One of the better features of the Carrier Dome is the roof over it. That means the events run whatever the weather outside is doing. So whether it is raining, snowing or simply cold, you stay warm and dry inside the dome.

So if you want sport or entertainment in Syracuse, Syracuse University and the Carrier Dome are the answer. Whether you follow every game or simply want a night out, something there will land.

Shopping in Syracuse

Syracuse rewards anybody who shops, with options at every level. From the massive Destiny USA mall through to the traditional boutiques, whatever you want is here. Here are the shopping destinations worth taking in Syracuse:

Destiny USA

If you want shopping on a scale you have not seen, Destiny USA is the answer. This mall runs over 250 stores, restaurants and entertainment options, which makes it a whole day rather than an errand. With names like Apple, Coach and Lululemon in there, most lists get finished. And if you need a break from it, catch a movie at the Regal Cinemas or take a turn on the historic carousel.

Traditional Boutiques

If you want something less predictable, Syracuse’s traditional boutiques are where to start. These shops carry handmade and one-of-a-kind items you will not find elsewhere. From clothing and jewelry through to home decor and gifts, something in there will catch you. Some of the boutiques worth taking in Syracuse are these:

Wildflowers Armory

This boutique carries the work of over 100 local and regional artists, running handmade jewelry, clothing and home decor.

Syracuse Soapworks

This family-owned business runs handmade soaps, lotions and other bath and body products. All of it is made with natural ingredients and none of it carries harsh chemicals.

The Changing Room

This boutique runs a carefully chosen selection of women’s clothing, accessories and gifts. With its focus on sustainable and ethical fashion, you can buy without wincing afterwards.

Whether the want is the current fashion or handmade one-offs, Syracuse covers it. So take the credit card and work the stores, because you never know what turns up.

The salt is the reason this city stands where it stands at all. The Erie Canal ran through Clinton Square before it was ever a square. The Weighlock Building weighed the boats going past, and it is a museum today. The Salt Museum sets out the industry that paid for all the rest. You end up reading the whole city rather better once you know that.

Culinary Delights

If you came to eat, Syracuse will keep you busy. The city runs a diverse culinary scene, from fine dining through to quick bites and everything between. Here are the culinary stops worth making:

Farm to Table Experiences

Syracuse holds several farm-to-table restaurants working on locally sourced ingredients. These put the freshness and the quality of the ingredients in front of you rather than behind a sauce.

One of the stronger farm-to-table restaurants in Syracuse is the Mission Restaurant. This restaurant runs dishes built from ingredients sourced off local farms. The menu changes regularly with the seasons, so the plate is rarely the same twice.

Another farm-to-table restaurant worth the table is the Limestone Grille. This restaurant looks out over the countryside and runs dishes built from local farm ingredients. Be sure to try the grass-fed beef burger, which is what people order.

Syracuse Breweries

Syracuse also holds several breweries running a broad range of craft beers. These are where an evening with friends goes and the shoulders drop.

One of the stronger breweries in Syracuse is the Empire Brewing Company. This brewery runs a broad range of craft beers in a room worth staying in. Be sure to try the Skinny Atlas Light, which is what a hot summer day asks for.

Another brewery in Syracuse worth taking is the Middle Ages Brewing Company. This brewery has been running since 1995 and pours a broad range of craft beers. Be sure to try the Dragonslayer IPA, which is built for hop heads.

Salt City Market

If you want something you have not eaten before, check the Salt City Market. This market holds several food vendors running cuisines from across the world. Be sure to try the empanadas from Ma & Pa’s Kitchen, which are the reason people come back.

Farmers Market

If you want the freshest produce Syracuse has, check the Syracuse Farmers Market. This market runs on Saturdays with fresh fruit and vegetables across the stalls. Be sure to try the heirloom tomatoes, which are the local favorite.

In short, Syracuse eats a good deal better than its reputation suggests. Whether the want is farm-to-table, craft breweries or fresh produce, Syracuse has the lot.

Wildlife and Conservation

If you like animals, Syracuse runs a serious zoo in the Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park. This zoo holds more than 700 animals from 275 species, many of them endangered or threatened in the wild.

Rosamond Gifford Zoo

The Rosamond Gifford Zoo is where a day with family or friends goes. You can see animals from across the world, including elephants, tigers, penguins, lions, birds and wolves. The zoo also runs exhibits like the Asian Elephant Preserve, the Humboldt Penguin Exhibit and the Lion Corridor.

One of the busier exhibits at the zoo is the Wildlife Trail, carrying animals from North America including black bears, wolves and bald eagles. You can also take the zoo’s aviary, where the parrots, owls and hawks are.

Conservation Efforts

The Rosamond Gifford Zoo is not only somewhere to look at animals, it is somewhere to get at the conservation behind them. The zoo works on protecting endangered species and their habitats, alongside other zoos and conservation organizations around the world.

The zoo also runs conservation programs, among them the Tiger Conservation Campaign and the Penguin Species Survival Plan. These raise awareness of what these animals face in the wild and put money behind the conservation work.

So if you want the animals and the work behind them, take the Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park while you are in Syracuse.

Syracuse Events and Festivals

Looking for a good day in Syracuse? Look at the events and festivals the city runs. From music festivals to food fairs, Syracuse covers most tastes. Here are the events and festivals worth planning around.

Syracuse Festivals

Syracuse runs some of the stronger festivals in Upstate New York. Whether you eat, listen to music or simply want a day out, Syracuse has a festival for it. Here are the Syracuse festivals worth the diary:

Syracuse Jazz Fest: This annual music festival brings the largest names in jazz into the city. With multiple stages and a broad lineup, Syracuse Jazz Fest is where the music people go.

Taste of Syracuse: If you came to eat, this is the one. This annual food festival runs over 70 local restaurants and vendors, covering everything from comfort food to cuisines from elsewhere.

Syracuse Arts & Crafts Festival: This three-day festival carries the work of over 160 artists and crafters from across the country. From jewelry to pottery to paintings, the Syracuse Arts & Crafts Festival is where the one-offs are.

Upstate New York Fairs

Syracuse also sits near some of the stronger fairs in Upstate New York. Whether the want is carnival rides, agricultural exhibits or live entertainment, these cover it. Here are the fairs worth taking in Upstate New York:

New York State Fair

The New York State Fair is one of the largest fairs in the country, pulling over a million visitors a year. With carnival rides, live entertainment and agricultural exhibits, the New York State Fair covers every age that walks in.

Great New York State Fair

The Great New York State Fair is the other one to plan around. With over 375 acres of exhibits and attractions, this fair ranks among the largest in the state.

Oswego County Fair

If you want the quieter version, check the Oswego County Fair. This family-friendly fair runs agricultural exhibits, carnival rides and live entertainment at a pace you can manage.

So what is keeping you? Get out there and take the events and festivals Syracuse runs.

Theatrical Syracuse

Syracuse is a city that takes its theater seriously, and the range of what gets staged here shows it. Whether you go often or simply want a night out, Syracuse runs plays, musicals and more.

Landmark Theatre

First on a theatrical tour of Syracuse is the Landmark Theatre. This historic venue has stood in the city since 1928 and is where you catch a show. With its ornate decor and its grand stage, the Landmark suits everything from Broadway musicals to local productions. Plus the Landmark sits in the middle of downtown Syracuse, which makes getting there and back easy.

Syracuse Stage

Next is Syracuse Stage. This professional theater company has been staging strong productions since 1974 and has become part of what Syracuse is. With a broad run of shows on offer, from classic plays to contemporary dramas, the programming covers most tastes. Plus the company works at diversity and inclusion across its productions, which matters to a good many theater-goers.

So whether the mood is a classic play or a modern musical, Syracuse covers it. Head to the Landmark Theatre or Syracuse Stage for an evening worth having.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some of the best hidden gems to explore in Syracuse, NY?

Syracuse holds plenty that stays off the usual lists. One of them is the Thornden Park Amphitheater. This outdoor venue runs concerts, plays and other events through the year. Another is the Onondaga Historical Association Museum & Research Center. This museum carries a deep collection of artifacts and exhibits setting out the history of Syracuse.

Can you suggest some fun and unique outdoor activities in Syracuse?

Absolutely. If you want an outdoor day you have not had, check the Rosamond Gifford Zoo. This zoo holds over 700 animals from around the world, a snow leopard and a red panda among them. Another one is walking the trails at Green Lakes State Park. The park carries two glacial lakes and over 10 miles of hiking trails.

What are some of the must-see attractions in Syracuse for families?

Syracuse runs plenty of family-friendly attractions. The Museum of Science and Technology (MOST) is where to start. This interactive museum carries hands-on exhibits and activities that work at any age. The Rosamond Gifford Zoo is the other one. Kids will spend the afternoon within arm’s reach of the animals.

What free events or activities are happening in Syracuse this weekend?

There’s rarely a quiet weekend in Syracuse, and a good many of the events cost nothing. This is where the Syracuse Irish Festival comes in. This two-day event runs live music, dance performances and plenty of Irish food and drink. You can also take the Everson Museum of Art, which lets you in for nothing on Sundays.

What are the most interesting things to do in Syracuse at night?

Syracuse runs a working nightlife, with bars, clubs and restaurants across the city. One of the better things to do after dark is a show at the Landmark Theatre. This historic venue runs concerts, plays and other performances through the year. Another is a ghost tour of the city. You’ll get Syracuse’s haunted history while walking the dark alleys and the abandoned buildings.

Why should someone visit Syracuse and what makes it stand out?

Syracuse is a city with real history and a working culture. It’s home to serious museums, good parks and a thriving arts scene. What sets Syracuse apart, though, is the people. The city is full of friendly, welcoming people who will happily show a visitor around and tell them why they stay. So come and see what makes this city work.

Frequently asked questions about Syracuse, New York

Why is there a Salt Museum in the middle of Syracuse?

Because of the brine. The city grew on salt drawn from the springs around Onondaga Lake, and the museum sits in a former salt warehouse and works through the industry that built the local economy. You can even try harvesting salt there using the traditional methods. The Erie Canal Museum covers what carried the salt out. You do the two of them together, because neither one makes much sense alone.

What was the Weighlock Building in Syracuse used for originally?

It weighed boats. Built in 1850, it took the canal boats passing through and weighed them for the tolls, and it now holds the museum that tells the canal’s story. The museum inside it is free for anybody at all to walk into. Clinton Square just outside it was once the canal basin itself. You end up getting the city in something like the right order that way.

Why are the lakes at Green Lakes State Park unusual?

They do not mix. Both lakes are meromictic, meaning the layers of water in them never turn over, which is why the color holds the way it does all year round. The park also runs hiking trails through the fields and the forest. It sits a short drive out to the east of the city. You want the spring for it, because the flowers along the trails are the point.

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