As a child growing up in the Southtowns, the sight of what was then called Marine Midland Center meant that downtown Buffalo was close. My brother and I would joke that it was Buffalo’s only skyscraper, and that was not inaccurate.
When I drive my kids downtown now, the sight of that skyscraper is greeted not with jokes, but awe. Seneca One is now rightfully a skyline gem—and offers the city’s most spectacular view. It is not, however, the only breathtaking view Western New York has to offer. (But it is the one we’ll start with.)
Seneca One
First things first: Douglas Jemal’s work at Seneca One has been a wondrous sight, and that’s just from the outside. Now the building’s top floor is also open to the public, with its Buffalo From Above at Seneca One: Happy Hour + Tour ($17). Mark your calendar: Tours are offered from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on July 5, 12, and 26 and Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30. Tickets are available at senecaonebuffalo.com.
While you’re there, check out the Seneca One Lobby Bar and Grille, which is open Monday through Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. Or if you stop by during an afternoon Bisons game, you can grab a bite at the Seneca One Food Hall, which is open for lunch hours from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday; there is even a spot to watch some of the game. (A grill menu is available until 7 p.m.)
Quite simply, there is no spot in Western New York with more sweeping views than Seneca One. Kids will be amazed that such sights can be found here in Buffalo.
Buffalo City Hall Observation Deck
The observation deck atop downtown Buffalo’s Art Deco masterpiece is back open, and for any children who have not been there on a field trip—or adults who never took the elevator to the 25th floor—it is a must-visit. This incredible way to gaze upon the water, the Peace Bridge and the city below is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Chestnut Ridge Park
On a clear day in the spring, summer or fall, stand at the top of the hill at Chestnut Ridge next to the Chestnut Ridge Park Casino. You will be rewarded with a view of Toronto—yes, Toronto—that took my breath away as a kiddo. Quite frankly, it still does. It’s even more fascinating at night during winter, a glittering vista of lights. That is, until you zoom down the toboggan run. The park is located at 6121 Chestnut Ridge Road in Orchard Park.
Old Fort Niagara
The views are remarkable from the walls and parapets of Old Fort Niagara. During the War of 1812, American forces could stand on the fort’s walls overlooking the Niagara River and glare at the enemy British soldiers across the river at Fort George. They also had a clear view of the town of Newark, Ontario. Now known as Niagara-On-The-Lake, it looks even nicer and no less quaint than Newark.
Offbeat views
The Skyway. Seriously. If you have an occasion to cruise down the Skyway en route to downtown Buffalo, take a moment to admire the view of Lake Erie. It is not a place to stop, of course, but it is not to be taken for granted—as long as the Skyway is still here.
The zipline at RiverWorks. The Urban High Ropes Course at Buffalo Riverworks is only two stories high. However, as you zip across, the view is positively swoon-worthy, especially if a boat happens to be cruising down the Buffalo River. Visit buffaloriverworks.com for details.
More views to consider. Niagara Falls is, of course, bursting with stunning views of the Falls. And just over the border is the CN Tower’s smaller cousin, the Skylon Tower. Back stateside, Ellicottville’s Holiday Valley Sky High Adventure Park offers super-cool chairlift rides.
The top of the ramp where I park for work on the Buffalo Medical Campus has a killer view, too. You can see the Richardson Olmsted Campus and Tavar Zawacki's mural Metamorphosis #5, found at 1665 Main Street, off in the distance.
