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City Guide: Syracuse

Ignite your passion for food, history, and entertainment!

At the heart of this vibrant city is Syracuse University, bringing championship athletics and some of today's biggest names in music to "The Dome." But it is the city's thriving downtown and deep cultural heritage that entice visitors to return time and again. Downtown's unique districts, including Armory and Clinton Square, come alive with the captivating energy of high-quality dining, including the original Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, diverse music, and historic architecture. Venture just outside the city to escape into the breathtaking natural wonders of New York's landscape, including crystal lakes and wondrous waterfalls.

Syracuse showcases an impressive array of captivating annual events, including: The Great New York State Fair, Syracuse Jazz Fest, Taste of Syracuse, Crawfish Festival, and Syracuse Arts & Crafts Festival.

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Fun Facts | Views From Syracuse | Explore Syracuse | Hotels & Stays | Where to Eat | Getting There | Getting Around

FUN FACTS

Syracuse Basketball

  • National Geographic's Green Guide named Syracuse "One of America's Top 20 Green Cities"
  • The Great New York State Fair, which started in Syracuse in 1848, is the longest running State Fair in the country.
  • The Erie Canal in its century long existence contributed more to the growth of Syracuse than anything in its history.
  • The 24-second shot clock, used in all NBA games, was invented by Danny Biasone, the late owner of the Syracuse Nationals. Following the 1953-54 season, he invented the clock to try and speed up the game and prevent teams from stalling. Head to Armory Square in downtown Syracuse to watch the clock tick for yourself!

Views From Syracuse

Explore Syracuse

Nature & Outdoor Adventure

History

Family Fun

Arts & Culture

Where to Stay

  • Budget
  • Mid-Range
  • Luxury
Quality Inn & Suites Fairgrounds

Quality Inn & Suites Fairgrounds

Pet-friendly inn close to state fairgrounds and Destiny USA. more

 Comfort Inn Carrier Circle

Comfort Inn Carrier Circle

A 107-room inn near Syracuse University and shops. more

 Hampton Inn & Suites

Hampton Inn & Suites

Free breakfast and a fitness center in a convenient location. more
Aloft Syracuse Inner Harbor

Aloft Syracuse Inner Harbor

A chic hotel on Onondaga Lake. more

 Marriott Syracuse Downtown

Marriott Syracuse Downtown

A restored landmark offering a glimpse into a bygone era. more

 Courtyard Syracuse Downtown at Armory Square

Courtyard Syracuse Downtown at Armory Square

Elegance and modernity in central Syracuse. more
Embassy Suites Destiny USA

Embassy Suites Destiny USA

Luxe accommodations next to Destiny USA. more

 Sheraton Syracuse University Hotel

Sheraton Syracuse University Hotel

Skyline views and on-site dining. more

 Hotel Skyler

Hotel Skyler

A temple-turned-hotel, home to plush rooms with an eclectic flare. more

Where to Eat

  • $
  • $$
  • $$$
The Gem Diner

The Gem Diner

An old-fashioned diner with hearty portions, founded in 1950. more

 Funk 'n Waffles

Funk 'n Waffles

Creative waffles and live music in a hip environment. more

 Heid's of Liverpool

Heid's of Liverpool

A nationally known, nostalgic hot dog spot, open since 1917. more
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que

Known for their slowly smoked meats and live music. more

 Alto Cinco

Alto Cinco

Fresh Mexican cuisine with seasonal specialties and homemade desserts. more

 Saint Urban

Saint Urban

Weekly 3-course menus are inspired by the freshest ingredients at the peak of their season. more
Saint Urban

Saint Urban

Weekly 3-course menus are inspired by the freshest ingredients at the peak of their season. more

 Lemon Grass & Bistro Elephant Steakhouse

Lemon Grass & Bistro Elephant Steakhouse

Upscale restaurant with an acclaimed wine list, serving Pacific Rim Thai food. more

 Daniella's Steakhouse

Daniella's Steakhouse

Hand-cut steaks, homemade sauces, daily specials, and an extensive menu. more

getting there

By Train

Amtrak to Syracuse Station at 1 Walsh Circle. Taxi service is available from the station to downtown attractions.

By Plane

Fly into Syracuse Hancock International Airport.

By Car

By car, Syracuse is 2.5 hours from Albany and 2.5 hours from Buffalo, 4 hours from NYC, 4.5 hours from Montreal, and 5 hours from Boston.

By Bus

Take Trailways or Greyhound to Syracuse Bus Station located at 1 Walsh Circle.

Getting Around

By Bus

The Centro bus system provides public transportation around the city and Onondaga County as well as special routes for large events like the NYS Fair. Bus routes and times can be found on the Centro website. 

Explore More

Check out Visit Syracuse for more information.