Buffalo, New York, might not be the first city that comes to mind when planning a U.S. road trip, but those in the know understand that this rust-belt city is one of the Northeast’s best-kept secrets. Tucked beside Lake Erie and near the Canadian border, Buffalo offers a rich tapestry of American history, striking architecture, vibrant food scenes, and outdoor adventure — all best experienced by car. Hitting the road toward Buffalo offers travelers the chance to break free from the constraints of scheduled buses and airport delays, and instead embrace freedom, flexibility, and spontaneity. That’s where Sixt comes in.
From the moment you pick up your rental vehicle, your Buffalo journey becomes entirely your own. Sixt makes it effortless with a wide range of car options — whether you’re after an SUV to conquer the backroads of the Niagara region, or a sleek sedan for city cruising. The process is smooth, the cars are fresh and well-maintained, and locations are conveniently scattered across major cities and airports — including near Buffalo Niagara International Airport. It’s a perfect start.
The Scenic Route to Buffalo
Starting your journey from New York City, Cleveland, or even Toronto? A Sixt rental car lets you enjoy the freedom of stopping at charming roadside diners, antique stores, or the famous Letchworth State Park, often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the East.” With your Sixt rental, there’s no need to rush — pull over to snap photos of the Genesee River waterfalls, or take a spontaneous detour through the Finger Lakes for a wine-tasting break.
Driving through Western New York is a pleasure in itself: tree-lined highways, historic small towns like East Aurora and Ellicottville, and the occasional vintage gas station begging for an Instagram shot. A reliable car makes these side adventures possible — and with Sixt’s GPS options and customer support, even unexpected detours feel like part of the plan.
Arrival in Buffalo: More Than Just a Gateway to Niagara
Once you arrive in Buffalo, you’ll find a city that defies expectations. Yes, it snows — a lot — but that’s only part of the story. Buffalo is experiencing a quiet renaissance, blending its industrial roots with a fresh arts and culinary scene. And thanks to your Sixt rental car, you can navigate the city with ease, whether you’re exploring downtown’s architecture or heading out to the waterfront.
One of the first stops should be the Buffalo City Hall, a stunning Art Deco masterpiece. Take the elevator up for a panoramic view of Lake Erie and the downtown grid. Next, cruise down Delaware Avenue, once known as Millionaire’s Row, to see grand mansions from Buffalo’s Gilded Age. It’s the kind of street best enjoyed with the windows down and your playlist on — another perk of choosing Sixt, which allows you to pick a car that matches your road trip vibe.
Eat Your Way Through Buffalo
Of course, no visit would be complete without trying the food that made Buffalo famous: the chicken wing. Head to Anchor Bar, the birthplace of Buffalo wings, or locals’ favorite Duff’s Famous Wings. Don’t stop there — the city’s food scene is a surprise hit, with offerings ranging from Polish pierogis to hip farm-to-table bistros. With a rental car from Sixt, hopping between food spots in different neighborhoods becomes part of the adventure, not a logistical nightmare.
Don’t miss Elmwood Village, full of eclectic cafés and shops. Parking is straightforward, especially with the compact options available on Sixt’s fleet. Prefer to venture further for a unique dinner? Try Mulberry Italian Ristorante, located in the industrial South Buffalo area. It’s not easily accessible without a car, but with your rental from Sixt, you can explore confidently and comfortably.
Nature Within Reach
Buffalo is blessed with proximity to some of the most beautiful natural sites in the Northeast. Niagara Falls, the star attraction, is just a 30-minute drive from downtown. Tour buses exist, sure — but the best views and moments happen when you set your own pace. Driving yourself means catching golden hour over the falls or discovering lesser-known spots like Devil’s Hole State Park, a rugged trail with stunning gorge views.
Even closer to Buffalo is Tifft Nature Preserve, an urban wildlife refuge perfect for morning walks. With your Sixt vehicle, you can easily leave the city for a few hours and return before dinner. The flexibility makes it easy to squeeze nature into your city itinerary.
And if you’re up for a longer drive, head south to Allegany State Park, where lush forests and quiet lakes await. Here, having your own transport is essential — and Sixt delivers that reliability and comfort needed for a full day in the wild.
Arts, Culture, and a Dash of Quirk
Buffalo’s cultural scene punches well above its weight. The Albright-Knox Art Gallery (soon to be the Buffalo AKG Art Museum after a major expansion) holds one of the best modern art collections in the country. Park nearby and spend the afternoon with Rothko, Warhol, and local artists.
History buffs will enjoy the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site, where Roosevelt took the oath of office after President McKinley’s assassination in 1901. It’s located in a beautiful neighborhood full of leafy streets and Victorian homes — exactly the kind of area worth cruising through in a comfortable Sixt rental.
For something offbeat, drive over to Silo City, a group of repurposed grain elevators now used for art installations, theater performances, and music. It’s industrial, a bit gritty, but utterly Buffalo. And it’s hard to imagine reaching this site without the independence of having your own car.
Why Sixt Made It Better
Looking back, the road trip wouldn’t have been the same without the freedom and confidence that came from using Sixt. The booking process was fast and intuitive, the pick-up location was easy to find, and the car itself was spotless. Need a vehicle with extra space for hiking gear or shopping bags? Sixt has a full selection of SUVs and roomy sedans. Want to upgrade to something a bit more premium for the weekend? Their luxury line-up doesn’t disappoint.
Customer service deserves a mention too. One quick call during a tire-pressure warning turned into a five-minute fix — no stress, no hassle. Sixt clearly understands the mindset of modern road trippers: people who want convenience without compromise.
Traveling with family or friends? Sixt offers add-ons like child seats, extra drivers, and even ski racks in certain locations. Planning to cross the border to Canada? Their policies make that simple too. In short, every aspect of the experience feels road-trip ready.
Buffalo by Car Is the Way to Go
Buffalo is a city that rewards curiosity, and there’s no better way to explore its streets, stories, and surroundings than by road. From historic neighborhoods and roaring waterfalls to late-night food runs and art-house films in forgotten grain silos, it’s a destination full of contrast and character.
And with Sixt as your travel companion, all the small logistical worries fade into the background. What remains is the joy of the open road, the discovery of new places, and the satisfaction of knowing you traveled on your own terms.
So if you’re planning your next American road adventure, consider Buffalo. And make sure you pick the right keys to start it — preferably with the orange and black Sixt logo on them.
