Explore Rochester! Dive into the city's rich history, vibrant culture, renowned museums, and delectable dining. Uncover the charm of the Flower City, nestled by Lake Ontario, and experience diverse attractions from the Susan B. Anthony House to the Strong National Museum of Play.
Rochester, New York Travel Guide
Rochester, located on the southern shore of Lake Ontario, is New York State's third-largest city. Known as both the "Flower City" due to its annual Lilac Festival and the "World's Image Center" because of its historical ties to imaging and photography through companies like Kodak, Rochester has a rich history and a vibrant cultural scene.
History & Culture
Rochester has a storied past that includes being a hotbed for abolitionist activities and the women's suffrage movement. Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass both called Rochester home, and their legacies live on in historical sites throughout the city.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Rochester, NY, largely depends on the type of activities and experiences you're seeking:
Late Spring - Early Summer (May to June):
Why: Rochester is known as the "Flower City," and its renowned Lilac Festival takes place in May. This event attracts thousands of visitors to Highland Park to see the blooming lilacs and partake in the festivities. Moreover, the weather is pleasant and warming up, but not too hot.
Attractions: The Lilac Festival, Rochester International Jazz Festival (late June), and various other community events.
Summer (July to August):
Why: This is the peak tourist season because of the warm weather. It's ideal for outdoor activities, exploring parks, and attending the numerous festivals that take place.
Attractions: Numerous festivals, beach activities at Lake Ontario, wine tours in the nearby Finger Lakes region, and outdoor concerts.
Fall (September to October):
Why: Fall foliage in and around Rochester is a beautiful sight. The temperatures are cooler but still comfortable, making it a great time for outdoor exploration.
Attractions: Apple picking in the surrounding orchards, scenic drives to see the fall colors, and various fall festivals.
Winter (November to February):
Why: While Rochester's winters can be cold and snowy, they also offer winter sports opportunities. If you enjoy a winter wonderland and fewer tourists, this might be the time for you.
Attractions: Ice skating, winter festivals, and nearby skiing opportunities.
Early Spring (March to April):
Why: This is the transition period when the snow melts, and the city prepares for the blooming season. While it might still be chilly, you can avoid large crowds and potentially find better accommodation rates.
Attractions: Indoor museums and cultural sites, like the George Eastman Museum, are ideal during this period.
Overall, the most popular times for visitors are late spring and summer due to the favorable weather and numerous events. However, each season offers its unique charm and experiences in Rochester.
Getting to Rochester
Getting to Rochester, New York, is relatively straightforward, given the city's well-connected transportation infrastructure.
By Air:
Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC): Located just a few miles southwest of downtown Rochester, this airport offers numerous daily flights connecting major cities in the U.S. Carriers such as Delta, Southwest, American, and United service the airport.
From the airport, visitors can hire taxis, rent cars, or use rideshare services like Uber and Lyft to reach the city center or other destinations.
By Train:
Amtrak: The Rochester station, located at 320 Central Avenue, is serviced by the Empire Service and the Maple Leaf routes. This makes it easy for travelers to reach Rochester from cities like New York, Albany, Toronto, and more.
By Bus:
Greyhound and Trailways NY operate services to Rochester, connecting it with various cities in the region and beyond. The bus terminal is centrally located at 186 Cumberland Street.
By Car:
If you're driving, Rochester is conveniently located along several major highways:
I-90 (New York State Thruway): This runs east-west and connects Rochester to cities like Buffalo, Syracuse, and Albany.
I-390: Connects the southern suburbs and the Finger Lakes region to the city.
I-490: Passes through the heart of the city, connecting eastern and western suburbs.
Parking in Rochester is generally accessible. There are numerous parking garages, street parking options, and lots, especially in the downtown area.
Getting Around
Public Transportation: The Rochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority (RGRTA) operates buses that service the city and its suburbs. They offer a convenient and economical way to get around, especially for those without a car.
Car Rentals: Multiple car rental agencies operate in Rochester, including at the airport and in the city.
Rideshares: Uber and Lyft are available in Rochester and can be hailed using their respective apps.
Biking: Rochester has been increasingly promoting biking, with more bike lanes and sharing services available.
Walking: The city center and several neighborhoods are pedestrian-friendly, especially the Park Avenue area, East End, and the High Falls District.
Overall, Rochester is easily accessible by multiple modes of transportation, catering to the preferences and needs of a wide range of travelers.
Top Attractions
Rochester, New York, is home to a diverse array of attractions that reflect its rich history, cultural significance, and natural beauty. Here are some of the top attractions in Rochester:
The Strong National Museum of Play: This interactive museum is dedicated to the history and exploration of play. It's home to the National Toy Hall of Fame and features numerous exhibits, including a butterfly garden.
George Eastman Museum: Located on the estate of George Eastman, the founder of Kodak, this museum is the world's oldest photography museum and one of the oldest film archives.
Rochester Museum & Science Center: A family-friendly destination that offers hands-on exhibits related to science, technology, and the natural world.
Seneca Park Zoo: Located alongside the Genesee River, it's a compact but diverse zoo that's been a part of the community for over a century.
High Falls: Situated in the Brown's Race Historic District, this urban waterfall offers stunning views, especially from the Pont de Rennes pedestrian bridge.
Susan B. Anthony House: This National Historic Landmark was the home of the legendary women's rights activist and is where she was arrested for voting.
Memorial Art Gallery: Located in the Neighborhood of the Arts, it houses an impressive collection spanning 5,000 years, from ancient artifacts to contemporary pieces.
Seabreeze Amusement Park: Located near Lake Ontario, it's a family-friendly amusement and water park.
Genesee Brew House: Once the century-old packaging center of the Genesee Brewery, now a beer museum, pub, and restaurant with rooftop views.
Mount Hope Cemetery: An historic Victorian cemetery and the final resting place of many notable individuals, including Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass.
Rochester Public Market: Operating since 1905, it's a bustling market where you can find fresh produce, specialty foods, and unique crafts.
Innovative Field: The home stadium for the Rochester Red Wings, a minor league baseball team.
Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse: Built in 1822, this is the oldest active lighthouse on Lake Ontario.
Durand Eastman Park: Spanning over 900 acres, this park offers a beautiful beach on Lake Ontario, hiking trails, and golfing opportunities.
Top Activities to do in Rochester
Hiking at Mendon Ponds Park: Explore various trails, glacially created ponds, and wildlife in this scenic park.
Kayaking or Canoeing on the Genesee River: The river provides a peaceful backdrop for paddling and offers unique views of the city.
Attending the Rochester International Jazz Festival: If you're in town during the festival, it's a must-attend with numerous jazz acts from around the world.
Cycling along the Erie Canal: Rent a bike and ride along the historic Erie Canal, which has many scenic spots and points of interest along the way.
Tasting at Local Breweries and Distilleries: Rochester has several craft breweries and distilleries where you can sample local beverages.
Participating in a Food Tasting Tour: Rochester is known for its culinary delights, including the famous "Garbage Plate". A guided food tour can help you discover the local flavors.
Winter Sports at Bristol Mountain: In the winter months, enjoy skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing at Bristol Mountain Winter Resort.
Golfing: The area has several golf courses, like Oak Hill Country Club, that cater to both beginners and seasoned golfers.
Attending a Show at the Eastman Theatre: Home to the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, the theater also hosts various other performances and shows throughout the year.
Exploring Public Market: Open year-round, the Rochester Public Market offers a variety of fresh produce, local crafts, and food stalls. It's a great way to mingle with locals and enjoy regional produce.
Ice Skating at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park: During the winter, the park offers an outdoor ice skating rink for the public.
Taking a Photography Class: Given Rochester's connection to Kodak, there are many local institutions and workshops offering photography classes, allowing you to hone your skills.
Dining & Nightlife
Rochester, NY, has a dynamic dining and nightlife scene that has evolved and grown over the years. Here's a snapshot:
Dining:
Culinary Diversity: From upscale fine dining to hole-in-the-wall eateries, Rochester offers a wide variety of culinary options. You can find everything from Italian, Mediterranean, and Asian cuisines to Latin American, African, and Middle Eastern dishes.
Farm-to-Table: With its location in a fertile region, many restaurants emphasize farm-to-table menus, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Specialties: Rochester is famously known for the "Garbage Plate," a dish consisting of a combination of foods like home fries, macaroni salad, baked beans, topped with a choice of meat (like cheeseburger or hot dog) and dressed with mustard, onions, and hot sauce. Restaurants like Nick Tahou Hots are iconic for this dish.
Bakeries and Coffee Shops: There are numerous local bakeries and coffee shops, each offering unique pastries, bread, and coffee blends. Village Bakery and Flour City Bread Co. are notable mentions.
Wineries and Breweries: The Finger Lakes region, close to Rochester, is known for its vineyards and wines, particularly Rieslings. This influence is evident in local restaurants and wine bars. Rochester also has a thriving craft beer scene with several microbreweries and taprooms.
Nightlife:
Bars and Pubs: From historic establishments to modern lounges, there's a variety of atmospheres to choose from. The South Wedge and East End districts are particularly known for their bar scenes.
Live Music: Venues like Anthology, Water Street Music Hall, and the Bug Jar regularly host local and touring bands across various genres.
Comedy Clubs: The Carlson in Rochester often host well-known comedians and local talent.
Craft Cocktail Bars: Over recent years, there's been a rise in craft cocktail bars that offer unique and innovative drinks. Places like The Daily Refresher and Cure have garnered attention for their mixology.
In all, Rochester's dining and nightlife scene is diverse and continually evolving, ensuring there's something for everyone, whether you're looking for a quiet evening out or a lively night on the town.
Festivals
Rochester, NY, is known for hosting a variety of festivals throughout the year, celebrating everything from music and arts to food and cultural heritage. Here's a list of some of the most popular yearly festivals:
Rochester International Jazz Festival: Typically held in June, this is one of the largest jazz festivals in the nation, drawing top-tier jazz musicians from around the world.
Lilac Festival: Held in May at Highland Park, this event celebrates the blooming of over 500 varieties of lilacs. The festival features live music, a parade, craft vendors, and more.
Rochester Fringe Festival: Taking place in September, this multi-disciplinary arts festival spans multiple days and features theatre, comedy, dance, music, and more.
Corn Hill Arts Festival: Held in the historic Corn Hill neighborhood in July, this festival celebrates arts and crafts and features hundreds of artists from across the U.S.
Rochester Greek Festival: This is an annual celebration of Greek culture, with traditional food, music, dance, and more.
High Falls Film Festival: Celebrating the achievements of women in film, this festival showcases movies and documentaries with a focus on women's contributions and perspectives.
ImageOut: This is Rochester's LGBT Film Festival, typically held in October, showcasing international films that deal with LGBTQ+ themes and stories.
Rochester Puerto Rican Festival: Celebrating Puerto Rican heritage, this festival is filled with vibrant music, dance, and traditional foods.
Scarecrow Festival: A family-friendly event in October, where you can view uniquely crafted scarecrows and partake in various autumn-themed activities.
St. Patrick's Day Parade: While not a festival in the traditional sense, the annual parade celebrating Irish heritage is a significant event in Rochester every March.
These festivals draw both locals and visitors, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere in the city. Given the ever-evolving nature of events, it's always a good idea to check the official websites or local sources for dates and details when planning to attend.
Where to Stay
When visiting Rochester, NY, choosing the right area to stay can depend on your preferences and the nature of your visit. Here are some popular areas to consider:
Downtown Rochester:
Pros: Central location, close to major attractions, restaurants, and shops. Easy access to the Convention Center, Blue Cross Arena, and Eastman Theatre.
Cons: Like any downtown area, it can be busier and sometimes pricier than other regions.
East End:
Pros: Known for its nightlife, this area offers numerous bars, restaurants, and theaters. Close to the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and Eastman School of Music.
Cons: It can be noisy during weekend nights due to the lively bar scene.
Park Avenue:
Pros: A beautiful and historic neighborhood with tree-lined streets. It offers a mix of cafes, boutiques, and local businesses. It's also near the George Eastman Museum.
Cons: A bit quieter in terms of nightlife but might be a pro for those seeking a peaceful stay.
South Wedge:
Pros: A vibrant and eclectic neighborhood with unique shops, restaurants, and bars. It's close to the Genesee River and offers a more local feel.
Cons: Slightly further from the city's central attractions.
University of Rochester/Strong Hospital Area:
Pros: Ideal if you're visiting the university or have business at the hospital. Close to the scenic Genesee Riverway Trail and not far from the city center.
Cons: Primarily a university-centric area, so expect student vibes.
Henrietta:
Pros: South of the city, Henrietta offers numerous hotels often at a lower price point. It's close to shopping centers and the Rochester Institute of Technology.
Cons: Requires a car or other transport means to reach central Rochester attractions.
Pittsford:
Pros: A charming suburb on the Erie Canal. Offers a more laid-back, village feel with boutique shopping and dining. Close to the scenic canal trail.
Cons: About a 15-20 minute drive from downtown Rochester, so a vehicle is necessary.
Tips for Visitors
Rochester's weather can be unpredictable, especially in the winter months. Dress in layers and check the forecast.
The city is home to several universities and colleges, including the University of Rochester and the Rochester Institute of Technology. Check their events calendars for public lectures, concerts, or exhibitions.
Rochester combines the cultural offerings of a large city with the charm of a small town. Whether you're a history buff, foodie, or outdoor enthusiast, Rochester has something to offer.
