Armory Square Tours and Activities

Armory Square
Armory Square showing a city
Armory Square which includes a city
Armory Square featuring street scenes and a city as well as a small group of people
Armory Square


Home to Syracuse’s highest concentration of bars and restaurants, this lively city square is the perfect place for a night out in Central New York.

Beloved by students, shoppers, foodies, kids and architecture fans, Armory Square is one of the most popular destinations in the Syracuse area. Most warehouses and factories here serving the Erie Canal were built between 1860 and 1890. The impressive brick buildings that surround the square later fell into disrepair, but were reclaimed and revitalized in the 1980s. Visit this area, now thriving with an eclectic and prized selection of bars and restaurants that suit every taste. Armory Square is an homage to both Syracuse’s industrial past and its present community.

Arrive early for dinner, because Armory Square has plenty to do before you eat. View the Shot Clock Monument, in the northwestern part of the square, which memorializes the invention of the 24-second basketball shot clock by a Syracuse basketball coach. Admire the castle-like splendor of the Armory and have hours of fun at the Museum of Science and Technology located inside.

Enjoy a show or just poke your head in the Landmark Theater to see the splendor of the building, whose ornate lobby has a regal appearance. Shop at the boutiques, chain stores and independent shops lining the wide, leafy pedestrian path that circles the square.

Savor a delicious meal at one of the area’s many restaurants and breweries. After dinner, stroll along the Onondaga Creekwalk, a path that starts in the square and meanders over 2.6 miles (4.2 kilometers) to the lakefront. Do the whole thing, or just a part, before coming back and relaxing on the bridge as you appreciate the serene atmosphere of nature just steps away from the hustle and bustle of the square.

Reach Armory Square in 15 minutes by car from the Syracuse airport or walk from other areas of Syracuse’s downtown. A bus service, the Corridor to SU, connects Armory Square to Syracuse University and the hotels located in the area. Plentiful metered street parking and larger parking structures are available in the area.

Plan a trip to see Armory Square

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Baldwinsville/Syracuse
Baldwinsville B&B
Golden Pond Cabins

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Armory Square

Randolph House Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham

Randolph House Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham

3 out of 5
441 Electronics Pkwy, Liverpool, NY
Randolph House Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Marriott Syracuse Downtown

Marriott Syracuse Downtown

4 out of 5
100 East Onondaga Street, Syracuse, NY
Marriott Syracuse Downtown
The Parkview Hotel

The Parkview Hotel

3.5 out of 5
713 E Genesee St, Syracuse, NY
The Parkview Hotel
Clarion Pointe Downtown

Clarion Pointe Downtown

2.5 out of 5
454 James Street, Syracuse, NY
Clarion Pointe Downtown
Best Western Syracuse Downtown Hotel and Suites

Best Western Syracuse Downtown Hotel and Suites

3 out of 5
416 S Clinton St, Syracuse, NY
Best Western Syracuse Downtown Hotel and Suites
Courtyard Syracuse Downtown At Armory Square

Courtyard Syracuse Downtown At Armory Square

3 out of 5
300 West Fayette Street, Syracuse, NY
Courtyard Syracuse Downtown At Armory Square
Residence Inn by Marriott Syracuse Downtown at Armory Square

Residence Inn by Marriott Syracuse Downtown at Armory Square

3 out of 5
300 West Fayette Street, Syracuse, NY
Residence Inn by Marriott Syracuse Downtown at Armory Square
LivAway Suites- Syracuse

LivAway Suites- Syracuse

2 out of 5
6595 Thompson Rd, Syracuse, NY
LivAway Suites- Syracuse
Collegian Hotel & Suites, Trademark Collection by Wyndham

Collegian Hotel & Suites, Trademark Collection by Wyndham

3.5 out of 5
1060 E Genesee St, Syracuse, NY
Collegian Hotel & Suites, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Armory Square

Armory Square in Syracuse, New York, offers a vibrant blend of activities, including lively festivals, exciting live music, and thrilling hockey games. Visitors can enjoy a picnic in the designated areas, explore local art galleries, and indulge in the region's famous beer trails. With its sports arena and dynamic atmosphere, Armory Square is a perfect destination for those seeking entertainment and cultural experiences.

Shopping

Armory Square offers a vibrant shopping experience with nearby options like Destiny USA, just 3.2km away, featuring entertainment and family vibes. Also, explore the Central New York Regional Market, 3.2km away, for local goods. If you're up for a drive, visit Towne Center Mall, located 11.3km away, for more shopping excitement.

Recreation

Experience the excitement at Carrier Dome, a vibrant sports venue only 1.6km from Armory Square. For a dose of entertainment, head to St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview, 6.4km away. For relaxation, visit Hopkins Road County Park, also 6.4km distant, surrounded by nature's tranquility.

Adventure

The SCA Bog Trailhead, located 20.9km from Armory Square, offers an exhilarating outdoor adventure with its scenic trails. Similarly, the Guppy Falls SCA Trailhead, also 20.9km away, provides a picturesque hiking experience. For a thrilling journey, visit the Bishop Guppy Farm Trailhead, 20.9km from Armory Square, surrounded by nature.

Nightlife

In Armory Square, the Landmark Theatre enchants with its cultural charm, located 0.3.2km away. Jazz Central Theater, just 805m away, offers lively performances, while Syracuse Stage, 1.4km away, adds a touch of romance and family-friendly entertainment to your night out.

Find the best attractions near Armory Square

Armory Square in Syracuse, New York, offers a vibrant mix of attractions for all types of travelers. With its modern colleges, urban parks, and fairgrounds, visitors can enjoy outdoor activities and cultural experiences. The Armory Square district is perfect for families looking to explore local points of interest and immerse themselves in the community. Whether you're seeking a leisurely stroll or family-friendly adventures, Armory Square has something for everyone.

  • Syracuse University: Located 4.8km from Armory Square, Syracuse University offers a vibrant campus atmosphere with stunning architecture and beautiful green spaces. Explore its rich academic history and enjoy the lively energy of students and faculty, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll.
  • New York State Fairgrounds: Situated 6.4km away, the New York State Fairgrounds buzzes with outdoor family-friendly activities. Experience the excitement of various events, including the famous State Fair, where you can indulge in local delicacies and enjoy rides and games.
  • The Oncenter: Just 805m from Armory Square, The Oncenter is a cultural hub hosting performances and events. Appreciate its architectural beauty and engage in the local arts scene, making it a must-visit for culture enthusiasts.

Best time to go to Armory Square

Visitor numbers around Armory Square is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Armory Square is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January24.1°F (-4.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February25.3°F (-3.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March33.4°F (0.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April45.1°F (7.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May57.6°F (14.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June64.9°F (18.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
July70.7°F (21.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
August68.9°F (20.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September62.6°F (17.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October51.8°F (11.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
November39.7°F (4.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December31.5°F (-0.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Armory Square

Armory Square in Syracuse, New York, offers free public access and nearby attractions like Destiny USA and Lake Onondaga. For budget-friendly accommodations, consider visiting between December and February, when prices are lower, especially on Mondays. Utilize Expedia to compare hotel deals and filter for eco-certified options. To save further, book a package that combines your hotel, flights, and activities. Exploring public transport options can also help reduce travel costs while enjoying the local sights.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Armory Square are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May and August to September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Armory Square is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Armory Square is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to tailor your travel options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay in Armory Square with your flights and activities by booking a package through Expedia.