What to do in Syracuse, NY

Activities, attractions and tours

Clinton Square which includes heritage architecture, a park and a city
Clinton Square which includes heritage architecture, a park and a city
Syracuse featuring a city and flowers
Landmark Theatre showing interior views and heritage elements
Syracuse showing modern architecture

Syracuse Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Syracuse has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

Syracuse is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Syracuse to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

Syracuse Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Syracuse.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Syracuse attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

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What to do in Syracuse

Discover the most popular places to visit in Syracuse

Corner of Waverly Ave. and Walnut Place

Syracuse University

4.5/5(46 reviews)

Explore the campus of Syracuse University, during your travels in Syracuse. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

Syracuse University
What's new at the New York State fair? The Broadway Skyliner, a new, permanent skyride that will be running the length of the midway. “It goes about 1,400 feet from the east end to the west end and will take about seven minutes,” says the fair's acting director Troy Waffner. Take a ride on this and you’ll get a beautiful birds-eye view of the fairgrounds!

New York State Fairgrounds

4.5/5(31 reviews)

Enjoy a stop at New York State Fairgrounds, an entertaining place to visit in Syracuse. Discover the area's top-notch restaurants and its acclaimed theater scene.

New York State Fairgrounds
Bar none the coolest welcome center in any state in any city I have ever visited. You could smell the Finger Lakes coffee there was a big I Love NY icon to take pictures and brochures and interactive screens to plan your Upstate New York visit. Also it’s uniquely located in America’s

Destiny USA

4.5/5(319 reviews)

During your visit to Syracuse, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Destiny USA. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

Destiny USA
Carrier Dome

JMA Wireless Dome

4.5/5(26 reviews)

College basketball, football and lacrosse have never seen more enthusiastic crowds than those inside this stadium on the campus of Syracuse University.

JMA Wireless Dome
Armory Square featuring a city

Armory Square

4.5/5(23 reviews)

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.

Armory Square
Landmark Theatre showing interior views and heritage elements

Landmark Theatre

4/5(12 reviews)

See Broadway musicals, comedy or rock shows at this beautiful and supposedly haunted 1920s venue just off Syracuse’s Armory Square.

Landmark Theatre
Museum of Science and Technology showing interior views

Museum of Science and Technology

3/5(6 reviews)

Kids and adults will love this Syracuse museum, featuring an IMAX theater, interactive exhibits and possibly the world’s largest collection of toothpick sculptures.

Museum of Science and Technology
Rosamond Gifford Zoo showing marine life as well as children

Rosamond Gifford Zoo

4/5(21 reviews)

Get inspired by playful otters, serene swans, fascinating elephants, sophisticated snow leopards and many more mammals at this beloved Syracuse institution.

Rosamond Gifford Zoo
Clinton Square which includes heritage architecture, a park and a city

Clinton Square

4.5/5(14 reviews)

Nestled in the heart of Syracuse’s downtown, this historic plaza is known for its civic mindedness, hosting countless festivals and a community ice skating rink.

Clinton Square

Explore areas of Syracuse

Clinton Square which includes heritage architecture, a park and a city

Downtown Syracuse

4/5(89 area reviews)

Economic center with a bustling nightlife, Downtown Syracuse features the lively Armory Square, luxury condos, and high-end office spaces. Explore historic Clinton Square and relax in Forman Park.

Downtown Syracuse
Greek God!

Eastside

4/5(6 area reviews)

Bordering Downtown Syracuse and University Hill, Near Eastside boasts historic gems like the Gustav Stickley House and Collins House. Explore the rich history while staying close to downtown attractions.

Eastside
Aerial View Over Downtown Cape Vincent New York Marina Saint Lawrence River

Lakefront

4.5/5(58 area reviews)

Bordering Downtown Syracuse, Lakefront features the charming areas of Franklin Square and Inner Harbor. Explore the historic O.M. Edwards Building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Lakefront
Assumption on North Salina Street in Northside Syracuse, New York State, USA.

Northside

While visiting Northside, you might make a stop by sights like ArtRage Gallery and Museum of International Masks and Puppets.

Northside
Syracuse Saving Bank,Clinton Square,Syracuse,New York State

Southside

While Southside isn't home to many top sights, Rosamond Gifford Zoo and Museum of Science and Technology are some notable places to visit nearby.

Southside
Christmas in Syracuse

Westside

Explore Middle Ages Brewing Company and shop for souvenirs near Leavenworth Park. Discover historic sites like Harriet May Mills House and St. Paul's Armenian Apostolic Church, or unwind at Frazer Park. Accessible by three major bus corridors.

Westside

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Syracuse

A beautiful lake scene on the top of a mountain in Autumn/Fall, Minnewaska State Park Preserve, New York

East Syracuse

Onondaga Lake Park featuring fishing and a lake or waterhole as well as a small group of people

Liverpool

Baldwinsville, NY

Baldwinsville

Old Erie Canal Historic State Park featuring a park and a bridge

DeWitt

Frequently asked questions

Is Syracuse worth visiting?
Syracuse has a unique blend of attractions, culture and local charm. Whether you're into the outdoors, history or traditional cuisine, there's plenty to enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Syracuse?
Museum of Science and Technology and Sainte Marie among the Iroquois are two awesome places to begin your vacation adventures. Remember to explore the retail and dining options in Syracuse while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Syracuse?
The top tourist attraction in Syracuse is Museum of Science and Technology, so make sure to include it on your sightseeing agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Syracuse?
Three days will give you time to tick off popular city highlights, such as Museum of Science and Technology, Sainte Marie among the Iroquois and Palace Theatre. The average stay in Syracuse is two days. If you feel the urge to extend your getaway, Town of De Witt isn't far away.
Is Syracuse a walkable city?
Some top attractions in Syracuse, like Museum of Science and Technology and Palace Theatre, are within walking distance. You can also discover several of the city's popular neighbourhoods on foot. Only 2 kilometres from the city centre of Syracuse is Eastside and Downtown Syracuse is 0.48 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Syracuse with kids?
Whether you're travelling with tiny adventurers or hard-to-please teens, an itinerary filled with cool activities is the key to a stress-free getaway. Check out our recommendations for what to do in Syracuse with kids.

What to do in Syracuse for adults?
Lakeland Winery and Salt Museum are just a couple of the things to do in Syracuse. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in Syracuse?
One of the best ways to find free things to do in Syracuse is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on cool neighbourhoods, parks and other hotspots you can experience without reaching for your wallet. State Park at the Fair is one spot that doesn't charge an entrance fee.

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