What to do in Rochester, NY

Activities, attractions and tours

Rochester
Rochester
Rochester
Rochester
Rochester

Rochester Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Rochester 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

Rochester 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 Rochester 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.

Rochester 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 Rochester.

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 Rochester attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

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What to do in Rochester

Discover the most popular places to visit in Rochester

Rush Rhees Library in University of Rochester, New York State, USA

University of Rochester

4/5(15 reviews)

Explore the campus of University of Rochester, during your travels in Rochester. Stroll along the area's riverfront or experience its great live music.

University of Rochester
Strong

Strong

4.5/5(74 reviews)

Even the most museum-hating children may not want to leave this enormous complex, featuring an arcade, a butterfly museum and a toy hall of fame.

Strong
Highland Park

Highland Park

4.5/5(12 reviews)

Full of interesting plants as well as numerous memorials and architectural features, this Olmsted-designed arboretum is one of Rochester’s most-photographed areas.

Highland Park
Rochester Museum and Science Center

Rochester Museum and Science Center

4.5/5(31 reviews)

Fossils, a climbing wall, a planetarium and more fill this extensive museum, which is especially renowned for its kid-friendly Inventor Center.

Rochester Museum and Science Center
Genesee River's High Falls

Genesee River's High Falls

4/5(21 reviews)

Rochester’s primary waterfall is a gateway to both the beautiful nature of the Genesee River and the history of the industries that have marked it.

Genesee River's High Falls
Ontario Beach Park

Ontario Beach Park

If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Ontario Beach Park might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to Rochester.

Ontario Beach Park

Rochester Institute of Technology

4/5(25 reviews)

Enjoy the collegiate vibe when you visit Rochester Institute of Technology, during your trip to Rochester. Stroll along the riverfront or attend a sporting event in this family-friendly area.

Rochester Institute of Technology

Blue Cross Arena

4.5/5(24 reviews)

Catch an event at Blue Cross Arena during your trip to Rochester. Experience the area's great live music and entertainment choices.

Blue Cross Arena

Seabreeze Amusement Park

4.5/5(4 reviews)

Bring your family to Seabreeze Amusement Park and have a fun-filled day at this theme park in Rochester. Amble around the area's riverfront or attend a sporting event.

Seabreeze Amusement Park

Where to stay in Rochester

Find the best Rochester areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Rochester
Learn more about Rochester

Downtown Rochester

Live music, theaters, and museums highlight some of the noteworthy features of Downtown Rochester. Make a stop by Blue Cross Arena or Genesee River while you're exploring the neighborhood.
Skyline of Rochester New York, a city that is in Western NY

Corn Hill

Though Corn Hill might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Blue Cross Arena and Genesee River.

Neighborhood of the Arts

You'll enjoy the museums and live music in Neighborhood of the Arts. You might want to make time for a stop at Memorial Art Gallery or Main Street Armory.
Photo by Gary Tubiolo
Open Photo by Gary Tubiolo

Rochester Central Business District

If you're spending some time in Rochester Central Business District, Rochester Riverside Convention Center and Genesee River are top sights worth seeing.
Photo by Stephanie Garling
Open Photo by Stephanie Garling

Highland Park

While visiting Highland Park, you might make a stop by sights like Frederick Douglass Statue and Highland Park.

 

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 Rochester

Fall foliage in the Adirondack Mountains

Farmington

Letchworth State Park

Henrietta

Large historic traditional Church building with large parking lots and colorful fall foliage in small town Penfield, County of Monroe, Upstate New York, USA

Penfield

Brockport Village in New York State aerial footage

Greece

Fairport at Night on the Canal

Fairport

A snow-covered landscape with a bridge, buildings, and a river.

Pittsford

Scottsville

Scottsville

Liftbridge on the Erie Canal at Spencerport, NY

Spencerport

Frequently asked questions

Is Rochester worth visiting?
With a mix of festivals and dining, there are plenty of things to do in Rochester. While you're here, head to Strong, a top attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Rochester?
After you've checked off popular attractions like Strong and Seabreeze Amusement Park, spend the rest of your day exploring Rochester's retail and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Rochester?
You can't leave without checking out Strong, rated the top tourist attraction in Rochester.
Is three days enough to stay in Rochester?
You can easily enjoy top attractions like Strong, Kodak Centre for Performing Arts and Seneca Park Zoo with a three-day escape to Rochester. On average, most travellers plan two days here. There's plenty to do and see nearby too, so linger longer and venture to Henrietta.
Is Rochester a walkable city?
Some leading sights in Rochester, such as Strong and Kodak Centre for Performing Arts, are within walking distance. You can also enjoy several of the city's popular neighbourhoods on foot. Just 0.32 kilometres from central Rochester is Downtown Rochester and Rochester Central Business District is 0.64 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Rochester with kids?
Planning what to do in Rochester with kids has never been so simple. Whether you're travelling with toddlers or teenagers, there are many family-friendly sights and activities to keep everyone busy here.

What to do in Rochester for adults?
Whether you're an avid foodie, culture enthusiast or fan of Mother Nature, there are lots of things to do in Rochester for adults including Mount Hope Cemetery and ARTWalk.
Are there free things to do in Rochester?
From visiting parks to wandering around exciting neighbourhoods, it's a breeze to discover free things to do in Rochester. If you're stuck for ideas, get some tips from a local tour guide. Genesee River's High Falls is a great spot for anyone looking to save on their sightseeing activities.

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