Best of Buffalo Double Decker Bus Tour

Experience the Best of Buffalo with a Double Decker Bus Tour

Buffalo’s charm often gets overlooked, but this Best of Buffalo Double Decker Bus Tour offers a lively, insightful way to see the city’s highlights. With a blend of history, humor, and sightseeing, it promises a fun and engaging way to explore Buffalo in just a couple of hours.

What we especially appreciate are the knowledgeable guides who keep the mood light and the stories captivating, the stunning views from the upper deck, and the value-packed inclusion of Buffalo Naval Park. However, the tour’s focus on humor and storytelling might not suit those craving a deeply factual history or a more traditional sightseeing approach.

This tour is perfect for first-time visitors wanting an overview, families looking for an entertaining outing, or anyone eager to get a feel for Buffalo without spending a whole day. If you’re keen on a fun, light-hearted experience that combines a bit of history and city sights, this tour could be just what you’re after.

Good To Know

• Fun and Informative: A lively mix of humor and storytelling makes sightseeing memorable.
• Great Value: For just $35, you get a comprehensive city tour plus the Buffalo Naval Park visit.
• Small Group Feel: With a maximum of 60 travelers, it remains engaging and personable.
• Flexible Itinerary: Includes iconic landmarks and a behind-the-scenes look at Buffalo’s naval history.
• Accessible and Convenient: Mobile ticketing, near public transport, with assistance for mobility aids.
• Perfect Duration: About two hours—long enough to see key sites but short enough to fit into a busy schedule.

An In-Depth Look at the Buffalo Double Decker Experience

Starting Point & First Highlights: Buffalo Naval & Military Park

The tour kicks off at the Buffalo Naval & Military Park, where you’ll spend roughly 25 minutes exploring historic ships, including the USS The Sullivans. Reviewers mention that the visit here is a definite highlight, with stories of naval vessels and tales of Buffalo’s maritime past bringing the site to life. Many appreciate the inclusion of the admission ticket, which saves additional costs and makes this part of the experience more seamless.

The guide’s storytelling at this stop stands out—reviewers like Linda R. mentioned enjoying the inside look at ships and the “very unique” experience of learning about Buffalo’s naval history through humor. Others noted the ship tour as a chance to explore an authentic historic vessel, giving the experience an engaging, tangible feel.

Passing Buffalo Landmarks: City Hall, Millionaires Row & More

As the bus makes its way through the city, you’ll pass by notable sights like the Guaranty Building, one of the earliest skyscrapers in the world, and Lafayette Square, home to the hotel built by the world’s first female architect. While these are pass-by moments, the guide’s commentary emphasizes their importance and stories behind these structures.

Reviewers have praised guides like Joel for their “funny and knowledgeable” storytelling, which turns simple drive-by moments into memorable snippets of Buffalo’s architectural and cultural history. The short, 5-minute stop at Buffalo City Hall offers quick views and background, perfect for photo ops and a bit of city pride.

Richardson Olmsted Campus: A Sprawling Historic Site

If timing allows, the tour makes a 10-minute stop at the Richardson Olmsted Campus, a sprawling former psychiatric hospital now repurposed as a hotel and event space. Visitors note that this is a “very interesting” site and a highlight for those interested in architecture and adaptive reuse. Though a brief stop, the fact that it’s included for free gives an extra layer of value.

The Heart of the Tour: Buffalo’s Iconic Landmarks

One of the tour’s standout features is the visit to Niagara Square, where the City Hall, Federal Court House, and McKinley Monument create a striking backdrop. Here, the guide shares stories that turn statues and buildings into characters of Buffalo’s history.

Many reviewers mention that the guide’s storytelling makes these landmarks come alive, transforming a quick stop into an engaging history lesson. The “fabulous guide” orients travelers in a way that makes even brief stops meaningful, adding context that you might miss on a self-guided drive.

The Final Piece: Inside the Ships and The Silo

The initial 25-minute ship tour at the Naval Park is a crowd favorite—reviewers like William P. call it “a must-do” and “a highlight of the tour”. Inside the vessels, including the USS Sullivan, visitors get a sense of the scale and history of naval life.

Later, if time permits, there’s a brief stop at a grain silo, which reviewers describe as “unexpected but very cool,” offering a taste of Buffalo’s industrial past. This site, along with the inside look at the former psychiatric hospital, adds layers of local flavor that make the tour more than just a city drive.

The Overall Experience: What It Means for You

Transport & Group Size

The tour operates on a mobile ticket, making check-in smooth and flexible. The double-decker bus offers outdoor seating on the upper deck, which reviewers highly recommend for the best views and a breeze in summer. The group size is capped at 60 travelers, helping maintain a friendly, engaging atmosphere.

Timing & Duration

Clocking in at around 2 hours, the tour is perfect for those with limited time but still eager to catch the city’s highlights. The short afternoon schedule fits easily into most itineraries, making it suitable for day-trippers or those wanting a quick overview before exploring on their own.

Price & Value

At $35 per person, this experience offers great value. The inclusion of admission tickets to the Naval Park and the lively storytelling style means you’re getting more than just a bus ride—you’re getting a memorable, educational outing that blends history with entertainment.

Accessibility & Convenience

The tour is near public transportation, and service animals are allowed. The upper deck features small steps, so travelers with mobility aids should consider this, but the guide and staff are generally accommodating, as noted in reviews where assistance was appreciated.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

Many travelers rave about the guide’s humor and knowledge, with one describing the guide as “fabulous” and making every stop a story worth hearing. Others mention that the stories can be exaggerated for humor, but they still add charm to the experience.

One reviewer, Julius J, summed it up as “hilarious, informative, and eye-opening”, capturing how this tour keeps guests entertained. Conversely, a more critical perspective from Matt W points out that if you’re expecting a purely factual, serious history tour, you might find the narrative a bit light on details. Still, most find the balance of humor and facts appealing and memorable.

Tips for Max Enjoyment

• Sit upstairs for the best views and fresh air.
• Be prepared for small steps if you have mobility aids.
• Arrive early or on time to maximize your experience, especially at the Naval Park.
• Keep an eye out for the ships and landmarks that the guide highlights, as they make the sightseeing more meaningful.
• If you’re interested in architecture, don’t miss Lafayette Square and the Richardson Olmsted Campus.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for first-time visitors wanting an overview of Buffalo’s highlights in a fun and engaging way. It’s perfect for families, solo travelers, or groups looking for a light-hearted, educational experience.

If you appreciate humorous storytelling combined with some history and stunning city views, you’ll find this tour hits the spot. It’s especially suitable for those with limited time but still wanting a comprehensive introduction to Buffalo.

The Sum Up

The Best of Buffalo Double Decker Bus Tour offers a lively, well-rounded introduction to this often-overlooked city. For just $35, you get a mix of sightseeing, history, and humor, with the added bonus of visiting the Naval Park and exploring key landmarks. The guide’s engaging storytelling and the stunning views from the upper deck make it a memorable experience, especially for those who enjoy a touch of entertainment with their sightseeing.

While it may not satisfy those seeking a deeply academic history or a very traditional tour, it excels at offering an authentic, fun, and informative outing that captures Buffalo’s spirit. The short duration and flexible planning make it a smart choice for travelers looking to make the most of their time in the city.

This tour is perfect for curious travelers wanting to combine education with entertainment—delivering a genuine sense of what makes Buffalo special, all while having a good laugh along the way.

FAQ

How long is the Buffalo Double Decker Bus Tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, making it a quick yet comprehensive way to see the key sites.

What is included in the ticket price?
The ticket price of $35 includes the bus tour and admission to the Buffalo Naval Park, giving you access to the ships and stories there.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility aids?
Yes, service animals are allowed, and staff are generally accommodating. However, upper deck seats require navigating some small steps, so keep that in mind if mobility is a concern.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Buffalo Naval Park and ends back at the same point, making logistics simple.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

Is the tour family-friendly?
Absolutely, families and groups of all ages enjoy the lively storytelling and scenic stops.

What’s the best seat on the bus?
The upper deck is recommended for the best views and a breeze, especially in good weather.

Are there any stops at iconic Buffalo landmarks?
Yes, including City Hall, Millionaires Row, and the Richardson Olmsted Campus—each offering quick but meaningful glimpses into Buffalo’s architectural gems.

What should I wear or bring?
Bring comfortable clothing, sunscreen, and sunglasses for sunny days. The outdoor upper deck is exposed, so dress appropriately.

In essence, this tour offers a balanced mix of history, humor, and sightseeing that makes it a compelling choice for those eager to discover Buffalo in a lively, memorable way.