Why You Should Visit This Underrated City On Your Next Trip To Mexico

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If you’re looking for a vibrant and culturally rich destination, Guadalajara, Mexico should be at the top of your list. 

The Guadalajara Cathedral across a plaza with a fountain in the foreground

Located in the heart of the country, Guadalajara is the second-largest city in Mexico and offers visitors a unique blend of history, art, and modern attractions. 

As the birthplace of both mariachi and tequila, the city is overflowing with rich history and cultural significance.  

It was recently named one of TIME’s World’s Greatest Places of 2023, alongside the better-known Mexico City, and it’s easy to see why. 

Here are some reasons why you should plan a visit to this underrated city:

@atasteofkoko 15 top things to do in Guadalajara (part one) – the weather in Guadalajara is PERFECT if you’re looking for a warm getaway right now! 〰 stay at Casa Habita (cute boutique hotel) 〰 explore Colonia Americana neighborhood 〰 dinner at Hueso (super cool all-white restaurant) 〰 late night churros at Churro La Bombilla 〰️ shopping at Mercado IV Centenario 〰️ tortilla factory at Tortillería Arandas 〰️ authentic tejuino at Tejuino Marcelino #ad #VisitGuadalajara #guadalajaramexico #shesnotlost #guadalajarajalisco #mexico #mexicotravel #gltlove ♬ Instrumental México – Teaga

1. Culture

Guadalajara is often considered the cultural center of Mexico due to its rich history and artistic heritage. 

The city is home to several world-class museums, including the Regional Museum of Anthropology and History and the Instituto Cultural Cabañas. 

Visitors can immerse themselves in Mexican art, music, and dance at the many festivals and events held throughout the year, such as the Guadalajara International Film Festival. 

Being the home of tequila and mariachi, there are, of course, festivals dedicated to those as well. The Tequila Festival and the International Mariachi and Charrería Festival take place in March and September, respectively. 

While tequila and mariachi need no introduction, charrería, Mexico’s national sport, is most commonly compared to a rodeo and something not to miss on a trip to Guadalajara.

Traditional dancers at a festival in Guadalajara, Mexico

2. Cuisine

Mexican cuisine is known for its bold flavors, and each state has its own unique dishes. 

Guadalajara is famous for its birria — a spicy meat stew (usually goat) that is typically served with tortillas and lime wedges. 

Another local specialty is the torta ahogada, or “drowned sandwich.”  This is exactly what it sounds like – a fried pork sandwich smothered in a spicy tomato sauce and served with avocado, onions, and radish. 

Some other dishes to look out for are pozole and chilaquiles.  Visitors can sample these dishes and more at the city’s many street vendors, markets, and restaurants.     

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A plate with a torta ahogada or drowned sandwhich, a specialty cuisine of Guadalajara, Mexico

3. History

Guadalajara is home to some of Mexico’s most stunning architecture, with buildings that date back to the 16th century. 

The historic center of Guadalajara, or Centro Historico, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features beautiful colonial-era buildings, such as the Government Palace and the Guadalajara Cathedral. 

The cathedral is almost as old as the city itself and includes Gothic, baroque, and neoclassical influences. 

Visitors can also explore the neighborhood of Tlaquepaque, known for its colorful buildings and traditional crafts, or venture an hour outside of the city to view the ancient Guachimontones Pyramids. 

An aerial view of the Guadalajara Cathedral with the city in the distance

4. Entertainment

Guadalajara has a vibrant nightlife scene with a variety of bars, nightclubs, and live music venues. 

Visit the Tlaquepaque neighborhood for mariachi or head to the popular Chapultepec neighborhood for more trendy hotspots. 

The city is also home to the most LGBTQ bars and nightclubs in Mexico and is known for hosting Latin America’s largest gay pride parade. 

If nightclubs aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other attractions, as Guadalajara has a thriving shopping and sports scene. 

For shopping, you’ll find everything from local artisan markets to large urban malls. 

Sports lovers should check out a charreada (rodeo) or head to the Arena Coliseo for an incredibly entertaining lucha libre performance (wrestling).

A view of the Guadalajara Cathedral across a plaza with a gazebo and people in the foreground

5. Day Trips

Guadalajara’s location makes it an ideal base for exploring nearby attractions

One of the most popular day trips from Guadalajara is to the town of Tequila to visit the sprawling agave fields and learn about tequila production. 

These blue agave fields, which are yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site, are the source of all the tequila in the world. 

Travelers can visit the National Museum of Tequila, tour distilleries, and visit the original tequila factory, the Hacienda Herradura San Jose Refugio. 

There is even a train, aptly named the Jose Cuervo Express, to take you from Guadalajara to Tequila. 

Man on a horse riding through agave fields in Tequila, Mexico

Another nearby option for either a day trip or a relaxing weekend is Lake Chapala. 

An hour’s drive takes visitors to this freshwater lake where they can bird-watch, enjoy the calm surroundings, or hire a boat to go island-hopping. 

The area is so tranquil that it has brought in quite a few retirees and expats over the years and is currently home to many Americans and Canadians.

People walking through the colorful streets of Tlaquepaque, Mexico with papel picado overhead

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Nonstop Flights To This Vibrant Resort City In Mexico Are Finally Back!

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With its unruffled golden sands stretching for miles on end, delectable cuisine, and friendly locals, Mexico remains a no-brainer vacation for Americans in the winter. But listen, we get it if you’ve had enough of Cancun, Cabo, Puerto Vallarta, and the like.

As great as those may be, they’ll be jam-packed this season, not to mention prices will be soaring through the roof, but there’s a silver lining for those who dream of relaxing by the seaside, and all-round excellence in hospitality without breaking the bank.

Ladies and gents, Acapulco is back in business, hosting nonstop flights from the States––so much the better for us budget travelers!

Aerial View Of Acapulco In Mexico

Cabo’s Predecessor Still Has A Lot Going For It

One of the liveliest coastal cities in the Mexican Pacific, Acapulco is set on a wide bay fringed by soft, golden sands and azure waters, lined with high-rises and luxurious condominiums, and backed by the imposing Sierra Madre del Sur mountain range.

With a population of over 658,000, it is one of the largest conurbations of the Guerrero state, as well as a tried-and-true resort destination made famous by the jet set trend of the 50s and 60s, when Hollywood stars would flock here for their vacations.

La Quebrada Cliff In Acapulco, Mexico

It has since been overtaken by Los Cabos, but that’s not to say it’s lacking in glitz and glam, particularly now that it’s fully recovered from the hurricane season, hotels are open and services fully operational, and most importantly, security is improving.

Security Levels Are Improving

Despite its stellar 20th-century start, not that long ago, Acapulco had become a no-go zone for Americans traveling in Mexico due to the surging crime and gang activity––it’s still far from being a low-risk destination, but surveillance has increased significantly:

Acapulco Beachfront, Mexico

Just this week, authorities have deployed not only more police, but also the Navy and even Mexican Armed Forces units to ensure crime is tackled, with Rodolfo Escobar Ávila confirming officers will be patrolling ‘along the coast in all areas of Acapulco’.

We don’t know yet how much safer Acapulco is right now compared to the previous years––we might have to wait until the season has officially started to start making comparisons––but the increased demand might be proof tourists feel reassured:

Resort Lined Beachfront In Acapulco, Mexico

Travelers Feel Confident Booking Acapulco Vacations Again

This winter, American Airlines is returning to the Guerrero hotspot, with the first flight from Dallas-Fort Worth having landed on November 11, officially inaugurating the season, following many months of severed connectivity.

As Dr. Abelina López Rodríguez, the Mayor of Acapulco has stated, this is a direct result of recent investments and the expansion of hotels in the area, as well as a sign passengers and airlines alike feel confident in investing their money in the destination.

Police In Acapulco, Mexico

Most of the municipality has already made a full recovery from the havoc Hurricane John wreaked earlier this year, and as noted previously, authorities seem to have taken a page from Cancun’s guidebook and are now taking security concerns more seriously.

Nonstop Flights To Acapulco Are Back From These U.S. Hubs

Back to the flights themselves, American will fly between Dallas (DFW) and Acapulco weekly, every Saturday, until September 2025. There will be a two-month pause in September and October before the flights resume in November 2025. One-way fares will start at only $250.

flying and traveling, view from airplane window on the wing on sunset time

Meanwhile, United Airlines is offering flights to Acapulco from competing Texas hub Houston (IAH), operated every Saturday and available weekly throughout the high season as well, with one-way tickets set at $311.

Other than the plethora of beautiful beaches catering to a diverse crowd, from professional surfers to casual swimmers and families, with Condesa, Pichilingue, Mahajua and Caleta Beach to name a few, Acapulco’s greatest appeal is its inexpensiveness:

Five-Star Stays In Acapulco Are Dirt Cheap!

Couple Relaxing By The Poolside In A Los Cabos Resort, Los Cabos, Mexico

All-inclusive stays and luxury resorts are much cheaper here than in the country’s most sought-after beach zones: for instance, an overnight at the 5-star Hotel Amares will set you back by only $128 this January.

Moving up, the beachfront Las Brisas is just as economical, with a ‘casita’ with shared pool priced at $129, and if you really want to splurge as you’ve been saving up for the occasion, the landmark Palacio Mundo Imperial Diamante Acapulco costs $236 to book per night.

It is one of the most upscale resorts in Acapulco, but it’s worth noting that, at that price, you don’t get an all-inclusive getaway––if that’s what you’ve been hoping for, room rates then bump up to $398-a-night at the same resort.

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Colombia’s Undiscovered City: Swap Medellin’s Chaos For Timeless Streets & Authentic Culture

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At this point, everyone already knows about Medellin. It’s been taken over by digital nomads and is popular among solo travelers too.

With that comes a lot of chaos that you don’t necessarily have to deal with to check Colombia off your list.

People walking through Popoyan, Colombia

Is Medellin old news? No, not necessarily.

But don’t sleep on Colombia’s hidden gems.

While you may want to avoid visiting Bogota for more than a layover, and Medellin has its own set of issues we reported on earlier this year, there’s so much more to explore in this fascinating country.

Whether it’s beaches, ancient sites, or the timeless streets of Popayan, Colombia’s undiscovered city, it’s time to swap the chaos of Medellin for a more authentic experience amongst some of the country’s most picturesque surroundings.

Colombia’s Little Known Slice Of Spain

White buildings of Popyan, including church

I get it. Saying there’s a ‘slice of Spain’ in the middle of Colombia might seem a bit dramatic, but what else do blocks and blocks of captivating whitewashed buildings remind you of?

Santorini perhaps? Now that would be a stretch!

With no blue trim and endless gleaming white structures, Spain is the best comparison since there’s no other place like this in the nation.

Plus, centuries ago, for better or worse, Popayan was on the Spanish conquistador’s trading route through South America, and the preservation of their lasting marks is incredible to visit.

Church of San Francisco in Popayan

How such a beautiful city has flown under the radar for so long is baffling, but it’s probably because Colombia has so many other popular destinations.

Popayan also has no international airport (which only serves a few domestic flights), so getting here is more of a trek than getting to Medellin, Cartegena, or Cali.

Speaking of, Cali is the most convenient gateway into Popayan by bus unless you connect by flight through Bogota via Avianca or Clic.

Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed by stunning colonial architecture, historic cobbled streets, and virtually no tourists – but don’t worry; it’s safe here!

Safe And Insanely Budget-Friendly

Whitewashed buildings in Popayan

Colombia’s white city, as it’s known, ticks all the boxes many travelers seek when venturing to this side of the world.

First, unlike Medellin, where it’s almost guaranteed you’ll have some sort of unfortunate run-in the longer you stay, Popayan is widely regarded as safe.

The only issue you’ll want to be aware of is that you may stand out like a sore thumb, being one of few tourists in the entire city of nearly 320,000 residents.

Furthermore, you can stay for cheap in one of the numerous beaming white buildings, whether a boutique hotel, hostel, or rental.

Elderly locals of Popayan, Colombia

For example, you can stay at Hotel Dann Monasterio, a former 1500s monastery turned ritzy hotel for only $41 on Priceline.

Airbnbs on the other hand offer similar rates and more space than a traditional hotel room, so you have plentiful options at hand.

Monthly stays are even better, so those Medellin digital nomads tired of keeping their head on a swivel could definitely opt for Popayan for super cheap – think nice apartments for $300 – $450 per month.

Where do I sign up?

Calling All Foodies! UNESCO’S First ‘City of Gastronomy’

Restaurant in Colombia

Oftentimes, UNESCO designated specific sites or regions to protect cultural heritage and encourage education.

But did you know they also do the same for food?

While it’s completely different than receiving Michelin stars, it still shows how incredible a place can be to indulge in local cuisine.

While Colombian restaurants aren’t as popular as they should be in the States, Colombian cuisine goes well beyond savory empanadas.

Food prep of fresh ingredients in Popayan

Popayan was the first ‘City of Gastronomy‘ recognized by UNESCO, particularly for its rich fertile soil resulting in fresh ingredients, whether it be locals’ favorite beverage chicha or corn pancakes.

Culinary traditions are well-preserved here thanks in part to UNESCO and partly due to the community’s’ sense of pride showcased at numerous restaurants here, where traditional methods are still used, such as esamargados (fruits and zest marinade).

While UNESCO doesn’t give restaurant recommendations per se, TripAdvisor sure does. Check out these 3 top-rated restaurants:

  1. Restaurante Carmina (perfect rating!)
  2. Mora Castilla
  3. La Cosecha Parrillada Centro

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Milan On A Budget – Visiting Italy’s Most Expensive City For Under $100

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When it comes to a place as iconic and stunningly diverse as Italy, it can be hard to pick a single place to visit and even harder to differentiate between the unmissable gems and the overhyped tourist traps.

Milan, in particular, has always been the subject of an ongoing debate among travelers, with some insisting it’s one of Italy’s most visit-worthy cities and others claiming it’s a waste of both time and money.

So I decided to take a leap and see for myself – is Milan actually worth visiting, and more importantly, can you do it on a budget?

Woman standing in front of the Milan Duomo, Italy

After four amazing days in the city, I’m happy to report that the north Italian gem is not only one of the most stunning places I’ve ever seen in my life, but I was actually able to have an incredible time on less than $100 a day.

Here’s how:

Finding Low-Cost Accommodation In Milan

Accommodation might be the trickiest thing to do on a budget in Milan, especially if you have certain expectations regarding location or overall quality, but it’s not impossible.

The no. 1 tip I can give you here is to prioritize Airbnb over hotels.

View from a room in Milan, Italy
I loved the view from my Airbnb

I know that Airbnbs have notoriously become more expensive than hotels in most destinations, but after searching for the perfect affordable place to stay for at least a month, I can confidently say that Milan is not one of them.

Places like these (1, 2) while unassuming, are still comfy, clean, and conveniently located, offering excellent value for the money (assuming you’re traveling with a companion, the nightly cost ends up somewhere around $40-$55 per person).

You’ll notice that both of these apartments are located in Porta Venezia – in my opinion, that’s the best area for a tourist to stay in the city.

Piazza Eleonora Dusse, Milan
This was just one of the many gorgeous buildings in Porta Venezia. Not just conveniently located but beautiful too!

You’re close to both the city center (~25-minute walk) and Milano Centrale, the main train and bus station (~15-minute walk), and believe me, if you don’t have your own car, you’ll want to be close to Minano Centrale because that’s where you’ll go for every day trip and airport transfer.

The neighborhood itself is peaceful but still lively and near great shops and bars, and you even have access to a beautiful park (Indro Montanelli). 

View from the Indro Montanelli Gardens, Milan
I always looked forward to passing through the Indro Montanelli Gardens on my way to the Duomo

Getting Around The City

OK, so you want to be close to Milano Centrale for all inter-city trips, but what about getting around Milan itself? How do you do that and how much can you expect to pay?

The easiest and most convenient mode of transportation here is by metro, no competition.

There’s a station at almost every corner, and as long as you do your best to understand how the system works, you should get the hang of it in no time.

The view from the entrance of a metro stop near the Duomo, Milan
Getting used to the metro system took a bit of trial and error, but I got the hang of it in less than two days – not too shabby

Basically, there are three main lines that cover most of the city, Red (M1), Green (M2), and Yellow (M3), each with its own set of stops which you can learn more about here.

Still, as a tourist, you might have a challenging time figuring out what station you need to get to and what line you should take, so I highly recommend you download the ATM Milano App.

You just type in your location and where you need to go, and the app will come up with an exact itinerary of how to get to the right metro station near you, what line to take, and where to stop, and it’s definitely a time and headache-saver.

ATM Milan App
The ATM Milan app is completely free so definitely give it a try

Even with the app, though, you’ll still want to pay close attention to the signs and maps displayed inside metro stations as well as the digital displays inside the actual metros to make sure you’re going in the right direction.

As far as pricing is concerned, a single ticket (which can be used as many times as you want within a 90-minute time frame) costs 2.2€ or ~$2.5, while a 3-day pass costs 15.5€ or ~$17.

Eating Out And Well Doesn’t Have To Be Expensive

Eating out in Milan can get pretty expensive – there are probably thousands of restaurants and fast food joints in the city and most of them are obvious tourist traps with sky-high prices and mediocre food.

With that said, there are still some places where you can get amazing, great-value food, even in more touristy areas.

Pizza in Milan, italy
Be it the food itself or the overall vibe of Navigli, I had the best time with this meal at Pizza e Mozzarella

Case in point, Luna Rossa.

It doesn’t look like much from the outside, but as soon as you get in, you’re hit with that typical Italian trattoria charm.

It’s busy, loud, and unpretentious – the food is great, the service is quick, and a main dish + glass of wine shouldn’t cost you more than $15.

The food at a restaurant in Milan, Italy
This risotto I had at Luna Rossa was the last meal of my trip and I couldn’t have chosen a better experience to end my trip

Bonus point, it’s just an 8-minute walk from the Duomo.

Other places I ate at (and loved) during my trip to Milan include Fresca Pasta Club, Salad House, and Pizza e Mozzarella.

For dessert, my go-tos would be Gelato Fatto Con Amore and Spùn Tiramisù.

Gelato in Milan, Italy
This pistacchio and biscotti gelato I got from Gelato Fatto Con Amore was one of the best I’ve ever had

The Same Goes For Entertainment

With accommodation, food, and transportation covered, it’s time to delve into what it costs to do other touristy activities in Milan, you know, things like visiting a museum, exploring a historical attraction, or going out for a cocktail.

With museums, you’ll want to try your best to time your visit to Milan so that you’re here during the first Sunday of the month – some of the city’s most coveted historical and cultural attractions are free to enter on that day alone.

If that’s not possible, you’ll want to aim for either the first or third Tuesday of the month, when there will still be some gorgeous museums you can enter for free (places that charge anywhere between $5 and $25 per ticket the rest of the month).

Castello Sforzesco Milan, Italy
Castello Sforzesco is free to enter every first and third Tuesday of the month – definitely worth a stop!

With Duomo, you’ll have to pay for a ticket no matter the time of the month you go, but there are a few tips I can give you to get the most out of the experience:

  • Only purchase from the official website or on-site
  • Check discount policies
  • If you’re reasonably fit, choose the Combo Stairs ticket instead of the Combo Lift – there are only 200 stairs, the lines for the lift can get insane during specific times of the day, and there’s no descending lift, so you’ll still have to make your way down by foot
  • Make use of the 10% discount code for the gift shop that comes with any Combo Ticket
The view inside the Duomo of Milan
None of the pictures I took inside the Duomo (this one included) can do the actual view justice

Now when it comes to bars, the best places to go for those on a budget are definitely neighborhoods like Porta Romana or Porta Venezia, where cocktails cost anywhere between $8 and $10.

If you’re set on having a drink with a gorgeous view of the Duomo, my top recommendation would be SunEleven Rooftop Bar – for just $16 a cocktail you get great service and the most incredible backdrop.

View from a rooftop in Milan, Italy
This view and a good cocktail were the recipe for one of my best nights in Milan

So, with all of that said, what can you expect the average day in Milan to cost you?

  • Airbnb – $45
  • Breakfast + coffee (espresso) – $6
  • Sightseeing + museum tour – $0
  • Lunch – $18
  • Cocktail – $10
  • Dinner – $15

All of that adds up to a total of $94, well under $100.

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This Northeast City Was Just Named Among The Best Destinations For 2025 – And It’s A Shocker!

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While most people are trying to get a sneak peak of Black Friday deals or making last-minute preparations to avoid Thanksgiving disasters, travel nerds like me look forward to the so-called “experts” listing the next big “it” destinations.

The Points Guy just released their 2025 list of ‘The 29 best places to travel‘ and there are some real humdingers!

Ranging from trendy islands, places you’ve never heard of, and some outright surprises, one Northeast city falls under the latter.

Buffalo Savings Bank building in Buffalo, NY

This side of the States is teeming with incredible cities dotting the map, but this one is rarely discussed as a top-tier getaway unless it’s football season.

One reason being you may want to avoid winters here as it’s known for unbearable weather, but hey, there’s 3 others seasons to enjoy all the surprising delights of Buffalo in 2025.

New York’s Biggest Surprise

What do you know about Buffalo?

If you’re like me, if you’ve heard anything at all, it’s that it’s drab, cold, and the Bills are forever cursed after 4 consecutive Super Bowl losses in the 90’s.

Buffalo skyline at night

Other than that, it’s somewhat of a question mark for most travelers. Heck, even nearby Niagara Falls has its own airport to bypass stepping foot in Buffalo if you want.

But what if we’ve had the wrong interpretations all along? You know what they say, “don’t judge a book by its cover”…

Buffalo is neighbors with some pretty cool places. While eyeballs never seem to lose sight of our southern border, one could argue Buffalo is America’s most underrated ‘border city’. Sorry, El Paso.

Hugging Canada’s iconic city of Toronto and under half an hour from world-famous Niagara Falls, Buffalo seems to behold prime real estate, so why the negative reputation?

It could be a lot of things, but it’s mainly that it’s simply overshadowed by Toronto, Niagara Falls, and since it’s a New York zip code, it’s way off the radar for those magnetized to Manhattan.

But here’s the thing – locals love their city. Not to make this a sports article by any means, but here’s an example:

Now retired NFL Quarterback, and former Buffalo Bill, Ryan Fitzpatrick, is what’s known as a career journeyman, playing for 9 teams over 17 years.

When asked his favorite city to play for his answer was simple, but spoke volumes. He said, “It’s Buffalo. That’s why, because it’s Buffalo.”

Roman Catholic Diocese in Buffalo, NY

Welcoming people, gorgeous architecture, surprisingly cool neighborhoods, great food, intriguing museums – what’s not to love besides the sub-zero wind chills?

New York’s Other Cultural City

Despite being overlooked, one reason Buffalo’s proud residents love their city is there’s something fun and unique going on all the time.

As highlighted by The Points Guy, one of the most anticipated events of 2025 (other than the Bills being Super Bowl contenders), is the 50th Juneteenth Festival, one of America’s oldest and largest festivals.

Here, you’ll get a glimpse into Buffalo’s fascinating history and sample the culture through a surprising array of diverse cuisine, such as Jamaican, and even Egyptian.

Festival in Buffalo

Another awesome place to visit is reopening its doors at the turn of the new year. Don’t skip out on the Historic Colored Musicians Club & Jazz Museum, the longest running Black-owned music venue in America.

Beyond events and top-rated museums like Albright-Knox Art Gallery, the city is great to explore 3 seasons out of the year before it’s blanketed in snow.

Lake Erie’s waterfront is a great hangout spot to get a feel for the city, but one place that can’t be missed is the Westside Bazaar, a buzzing market and groundbreaking concept where all walks of life no matter of status have equal opportunities to showcase their products or services.

Great Places To Stay & Eat

You might be too chicken to brave Buffalo’s winters, but that doesn’t mean you can’t chow down on some bird in the birthplace of Buffalo wings.

Legend has it Anchor Bar is the go-to spot to try the world’s first Buffalo wings, but the city’s food scene goes well beyond messy bar food.

Food trucks are commonplace, and there’s a thriving brewery scene. Keep an eye out for local staples Beef on Weck where it’s equivalent to Philly’s cheesesteak battle – everyone has their own secret spot.

Buffalo will soon be much easier to navigate with the opening of a new light-rail station coming to the action-packed Cobblestone District.

Buffalo's Statler hotel

Better yet, there’s some great places to rest your head at night, but perhaps no more than the historic century-old Statler.

But if you’d like something recently revamped, check out The Richardson set in a former State Asylum, which that fact alone sounds like it will soon be added to Buffalo’s ghost tours.

See? There’s always something to do.

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