“Go Orange!” might just be the first sure sign of the ‘Cuse spirit you’ll come across when landing in Syracuse. Yes, about a quarter of the population of Syracuse is made up of college students attending Syracuse University, Le Moyne, Onondaga Community College, and other colleges.
During the football season, Syracuse turns into a true football town. It’s during fall when you can hear the famous drumline of the Syracuse University Marching Band practicing outside the Dome football stadium.
Ahh…the memories. Yours truly used to be a part of THAT quarter of the population and a proud, Clarinet playing, member of the very band that will wake you up at 7 on a Saturday morning.
That said, thanks to the brimming downtown of Syracuse, its history, culture, delicious food selections, and beautiful nature spread throughout Onondaga County, you truly needn’t be a football fan to fall in love with the city. It’s easy to make your weekend in Syracuse unforgettable. Let’s dive into the 3-day Syracuse itinerary I’d take you on if I were your ‘Cuse guide.
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Side Note: The following post was written by Dina, a former local of Syracuse. This way, you can be sure you are reading the best and most accurate weekend in Syracuse itinerary. Locals know best! See the author’s bio at the end for more information.
Table of Contents
Weekend in Syracuse Quick Overview:
Short on time? Here’s a quick overview of the best things to do in Syracuse during your 3-day getaway! From waterfalls to sunset cruises, you’ll fall in love with this little corner of New York.
- Day 1: Breakfast at Funk ‘n’ Waffles, Destiny USA, Armory Square, Everson Museum of Art, dinner at Pastabilities, and The Landmark Theater
- Day 2: Onondaga Lake Park, Erie Canal Museum, Syracuse University, explore Westcott, dinner at The Spaghetti Warehouse
- Day 3: Rosamond Gifford Zoo, Hollow Wine Cellars, Buttermilk Falls State Park, dinner cruise on Skaneateles Lake
Keep reading below for all the details to make planning the perfect weekend trip to Syracuse seamless!
How do I get to Syracuse?
Syracuse is situated in upstate New York about 4 hours north of NYC. It is conveniently served by Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR), making it easily accessible for visitors flying in. That said, the airport does regularly turn into crazy-town during winter time, so it’s best to avoid it then.
Alternatively, the Amtrak serves Syracuse train station from all surrounding cities and the I-81 and I-90 can easily take you into the heart of Syracuse by car.
Inside the city, you’ll have access to cabs, a robust bus system, and Uber. If you want to explore the nearby lakes and state parks as outlined in this itinerary, I would recommend renting a car!
What is the best time to visit Syracuse?
Syracuse experiences four distinct seasons, with summers being boiling hot and winters getting freezing cold. Thus, the best time to visit the city is during the spring and fall when the weather is nothing short of majestic.
While magical looking then, Syracuse is not a friendly place during winter. When I lived there, it wasn’t uncommon to walk past snow-, dare I say “mountains”, nearly twice as tall as my own 5”4’.
Meanwhile, during spring and fall, you might have a chance to plan your trip around the Syracuse Arts & Crafts Festival in July and the New York State Fair in late August. Of course, if you’re a football fan or fellow former marching band player, the Dome – our football stadium – and a game are a great event to plan your trip around.
Where should I stay in Syracuse?
The most vibrant part of the city would be the streets around Landmark Theater and Armory Square. From here, access to museums, restaurants, and public transportation will be easy.
If you’re in Upstate NY for a bit of a getaway from the hustle and bustle, I’d recommend staying in East Syracuse or Baldwinsville.
Either way, do beware of common student housing areas and stay away from those neighborhoods, said with much compassion towards my younger self. It does get rowdy. Specifically, avoid the rectangle that is marked by I-81 in the West, Nottingham Rd in the East, the 690 in the North, and 481 in the South.
As for hotel recommendations…
Consider staying at the Red Roof Inn Syracuse as a budget-friendly option. At an affordable price, the Inn will have you right in the middle of downtown.
Near Armory Square, the Marriott Syracuse Downtown invites its guests into a historic building with modern amenities. You’ll only be a few walking minutes away from restaurants and other attractions.
While I’ve never stepped foot in it myself, I always heard that the Hotel Skyler is a slightly more luxurious option near the SU campus. It is an eco-friendly boutique hotel with stylish decor and great service.
The nature around Syracuse makes the city a great destination for dog owners. If traveling with a dog, booking a room at The Genesee Grande Hotel is a great option. They offer spacious rooms and pet-friendly amenities.
Finally, for walking up gently to the touch of the sun and sound of nature, or if you’re in Syracuse to reconnect with yourself as part of your spiritual practice, Baldwinsville Bed and Breakfast is situated just outside of Syracuse in the picturesque village of Baldwinsville.
3-Day Syracuse Weekend Itinerary
Now that we’ve covered a bit of the background info, let’s dive into the complete 3-day Syracuse itinerary!
Day 1: Downtown Syracuse!
Morning:
Start your day right and with a staple of Syracuse: Funk ’n’ Waffles. My favorite breakfast waffle used to be buttermilk waffles with ham, but the selection is endless and endlessly delicious. Alternatively, you can skip breakfast and come to the place at night when they typically present local bands and open up a bar.
Following breakfast, your first destination should be Destiny USA, one of the largest shopping mall (9th ~) in the country. It offers an array of shopping for all ages and tastes, as well as some great fun and adventure. P.F. Chang or Panera Bread could be great lunch options on your way out.
Afternoon:
Downtown Syracuse is vibrant and full of art and history. If you look up, you might find some new and city-commissioned graffiti artwork. Take your time strolling through the streets, starting at Armory Square, and leave about 2 to 3 hours to visit the Everson Museum of Art. The museum showcases a unique selection of American art, including by artists like Jackson Pollock and Georgia O’Keeffe.
Evening:
While in the heart of Syracuse, I’d be remiss to not point you to Pastabilities, a local favorite. More thin than wide, the hole-in-the-wall restaurant lives by its name. It’s also typically packed to the brim, so be sure to make reservations in advance.
From the restaurant, the Landmark Theater is just around the corner and, truly, an architectural landmark. Catching a show there is a must. And if that’s not your thing, sign up to join a tour of the theater instead, right before heading into Pastabilities.
Day 2: Branching out of DT Syracuse
Morning:
Wake up early and head to the picturesque Onondaga Lake Park, located just a short drive from downtown Syracuse. It’s the perfect place to walk the dog, play catch or frisbee with the kids, or have one of those long and contemplative conversations. There are many scenic trails to explore either by foot or on a bike ride along the waterfront. If you’re into photography, be sure to pack the camera.
Afternoon:
For the afternoon, I’ve got two options for you.
One is that you could drive from the lake straight to downtown, grab a bite to eat, and then visit the Erie Canal Museum to learn about the local history, specifically that of the Erie Canal and its impact on the region. It might take you up to 2 hours to immerse yourself in the exhibition.
Alternatively, and I’d be remiss not to share this, you could take a trip to Syracuse University (best to park on Madison or Harrison St.), sneak on the Quad, take epic photos in front of Crouse (home to our performing arts college, which looks like Hogwarts) Shine Student Center, or one of our libraries.
If I was you, I’d take myself merch-shopping on Marshall Street, for one of the best coffees in town at Kubal’s (Guatemalan pour-over for the win, with a cookie on the side), or for lunch at Varsity or Faegan’s.
Evening:
From here, you have the option to go artsy or cozy. For the former, head towards Westcott Community Center and stroll along Westcott to get a pint, gin, or buy some art from the local artists. While Syracuse is generally very safe, the nearby park is said to not be the safest at night, so be sure to stay on the streets.
Then for dinner, head to The Spaghetti Warehouse – I’ve certainly over-indulged on carbs there once or twice.
Pro-Tip: If you really want nature, and have a car, a bucket-list alternative to Onondaga Lake is to consider waking up early to drive for a little less than 2.5 hours North and see Niagara Falls. OR, if you have more than 3 days, you could add this drive to your 3-day itinerary in Syracuse and rent a hotel near the waterfalls to close out your trip to Upstate NY.
Day 3: Explore the nature surrounding Syracuse
And just like that, you’ve woken up on day 3 of your Syracuse trip. If you’re not leaving until the next morning, you will, of course, have more time left to spend in Syracuse. Otherwise, you may need to prioritize depending on when you’re leaving. So let’s get into it:
Morning:
The morning is a beautiful time to venture into Rosamond Gifford Zoo. The Zoo is near Burnet Park in West Syracuse and is home to over 700 animals. Especially if you’re traveling with family, the Zoo could make for a fun-filled morning for the whole family.
Afternoon:
Now for the wine. The nearby Finger Lakes region is great both on the eye and the wine-lover’s tongue. Drive down South to get yourself into a picturesque region full of vineyards. If you have a designated driver around, a wine tasting at one of the wineries could round up the afternoon quite nicely. Otherwise, many places offer tours of the wineries.
If wine is what you’re after, of the many lakes in the region, Cayuga Lake, Seneca Lake, and Keuka Lake will be your best picks. There, you’ll have an array of wineries to pick from. When I went to Ithaca, we stopped at Hickory Hollow Wine Cellars for a tasting and had a great time.
However, if wine is not your thing, I highly recommend heading into Buttermilk Falls State Park just South of one of the finger lakes, Cayuga Lake. I’ve had many epic hikes there.
Evening:
If, at this point, you’re headed back home, you could grab a quick snack in Ithaca. Otherwise, I’d love for you to book yourself onto a sunset dinner cruise on Skaneateles Lake, just a short drive from Syracuse. Dinner on the cruise seems to make for stunning sunset views while fine dining. I mean, why not close out your 3-day trip to Syracuse with a bang?
Other things to do in Syracuse:
- If you’re a foodie, don’t miss your opportunity to stuff your lovely face at Dinosaur Bar-Bee-Que. And come hungry, the portions are huge. I’m a fan of the ribs.
- If you’re in town in late August, I highly recommend planning your trip around the New York State Fair. Such fun! Don’t forget sunscreen though.
- If wine is not your thing, but beer is, head to Eastwood Brewery.
- The Clark Reservation State Park is just a 30-minute drive out of town and offers picturesque and serene nature.
Where (else) to Eat in the Syracuse
- Kubal is a great cafe for morning coffee or a light breakfast. Their croissants are amazing.
- Dinosaur Bar-Bee-Que is fantastic for foodies.
- Ale ‘n’ Angus Pub was once voted to have the best burger. Period.
- Strong Heart’s Cafe is a great lunch place for vegans and vegetarians.
Other Tips to Know Before Visiting Syracuse:
Overall, be it for digital nomads or short-term vacationers, Syracuse can be as vibrant a city as you’d like it to be, or as peaceful a city as you need it to be. And, finally, I can’t stress enough that Syracuse in the winter is tough. Tread gently.
The further you come towards the SU campus, the more you’ll realize how big of a proud college town Syracuse really is. Soak it all in. While the city itself is vibrant, do make sure you’re getting out of the city and into the stunning nature all around it.
About the Author!
A proud former member of Syracuse Marching Band and Resident Advisor, Dina-Marie, once upon a time ago, also turned up the music and lit the lights during concerts on the SU campus.
Nowadays, she’s a professional coach, blogger, and creator of Way of the Founder, a movement that offers a pathway toward holistic success by integrating business leadership, spiritual exploration, and personal development. While a nomad at present, there’s a special place in her heart for the city of Syracuse, one of her second homes.
She can be found plotting business strategies and roaming the world on her blog, in her masterminds, and on Instagram.
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