Discover Buffalo in 2026: The Best Tours to Explore the Queen City
Buffalo, NY, is a city full of history, waterfront beauty, and iconic food culture. Whether you’re a local or visiting for the first time, a guided tour is the best way to experience the city’s rich past, stunning views, and, of course, its world-famous chicken wings.
At Buffalo Bike Tours, we offer some of the most immersive and exciting tours in Buffalo—exclusively by bike! Our 2026 lineup includes three unique tours and convenient bike and e-bike rentals to help you explore at your own pace.
1. The History Ride – Buffalo’s Past, Pedal by Pedal
🚴♂️ Experience Buffalo’s story on the city’s premier bike tour! Check out our History Ride here.
This downtown tour stops at many of the city’s most well-known buildings like Buffalo City Hall, the Electric Tower, and the Guaranty Building, sharing the fascinating stories behind them. Learn about bitter rivalries, economic booms and busts, and trailblazing community activists who were instrumental in the city’s founding.
From heavy hitters in Buffalo history like the Erie Canal and Pan-American Exposition to lesser-known stories of Black history and working-class movements, this Buffalo tour provides a deeper appreciation for the city and its place in American history.
⭐ Highlights:
- Ride along scenic bike trails with stunning views of the city and waterfront
- Discover Buffalo’s Black history: from the Underground Railroad to civil rights
- Explore public art and selfie-worthy stops
- Experience Buffalo by bike – the most fun and best way to see the city!
📍 Great for visitors looking for an educational experience while touring Buffalo.
2. The Waterfront Ride – Scenic Views & Buffalo’s Renaissance
🌊 Buffalo’s best waterfront tour, perfect for all ages and biking levels! Check out our Waterfront Ride here.
This tour is great for those who prefer a relaxed ride and want to enjoy Buffalo’s revitalized waterfront. We’ll start the tour with a ride to the Buffalo Erie Basin Marina, where you can climb a tower for a breathtaking outlook of the city. Then, we’ll hop on our bikes just in time to board the Queen City Bike Ferry across the Buffalo River.
Once at the Outer Harbor, we’ll explore the incredible remnants of Buffalo’s industrial past, including Bethlehem Steel, Hannah Furnace Company, and the city’s towering grain silos. You’ll see firsthand how Buffalo’s history is colliding with new efforts in revitalization and environmental stewardship.
⭐ Highlights:
- Take in stunning lakefront views and ride on designated bike trails
- Cross the Buffalo River via the Queen City Bike Ferry
- Explore Buffalo’s industrial history and its transformation into a modern waterfront hub
- A great tour for both first-time visitors and longtime locals looking for a new perspective
📍 Ideal for photographers, nature lovers, and anyone who wants a relaxing yet informative tour.
3. The Wing Ride – The Original Chicken Wing Tour of Buffalo, NY!
🍗 A must-do for food lovers and history buffs alike! Check out our Wing Ride here.
The Wing Ride takes you on a tasting journey of some of Buffalo’s best chicken wings, with samplings and colorful stories along the way. On this tour, you’ll dive deep into the hidden history of the city’s famous dish and explore how Buffalo was shaped by social dynamics, from its working-class origins to its present-day resurgence.
The tour begins with a visit with Lina Brown Young, the daughter of legendary chicken wing restaurateur John Young. She shares personal photos, stories, and her dad’s long-lost mumbo wing recipe, which had been unavailable for 23 years.
Next, we stop at the Anchor Bar, where you’ll hear the wild story of how their wings were born by accident. Skip the tourist line and crowds and get an inside look (and taste) at this beloved wing institution.
The tour concludes at Tiny Thai, an up-and-coming food truck, where we’ll sample a wing recipe that connects the past, present, and future of chicken wings. This experience has been featured by the Food Network, The New York Times, and Vice Media!
⭐ Highlights:
- Taste Buffalo’s best wings at multiple stops
- Hear the untold story of Buffalo wings
- Visit historic taverns and local favorites
- Get exclusive access to stories and recipes you won’t find anywhere else
📍 Note: Menu and stops are subject to change. This tour travels through Buffalo neighborhoods, some of which have seen disinvestment, but you would be remiss not to learn the true story of how an American food icon came to be.
Explore Buffalo Your Way – Bike & E-Bike Rentals
🚲 Prefer to explore on your own? Check out our bike rentals here.
Buffalo Bike Tours also offers bike and e-bike rentals so you can create your own adventure. Whether you want to cruise along the Buffalo River, explore Delaware Park, or ride the Shoreline Trail, our high-quality bikes make it easy.
⭐ Rental Options:
- Standard bikes for a classic ride
- E-bikes for a boosted, effortless journey
- Family-friendly options available
📍 A great way to explore Buffalo’s parks, waterfront, and historic districts at your own pace!
FAQs About Buffalo Bike Tours
❓ What is the best tour in Buffalo for first-time visitors?
Our History Ride is the best introduction to Buffalo, covering key landmarks and must-see spots.
❓ Are Buffalo Bike Tours good for families?
Yes! Our tours are family-friendly, and we offer bikes for kids and e-bikes for parents who want an easier ride.
❓ Do I need to be an experienced cyclist to join a bike tour?
Not at all! Our tours are designed for all skill levels and include plenty of stops for rest, photos, and stories.
❓ Can I rent a bike even if I don’t take a tour?
Absolutely! We offer bike and e-bike rentals for those who prefer to explore on their own.
Book Your 2026 Buffalo Tour Today!
Buffalo is one of the most exciting cities to explore, whether you’re interested in history, scenic waterfront views, or legendary wings. Join us on one of our unforgettable tours or rent a bike to discover the city at your own pace.
📅 Ready to ride? Book your tour or rental today at BuffaloBikeTours.com. While you’re at it, be sure to check out our other Buffalo Tour guides here.