5-Day Fun Guide to Rochester's Best Attractions

Rochester: A city of history, technology, and natural beauty.

22 April 2023

Rochester, United States offers a rich array of cultural and natural attractions for tourists. Visitors can explore the scenic Genesee River Gorge, visit world-class museums like the George Eastman Museum and the Strong National Museum of Play, and enjoy delectable food and wine at the Finger Lakes Wine Country. The city's friendly locals and vibrant nightlife make it a favorite destination for travelers from around the world.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Arrival in Rochester

  • Check into the Strathallan Doubletree by Hilton, a stylish hotel in the heart of Rochester.
  • Explore the High Falls District, home to the Genesee River Gorge and a variety of restaurants and bars.
  • Check out the George Eastman Museum, an impressive collection of photography and cinema artifacts.
  • Grab dinner at Good Luck, a hip and upscale restaurant serving American cuisine with a twist.
Day 2

Park Playtime

  • Head to Highland Park, a beautiful green space with over 1,000 lilac bushes.
  • Visit the Strong National Museum of Play, featuring exhibits on toy history and a massive indoor playground.
  • Enjoy lunch outside at the Highland Park Diner, a retro-style diner with classic dishes and an ample bakery counter.
  • Take a stroll through the University of Rochester's art gallery or Eastman School of Music recital hall.
  • Catch a show at the Rochester Broadway Theatre League or one of the city's other theaters.
Day 3

Wine Country Adventure

  • Take a scenic drive down to the Finger Lakes wine region and stop at a few wineries along the way.
  • Visit the New York Wine and Culinary Center for tastings and culinary classes.
  • Grab lunch at Kindred Fare, a farm-to-table restaurant with a rotating menu of seasonal dishes.
  • Explore the charming town of Canandaigua, which boasts a historic downtown and scenic lakefront.
  • End the night with a bottle of Finger Lakes wine and a lakeside campfire at the Bristol Harbour Lodge & Golf Club.
Day 4

Modern Art and Craft Cocktails

  • Visit the Rochester Contemporary Art Center or Memorial Art Gallery, two top-notch museums with rotating exhibitions.
  • Get a taste of Rochester's craft cocktail scene with a visit to The Daily Refresher or Cheshire cocktail bar.
  • Grab lunch at Radio Social, a hip bowling alley/restaurant/bar with inventive comfort food.
  • Check out the Rochester Public Market, a bustling hub for local vendors and artisans.
  • End the night with dinner at Cure, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant led by James Beard-nominated chef Samir Mohammad.
Day 5

Rochester Brunch Crawl

  • Take a morning stroll along the Genesee River trail.
  • Start the day with brunch at Village Bakery & Cafe, serving up delicious pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and coffee.
  • Head to Park Ave for brunch at Sinbad's, where the breakfast platters are a favorite among locals.
  • For a brunch cocktail, visit Ox and Stone, an upscale Mexican restaurant with a creative bar program.
  • Wrap up the trip with brunch at The Gate House, a cozy gastropub with a farm-to-fork menu.
  • Depart for home, already planning your next trip to Rochester.

Length of stay

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Type of trip

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Rochester, United States by plane is to fly to Greater Rochester International Airport, which is located about 4 miles southwest of downtown Rochester. There are several major airlines that offer regular flights to and from Rochester, including American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, United, and Southwest. Non-stop flights are available from many cities across the US, including New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Boston, and Orlando.

Car

To get to Rochester, United States by car, you can take the New York State Thruway (Interstate 90). Rochester is located approximately 70 miles east of Buffalo and 90 miles west of Syracuse. From New York City, it takes about 6 hours to drive to Rochester, and from Boston, it takes about 5 hours.

Train

Unfortunately, there is no direct train service to Rochester, United States at this time. The nearest Amtrak station is located in Buffalo, New York, which is approximately 70 miles west of Rochester. From Buffalo, you can take a bus or rent a car to get to Rochester.

Boat

While there are no direct boat services to Rochester, United States, you can take a cruise along the Great Lakes and dock at the Port of Rochester. The Port of Rochester is located on the southern shore of Lake Ontario and offers docking for recreational boats and small cruise ships. From the Port of Rochester, you can take a bus or rent a car to get to downtown Rochester.

Bus

One of the most convenient ways to get to Rochester, United States by bus is to take a Greyhound bus. The Greyhound bus station is located in downtown Rochester, near the Rochester Transit Center. Greyhound offers several daily bus trips to and from Rochester, with connections to major cities across the US.

Destination

Rochester

Welcome to the city where the weather is never quite right, but the people are always friendly enough to make you forget about it. Rochester: where we measure seasons by how many layers of clothing we need.

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Number of days

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

Discover Romantic Rochester: A 4-Day Getaway

A romantic trip to Rochester, United States would offer a perfect blend of stunning landscapes, romantic hotels and a plethora of attractions. Couples could experience the picturesque Letchworth State Park, visit the iconic Niagara Falls or take a relaxing stroll around the Highland Park. In addition, there are several exquisite restaurants and bars to indulge in some delicious cuisine and cocktails.

Romantic Rochester: A 5-Day Love Escape

A romantic trip to Rochester, United States offers a charming escape with a wonderful mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. With a variety of romantic activities, such as strolling through the picturesque Highland Park or touring the iconic George Eastman Museum, couples can bond over shared interests while surrounded by the city's captivating scenery. Rochester's thriving food and wine scene caters to couples seeking delicious, intimate dining experiences that are sure to make their trip unforgettable.

Rochester Rambles: A Budget-Friendly Day Trip

Rochester is a vibrant city in New York state that can be explored on a limited budget. You can visit popular attractions like the Strong National Museum of Play and the George Eastman Museum at affordable prices. There are also plenty of free concerts, festivals and events taking place in the city throughout the year.

4 Days of Family-Friendly Fun in Rochester

A family-friendly trip to Rochester, United States offers a multitude of fun-filled activities for all ages. Explore the Strong National Museum of Play, a renowned interactive museum with exhibits dedicated to toys, video games, and play areas. Enjoy the scenic beauty of Highland Park, home to beautiful gardens and an enchanting Victorian-style greenhouse, perfect for picnics and leisurely walks. Don't miss out on visiting the Seabreeze Amusement Park, where thrilling rides, water slides, and live entertainment guarantee a memorable day for the whole family.