A Blissful Long Weekend in Syracuse, United States
Fall in love all over again in Syracuse, the heart of Central New York.
22 April 2023
Sophie Watts
US Travel Writer
A romantic trip to Syracuse, United States offers exquisite food, stunning scenery, and a rich cultural heritage. From strolling hand in hand along the Erie Canal to exploring the beautiful historic sites of the city, such as the Erie Canal Museum and the Rosamond Gifford Zoo, there are plenty of romantic activities to keep couples entertained. Syracuse also boasts a thriving restaurant culture featuring farm-to-table cuisine, offering the perfect opportunity to create unforgettable memories together.
Travel plan
Getting latest place information
- Check into the Marriott Syracuse Downtown, a beautifully restored historic hotel with luxury amenities
- Enjoy a romantic dinner at Modern Malt, where you can sample creative takes on classic American cuisine
- Explore Armory Square, a trendy neighborhood filled with boutiques, art galleries, and nightlife
- Indulge in some sweet treats at Gannons Isle Ice Cream, a local favorite for homemade ice cream
- Catch a concert or show at the Landmark Theatre, a stunning 1920s theater with great acoustics
- Visit the Erie Canal Museum, where you can learn about the history of the canal that shaped the city's development
- Take a stroll around the Syracuse University campus, which boasts beautiful architecture and a vibrant student life
- Explore the Everson Museum of Art, home to an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art
- Grab lunch at the Dino BBQ, a famous Syracuse joint known for its finger-licking-good barbecue
- Head to the Rosamond Gifford Zoo, home to over 700 animals from around the world
- Take a scenic drive to the Finger Lakes, a region renowned for its natural beauty and wineries
- Go hiking at Green Lakes State Park, where you can explore two glacial lakes and lush forests
- Visit the Skaneateles Lake, a picturesque body of water with quaint shops and restaurants along its shores
- Enjoy a romantic picnic at Onondaga Lake Park, which offers stunning views and peaceful surroundings
- Take a sunset cruise on the Syracuse Lake as you enjoy cocktails and dinner on board the Judge Ben Wiles
- Relax and unwind with a couples' spa treatment at the Skana Spa at Turning Stone
- Take a scenic drive to the Chittenango Falls State Park, where you can marvel at the 167-foot waterfall and surrounding nature
- Have a late lunch at the Blue Water Grill, which offers delicious seafood and romantic views of the Skaneateles Lake
- Take a leisurely walk around the Syracuse Inner Harbor, a newly developed waterfront with shopping and dining
- End your trip with a bang with a show at the famous Syracuse Stage, a regional theater known for its world-class productions.
Length of stay
Type of trip
How to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Syracuse by plane is to fly into Syracuse Hancock International Airport, which is located about 10 minutes north of downtown Syracuse. Multiple airlines such as Delta, United, and American Airlines offer daily flights to and from major cities across the United States.
Car
Driving to Syracuse is possible from major cities such as New York City, Boston, or Philadelphia. If you are driving from New York City, the best route is to take I-81 North for about 4 hours. Alternatively, you can rent a car from Syracuse Hancock International Airport.
Train
While there is no direct train from NYC to Syracuse, the best option is to take Amtrak’s Empire Service from New York Penn Station to Syracuse Amtrak Station. The journey takes around 5 hours and offers scenic views of the Hudson River and the Mohawk Valley.
Boat
While there is no direct boat route to Syracuse, the Erie Canal offers a scenic route from New York City to Buffalo, which features stops in Syracuse and other cities along the canal. Visitors can embark on a canal cruise or rent a boat to traverse the canal on their own.
Bus
Greyhound offers daily bus services to Syracuse from major cities in the United States. Their bus terminal is located in downtown Syracuse and is easily accessible from the Syracuse University campus or downtown hotels.