Syracuse on a Budget: 4 Days of Fun!

Discover the Charm of Syracuse Without Breaking the Bank.

21 June 2023

Syracuse offers a range of budget-friendly activities such as hiking in the nearby state parks, taking a free walking tour of downtown Syracuse, and exploring the Erie Canal Museum. To save on accommodations, consider staying in hostels or budget motels. Food options can also be affordable by trying local food trucks or markets for fresh produce.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Downtown Delight

  • Check into the affordable and charming Hotel Skyler, located in the heart of downtown Syracuse
  • Have lunch at Pastabilities, a local favorite serving up delicious Italian-American fare
  • Take a stroll through Clinton Square and admire the historic architecture
  • Catch a show or concert at the Landmark Theatre, a beautifully restored venue from the 1920s
  • End the day with a craft beer and tasty snack at Empire Brewing Company
Day 2

Green Getaway

  • Wake up early and drive to Green Lakes State Park, just a short 10-mile trip from Syracuse
  • Take a swim in the aquamarine-colored lakes, surrounded by lush forests
  • Hike along the scenic trails, spotting wildlife and enjoying the fresh air
  • Have a picnic lunch by the water's edge or grab a bite to eat at the park's café
  • Relax and unwind in nature before heading back to the city for dinner
Day 3

Artistic Adventures

  • Start the day with a caffeine fix from Recess Coffee, a funky cafe with great brews and hip vibes
  • Visit the Everson Museum of Art, home to a varied collection of contemporary and traditional works
  • Explore the quirky and fun installations at the Museum of Intrigue, located in the historic Armory Square
  • Grab a bite to eat at Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, a fun and lively spot with delicious BBQ and live music
  • Finish off the day with a visit to the quirky and offbeat Museum of Science and Technology
Day 4

Cultural Connections

  • Take a tour of the historic Erie Canal Museum, learning about the fascinating history of the canal system
  • Visit the Syracuse University Art Galleries, showcasing a diverse range of contemporary art
  • Have a late lunch at the Turkey Joint, a classic diner serving up delicious sandwiches and burgers
  • Spend the afternoon browsing the unique shops and boutiques in the Hawley-Green Historic District
  • Relax and reflect on your Syracuse adventures before packing up and heading home.

Length of stay

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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.

Destination

Syracuse

Welcome to the land of eternal sunshine! Just kidding, we're actually talking about Syracuse, where the snow is eternal and the sun is a rare commodity.

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Number of days

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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