Syracuse on a Budget: 5 Days of Fun!

Experience the charm of Syracuse without breaking the bank!

21 June 2023

For budget travelers, Syracuse offers a great mix of museums, parks, and city attractions. Some of the most popular ones include the Onondaga Lake Park, Erie Canal Museum, and the Everson Museum of Art. Getting around the city is easy and affordable thanks to the Centro bus system, while budget-friendly accommodation options are available in the downtown area.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Welcome to Syracuse

  • Check-in at Genesee Grande Hotel, a cozy and low-cost option
  • Visit the Armory Square, a buzzing commercial district
  • Explore the Erie Canal Museum, a unique overview of the canal's history
  • Take a stroll at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo, a home to hundreds of exotic species
  • Try traditional Italian-American dishes, like chicken riggies or tomato pie, at Pastabilities
Day 2

Art, Culture, and Nature

  • Grab breakfast at Funk 'N Waffles, a waffle-focused diner with a music twist
  • Admire contemporary art at the Everson Museum of Art, with a diverse collection
  • Visit the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science and Technology, interactive and fun
  • Wander around Onondaga Creekwalk, a scenic trail with views of the city and parks
  • Enjoy a hearty burger and beer at Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, a local favorite for southern-style BBQ
Day 3

History and Sports

  • Start with a classic diner breakfast from Stella's Diner, a retro joint with huge portions
  • Visit the Clinton Square, a historic town square with various monuments and events
  • Check out the Carrier Dome, home of Syracuse University's sports teams
  • Discover the city's industrial heritage at the Museum of Science and Technology
  • Try some local beer at Eastwood Brewing Company, a small and cozy taproom
Day 4

Lakes and Mountains

  • Take a road trip to the nearby Lake Ontario, with beautiful beaches and fishing options
  • Hike the trails at Green Lakes State Park, a serene natural spot with turquoise lakes
  • Have a picnic at Beaver Lake Nature Center, a wildlife haven with bird watching
  • Learn about the Native American culture at Onondaga Nation, with a traditional longhouse
  • Savor farm-to-table dishes at The Chef & The Cook, a welcoming and fresh restaurant
Day 5

Farewell, Syracuse

  • Have a farewell brunch at Modern Malt, a hip and creative bakery with tasty sandwiches
  • Visit the Syracuse University campus, with stunning architecture and green spaces
  • Go shopping at Destiny USA, one of the largest malls in the US
  • Grab some souvenirs and snacks at the Regional Market, a bustling open-air market
  • Head to Syracuse Hancock International Airport, with flights to many major cities.

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

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

Syracuse: 3 Days of Fun, Culture & Adventure

Syracuse is a vibrant city located in central New York State, known for its rich cultural heritage, picturesque landscapes, and notable landmarks. Tourists can spend their days exploring the Erie Canal Museum, admiring the artwork at the Everson Museum of Art, and indulging in some shopping and dining along the Armory Square. Furthermore, Syracuse also offers visitors ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, with hiking trails, parks and scenic lakes dotting the region.

A Blissful Long Weekend in Syracuse, United States

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.

Syracuse on a Budget: 4 Days of Fun!

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.

Syracuse on a Budget: Art, Science & BBQ

A trip to Syracuse on a limited budget means making the most of free or low-cost attractions and food options. Visit the Erie Canal Museum, the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science and Technology, and Thornden Park for free. For affordable eats, check out Nick Tahou Hots for their famous Garbage Plate or pastries from Columbus Baking Company.