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.

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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.