15 Fun Things to do in Rochester, NY - My Rochester Attractions of Note!
There are a lot of great things to do in Rochester, New York if you know where to look. I’ve focused on the top Rochester attractions so you can build out the perfect Rochester itinerary on your next visit.
Rochester, when I was a kid, was just a place that was somewhat close to Toronto that seemingly every other year I’d visit for a hockey tournament. At that time, my list of “fun things to do in Rochester, NY” probably revolved around which places served the largest glasses of Coca-Cola and were conducive to 12 year olds with alarming sugar buzzes.
Let me first start by saying that I’m glad my relationship to this city I’m now truly fond of did not end there.
For a city its size (with an approximate population of roughly 200,000), Rochester packs a serious punch from a tourism perspective. And it’s not just that they’ve got impressive museums, it’s that they’ve got impressive museums that are uniquely related to the story of their city. The George Eastman Museum, for example, could not be anywhere else but Rochester. That, to me, matters.
Rochester was one of the first “boom towns” in the United States (first from flour, then manufacturing), and, as an outsider, I’ve got to say I love where the city is at once again. Tourism is on the rise, and Rochester stands tall as a culturally rich, highly liveable, and reasonably priced city that is hitting its stride.
About Rochester, New York
Before we get into the nitty gritty, I thought I’d share a few more facts about the city, so that you have a little bit more context leading into your exploration. Despite having only around 200k on paper in terms of their population, they’re actually the core of a larger metropolitan area that has a population of about a million.
So, that notion before that it packs a serious tourism punch for a city its size is quite warranted. The city serves a large population base, if that makes sense, so there’s plenty going on.
Rochester came to prominence first due to their flour mills, and then after that it became a centre for manufacturing, which ultimately spurred some population growth. During all that growth, some very iconic companies were formed including Eastman Kodak, Xerox, Bausch & Lomb, Wegmans, Western Union and more.
Rochester also has a reputation for being a hub for social and political movements, particularly as it relates to the women’s rights movement. Nowadays, Rochester is known for technology, education, tourism, and culture. I’ve always noted that there always seems to be something going on in Rochester whether you’re a music fan, sports fun, foodie, or anything in between.
Let’s Talk About What to do in Rochester, NY If You’re Looking to Have Fun!
In the interest of not being completely biased, and having this post be as useful as possible to as many people as possible, I’m going cover a broad spectrum of fun places in Rochester.
So, we’ll cover some Rochester breweries that I happened to enjoy, but we’ll also cover activities in Rochester that are more geared towards those with families, such as the Strong Museum.
In short, I’m going to try to be at least a little objective in thinking about fun things to do in Rochester, and consider what “fun” might look like to a wide variety of people.
If there is one thing that’s certain, though, it’s that this really is a fun city. Here’s what you can do to take advantage of that during your time in Rochester.
NOTE: This post may contain some affiliate links. That means, simply, that I may get commissions from some of my recommendations. That being said, my opinions are fully my own.
Head Down to the Rochester Public Market
Since 1905, the Rochester Public Market has been a mainstay on the calendar of both citizens and visitors alike.
It’s the spot to go if you’re looking to nab some fresh produce, a variety of meats, intriguing speciality items, and just generally interesting products. It’s difficult, as you might imagine, to sum up what’s being offered at over 300 vending stalls, but I can assure you there’s no shortage of whatever it is that you’re looking for.
In terms of how to approach the Rochester Public Market - I’d recommend going and just walking around and getting lost a little bit.
It runs Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6am-1pm year-round and Saturdays from 5am to 3pm year-round (minus holidays). Much of the market is covered or indoors, so it’s not all that weather dependent, and it’s a good way to get a pulse on the city of Rochester. It’s a steal as well, as the produce and products were very affordable!
Before you leave, though, make sure to treat yourself to a little bite to eat. Consider getting an empanada from Juan & Maria’s Empanada Shop, or getting a breakfast sandwich from Scott’s II. You could also just pucker up and get both!
I’m a big fan of places like the Rochester Public Market because it’s not a place that is going to get “overly-touristy” in the classic sense. It’s a place that someone like myself can engage with and appreciate the real Rochester community, yet it just also happens to be one of the more worthwhile Rochester attractions.
Smile a Little at the Strong Museum of Play
The Strong Museum of Play is the only collections-based museum on the planet which is devoted entirely to the study and concept of “play.”
If you’re a regular reader of my blog, you’ll immediately understand why a place like this appealed to me. On a professional level, my background in education has led me over place significant value on “play” as a fundamental tool for development in children, but also an integral part of happiness as an adult. And on very a personal level, I believe play and letting my imagination run wild in my childhood was fundamental in understanding the person I wanted to become, and the person that I became.
The museum is separated into two floors. On the first floor is an interactive children’s museum which allows kids to enter the worlds of Sesame Street, The Berenstain Bears, Reading Adventureland, a full sized mock grocery store, and a section on super heroes. I was walking around with Bri and our good friend Megan, and it was just a joy to witness kids playing who wouldn’t have been able to stop laughing and loving life if you paid them.
The second floor is decidedly more all ages and dives into the history of board games, video games, and also includes the National Toy Hall of Fame. As with the first floor, it’s also hyper-interactive, and a ton of fun.
The Strong Museum of Play is enormous, as it is currently over 280,000 square feet in size, and it only has plans to continue to grow and get better.
This is a place that Rochester tourism should continue to promote and be proud of. Just seeing so many kids so engaged with something besides an iPad or iPhone is well worth the price of admission. If you’ve got a family and you’re looking for fun places in Rochester to go, it’s hard to imagine you’d be able to top this.
Learn More ABout An Important History at the Susan B. Anthony Museum
The Susan B. Anthony Museum is dedicated to the history of the women’s rights movement as well as the story of this legendary American women’s rights (and civil rights) leader.
The beautiful 19th-century brick house was Anthony's home during the most politically active part of her life. As president, Anthony hosted the National American Women Sufferage Association here, and this was the site of her famous arrest for voting in 1872.
Visitors can take a guided tour of the house, enjoying a multitude of exhibits related to Anthony’'s life and work. The museum also offers a variety of educational programs and events throughout the year, including lectures, workshops, and panel discussions.
Bri wrote an entire article on the Susan B. Anthony Museum to guide you through a visit, and talk more about the immense significance of this site.
Let Loose at Radio Social
Describing just what Radio Social is could lead even the best writer to commit the egregious foul known as “the run-on sentence.” Alas, let’s give it a whirl.
Located in the 42,000 square foot former Stromberg-Carlson warehouse, Radio Social is a bowling alley, bar, concert venue, and restaurant which has a decidedly old school, Wes Anderson like vibe.
It’s so hip it hurts, and the cocktails from the front bar are fresh, inventive, and well worth the price of admission. Their cocktail menu is ever-changing, a testament to the bar staff there, but if it’s there, I’d recommend the “Spirit Animal” (bourbon, cherry brandy, sweet vermouth, and arak rinse) or a refreshing drink known as “The Socialite” (vodka, lemon, darjeeling tea, and frankincense).
We spent the bulk of our time at the bowling alley while listening to a local live band. If that wasn’t good enough, we ordered Crispy Cheese Curds with spicy pizza sauce that were heavenly.
A trip to Radio Social as far as I can see is just a guaranteed good night, and a great place to bring a date I might add.
Spare Some Time for the Memorial Art Gallery
The Memorial Art Gallery serves as a hub for arts in the region, as evidenced by the fact that while we were there, they were hosting their famed biennial Rochester-Finger Lakes Exhibition.
Their permanent collection is certainly nothing to scoff at with works from the likes of Monet and Matisse, but I was an even bigger fan of their contemporary collection with works from Wendell Castle, Albery Paley, and Helen Frankenthaler.
My top tip for visiting Rochester’s Memorial Art Gallery is to time your visit so you can experience the Baroque organ concerts. On Sundays, you can see mini-recitals in the Fountain Court at 1pm and 3pm, and the shows are included with your price of admission.
If you’re looking to do a deep dive though on the Memorial Art Gallery, then I’d recommend checking out my thorough guide on how to make the most of your day at Rochester’s Memorial Art Gallery. It covers everything from the history, to the current and upcoming exhibitions, and much, much more.
Highland Park and Lamberton Conservatory
If you feel like you need a peaceful escape from Rochester's urban setting, you can immerse yourself in the luscious green gardens of Highland Park. The award-winning park features multiple botanical gardens and walking trails amongst its rolling hills.
If it's a cooler day, immerse yourself in Lamberton Conservatory, a glass-walled tropical paradise. Built in 1911 and refurbished in 2007, the conservatory is home to a variety of tropical plants and offers a great perk on a greay day. But whatever the weather, the park is a great place for nature lovers to get out of the city.
Grab a Glass at Living Roots Wine & Co
Let’s be real, it doesn’t get much more fun than wine, right?
Living Roots Wine & Co is Rochester’s first urban winery and tasting room, and you can come hear to taste carefully crafted, small batch wines from the Finger Lakes.
The interior is funky and hip, and they’ve got a nice charcuterie board on offer, but I was particularly enthused by their wine flights. They did a brilliant job of bunching their wines together into flights such as “Range of Reds” and “Aromatic Whites.” I’m usually more about the reds, but I actually preferred the whites here, as well as the “Eastern Redbud Dry Rosé.” I appreciated the Adelaide Hills ‘Myrtle & Sandalwood’ Sauvignon Blanc in particular.
It’s worth reading about the story of Living Roots Wine & Co in that Sebastian Hardy comes from a long line of Australian wine makers, but essentially teamed up with his wife Colleen to bring that heritage to the Finger Lakes while utilizing the attributes of the Finger Lakes soil.
For private tastings, you also won’t beat “The Vault,” which is literally a stylized bank vault from the 1930’s. I’d never seen anything like it!
Visit A Rochester Park or TWo
Rochester offers a great mix of urban and green…if you’re feeling the need to escape the city, head out to enjoy Ontario Beach Park. In addition to a long, sandy beach along Lake Ontario, visitors can enjoy the boardwalk, open-air picnic shelters and playgrounds. There are a variety of options to get into the water too: visitors can swim, snorkel, or rent a kayak or paddleboat.
If you don't want to get wet, you can also pick up a game of softball or volleyball, and, if there's snow on the ground, you can enjoy some ice skating in the park's new synthetic ice rink. Don’t forget to check ahead in the summer, as you may be able to enjoy the parks various concerts and events (or miss them if you don’t like the crowds).
Located on Rochester's Genesee River, Turning Point Park offers a unique balance between nature and urban life, making it a popular destination for both residents and visitors. You'd never know that the area was highly industrialized before being cleaned up and totally transformed in the seventies.
Among the walking trails is a stunning 3,572-foot-long boardwalk that extends over the river, providing Instagrammable views of the city skyline. The park trails connect to the Genesse River Trail, allowing avid hikers access to over 16 miles of Rochester's waterfront from downtown all the way to Ontario Beach Park.
Cruise Down the Erie Canal
The Sam Patch Erie River Cruise in Rochester needs to be on your list of what to do in Rochester, NY
Our 90 minute cruise aboard the Sam Patch, a replica of a packing boat from the 1800’s, was one of the highlights of our trip to Rochester without a doubt.
For one, the Sam Patch is run by Corn Hill Navigation, a nonprofit aiming to share the history of Rochester’s Waterways, but more than that, it’s just downright fun going through the locks.
If you’re interested in boarding the Sam Patch on an Erie canal cruise, cruises depart daily from Schoen Place in the historic Village of Pittsford, NY at 12 noon, 2 PM, and 4 PM .
This is, simply put, one of the top things to do near Rochester, NY. For reference, Pittsford is just a short cab or Uber away, so it’s not far all that far from downtown Rochester.
Hit up some Rochester Breweries!
I personally just loved that when I was researching what to do in Rochester, it became apparent that to do the city justice, I had to include a few breweries. Rochester is indeed a city for beer lovers, and they’ve got a long standing beer heritage thanks to Genesee Brewing Company, but the future is bright as well as they’ve got craft breweries galore.
Mainly, I was just struck by the notion that a city this size shouldn’t have this many good breweries, but they do, dear friends, they do.
Here are a few Rochester breweries that you should consider visiting when you’re in town.
Genesee Brew House - I don’t see how you can miss this spot. They’ve been brewing since 1878, and their Brew House right by the Genesee River is an attraction unto itself, especially if you get a seat outdoors which comes with free view of Rochester’s High Falls. They transformed an old packaging centre into a 9000 square-foot beer destination that offers you the chance to both learn about and taste the history.
ROC Brewing Co. - A nifty taproom with plenty of natural light thanks to the floor to ceiling windows. It’s craft beer located in downtown Rochester by one of Rochester’s original craft breweries - sounds pretty good, right? They’ll have an ever changing list of beer on tap, but if it is still on tap, I’d recommend the Kveik Pale Ale brewed with Norwegian yeast and Azacca, Citra, and Comet hops.
Rohrbach Brewing Co. Railroad Street Beer Hall - As the first craft brewery in Rochester, it’s fair to say that John and Patty Urlaub were doing the whole craft beer thing before it was even cool. I like this place, a lot. Rohrbach has two locations, but this location, on Railroad Street, is just steps away from the Rochester Public Market, which makes it an ideal spot to grab a pint after you’ve done a little shopping. They’ve got an extensive menu featuring local ingredients, but, sadly, I was only able to try the beer (though you shouldn’t feel that bad for me). If it’s still on tap when you visit, try the Remembrance Saison and Highland Lager.
If you’ve had a tough week, and you’re feeling like turning the afternoon on its head a little, I’d recommend walking the 50 or so steps from Rohrbach Brewing Co. to Black Button Distilling. They source all their ingredients locally, and their cocktails are a delight.
Uncover an Incredible Story at the George Eastman Museum
As far as things to see in Rochester, NY are concerned, I don’t see how the George Eastman Museum doesn’t end up near the top of almost everyone’s list.
The museum is located on the estate of George Eastman, the founder of Kodak and the pioneer of photography and motion picture film as we know it today. It is the world’s oldest photography museum and one of the oldest film archives.
Beyond just photography though, a walk around the historic mansion and gardens of the George Eastman Museum gives you an unparalleled view of how this true visionary lived his life. I’ve been on a number of estate tours that are dreadfully boring, and this is not that. The elephant head in the foyer (a replica just in case you’re against hunting like myself) is enough to zap the boredom right out of you!
I would strongly recommend going on a tour with a docent, and they offer daily tours, so it’s very doable. It’s just a history that is worth knowing when it comes down to it, especially if you’re a photographer. The world is indeed indebted to George Eastman.
I’m fortunate to have had the chance to visit the George Eastman Museum a number of times, and I’m passionate about helping people to discover what makes this place (and George Eastman’s story) so special. As such, I actually have a full article dedicated to everything you need to know about visiting the George Eastman Museum. I hope that you find it helpful in further exploring this wonderful Rochester institution.
Eat Your Heart Out at Some of the Best Restaurants in Rochester
I keep coming back to this notion of Rochester being a city that, for its size, hits well above its weight, but it’s just true, and that becomes especially apparent when it comes to the Rochester restaurant scene.
I feel like I only scratched the surface of the Rochester culinary scene, but I’d love to share some of my findings. And yes, I’m totally comfortable including restaurants on my list of fun things to do in Rochester, NY because eating great food is and should be a blast.
Good Luck - Go here. Book a reservation as soon as you know you’re going to Rochester and go here. The hip warehouse-style setting was the perfect backdrop for our dinner date, but it was the food that stole the show. We had the House Made Mezzi Rigatoni (with beet and mushroom ragù, manchego, and fresh oregano), the Bibb Lettuce (with chickpea’s, ewe’s blue, pancetta, croutons, and pepperoncini), and the Red Lentils (with curried sweet potato, agave, swiss chard, and flat bread). Did I mention you should go here?
The Revelry - These is a really neat, chic spot. They describe their food as “South Carolina Lowcountry cuisine,” but it’s really a little bit of everything, and all done with their own unique flare. It can get a touch pricey if you venture deep down the road of their craft cocktails, but it’s worth it! We actually went to the bar before being seated, and their bar staff were off-the-charts talented.
The Cub Room - Located in the South Wedge area, I like this spot as a place to enjoy brunch done a little differently. They do classics like “Biscuits & Gravy,” but they do it their way by including soft scrambled duck eggs, bourbon and cheddar biscuits, and house cured duck prosciutto. Almost all of their meals have their own unique twist, and as a fan of good food and creativity, I can give spot a thumbs up or two.
Mercantile on Main - Mercantile on Main is located inside the former Sibley’s Department Store, and it’s downright awesome. It’s the first food hall in Rochester and is actually one of the largest food halls in upstate New York. They’ve got a little something for everyone here, so I’d recommend coming down here for lunch and, if they want, everyone can get something different, but all tied to Rochester’s remarkable food scene.
The Brown Hound Downtown - Before checking out the Memorial Art Gallery, we made some time to have brunch at the Brown Hound Downtown (which is actually inside the MAG), and it was fantastic. You can get brunch there from 9am-3pm, and I’d recommend the Country Style Benedict!
BXCR Donuts & Fried Chicken - Located on Railroad Street, they make one hell of a donut. They feature new donuts all the time, so it’s best to just pop-in and see what’s on offer. They have Coach (classic), Executive (speciality donuts reimagined), and First Class (basically their own dessert bonanza) donuts on offer for two, three, and four dollars respectively. I didn’t get to try the fried chicken, but it looked pretty epic, I must admit.
Matilda Coffee House & Kitchen - The spot to get a coffee or tea and a quick bite right after you wake up. It’s a fun, social environment that makes you feel like you’re a part of something.
Other restaurants that you’re going to want to take note of while you’re in Rochester include Jines Restaurant, The Revelry, Jim’s on Main, The Pasta Villa, Han Noodle Bar, and Dogtown.
See Something at the Eastman Theatre
Although he was better known for his pioneering efforts in the world of photography, anyone from Rochester might know Kodak founder George Eastman better for philanthropic efforts. With his funding, the historic Eastman Theatre was built in 1922 to further the city's art and music scene.
The building has stunning architecture with a grand entrance, and the interior concert hall has optimized state-of-the-art acoustics. Check out the performance schedule to catch the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, and a wide range of classical music, opera and jazz. If there are no upcoming performances, you can also take a guided tour of the theatre to learn more about its colourful history.
When You Visit Rochester, Take Note of Rochester Festivals & Events
We timed our visit to Rochester so that we could check out the Rochester Fringe Festival, which turned out to be a great choice. Wildly experimental shows such as Plasticiens Volants were both entertaining and thought-provoking, but we especially enjoyed dancing the night away at the Silent Disco.
I’m not even suggesting here that you go to the Rochester Fringe (though if you’re into theatre, you’d love it), but more just bringing your attention to the sheer volume of festivals and events that roll through Rochester.
One of Rochester’s nicknames is literally ‘Festival City,” and that’s because they have a festival almost every weekend from late spring through to the fall. When you know that you’ll be going to Rochester, it’s worth looking at the Rochester events calendar to see what might be on while you’re here!
Where to Stay in Rochester
I’ve stayed in a few hotels in Rochester, and I’ll just bluntly say that if you’re looking for Rochester’s destination hotel, then you’re looking for where I stayed, and that’s The Strathallan Rochester. It’s not that the rooms are remarkably luxurious or anything like that, but rather that they’ve got an amazing staff, a great bar and restaurant, a phenomenal view of the city from the rooftop, and the perfect location.
You can feel free to see if it’s available and suitable for your price range by using the search bar below.
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Trips from Rochester
Before ending the article, I did want to note a few things nearby, particularly if you were looking for a quick day-trip or even to extend your trip.
Firstly, take the short drive to Fairport, New York and visit Iron Smoke Distillery. It’s well worth taking a few minutes to head their way. They’ve got an exceptional array of booze, that’s for sure, but it’s the atmosphere that makes you want to stay the whole day (and night). It’s reminiscent of a bar from Nashville or Austin as opposed to Fairport, and they’ve even got a live music venue built into it. I loved it.
You’ll probably already know that the Finger Lakes aren’t all that far away (about an hour). It’s a beautiful area if you haven’t been down there yet. If you do head that way, here are the best Finger Lakes Breweries and best Finger Lakes Wineries.
This isn’t exactly close (we’re taking many hours of driving), but if you’re up for a different kind of adventure, I personally appreciated visiting the village of Rhinebeck, NY, and taking some time to explore the historic Hudson Valley. If you’ve got time (and gas) to burn, this could be a fun trip to add on to the tail-end of your trip to Rochester.
There Are a Lot of Fun Places in Rochester, Right?
Since the whole article is based around fun things to do in Rochester, and you made it to the end, I’m just going to politely assume that you answered yes to that question.
In all seriousness, I’ve got so much time for this city. I like a city that has a certain movement to it, and I just love that there’s always something on the horizon in Rochester. When one festival ends, everyone looks forward to the next one, and in between those festivals, you can spend your time at creative restaurants, top-notch museums, and local breweries.
It’s really easy to let a city like Rochester be overshadowed by the likes of New York City, or even Buffalo to a certain extent, but this is a city that should not be forgotten about and deserves its own time in the limelight.
The more I think about it, it’s kind of an ideal time to be heading to Rochester. You’ve got a fast-growing, exciting city worth visiting, but it’s not yet overrun by tourists. It’s currently in this sweet equilibrium which makes it ideal for both locals and tourists. As they say, strike while the iron is hot, my friends.
If you’ve been reading my work for awhile, you’ll know that I’m not necessarily attracted to the cities that everyone else is. I like cities with a story that doesn’t just paint a picture of growth and plenty, but shows times of struggle, change, and resilience. I like cities where not everyone else has been, and where locals are excited to welcome you into their midst. I like cities that have a ton to do, but not enough to spin you into overwhelm.
I like places like Rochester - a city that I think of as a well kept secret, which, with an article like this, I can happily share with the world.
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I want to humbly thank Visit Rochester for hosting me as media. All opinions are completely my own. Below, I’d love to know in the comments if you’ve visited Rochester, NY before and your thoughts! I respond to each and every comment.