Best of Buffalo Double Decker Bus Tour

Buffalo’s best-kept secret might just be how much fun you can have learning about this city in just a couple of hours. The Best of Buffalo Double Decker Bus Tour offers a lively, humorous, and surprisingly informative way to see Buffalo’s top sights — all wrapped up in a tour that’s suitable for just about everyone. From history lovers to casual travelers, this tour combines storytelling, stunning views, and a bit of adventure into a neat package.

What we really love about this experience is how engaging the guides are — their stories are often humorous and lively, making history come alive. Plus, the inclusion of the Buffalo Naval Park adds a hands-on element that makes the trip memorable. However, one thing to keep in mind is that this isn’t a deeply detailed history tour; it leans toward entertainment and overview, so if you’re craving a comprehensive lecture, you might find it a bit light.

This tour works best for those with limited time who want a quick, enjoyable introduction to Buffalo. It’s perfect for families, first-time visitors, or anyone looking for a fun way to combine sightseeing with a little storytelling. If you’re after a relaxed, social experience that highlights Buffalo’s highlights without breaking the bank, this is a solid choice.

Key Points

• Engaging guides mix humor with history, making the experience fun and memorable.
• Includes a ship tour at Buffalo Naval Park, offering a tactile, exciting element.
• Short and sweet — about 2 hours, ideal for fitting into a busy schedule.
• Great value for money at $35 per person, especially with included admissions.
• Upper deck seating offers better views, but requires navigating small steps.
• Accessible for mobility aid users and service animals are welcome.

An In-Depth Look at the Buffalo Double Decker Bus Tour

If you’re heading to Buffalo and want a quick, engaging way to get your bearings while soaking in some local stories, this double-decker bus tour might just be your ticket. After all, Buffalo isn’t just about the famous Niagara Falls; it’s a city filled with architecture, history, and quirky stories waiting to be discovered, often at a pace that suits travelers who prefer a relaxed, guided approach.

The Itinerary: A Mix of Ships, Sights, and Stories

Starting Point: Buffalo Naval Park
The tour kicks off with a 25-minute walk-through aboard the ships at Buffalo Naval Park, including a visit to the USS The Sullivans. This is a notable highlight because it gives a tangible sense of Buffalo’s naval history, which may be overlooked in other city tours. The reviews highlight this part as a real “highlight,” with one traveler remarking, “highlight was the Buffalo Naval Park visit with tales of naval vessels and the city.”

What to Expect:
You’ll get to explore the ships, hear stories about naval vessels, and perhaps even get inside the USS Sullivan. It’s a 40-minute admission-included stop that adds a tactile dimension to your sightseeing. The guide’s storytelling makes this part lively, often with humorous anecdotes.

Driving Tour: Downtown and Historic Districts
After the naval park, the bus departs for a scenic drive through Buffalo’s historic districts. You’ll pass by the Guaranty Building, one of the world’s first skyscrapers — a real architectural marvel that speaks to Buffalo’s early 20th-century boom. From there, you’ll see Lafayette Square, home to the Hotel Lafayette, built by the world’s first female architect, a fact that often delights history buffs.

Stops and Pass-By Highlights:

• Richardson Olmsted Campus: Time permitting, you’ll stop at this sprawling former psychiatric hospital, now serving as a hotel and community space. Though a brief stop, many reviews mention this as a particularly unique part of the tour, with one guest noting, “we even got to explore an abandoned grain silo.”
• Buffalo City Hall: Located in Niagara Square, this is an impressive Art Deco building. You’ll see City Hall, the Federal Court House, the McKinley Monument, and statues. The guide provides quick but insightful commentary on these landmarks.

Tour Length & Group Size:
The tour lasts about 2 hours, making it easy to slot into an afternoon. With a maximum of 60 travelers, the group size feels intimate enough for personalized interaction, yet lively enough to foster a social atmosphere.

The Guides: Knowledgeable and Entertaining

Reviewers consistently praise the guides, especially for their humor and storytelling skills. One called the guide “very funny, knowledgeable, and spontaneous,” while another appreciated the “personable and engaging” narration. From the real stories about ships to amusing personal anecdotes, guides seem to strike a perfect balance of education and entertainment, making each stop memorable.

The Double-Decker Experience: Views and Comfort

The bus itself is a classic double-decker, allowing for great views from the upper deck. Sitting upstairs is recommended for better sights and a breezier experience, though it does require navigating some small steps — a consideration for travelers with mobility issues. The bus is equipped for public transportation near the starting point, and service animals are allowed, making it accessible for most.

Pricing and Value

At $35 per person, including all admissions, this tour offers good value. The reviews confirm this, with many stating it’s worth every penny. Travelers appreciate that it’s a short but rundown that covers major highlights, with the added bonus of humor and local stories that make the experience enjoyable rather than dry.

Authenticity and Entertainment

Many reviews mention how the tour’s storytelling style makes history engaging and relatable. One guest said, “We were learning, exploring, and laughing the entire time,” which sums up the overall vibe. This is not a formal history lecture but a lively, humorous exploration designed to entertain while providing meaningful insights.

Practical Tips

• Book in advance if possible, as the tour is popular — it’s booked three times on the same day in some cases.
• Arrive early at the meeting point to secure a good seat upstairs if you want the best views.
• It’s a walking tour at the start, so wear comfortable shoes.
• The tour is suitable for most travelers, including those using mobility aids.
• Remember, the weather can impact the experience — be prepared for sun or rain.
• If you love ships and maritime stories, the Naval Park visit is a real bonus.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a quick, lively introduction to Buffalo, especially if they value humor and storytelling. It suits families, first-timers, and those who prefer a relaxed pace over detailed, lengthy excursions. If you’re interested in architecture and local history without the heavy academic tone, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here. It’s also a good fit if you’re traveling with kids or seniors who appreciate a bit of entertainment along with sightseeing.

The Sum Up: Why It’s a Good Choice

This Best of Buffalo Double Decker Bus Tour provides a lively, engaging way to see Buffalo’s highlights without spending hours or breaking the bank. The combination of a scenic drive, amusing guides, and a visit to the Naval Park makes for a rounded experience that’s as educational as it is fun. The inclusion of the ship tour offers a tactile and memorable connection to Buffalo’s naval past, adding depth to the sightseeing.

For travelers seeking a lighthearted introduction to the city, this tour delivers great views, friendly storytelling, and good value. It’s a perfect choice for those who want an authentic, relaxed way to get a sense of Buffalo’s character, history, and architecture.

If you’re short on time but want a taste of Buffalo’s personality, this tour hits all those marks. Just keep in mind that it’s more about entertainment and overview than an in-depth history — but for most visitors, that’s exactly what makes it so enjoyable.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, the tour is suitable for most travelers, including families and seniors. The group size is manageable, and the scenery and stories appeal to a wide audience.

Does the tour include transportation?
Yes, you’ll be transported on a double-decker bus for the driving portion of the tour.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, making it a perfect afternoon activity.

Are there any physical requirements?
Upper deck seats require navigating small steps, so consider mobility needs. The tour is generally accessible, and service animals are allowed.

What stops are included during the tour?
Highlights include Buffalo Naval Park, Guaranty Building, Lafayette Square, Richardson Olmsted Campus (if time permits), and Buffalo City Hall.

Is the admission to Buffalo Naval Park included?
Yes, the ticket includes a 40-minute visit to the ships at the Naval Park.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, there is free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour. Within 24 hours, the refund option is not available.

What is the price?
It costs $35 per person, which includes the bus, ship tour, and some stops.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Absolutely. Multiple reviews praise the guides for their humor, storytelling, and knowledge.

Is this tour weather-dependent?
Yes, it requires good weather. If canceled due to rain or poor conditions, a different date or full refund is offered.

This lively, well-priced tour offers a smart way to get to know Buffalo’s highlights, packed with stories, views, and hands-on ship visits. Perfect for those who want to enjoy Buffalo’s charm without spending the entire day, it’s a memorable way to start or end your visit to this underrated city.