Buffalo is a city that surprises many visitors — full of historic architecture, vibrant neighborhoods, and a surprisingly rich cultural scene. What better way to explore this city than on a bike? Buffalo’s flat terrain and scenic routes make for enjoyable rides, whether you’re interested in uncovering its storied past or sampling its famous cuisine. Our favorite is the History Ride: The Best of Buffalo by Bike because it combines engaging storytelling with easy cycling, hitting key sites like Canalside and Buffalo City Hall. Plus, it includes bike rental, making it a hassle-free way to see the city’s highlights. If you’re a foodie, the Wing Ride: The Hidden History of Chicken Wings Bike Tour offers a tasty journey through Buffalo’s iconic dish, with samples at several local spots. For a more relaxed exploration, the E-Bikes Riding in Buffalo New York lets you cover more ground effortlessly, perfect if you want to see Delaware Park or even plan a trip to Niagara Falls.
Whether you’re after a deep dive into Buffalo’s history, craving some chicken wings, or looking to cover more ground with electric bikes, this guide has you covered. All of these tours offer unique experiences for different types of travelers, so let’s look closer at each option.
1. History Ride: The Best of Buffalo by Bike
At number 1 on our list, the History Ride: The Best of Buffalo by Bike hits the mark for its rundown of Buffalo’s past in just about two hours. This tour is perfect for those who want to combine some exercise with an educational experience. The tour includes bike rental, so you don’t need to worry about bringing your own gear, and your local guide shares fascinating insights into Buffalo’s diverse history.
The route takes you through the revamped Canalside district, where you’ll hear stories about the old red light district, and visit Buffalo City Hall for a look at its impressive architecture. You’ll also explore Guaranty Building, a Louis Sullivan masterpiece, and learn about Buffalo’s role in the Civil Rights Movement at Michigan Street Baptist Church. The Electric Tower is another highlight, giving you a glimpse into Buffalo’s electrification history. With insider knowledge and engaging narration, this tour makes history accessible and fun.
This tour is highly praised, with a perfect 5-star rating from 93 reviews. People love how much ground is covered and find the guide personable and funny. The value at $66.22 per person is excellent for a well-rounded, insightful experience. It’s suitable for friends, families with older kids, and anyone wanting a lively introduction to Buffalo.
Bottom Line: If you want a lively, fast-paced tour that covers Buffalo’s key sights with a friendly guide, this is the one to choose.
2. Wing Ride: The Hidden History of Chicken Wings Bike Tour
Next up is the Wing Ride: The Hidden History of Chicken Wings Bike Tour, which earns a perfect 5-star rating from six reviews. Priced at $90 per person for a three-hour experience, this tour stands out because it combines history and food in a way that’s hard to beat. The tour takes you along the Buffalo and Niagara Rivers, visiting several restaurants where you’ll taste Buffalo’s famous chicken wings and other local specialties.
What makes this tour special is its focus on the story behind Buffalo’s signature dish, along with a visit to Silo City, an artist-inspired bar amid historic grain elevators. The combination of culinary delights and scenic river views makes for a memorable outing. The guide provides entertaining stories about the origins of wings, and you’ll learn about the city’s industrial past while enjoying some of the best bites in town.
This tour is ideal if you’re a foodie or want to combine a relaxed ride with tasting some of Buffalo’s iconic foods. While it’s a bit pricier at $90, the inclusion of multiple restaurant samples and the visit to Silo City make it a good value for a food-themed adventure.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those looking to combine history, scenery, and delicious chicken wings into a fun, laid-back ride.
3. The History Ride: The Best of Buffalo by Bike
At number 3 is The History Ride: The Best of Buffalo by Bike, which offers a slightly longer, 2.5-hour exploration of Buffalo’s past. This tour focuses on deep cuts and lesser-known stories, from strikes and anti-Communist raids to community organizing and resilience. It is a great choice for travelers interested in understanding how Buffalo’s history has shaped its modern identity.
The experience includes engaging anecdotes about Canalside’s wild stories, Buffalo’s first African American community, and the underground railroad. The guide does a good job of weaving the city’s industrial, social, and political history into a cohesive narrative. The tour costs $49 per person, making it an accessible option, especially for those on a budget.
While reviews are limited, the focus on Buffalo’s social history makes this a compelling pick for history enthusiasts who appreciate stories of resilience and community efforts. The slower pace allows for a more immersive experience compared to the faster-paced first tour.
Bottom Line: Well-suited for travelers interested in the social and political history of Buffalo with a thoughtful, storytelling approach.
4. E-Bikes Riding in Buffalo New York
For those who want to cover more ground effortlessly, the E-Bikes Riding in Buffalo New York is an excellent choice. Priced at $89 per person for a day, this experience uses Rad Runner 2 electric bikes perfect for touring neighborhoods and parks without breaking a sweat. The motor assist makes it easy to explore Delaware Park, the East Side Train Terminal, or even plan an ambitious trip to Niagara Falls.
This tour is designed for families, casual cyclists, or anyone wanting to maximize sightseeing without physical fatigue. The e-bikes are easy to operate, and the guide provides tips for routes and local highlights. While the reviews are limited, the 4.5-star rating reflects customer satisfaction with the bikes and overall experience.
The flexibility of a full day allows travelers to customize their ride, making it suitable for a relaxed day of sightseeing or an active adventure. It’s a good value considering the convenience and freedom these bikes offer.
Bottom Line: Ideal for anyone wanting to explore broadly and cover more ground with little effort on a comfortable electric bike.
5. Buffalo to Niagara Falls E-Bike Tour
Finally, for those wanting a full-day adventure, the Buffalo to Niagara Falls E-Bike Tour offers a six-hour journey from Canalside to the falls. With no reviews yet, it’s a newer option, but the itinerary promises a scenic ride along the Erie Canal Trail, visiting Tonawanda, Grand Island, and Niagara Gorge.
This tour is the most ambitious, with stops at Goat Island and major viewpoints of Niagara Falls. The e-bikes make the long ride manageable, even for less experienced cyclists. An optional dinner in Fort Erie adds a pleasant finish with views of the Peace Bridge.
This experience is best suited for adventurous travelers who want to combine sightseeing with active travel. The price is steep at $249, reflecting the length and scope of the tour, but it offers a unique opportunity to see both urban and natural landmarks in one day.
Bottom Line: Perfect for adventure seekers eager to combine scenic cycling with a visit to Niagara Falls.
$249.00 per person
How to Choose
When deciding between these bike tours, consider your interests, fitness level, and time available. For a quick, educational overview of Buffalo’s history, the History Ride offers great value and a lively guide. If you’re a food lover, the Wing Ride makes for a tasty and fun afternoon. Those wanting to cover more ground without fatigue should look at the E-Bikes Riding in Buffalo, while adventurers with a full day may prefer the Buffalo to Niagara Falls e-bike tour.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure your preferred time and ensure availability. Keep in mind that some tours are more suitable for families or those with limited cycling experience, so choose accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Buffalo’s bike tours offer a fantastic way to see the city from different perspectives. If you’re interested in history and urban stories, the top-rated History Ride is hard to beat. For foodies, the Chicken Wings Tour offers a flavorful adventure. And for those who want to maximize their sightseeing or visit Niagara Falls, the e-bike options provide flexible, enjoyable ways to explore.
Whatever your interests, Buffalo’s bike tours make it easier to enjoy the city’s character and charm. Be sure to plan ahead, book early, and choose the option that best suits your pace and curiosity. Happy cycling!