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Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls travel guide

City in New York, United States

Things to do11 experiences
Best time to visitSeptember
Nearest airportIAG · 4 mi from centre
Time zoneUTC−4
Population48,671

About Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is a city in Niagara County, New York, United States. As of the 2020 census, the city had a total population of 48,671. It is adjacent to the Niagara River, across from the city of Niagara Falls, Ontario, and named after the famed Niagara Falls which they share. The city is within the Buffalo–Niagara Falls metropolitan area and the Western New York region.

Places to visit in Niagara Falls

  1. Niagara Falls

    Niagara Falls

    Nature · 3 mi from centre

    Three waterfalls on the border between the United States and Canada, with an enormous flow of water. Walk the viewing areas on both sides, and bring your passport if you plan to cross into Canada.

  2. Horseshoe Falls

    Horseshoe Falls

    Nature · 3 mi from centre

    The largest of the three falls, a huge curved wall of water mostly on the Canadian side. The best views are from the Canadian riverbank, and the falls are lit with colored lights at night.

  3. Maid of the Mist

    Maid of the Mist

    Entertainment · 3 mi from centre

    A boat tour that carries passengers into the spray at the base of the falls. Ponchos are provided, but wear shoes that can get wet, and expect lines in summer.

  4. Cave of the Winds

    Cave of the Winds

    Nature · 3 mi from centre

    A series of wooden walkways at the base of Bridal Veil Falls on Goat Island, where you can stand in the spray. Wear the provided ponchos and sandals, and leave electronics in a waterproof bag.

  5. Niagara Falls State Park

    Niagara Falls State Park

    Park · 3 mi from centre

    The oldest state park in the United States, with walkways, islands and viewpoints around the American side of the falls. Ride the trolley to save walking time, and visit Prospect Point for close views.

  6. Whirlpool State Park

    Whirlpool State Park

    Park · 3 mi from centre

    A park along the Niagara Gorge overlooking a large whirlpool in the river. Trails lead down into the gorge; they are steep and rocky, so wear sturdy shoes.

  7. Old Fort Niagara

    Old Fort Niagara

    Historic · 12 mi from centre

    A historic fort at the mouth of the Niagara River, with buildings dating back to the 1700s. Living history demonstrations run in summer, and the lake views are great on clear days.

  8. Rainbow Bridge

    Rainbow Bridge

    Landmark · 3 mi from centre

    An arch bridge across the Niagara Gorge connecting the United States and Canada, with views of the falls. Pedestrians can walk across, but you will need a passport or other valid travel documents.

Things to do in Niagara Falls by type

11 tours, tickets and experiences across 3 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.

How long
  • 1-3 hours 6
  • Flexible 2
  • 3-6 hours 1
  • Over 6 hours 1
Good for
  • Senior 1
  • Youth 1
  • Couples 1
  • Families 1
Browse all things to do in Niagara Falls

Top experiences in Niagara Falls

Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 11 available.

See all things to do in Niagara Falls

Where to stay in Niagara Falls

Popular hotels in Niagara Falls, out of 48 properties you can book.

See all hotels in Niagara Falls

Best time to visit Niagara Falls

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Niagara Falls is September, when average daytime highs are around 75°F and rain falls on about 9 days a month.

MonthTemperature (°F)Rain days
Jan 20° – 31° 16
Feb 21° – 36° 10
Mar 30° – 48° 14
Apr 38° – 57° 15
May 51° – 67° 14
Jun 61° – 78° 14
Jul 66° – 82° 15
Aug 62° – 78° 12
Sep 58° – 75° 9
Oct 47° – 62° 11
Nov 36° – 48° 12
Dec 22° – 35° 16

Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.

Niagara Falls weather forecast

  • Wed 21 Oct 60° 35° 0%
  • Thu 22 Oct 62° 43° 0%
  • Fri 23 Oct 59° 44° 0%
  • Sat 24 Oct 62° 45° 0%
  • Sun 25 Oct 65° 48° 3%
  • Mon 26 Oct 65° 55° 7%

Know before you go

Currency
United States dollar (USD)
Language
English
Calling code
+1
Driving
On the right
Time zone
America/New_YorkUTC−4
Capital
Washington, D.C.

Upcoming public holidays in United States

  • Veterans Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day
  • New Year's Day
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
  • Presidents DayWashington's Birthday

Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.

Getting to Niagara Falls

These are the airports closest to central Niagara Falls. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.

  • IAG Niagara Falls International Airport4 mi (6 km) from the city centre
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Getting around Niagara Falls

You can really do a lot without a car once you get to the immediate vicinity of the Falls. If you are staying downtown you may be able to get by without a car. The toll for walking the Rainbow Bridge westbound to Canada is $1 (both U.S. and Canadian currency accepted), paid on the Canadian side coming into Canada. (There is no eastbound toll.) If you travel with any baby carriage, you pay no extra toll.

By bicycle

Bicycling can be faster than walking to get around. The toll for bicycling and walking the bridge across the national border is the same. On the bridge sidewalk, bicyclists are officially supposed to walk their bikes, but you may bicycle on the far right lane of the Rainbow Bridge and Lewiston-Queenston Bridge like a car.

By car

Car is a convenient option to get around, and to see the attractions surrounding the Falls.

Crossing the border

If you want to see the Canadian side, you can cross at the Rainbow Bridge (downtown) or the Queenston-Lewiston Bridge (north of the city). Be sure you have proper documentation for yourself (passport or other approved alternative) and your vehicle (registration, insurance card, etc.) If you're driving a rental car, pay particular attention to your rental contract.

Niagara Falls travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Niagara Falls?

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Niagara Falls is September, when average daytime highs are around 75°F and rain falls on about 9 days a month.

What is the weather like in Niagara Falls?

July is usually the warmest month in Niagara Falls, with average highs of 82°F (28°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 20°F (-7°C). The wettest month is typically April, with about 128 mm of rain.

Which airport is closest to Niagara Falls?

Niagara Falls International Airport (IAG) is the closest airport, about 4 miles (6 km) from the centre of Niagara Falls.

What time zone is Niagara Falls in?

Niagara Falls uses the America/New_York time zone (currently UTC−4). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.

How do I get around Niagara Falls?

You can really do a lot without a car once you get to the immediate vicinity of the Falls. If you are staying downtown you may be able to get by without a car. The toll for walking the Rainbow Bridge westbound to Canada is $1 (both U.S. and Canadian currency accepted), paid on the Canadian side coming into Canada.

What are the best places to visit in Niagara Falls?

Top sights in Niagara Falls include Niagara Falls, Horseshoe Falls, Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds. Three waterfalls on the border between the United States and Canada, with an enormous flow of water. Walk the viewing areas on both sides, and bring your passport if you plan to cross into Canada.

What are the top things to do in Niagara Falls?

Popular experiences you can book in Niagara Falls include Niagara Falls, USA: Guided Tour & Optional Maid of the Mist, Niagara Falls USA: Night Illumination Tour & Optional Maid of the Mist and Niagara Falls USA Sightseeing Tours with Optional Meal. Destina Holidays offers 11 tours and activities here.

What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Niagara Falls?

The most popular types of experiences in Niagara Falls are outdoor activities & adventure (7), tickets & attraction passes (2), day trips & excursions (2) and city tours (1). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.

Where should I stay in Niagara Falls?

Popular areas for hotels in Niagara Falls include Niagara Falls USA. Well-reviewed options include Sheraton Niagara Falls and Wyndham Garden at Niagara Falls.

How many hotels can I book in Niagara Falls?

Destina Holidays currently lists 48 properties in and around Niagara Falls, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.