About Syracuse
Syracuse is a city in New York, United States, and the seat of government of Onondaga County. With 148,620 residents, and a metropolitan area of 662,057 people, it is the most populous city in Central New York, as well as the fifth-most populated city and 13th-most populated municipality in New York.
Places to visit in Syracuse
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Erie Canal Museum
MuseumHoused in a historic weighlock building where canal boats were once weighed, this museum explains how the Erie Canal shaped Syracuse and the state, with a replica canal boat inside.
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Armory Square
NeighborhoodA lively downtown district of restored nineteenth-century brick buildings filled with restaurants, bars and independent shops, and the main gathering place in Syracuse for an evening out or a weekend brunch.
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Everson Museum of Art
MuseumA museum in a distinctive concrete building by I. M. Pei, known for its large collection of American ceramics as well as American paintings and sculpture.
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Rosamond Gifford Zoo
Zoo · 2 mi from centreSet in Burnet Park on the west side of the city, this zoo is noted for its Asian elephant herd and houses animals from around the world in a compact, walkable layout.
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Clinton Square
LandmarkThe historic heart of downtown, built where the Erie Canal once flowed, with a reflecting pool that becomes a public ice skating rink in winter.
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Green Lakes State Park
Nature · 9 mi from centreEast of the city, this park surrounds two unusual glacial lakes with striking blue-green water, with a trail circling them and a swimming beach in summer.
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Museum of Science and Technology
MuseumKnown locally as the MOST, this hands-on science museum in Armory Square includes interactive exhibits, a planetarium and a dome theater, and it is especially popular with families traveling with children.
Where to stay in Syracuse
Popular hotels in Syracuse, out of 98 properties you can book.
Hometown Inn East Syracuse
From $58 per night
Homewood Suites by Hilton Syracuse - Carrier Circl
From $148 per night
Homewood Suites By Hilton Syracuse - Liverpool
From $224 per night
Cresthill Suites Syracuse
From $108 per night
Hampton Inn & Suites Syracuse/Carrier Circle
From $135 per night
Residence Inn Syracuse Carrier Circle
From $206 per night
Hilton Garden Inn Syracuse
From $138 per night
Hilton Garden Inn Auburn
From $223 per night
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Dewitt (Syracus
From $132 per night
Best Western Plus Finger Lakes Inn & Suites
From $130 per night
Hampton Inn Cortland
From $152 per night
Hampton Inn & Suites Syracuse Dewitt
From $135 per night
Best time to visit Syracuse
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Syracuse is September, when average daytime highs are around 74°F and rain falls on about 7 days a month.
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.
Syracuse weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 58° 34° 0%
- Thu 22 Oct 61° 41° 2%
- Fri 23 Oct 57° 40° 1%
- Sat 24 Oct 61° 40° 1%
- Sun 25 Oct 66° 43° 1%
- Mon 26 Oct 68° 52° 6%
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 Syracuse
These are the airports closest to central Syracuse. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- SYR Syracuse Hancock International Airport5 mi (8 km) from the city centre
Getting around Syracuse
A car is probably the best way to get around Syracuse, especially if you are going to places away from downtown. Thanks to its many Interstate highways (I-90, I-81, I-481, and I-690), nearly everywhere in the Syracuse area can be reached within a 20-minute drive. Make sure you have a map and pay attention to the street signs. There are some streets in the downtown area that go from being two-way to one-way, which is not always clear on a map.
On foot
You can walk to most of the destinations in downtown Syracuse from a parking lot or the Centro bus terminal.
By bicycle
Most of the downtown area is relatively flat, but keep in mind that the Syracuse University area has many steep hills and the residential areas surrounding downtown have quite a few hills as well. What some people will do is catch a ride on the bus downtown, placing their bike on the bike rack on the front of the bus and then use their bike once they reach downtown, thus avoiding the steep hills. E-bike rentals are available throughout the downtown area via Sync Bike Share.
By bus
The Centro Bus System provides a fair alternative to driving to most locations, with a fare of $2 within Syracuse and additional fares to outlying suburbs, such as to Auburn for $4 and to Oswego for $5. Buses can come sporadically, especially if you plan to ride the bus outside of Downtown Syracuse, so check the bus schedule online in advance. If you have to transfer to another bus, be sure to ask the bus driver for a transfer card so that you don't get stuck paying double fares for the same trip.
Syracuse travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Syracuse?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Syracuse is September, when average daytime highs are around 74°F and rain falls on about 7 days a month.
What is the weather like in Syracuse?
July is usually the warmest month in Syracuse, with average highs of 83°F (28°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 20°F (-7°C). The wettest month is typically April, with about 145 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Syracuse?
Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR) is the closest airport, about 5 miles (8 km) from the centre of Syracuse.
What time zone is Syracuse in?
Syracuse 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 Syracuse?
A car is probably the best way to get around Syracuse, especially if you are going to places away from downtown. Thanks to its many Interstate highways (I-90, I-81, I-481, and I-690), nearly everywhere in the Syracuse area can be reached within a 20-minute drive.
What are the best places to visit in Syracuse?
Top sights in Syracuse include Erie Canal Museum, Armory Square, Everson Museum of Art and Rosamond Gifford Zoo. Housed in a historic weighlock building where canal boats were once weighed, this museum explains how the Erie Canal shaped Syracuse and the state, with a replica canal boat inside.
Where should I stay in Syracuse?
Popular areas for hotels in Syracuse include Syracuse. Well-reviewed options include Hometown Inn East Syracuse and Homewood Suites by Hilton Syracuse - Carrier Circl.
How many hotels can I book in Syracuse?
Destina Holidays currently lists 98 properties in and around Syracuse, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
