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Street view of Buffalo City Hall with cars driving by

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Buffalo City Hall Observation Deck

Head to the 28th floor for free, 360-degree views of downtown Buffalo and Lake Erie.

Photo: tour listing on Viator

The observation deck provides the highest public vantage point in Western New York. You can spot the city's radial street design and look out over the lake.

You must take an elevator to the 25th floor, then climb three flights of stairs to reach the top. The deck is open on weekdays only and is completely free to visit.

Street scene with parked cars and blooming pink cherry trees
Photo: tour listing on Viator
01

"Windows on Buffalo" Indoor Deck

15 minsIndoor viewing

This enclosed viewing area on the 28th floor offers panoramic views of the city. Look down to identify the radial street grid designed by Joseph Ellicott in 1804. You get clear sightlines of downtown Buffalo and Lake Erie without dealing with the weather.

Large stone building with a clock tower and a fountain
Photo: tour listing on Viator
02

The Stair Climb

5 mins3 flights of stairs

Elevators only go as high as the 25th floor. To reach the observation deck, you must walk up three steep flights of stairs. Wear comfortable walking shoes and take your time. There is no elevator access for these final floors.

A man pretending to punch a bronze statue of a hockey player
Photo: tour listing on Viator
03

Outer Walkway

10 minsPhoto spot

Step outside onto the exterior open-air walkway encircling the tower. This area provides unobstructed photo opportunities of the city skyline. It can get extremely windy at 398 feet up. Hold onto your hats and secure any loose items before stepping outside.

See City Hall on a Bike Tour

Cyclists gathered in front of a green two-story historic house.
History Ride: The Best of Buffalo by Bike2 h 4.9 (97)from $66
history bike tourfrom $66 on Viator
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