In short
- Free tours run Monday to Friday at exactly noon.
- Advance online registration is required to guarantee your spot.
- The tour visits the lobby, Council Chambers, and observation deck.
In this article
Taking a guided tour is a great way to see the 32-story Art Deco skyscraper. You need to plan ahead, as spots are limited. The building is a working government office and is fully closed on weekends.
Who runs the Buffalo City Hall guided tours?
A local organization called Explore Buffalo operates the free tours.
Tours happen every weekday at exactly 12:00 PM. The guides are volunteers who know the building's history well. You will learn about the 1931 construction and its $6.85 million cost.
How do I register for the tour?
You must register online before you arrive.
Visit the Explore Buffalo website to secure your spot. The system allows you to book up to 8 tickets at a time. If you have a larger group, you must call the organization ahead of time to make special arrangements.
What will you see on the guided tour?
The route visits the lobby, the 13th-floor Common Council Chambers, and the 28th-floor observation deck.
In the Lobby & Entrance, you will see sweeping historical murals painted by William de Leftwich Dodge. The Common Council Chambers feature an intricate stained-glass sunburst skylight. Finally, you head up to the observation deck for 360-degree views of the city grid and Lake Erie.
Are there weekend tours available?
No, Buffalo City Hall is completely closed on weekends.
The building serves as the active seat of municipal government for the City of Buffalo. It is only open to the public Monday through Friday. It is also closed on all government holidays.
What are the security requirements for the tour?
All visitors must pass through a metal detector and a bag search.
You need to bring a government-issued photo ID for security purposes. Weapons like firearms, knives, and mace are strictly prohibited. A small daypack is recommended because large bags will slow down the security line.
How many stairs do you climb on the tour?
You must climb three steep flights of stairs to reach the final observation deck.
The public elevator only goes as far as the 25th floor. From there, you walk up to the 28th floor. You must wear comfortable walking shoes for this part of the tour. The top levels are not accessible by elevator.
Questions travellers ask
Is the guided tour of Buffalo City Hall free?
Yes. Explore Buffalo runs the weekday noon tours for free, but you must register online in advance.
Can I take photos during the tour?
Yes. Photography is allowed. However, you must respect active municipal work or meetings taking place in the building.
Do I need ID to enter Buffalo City Hall?
Yes. You should bring a government-issued photo ID to pass through the required security screening.
