Things to do in Syracuse

Activities, attractions and tours

Clinton Square featuring a city, heritage architecture and a garden
Syracuse which includes a city and flowers
Landmark Theatre showing heritage elements and interior views
Syracuse featuring modern architecture
Syracuse featuring heritage architecture and a city

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What to do in Syracuse

Popular places to visit

Syracuse University

Syracuse University

Take a campus tour or just explore the area around Syracuse University, a top university in Syracuse. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

Syracuse University
New York State Fairgrounds

New York State Fairgrounds

Enjoy a stop at New York State Fairgrounds, an entertaining place to visit in Syracuse. Discover the area's top-notch restaurants and its acclaimed theater scene.

New York State Fairgrounds
Carrier Dome

JMA Wireless Dome

College basketball, football and lacrosse have never seen more enthusiastic crowds than those inside this stadium on the campus of Syracuse University.

JMA Wireless Dome
Armory Square

Armory Square

Home to Syracuse’s highest concentration of bars and restaurants, this lively city square is the perfect place for a night out in Central New York.

Armory Square
Landmark Theatre showing heritage elements and interior views

Landmark Theatre

See Broadway musicals, comedy or rock shows at this beautiful and supposedly haunted 1920s venue just off Syracuse’s Armory Square.

Landmark Theatre
Rosamond Gifford Zoo which includes marine life as well as children

Rosamond Gifford Zoo

Get inspired by playful otters, serene swans, fascinating elephants, sophisticated snow leopards and many more mammals at this beloved Syracuse institution.

Rosamond Gifford Zoo
Clinton Square featuring a city, heritage architecture and a garden

Clinton Square

Nestled in the heart of Syracuse’s downtown, this historic plaza is known for its civic mindedness, hosting countless festivals and a community ice skating rink.

Clinton Square
Museum of Science and Technology featuring interior views

Museum of Science and Technology

Kids and adults will love this Syracuse museum, featuring an IMAX theater, interactive exhibits and possibly the world’s largest collection of toothpick sculptures.

Museum of Science and Technology

Destiny USA

During your visit to Syracuse, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Destiny USA. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

Destiny USA

Areas of Syracuse

Clinton Square featuring a city, heritage architecture and a garden

Downtown Syracuse

Travelers come to Downtown Syracuse for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Landmark Theatre and Clinton Square while you're in town.

Downtown Syracuse
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Westside

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Westside and surrounding area, you can visit Rosamond Gifford Zoo and Armory Square.

Westside
Carrier Dome featuring modern architecture

Eastside

While visiting Eastside, you might make a stop by sights like JMA Wireless Dome and Syracuse Stage.

Eastside
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Lakefront

While visiting Lakefront, you might make a stop by sights like Destiny USA and NBT Bank Stadium.

Lakefront
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Southside

While Southside isn't home to many top sights, Rosamond Gifford Zoo and Museum of Science and Technology are some notable places to visit nearby.

Southside
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Northside

While visiting Northside, you might make a stop by sights like ArtRage Gallery and Museum of International Masks and Puppets.

Northside

Frequently asked questions

Is Syracuse worth visiting?
Syracuse has a unique blend of attractions, culture and local charm. Whether you're into the outdoors, history or traditional cuisine, there's plenty to enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Syracuse?
Museum of Science and Technology and Sainte Marie among the Iroquois are two awesome places to begin your vacation adventures. Remember to explore the retail and dining options in Syracuse while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Syracuse?
The top tourist attraction in Syracuse is Museum of Science and Technology, so make sure to include it on your sightseeing agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Syracuse?
Three days will give you time to tick off popular city highlights, such as Museum of Science and Technology, Sainte Marie among the Iroquois and Palace Theater. The average stay in Syracuse is two days. If you feel the urge to extend your getaway, Town of De Witt isn't far away.
Is Syracuse a walkable city?
Some top attractions in Syracuse, like Museum of Science and Technology and Palace Theater, are within walking distance. You can also discover several of the city's popular neighborhoods on foot. Only 2 kilometers from the city center of Syracuse is Eastside and Downtown Syracuse is 0.48 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Syracuse with kids?
Whether you're traveling with tiny adventurers or hard-to-please teens, an itinerary filled with cool activities is the key to a stress-free getaway. Check out our recommendations for what to do in Syracuse with kids.

What to do in Syracuse for adults?
Lakeland Winery and Salt Museum are just a couple of the things to do in Syracuse. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in Syracuse?
One of the best ways to find free things to do in Syracuse is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on cool neighborhoods, parks and other hotspots you can experience without reaching for your wallet. State Park at the Fair is one spot that doesn't charge an entrance fee.