Rochester, situated in upstate New York along the Genesee River, combines a storied industrial past with a thriving present-day arts and culture scene. Known historically as the home of Kodak and for its roots in photography, the city has reinvented itself as a hub for festivals, museums, and family-friendly entertainment. With a strong emphasis on innovation and education, Rochester offers a welcoming vibe for visitors seeking both cultural enrichment and recreation.
Visitors to Rochester will find an impressive array of attractions. The Strong National Museum of Play is a highlight for families and gaming enthusiasts alike, while the George Eastman Museum offers insight into the origins of photography and film. The city is also home to stunning parks, such as Highland Park, famous for its spring Lilac Festival, and the scenic Erie Canal path, perfect for biking or strolling. Foodies will appreciate the diverse culinary scene, ranging from local favorites like the “Garbage Plate” to a growing selection of artisanal eateries.
The atmosphere in Rochester is friendly and down-to-earth, with a palpable sense of community pride. Neighborhoods like Park Avenue and the Neighborhood of the Arts are bustling with cozy cafes, galleries, and music venues. Year-round festivals, from jazz to fringe arts, keep the city lively. If you’re in town during baseball season, catching a Rochester Red Wings game at Frontier Field gives a fun taste of local spirit.
Getting around is convenient, with walkable neighborhoods and an easy-to-navigate bus system. Accommodations range from downtown hotels to charming local inns, and there are plenty of options for affordable and upscale dining. Travelers should plan for slightly unpredictable weather and bring layers, especially if visiting outside of summer months.
Visitors to Rochester will find an impressive array of attractions. The Strong National Museum of Play is a highlight for families and gaming enthusiasts alike, while the George Eastman Museum offers insight into the origins of photography and film. The city is also home to stunning parks, such as Highland Park, famous for its spring Lilac Festival, and the scenic Erie Canal path, perfect for biking or strolling. Foodies will appreciate the diverse culinary scene, ranging from local favorites like the “Garbage Plate” to a growing selection of artisanal eateries.
The atmosphere in Rochester is friendly and down-to-earth, with a palpable sense of community pride. Neighborhoods like Park Avenue and the Neighborhood of the Arts are bustling with cozy cafes, galleries, and music venues. Year-round festivals, from jazz to fringe arts, keep the city lively. If you’re in town during baseball season, catching a Rochester Red Wings game at Frontier Field gives a fun taste of local spirit.
Getting around is convenient, with walkable neighborhoods and an easy-to-navigate bus system. Accommodations range from downtown hotels to charming local inns, and there are plenty of options for affordable and upscale dining. Travelers should plan for slightly unpredictable weather and bring layers, especially if visiting outside of summer months.
Expected Weekly Budget
$900–$1400 USD (per person, excluding flights)
Known For
Things to Do
- Explore the Strong National Museum of Play
- Wander through Highland Park during the Lilac Festival
- Tour the George Eastman Museum
- Cycle or walk along the Erie Canalway Trail
- Sample local fare at Rochester Public Market
- Catch a live performance at Geva Theatre Center
- Visit the Memorial Art Gallery
- Enjoy a summer concert on the shores of Lake Ontario
Notable Sites
- Strong National Museum of Play
- George Eastman Museum
- Highland Park
- Erie Canal
- Memorial Art Gallery
- Rochester Public Market
- Seneca Park Zoo
- Frontier Field
General Advice
Rochester is easy to navigate and offers a warm welcome to travelers. Plan to spend time both indoors and outdoors, as museums and galleries are as much of a draw as the parks and trails. Dress for variable weather, and consider renting a car if you want to explore the nearby Finger Lakes region as well. Check local event calendars, as festivals and performances frequently animate the city’s schedule.
Security & Safety
Rochester is generally safe for visitors, particularly in main tourist areas and close-knit neighborhoods. Like any city, it's best to remain aware of your surroundings, especially at night, and keep valuables secure. Use common sense when parking or traveling in less-frequented areas after dark, and consult your lodging for up-to-date safety advice if venturing off the beaten path.
Travel Tips
- Pack a rain jacket, as weather can change quickly throughout the year.
- Plan museum visits for weekdays to avoid weekend crowds.
- Download the RTS Go app for easy public transit navigation.
- Try Rochester’s signature 'Garbage Plate' from a local diner.
- Park Avenue and East End are walkable neighborhoods with shopping and dining.
- Book accommodations early during major festivals, especially in May and June.
- The Rochester Public Market is a great spot for affordable, fresh food and local products.
- Bring a bike or rent one to enjoy the city’s extensive trails.
Similar Destinations
Photo Gallery
Loading photos...
Traveler Comments
Visited in June 2024
Had a great time exploring Rochester with my kids. The Strong Museum was a huge hit for everyone, and we loved grabbing food at the public market. We did run into a couple rainy days, but it didn’t slow us down. Definitely coming back for the Lilac Festival!
Traveled here in May 2024
The George Eastman Museum is one of the coolest places I’ve been for photography buffs. I spent hours looking at the old film cameras and exploring the gardens. Downtown felt safe and easy to walk around, and I loved how friendly people were.
Stayed in March 2024
Visited Rochester for a conference and managed to squeeze in a trip to Highland Park. Wish I’d been there for the festival, but it was still beautiful in early spring. Dining options around East End were solid, though some places closed earlier than expected.
Visited in August 2023
We biked along the Erie Canal trail and loved every minute. There’s a community vibe that makes it feel really welcoming and laid-back. Only downside was the weather got humid by the lake in the afternoons.
Traveled here in July 2023
Took a quick trip for a baseball game at Frontier Field—such a fun atmosphere! We also caught a local jazz show the same night. City isn’t flashy, but it’s easy to get around and totally worth visiting for the arts.
Visited in October 2023
Rochester was a pleasant surprise. The fall colors in the parks were gorgeous, and the Memorial Art Gallery had a lot more to see than I expected. Public transport was reliable, and everyone was eager to help when I had questions.
Stayed in April 2024
Went to Rochester for a family wedding and ended up enjoying it more than I thought! The zoo was great for younger kids, and we found some cozy coffee shops around Park Avenue. I’d recommend bringing a car if you want to get out of downtown easily.
Visited in September 2023
Fantastic place for a weekend getaway. We tried the famous Garbage Plate and toured the breweries nearby. Parking downtown was a bit tricky on Saturday night, but overall the trip was smooth.
Traveled here in November 2023
Came solo to check out art museums and music venues. Most places were interesting, but the downtown felt a little sleepy after 8pm. Loved the local galleries, though—worth it for art enthusiasts.
Visited in January 2024
Winter in Rochester is chilly but beautiful, especially with fresh snow along the river. Went ice skating at an outdoor rink and explored coffee shops downtown. Would love to come back in summer for the festivals.
Stayed in December 2023
We were in town visiting family for the holidays and did a lot of indoor activities. The Strong Museum was perfect for our young kids. Downtown restaurants got busy fast, so reservations helped.
Traveled here in July 2023
Loved walking at the Erie Canal and finishing the day at the Rochester Public Market. So many food options! We stayed near Eastman School of Music and caught a student concert—highly recommended.
Visited in June 2023
The Lilac Festival at Highland Park was more fun than I expected, with great music and local vendors. City was easy to get around by bike. Some small shops closed for the evening earlier than we hoped but daytime exploring was fantastic.
Visited in September 2023
Nice mix of history and cool new businesses. I spent a morning at the Eastman Museum and got great photos in the gardens. There’s a lot to enjoy for folks who love learning and exploring.
Traveled here in February 2024
Lots to do with teenagers. We all enjoyed the hands-on exhibits at the Strong Museum, and the ice cream shops were perfect for breaks. Next time we’ll try to visit in the summer for warm-weather activities.
Visited in March 2024
Was here on business, but evenings spent at Geva Theatre and the Memorial Art Gallery made the trip memorable. Locals were genuinely welcoming, and Uber made getting around easy.
Stayed in May 2024
My book club traveled up for the Rochester International Jazz Festival—we were blown away by the music and atmosphere. Food stalls and pop-up concerts downtown kept us busy all week. Can’t wait to return.
Visited in April 2023
Good balance of museums, parks, and food. The river views were nice and the zoo is a solid choice for families. A little more nightlife would be cool, but there’s plenty for a relaxing break.
Traveled here in August 2023
Neighborhood of the Arts is adorable with lots of galleries and little restaurants. I appreciated how walkable the city is, and the local bus to the lake was cheap and convenient.
Visited in October 2023
Chased autumn leaves in Highland Park and grabbed fresh pastries at the Public Market. Some parts of town are quieter than others, but that made it easy to relax with my partner. Would recommend for couples looking for a laid-back getaway.
Share Your Experience
Sign in to leave a review and share your travel photos.