Rochester, New York
United States and Canada · United States
See also
Overview
Big-city culture and small-city charm combine in Rochester, a mid-sized city on the shore of Lake Ontario. The birthplace of amateur photography, Rochester was synonymous with Eastman Kodak for much of the 20th century.
Languages: English
Why go?
Big-city culture and small-city charm combine in Rochester, a mid-sized city on the shore of Lake Ontario. The birthplace of amateur photography, Rochester was synonymous with Eastman Kodak for much of the 20th century. Today, its historical treasures complement modern family-friendly attractions like the Strong National Museum of Play and the George Eastman Museum.
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When to go?
May, June, late August, September, and early October have the most comfortable temperatures. Rochester is in the Snow Belt; winters can be harsh with frequent snow. Summer festivals like the Lilac Festival and Jazz Festival are highlights.
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Getting in
Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC) serves major airlines with direct flights from many US cities. Amtrak's Lake Shore Limited and Maple Leaf stop at Louise M. Slaughter Rochester Station. Greyhound and Trailways buses arrive at the RTS Transit Center.
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Getting around
A car is nearly essential for most visitors, though the RTS bus system can cover the county. Biking and walking are possible in warmer months but challenging in winter. Rush hours are 7-8:30 AM and 4:30-6 PM on weekdays.
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Food and drink
Local specialties include the Garbage Plate (from Nick Tahou's Hots), white hots (Zweigle's), Bill Gray's burgers, Tom Wahl's root beer floats, and frozen custard from Abbott's. Genesee Beer is the local brew, and Finger Lakes wines are widely available. Many microbreweries and cocktail bars have sprung up.
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Things to do
Must-see attractions include the Strong National Museum of Play, George Eastman Museum, Rochester Museum and Science Center, Susan B. Anthony House, and the three waterfalls in the Genesee River gorge. Festivals like the Lilac Festival, Jazz Festival, and Fringe Festival occur throughout the year. Sports fans can watch the Red Wings (baseball), Americans (hockey), or Knighthawks (lacrosse).
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Stay safe
Rochester is generally safe, but avoid northeast and southwest city neighborhoods. Call or text 911 in emergencies. Major hospital networks include Rochester Regional Health and University of Rochester Medical Center. Border Patrol has a presence; non-citizens should carry documents.
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Connect
Area code is 585. Free Wi-Fi is available in many businesses. Public library branches offer computer access with a free guest pass. The main post office is in Henrietta.
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Day trips
Rochester is a gateway to the Finger Lakes region. Day trips include Canandaigua (Sonnenberg Gardens), Letchworth State Park ("Grand Canyon of the East"), Seneca Falls (Women's Rights NHP), and Niagara Falls (90 min drive). Buffalo and Syracuse are also nearby.
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Go next
Onward destinations include New York City and the Adirondacks (6 hr drive), Toronto (3 hr drive), and the Finger Lakes. Amtrak trains run to Buffalo, Syracuse, Albany, and beyond.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
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Abundance Cooperative Market
Owned by two thousand locals who've invested in this cooperative, the market is open to anyone who wants to buy their groceries from a community oriented and democratically controlled business. They moved to the new location on South Ave in 2017.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Andy's Candies
One of three very good local chocolatiers, Andy's Candies has been distributing sweets since 1917. The original Hudson Avenue location is only a factory now; to buy chocolates, head to this retail location in Greece (or the second location at Eastview Mall in Victor (New York)
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Archimage
Great gift shop with an eclectic selection. They sell children's toys, cards, jewelry, incense, stones, musical instruments, chimes, housewares, unconventional clothing items, and more. All at a variety of price points; it's not all cheap kitsch and it's not all pricey luxury. Well worth a stop in to browse, if nothing else.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Auditorium Theatre
Housed in an historic Masonic temple building, the Auditorium Theatre is Rochester's Broadway roadhouse; the Rochester Broadway Theatre League brings to town several touring productions each year. The theater is aging and acoustically imperfect, but it's due for extensive renovations soon (now that RBTL owns the whole building), and it's the only area theater with the space to put on the big shows. Other concerts and performances dot the schedule throughout the year; see the web site for upcoming events.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Beers of the World
A huge selection of both macro and micro brews from all over the world, plus home-brewing supplies. Also has a large display filled with good cigars. Word to the wise: the owners are quite stand-offish, especially to first time customers and some of the beers are not that fresh. Watch out for dust. Another store is in Batavia (New York)
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Blackfriars Theatre
Blackfriars Theatre is a mid-sized professional theatre that has entertained audiences since the 1950s, providing a local showcase for actors and actresses, theater artists and technicians who have chosen to make Rochester their home. They're performance space on East Main is near the Auditorium Center.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Buffalo Bills Training Camp
The closest the Rochester area gets to major-league team sports is the Bills' annual summer training camp, held since 2000 in northern Pittsford. There's lots to do besides just watch practices, too; you can participate in interactive games, peruse the merchandise, or try to get some autographs. You can get a lot closer to the players here than at the stadium in Orchard Park.
Recorded price: Free (parking shuttle $1)
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Century Liquor and Wines
In the highly regarded Pittsford Plaza, Century Liquor has a very large selection of wine and liquor, including vintage. Receives tour buses from the nearby vineyard- and winery-laden Finger Lakes, which is the second largest wine producing area in the U.S.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Connectivity
Free Wi-Fi at many businesses. Library computers with guest pass. Area code 585.
Culture
Rochester has a strong deaf community; American Sign Language is common. Festivals and museums reflect industrial and reform history.
Food
Try the Garbage Plate and white hots. Local chains: Bill Gray's, Tom Wahl's. Abbott's frozen custard.
Health
Hospitals include Strong Memorial and Rochester General. Urgent care centers available.
Language
Rochester has a large deaf community; ASL is common. Speak clearly and directly; paper and pen if needed.
Local transport
RTS buses $1 per ride (exact change) or day passes. Car rental available.
Money
Daily backpacker budget: food from $10-20, accommodation from $70-120, attractions $10-25.
Safety
Avoid northeast and southwest neighborhoods; general city is safe. 911 works for emergencies; can also text 911.
Transport
Car is recommended; RTS bus system covers the county. Walkable downtown but limited suburbs.
Visa context
Visa rules depend on passport; check current entry rules before booking.