NEWSLETTER
From beautiful parks to a lively arts and culture scene, Rochester has everything you need for a scenic escape filled with diverse activities for visitors of all ages and interests. Home to two of New York State’s most notable museums—the Strong National Museum of Play and the George Eastman Museum—Rochester is the ideal weekend getaway, no matter the season. Time your visit in May for the world-famous Rochester Lilac Festival at Highland Park or in June for the Rochester International Jazz Festival to experience some of the city's most popular events.
This article was originally published on 7/11/2018 and was last updated on 10/21/2026.
Friday
3 pm: Check Into Your Hotel
Want to stay in the Neighborhood of Play? Book a room at the Hampton Inn and Suites, located in the heart of downtown Rochester just steps from The Strong National Museum of Play. Enjoy a whimsical indoor swimming pool, state of the art fitness center, and Lila’s Bar & Eatery perfect for a midday snack, evening cocktails, or nightcap. From luxury hotel suites to charming B&Bs and budget-friendly stays, explore the city’s many lodging options to suit your tastes and needs.
5 pm: Game and Grub
If you want to game while you dine, Swillburger is your spot. This modern take on the classic American burger joint uses the freshest ingredients and makes nearly everything from scratch. The triple-threat venue is also a buzzing bar and arcade, offering up 30 classic arcade cabinets and pinball machines for veteran gamers and newbies alike.
7 pm: Enjoy a Night Out
Immersing yourself in the Rochester culture means becoming a Rochester sports fan for a day. Catch a Rochester Red Wings baseball game at Innovative Field or hit the ice with the Rochester Americans Hockey Club at Blue Cross Arena. If you prefer the stage to sports, check out Geva Theatre for a wide variety of performances ranging from musicals to dramas! Film lover? Head to The Little for an indie or foreign film in a boutique theater. Looking for something a little more seasonally scenic? Step aboard the Sam Patch or the Colonial Belle for an evening cruise.
9 pm: Last Call
Credit: @roc.beer on Instagram
End your evening with a fresh poured beer at Genesee Brew House, offering 15 craft brews on tap at any given time. Pair your pint with their famous Bavarian pretzel and head up to the rooftop for stunning views of the Rochester skyline and 95-foot High Falls. If you visit around the winter holiday season you'll get a chance to the iconic three-story tall Genesee Keg Tree up close and personal. Made up of more than 650 empty kegs and 25,000 lights, it was named America's best Christmas tree by Newsweek.
SATURDAY
9 am: Fuel Up at the Market
Start your morning at the Rochester Public Market, a community staple since 1905. Peruse 300 vendors for local produce, produce from around the country and world, meat and seafood, eggs and dairy products, baked goods, ethnic delicacies, prepared and packaged foods, specialty items, and more!
10 am: Play All Day
Whether you’re traveling with kids, or are just a kid at heart, The Strong National Museum of Play is a play-lover’s paradise home to the world’s largest and most comprehensive collection of historical materials related to play. Revisit the classics at the Toy Hall of Fame or beat the top score at the world's largest playable Donkey Kong arcade game. You can also take a cross-country journey on a kid-sized train, stroll through a tropical garden featuring hundreds of free-flying butterflies, and explore the Hasbro Game Park. A typical visit is around 2 to 5 hours, but you just may want to make a day of it, especially if there are special activities or themed programs being offered while you’re there.
1 pm: Grab a Quick Bite
Get your fill at DogTown, a local favorite where specialty hot dogs are named after dog breeds and are served on freshly baked French rolls, smothered with the toppings of your choice, like the Irish Setter that’s topped with corned beef, sauerkraut, Russian dressing and melted Swiss. Or indulge in homemade soups, home fries, burgers, and heaping “junkyard plates” — a twist on Rochester’s classic garbage plate.
2:30 pm: Get Wild
Lions and tigers and bears, oh yes! One of Rochester's most beloved gems is the Seneca Park Zoo. Situated along the Genesee River, the zoo proudly leads conservation efforts locally, regionally, and internationally. Animals from all walks of life reside here including polar bears, rhinos, elephants, penguins, red pandas, and so many more. Check out special seasonal events or enhance your experience any time of year with an exclusive animal encounter.
6 pm: Dine at Good Luck
Head to the Neighborhood of the Arts district for dinner at one of Rochester's best restaurants. Known for their one-pound beef burger, smokehouse, and award-winning cocktail bar, Good Luck serves up innovative New American plates designed for sharing in a trendy industrial space.
8 pm: Have a Ball
Credit: @radiosocial on Instagram
Eat, drink, and play at Radio Social, a 42,000-square-foot venue home to a bowling alley, award-winning restaurant, craft cocktail and whiskey bar, music venue, and social club, located in Rochester's historical Stromberg-Carlson warehouse. Spare some time to bowl a strike down the 34 bowling lanes, play cornhole, giant Jenga, and so much more.
SUNDAY
9 am: Dine in Style
Start your day with breakfast at Highland Park Diner, a classic railcar diner included in the Rochester Landmark Society’s list of architectural gems. It serves freshly prepared breakfast (all day!) and you’ll want to try one of the 13 different eggs benedicts, ranging from an Italian benedict to a Grecian benedict to a Nantucket benedict. Pair your savory dish with a sweet drink when you sip on one of 21 flavors of their outrageous milkshakes, ranging from cinnamon toast crunch to blackberry to creamsicle.
11 am: Meander a Museum
Make a day out of museum-going! A National Historic Landmark, the George Eastman Museum tells the story of photography, motion pictures, and the fascinating tale of the founder of the Eastman Kodak Company, George Eastman. Explore the unparalleled collections and archives (the largest film collection in the country!) as well as the property’s mansion and gardens. Recommended length of visit is 2-3 hours or longer if you'd like to attend one of their excellent screenings.
For a different kind of museum experience, check out the RMSC Museum & Science Center, a hub for exploration with three floors of interactive exhibits. Learn about everything from nanoscience to the Ice Age to robots! The center is proud to offer ample resources for travelers with sensory needs.
2 pm: Recharge!
Credit: @flxfoodobsession on Instagram
Pop into Melo Coffee & Kitchen, in the heart of the Neighborhood of the Arts district, for a sandwich or some avocado toast and a tasty latte that comes in delightful flavors like banana bread, salted caramel, or coconut mocha.
3 pm: Explore Great Art
End your trip at the Memorial Art Gallery, where you can journey through 5,000 years of human creativity exploring the works of Monet, Rembrandt, and O'Keeffe, as well as contemporaries such as Kehinde Wiley and Mickalene Thomas. You’re here on the perfect day and time to enjoy Going for Baroque, a weekly Sunday afternoon mini-recital series offered at 1:30pm and 3pm, where students from the Eastman School of Music perform alongside professional musicians on the Italian Baroque organ on the second floor of the museum.
GETTING TO ROCHESTER
By plane: Frederick Douglass–Greater Rochester International Airport; 1200 Brooks Ave., Rochester, NY
By train: Take Amtrak to Rochester station (ROC) at 320 Central Ave. Taxi service is available to downtown shopping district and city attractions.
By bus: RTS Bus Service & Megabus
By car:
From NYC: 5.5 hours
From Toronto: 3 hours
From Boston: 6 hours
From Buffalo: 1 hour 15 min.
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