I went to Syracuse University for 4 years as an international student from Kenya so I was completely unaware of things to do in town but was DETERMINED to have fun along the way! Here’s my top recs, enjoy!
Map
Sections
9
Eat
Syracuse Sports
Nature + hikes
Arts + Culture
Music
Fitness Classes
Eat
The cutest brunch spot!
Oh My Darling
Pretty good option for a Steakhouse in downtown
Scotch 'N Sirloin
Italian restaurant with some really good steak
Delmonico's Syracuse
Make sure to get a reservation early! Great for dinner dates
Pastabilities
Another great dinner date option!
Francesca's Cucina
Cute cafe!
Phoebe's Restaurant & Coffee Lounge
Have great happy hour deals, perfect for dinner dates
The York
If you like tacos and margs, this is your spot
Margaritas Mexican Cantina
Another great option for tacos and margs, they have good happy hour deals too
XO Taco
When I tell you this is the best food you will have I mean it- truly a hidden gem! Those lamb chops are to die for! check out their instagram to see when the food truck is open!
Congo Box | Syracuse NY
If you’re looking for a Cheesecake Factory in town!
The Cheesecake Factory
A Syracuse staple! Lives to the hype
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
Really good pizza here
Apizza Regionale
Another brunch staple! Need to make a reservation
Rise N Shine Diner Westcott
Syracuse Sports
The biggest football, basketball, and soccer games in town are held right here!
JMA Wireless Dome
For baseball games!
Syracuse Mets | MiLB.com
Sports and social club great for flag football, dodgeball and more
Syracuse Sports Association
If you like baseball, hotdogs and good sight lines
NBT Bank Stadium
Nature + hikes
Only about 14 mins from downtown, less crowded than most hikes!
Clark Reservation State Park
Lower effort scenic hike, about 24 mins from downtown Syracuse!
Pratts Falls Park
This is my go to if I need some fresh air but some want to be overwhelmed with an extensive hike! Offers a green blue massive lake with an approximate 3 mile walk around it , a beach and a park area for kids!
Green Lakes State Park
Has a waterfall you can walk behind! This one’s about 30 mins from downtown Syracuse
Tinker Falls
Arts + Culture
For modern and local displays
Everson Museum of Art
Great option if you’re into theater!
Landmark Theatre
Music
There’s usually a concert scheduled here during the winter
Upstate Medical Arena at The Oncenter War Memorial
Usually a concert scheduled here during the summer, spring or fall
Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview
Fitness Classes
Pilates, yoga, spin class, wall climbing..you name it, they’ve got it! And for guests, you can purchase a guest pass pretty easy and sign up for classes on the website
Barnes Center at The Arch - Syracuse University
Industrial style studio in Armory square!
Sky Yoga Studios - Syracuse
For yoga classes and smoothies to treat yourself afterwards!
Glow Yoga & Juice Bar
Spin instructors are so fun!
Spoke Cycle and Fitness Studio
Night life
They’ve got an open mikes and live music on some nights! Check out their instagram for more
Funk 'n Waffles
Concerts, events, shows -they’ve got it all
Westcott Theater
I will say this is a college bar but it’s cool nonetheless
Faegan's Cafe & Pub
My fave lounge bar! Has a pool table, darts, Jenga and other games plus live music on some nights!
Al's Wine & Whiskey Lounge
Bar in downtown that has decent dj’s just make sure to follow their insta to know when to go/ who’s playing
Orbis Lounge
Shopping
They’ve got a lululemon, an Apple Store, T.J Maxx, DICK’s, Victorias Secret, Ulta and more
Destiny USA
Decent thrifstore if you’re looking for unique finds
3fifteen
Fall pumpkin patches + Apple orchards
Corn maze, tractor rides , food on site
The Pumpkin Hollow
Fall staple! Has all farm activities -corn maze, hay ride, farm animals to feed and more
Tim's Pumpkin Patch
There a cafe on site where they sell warm cider, yummy apple cider donuts and more. Tractor rides, tasting room and you can pick your own apples
Beak & Skiff Apple Hill Campus / 1911 Tasting Room
