Syracuse

Downtown skyline with Onondaga Lake visible in the background

Syracuse is a city in Central New York. With a population of 149,000 in city proper and 662,000 in its metro area (2020), Syracuse is the fifth largest city in the state of New York, and the third largest in Upstate New York.

Get in

By train

See also: Rail travel in the United States

• 1 William F. Walsh Regional Transportation Center, 131 NBT Bank Parkway (just north of downtown). The city's central rail and long-distance bus hub. (updated Oct 2023)
  • Amtrak, ☏ +1 215-856-7924, toll-free: +1-800-872-7245. Operates trains throughout the United States of America. (updated Dec 2020) Routes stopping at Syracuse:
    • Empire Service operating twice daily between Niagara Falls (New York) and New York City including stops in Buffalo, Buffalo (Depew), Rochester, Syracuse, Rome, Utica, Schenectady, Albany (Rensselaer), Hudson, Rhinecliff, Poughkeepsie, Croton-on-Hudson, and Yonkers.
    • Maple Leaf operating daily between Toronto and New York City, in partnership with VIA Rail Canada. Stops between Toronto and Niagara Falls (New York) include in Oakville, Burlington, Grimsby, St. Catharines, and Niagara Falls (Ontario). Stops between Niagara Falls (New York) and New York City are the same as those made by the Empire Service. Border crossing processing takes place in Niagara Falls, where passengers must detrain with their baggage. Train crew members are staffed by VIA Rail within Canada, and by Amtrak within the United States.
    • Lake Shore Limited operating daily between Chicago and Boston or New York City. It makes stops at most stations along the route, though it does not stop at some of the smallest stations. Trains consist of train cars from both branches between Chicago and Albany (Rensselaer). The trains split into separate branches between Albany (Rensselaer) and both Boston and New York City. Stops between Chicago and Albany (Rensselaer) include South Bend, Elkhart, Waterloo, Bryan, Toledo, Sandusky, Elyria, Cleveland, Erie, Buffalo (Depew), Rochester, Syracuse, Utica, and Schenectady. Stops between Albany (Rensselaer) and Boston include Pittsfield, Springfield, Worcester, Framingham. Stops between Albany (Rensselaer) and New York City include Rhinecliff, Poughkeepsie, and Croton-on-Hudson.

By bus

Intercity buses stop at William F. Walsh Regional Transportation Center, see "By train" above.

• Greyhound. Bus service from New York City (via Scranton, Binghamton, and Cortland), Boston (via Worcester, Springfield, Albany, Schenectady, and Utica), Cleveland (via Erie, Buffalo, and Rochester), and Toronto (via Buffalo). Very limited service to Ottawa, F Su only.
• Trailways of New York. Service from Buffalo (via Rochester) and New York City (via Scranton, Binghamton, and Cortland). A bus runs to Massena via Watertown and various points on US11.
• Megabus. Service from New York City, Rochester, Buffalo, and Toronto.

By plane

• 2 Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR  ^IATA), 1000 Colonel Eileen Collins Boulevard, ☏ +1 315-454-4330 (Airport Information), +1 315-454-3263 (City of Syracuse Department of Aviation). Mostly served by Delta Air Lines/Delta Connection, United Express, and American Airlines. Limited service from JetBlue. Although an international airport, the only destinations served are domestic.  

By car

Travel from the four cardinal directions is served by two Interstate highways.

• I-90 (New York State Thruway) from locations east (Albany, Boston) and west (Rochester, Buffalo), with service to downtown Syracuse via I-690
• I-81 from locations north (Watertown, Ottawa) and south (Binghamton, Scranton)

Get around

By car

A car is probably the best way to get around Syracuse, especially if you are going to places away from downtown. Thanks to its many Interstate highways (I-90, I-81, I-481, and I-690), nearly everywhere in the Syracuse area can be reached within a 20-minute drive. Make sure you have a map and pay attention to the street signs. There are some streets in the downtown area that go from being two-way to one-way, which is not always clear on a map.

On foot

You can walk to most of the destinations in downtown Syracuse from a parking lot or the Centro bus terminal.

By bicycle

Most of the downtown area is relatively flat, but keep in mind that the Syracuse University area has many steep hills and the residential areas surrounding downtown have quite a few hills as well. What some people will do is catch a ride on the bus downtown, placing their bike on the bike rack on the front of the bus and then use their bike once they reach downtown, thus avoiding the steep hills. E-bike rentals are available throughout the downtown area via Sync Bike Share.

By bus

The Centro Bus System provides a fair alternative to driving to most locations, with a fare of $2 within Syracuse and additional fares to outlying suburbs, such as to Auburn for $4 and to Oswego for $5. Buses can come sporadically, especially if you plan to ride the bus outside of Downtown Syracuse, so check the bus schedule online in advance. If you have to transfer to another bus, be sure to ask the bus driver for a transfer card so that you don't get stuck paying double fares for the same trip. Centro offers discounts for senior citizens, persons with disabilities and children. The buses are accessible to people with disabilities and the bus drivers are instructed to let a person with a physical disability on before letting other passengers on.

• 3 Centro Transit Hub, 599 S. Salina St. Information booth open M–F 6AM–6PM, Sa 8AM–5PM, closed Su. The central hub for all Centro bus routes, located right in Downtown Syracuse. Offers public restrooms, bicycle racks, and an information booth. (updated Aug 2019)

By taxi

There are several taxi services listed in the Syracuse phone book that you can choose from. It will usually take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes for a taxi to come pick you up but it can be useful if you missed the last bus of the day. At the airport there is usually no wait, as there is a well-frequented taxi stand at the end of Terminal A. Ride-hailing services including Lyft and Uber are also available.

See

Onondaga County Courthouse at Columbus Circle

Onondaga Park

Up-to-date information about happenings in Syracuse can most easily be found in the weekly Syracuse New Times, available for a fee at supermarkets and convenience stores. Syracuse's only major print newspaper, The Post-Standard, publishes a Weekend section in its Thursday edition containing upcoming events in the Central New York area.

Online calendars of upcoming events are offered by local media groups:

• Syracuse.com Events
• Syracuse New Times Calendar
• WRVO Public Media Community Calendar

Museums

• 1 Everson Museum of Art, 401 Harrison St, ☏ +1 315-474-6064, fax: +1 315-474-6943, everson@everson.org. Su W F noon–5PM, Th noon–8PM, Sa 10AM–5PM, closed M Tu; open noon–8PM on the first Friday of every month. Houses 11,000 works of American art, with an excellent permanent collection of ceramics, in a building designed by architect I.M. Pei. Adults $8, seniors/students $6, free for children ages 12 and under, pay-what-you-wish every Wednesday. (updated Aug 2019)
• 2 Erie Canal Museum, 318 Erie Blvd E, ☏ +1 315-471-0593, fax: +1 315-471-7220, contactus@eriecanalmuseum.org. M–Sa 10AM–5PM, Su 10AM–3PM. The canal no longer passes through downtown Syracuse, but this museum celebrates its history. Features the last standing weighlock on the canal, a replica of an old canal freighter, and a number of historical exhibits. Free; suggested donation $5. (updated Aug 2019)
• 3 Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science and Technology (The MoST), 500 S Franklin St, ☏ +1 315-425-9068. W–Su 10AM–5PM, closed M Tu. A kid-friendly science museum and learning center, equipped with an interactive rock-climbing wall, geologic cave, flight simulator, and a giant, multi-level indoor playhouse, among other exhibits. Also includes a domed IMAX theater and planetarium. Exhibits only: $12 adults, $10 seniors/children (ages 2-11); Exhibits & IMAX: $17 adults, $15 seniors/children; free for children under 2. (updated Aug 2019)
• 4 Onondaga Historical Museum, 321 Montgomery St, ☏ +1 315-428-1864, fax: +1 315-471-2133. W–F 10AM–4PM, Sa Su 11AM–4PM, closed M Tu. Permanent and temporary exhibits on local history. Free admission. (updated Aug 2019)
• 5 Skä•noñh - Great Law of Peace Center, 6680 Onondaga Lake Pkwy (along the Onondaga Lake shore), ☏ +1 315-453-6767. W–F 10AM–4PM, Sa Su 11AM–4PM, closed M Tu. Heritage center describing the history of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Native Americans from Central New York. $5 adults; $4 seniors, students, and children (ages 9-17); free for children under 9. (updated Aug 2019)
• 6 Salt Museum, 106 Lake Dr (in Onondaga Lake Park; see below), ☏ +1 315 453-6715, olp@ongov.net. Early May–early October, Sa Su only noon–5PM. Small museum featuring exhibits and artifacts on Syracuse's historical salt industry. Free admission; donations accepted. (updated Aug 2019)
• 7 ArtRage Gallery, 505 Hawley Ave, ☏ +1 315-218-5711, info@artragegallery.org. W–F 2–7PM, Sa noon–4PM, closed Su–Tu. Small gallery exhibiting the work of artists creating art promoting social justice and activism. (updated Aug 2019)
• 8 Community Folk Art Center, 805 E. Genesee Street, ☏ +1 315-442-2230, fax: +1 315-442-2972, cfac@syr.edu. An artistic and cultural center promoting artists of the African Diaspora. Run by Syracuse University's College of Arts & Sciences. (updated Aug 2019)

Parks and outdoors

Dr. E. M. Mills Rose Garden in Thornden Park

• 9 Green Lakes State Park, 7900 Green Lakes Rd, Fayetteville (20 minutes east of downtown), ☏ +1 315-637-6111. Open dawn to dusk. Two glacial lakes, offering kayak rentals and swimming during the summer, surrounded by upland forest, an 18-hole golf course, cabins and campsites, nature trails, and 15 mi (24 km) of cross-country ski trails & snowshoeing in the winter. $8 entrance fee for cars between Memorial Day and Labor Day. (updated Aug 2019)
• Erie Canal Trail, ☏ +1 518 449-6038. Canalway Trail for biking, walking and jogging. Although the historic waterway's route through the city was long ago filled in, access points exist in the neighboring Towns of Camillus in the west and DeWitt in the east. (updated Aug 2019)
• 10 Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 East Mud Lake Rd, Baldwinsville (20 minutes northwest of downtown), ☏ +1 315-638-2519, fax: +1 315-638-7488, BLNC@ongov.net. Daily 8AM–8:15PM. Contains 9 mi (14 km) of winding trails for year-round usage, more than 200 species of birds, over 800 varieties of plants, and a 200 acres (81 hectares) glacial lake – a migratory stop for thousands of Canada geese. $5 car entrance fee. (updated Aug 2019)
• 11 Onondaga Lake Park, 106 Lake Dr, Liverpool, ☏ +1 315-453-6712, fax: +1 315-453-6764, olp@ongov.net. Daily 6AM–sunset; open 1/2 hour after sunset Apr–Oct. A waterside park offering 4 vehicle-free trails along the Onondaga Lake shore, a boat launch and marina, skate park, playground, dog park, the Salt Museum (see above), boat and bicycle rental, and archery. Free entrance. (updated Aug 2019)
• 12 Rosamond Gifford Zoo (at Burnet Park), 1 Conservation Pl (Geddes St to Seymour St to S Wilbur Ave), ☏ +1 315-435-8511, fax: +1 315-435-8517, info@rosamondgiffordzoo.org. Daily 10AM–4:30PM, except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. A small but well-populated zoo at the top of a hill in Burnet Park with everything from reindeer, lions, tigers, penguins, and a herd of Asian elephants to sand cats, flamingos, peacocks, and fossas. Fast food and souvenir shop in main building. $9 adults, $5 seniors/youth (ages 3-17), children 2 and under free; half-price Jan–Feb. (updated Aug 2019)
• 13 Clark Reservation State Park, 6105 E Seneca Turnpike, Jamesville (15 minutes southeast of downtown), ☏ +1 315-492-1756. Daily 7AM–sunset. A 377 acres (153 hectares) nature park encircling a glacial lake. Offers 5 hiking trails – including one with a 175 ft (53 m) ledge overlook – and guided nature walks. $5 vehicle entrance fee weekends & holidays from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. (updated Aug 2019)

Do

Live theater and music

• 1 Landmark Theatre, 362 S Salina St, ☏ +1 315-475-7979. Box office M–F 10AM–5PM, closes at 4PM in summer. Opened in 1928, this extravagant Roaring Twenties-era performing arts theater hosts many live musical & theatrical productions throughout the year. Offers nearly 3,000 seats surrounded with golden decor. (updated Aug 2019)
• 2 The Redhouse, 400 S Salina St, ☏ +1 315-362-2785, info@theredhouse.org. Box office M–F 10AM–4PM, open Sa prior to shows 10AM–2PM. Arts center displaying year-round theatrical productions. (updated Aug 2019)
• 3 Syracuse Stage, 820 E Genesee St, ☏ +1 315-443-3275 (box office), +1 315-443-4008 (administration), Info@SyracuseStage.org. Box office M–F 10AM–5PM. Professional theater hosting plays and musicals. (updated Aug 2019)
• 4 Symphoria, 450 S Salina St #100 (performs at the Crouse-Hinds Theater, in the John H. Mulroy Civic Center at the Oncenter, at 411 Montgomery St.), ☏ +1 315-299-5598. Musicians from the Syracuse Symphony, a half-century-old ensemble bankrupted in 2011, formed Symphoria, Syracuse's musician-led symphony orchestra. Offers more than 50 annual concerts in the Crouse-Hinds Theater and throughout the local community. Children under 18 free, college students (with ID) $5. (updated Aug 2019)
• 5 The Westcott Theater, 524 Westcott St, ☏ +1 315-299-8886, thewestcotttheater@gmail.com. One of the most popular live music venues in the city. (updated Aug 2019)
• 6 St. Joseph's Health Amphitheater at Lakeview (formerly the Lakeview Amphitheater), 490 Restoration Way (Parking: I-690 to exit 7; free shuttle buses run to amphitheater on concert days), ☏ +1 315-435-5100. Outdoor venue hosting big-name acts. Near the New York State Fairgrounds (see below). (updated Aug 2019)

Sports

• Syracuse Orange. The city's highest-profile sports institutions are the teams representing Syracuse University in seven men's sports and 11 women's sports. The Orange, members of the Atlantic Coast Conference along with 14 other schools in the eastern half of the country, are perennial national powers in men's basketball and men's lacrosse, and also have a rich football tradition. The main athletic facilities are all on campus, with the best-known being the JMA Wireless Dome (historically Carrier Dome), home to the football, basketball, and lacrosse teams. The Dome, seating over 49,000 for football and lacrosse and over 33,000 for basketball, is by far the largest domed stadium on a U.S. university campus, and the world's largest facility by capacity regularly used for basketball.  
• 7 JMA Wireless Dome, 900 Irving Ave, ☏ +1 315-443-2121, toll-free: +1-888-366-3849. Lacrosse, soccer, basketball and football for Syracuse University.  
• 8 Syracuse Mets, NBT Bank Stadium, 1 Tex Simone Dr.. Syracuse's minor league baseball team, the AAA team for the New York Mets. You can see from all seats in the house! Tickets are cheap, ranging from about $5 for upper-deck seats to $8 for 100- and 200-level seating. 
• 9 Syracuse Crunch, War Memorial at OnCenter, 800 S. State St. AHL minor league hockey team is the highest affiliate of the NHL's Tampa Bay Lightning. 
• 10 Le Moyne Dolphins. Sports teams of Le Moyne College, one of the newest members of Division I. This small Jesuit school in the adjacent suburb of DeWitt started a transition from Division II in July 2023 as the newest member of the Northeast Conference. Unlike the Orange, the Dolphins don't play football; their signature sport during their D-II days was lacrosse. Still, if you want to see Division I sports without the costs of seeing the Orange, here's your chance.  

Festivals

Syracuse has gained the nickname "the City of Festivals" for good reason. There are numerous festivals year round. The following are just a few of the festivals that are held in and around the City of Syracuse:

• Northeast Jazz and Wine Festival This jazz festival at Clinton Square is seen as a downtown replacement for the M&T Jazz Fest which has moved to the Onondaga Community College campus.
• Latin American Festival

February

Ice skating in Clinton Square

• Syracuse Winterfest. 

March

• The Syracuse St. Patrick's Parade. It was founded by an honored local journalist, Nancy Duffy. The parade has been celebrating St. Patrick's Day since the early 1980s. 

June

• 11 Taste of Syracuse, Clinton Square. A festival with several streets of booths containing samples of menu items from the variety of restaurants in the Syracuse area, held in downtown. Free. (updated Dec 2019)
• M&T Jazz Fest at OCC. Hosted at the Onondaga Community College campus. 
• Polish Fest. 
• Juneteenth Celebration. One of the largest of its kind in Central New York, the occasion celebrates African American history and culture. 
• 12 St. Sophia's Greek Cultural Festival, 325 Waring Rd. Dancing, music, food and shopping are the order of the day. Enjoy the food, music and dancing outside and then wander inside to find the shops, pastries and coffee. Guided tours, lectures, displays and a visual tour of the Greek Islands can also be found inside. (updated Dec 2019)

July

• 13 St. Elias Middle Eastern Festival, 4988 Onondaga Rd. An annual festival of Middle-Eastern food, music, and culture. (updated Dec 2019)
• New York State Blues Fest. 
• Syracuse Arts & Crafts Festival. 
• 14 Syracuse Nationals. Claiming to be one of the largest car shows on the East Coast, this massive car show held at the New York State Fairgrounds features thousands of antique cars, hot rods, motorcycles, race cars and just about anything else with wheels and a motor. Common events held each year are the tractor pull, burnout competitions and music concerts. (updated Dec 2019)

August

Midway at the Fair

• 15 Shakespeare-In-The-Park, Thornden Park Amphitheater (Thornden Park). Weekends mid-month. Live performance of one of Shakespeare's plays. free. (updated Aug 2016)
• Central New York Scottish Games and Celtic Festival, Long Branch Park, Liverpool (I-690 exit 4, then right on Long Branch Rd), ☏ +1 315-463-8876. Aug 8, 9AM-6PM. Celtic and Scottish music, dancing, demonstrations, exhibits, and athletics. Adults $10, seniors $7, ages 5-12 $4, under 5 free. 
• 16 The Great New York State Fair, 581 State Fair Blvd, Geddes, ☏ +1 315-487-7711. Annually, 13 days ending Labor Day; 10AM-10PM. The oldest state fair in the U.S., and still one of the largest, with over a million annual visitors. Dozens of free concerts from national touring acts populate the 13-day schedule, along with the expected midway rides, art exhibits, and livestock competitions. State agriculture is on display in the form of the annual butter sculpture, 25-cent cups of milk, and demonstration booths for everything from honey bees to hand-tooled wood work. During the fair, Amtrak adds a stop right outside the fair's gates, making it easy to get to from Buffalo, Rochester, or Albany even without a car. Adults $10 (Thursdays $3, Labor Day $1), under 13 free. (updated Sep 2016)
• The Great Syracuse Oktoberfest. 

September

• La Festa Italiana. 
• The Syracuse Irish Festival. 

Buy

Franklin Square in April

• 1 Sound Garden, 310 W. Jefferson St, ☏ +1 315-473-4343. Independent music shop, used and new, with CD players to listen to any open album for as long as you want. Movie selection on second floor. Open late. (updated Apr 2022)
• 2 Ra-Lin's, 625 Burnet Ave, ☏ +1 315-472-7872. Camera supplies. 

Souvenirs, gifts, novelties

• 3 Balloons Over Syracuse, 356 N Midler Ave, ☏ +1 315-425-0001. Bx 350. 

Shopping areas and malls

• 4 Armory Square. Franklin St., Walton St., Clinton St., A collection of shops and restaurants in the heart of downtown Syracuse near the Museum of Science and Technology (the MOST). (updated Jun 2020)
• 5 Destiny USA (Carousel Center), 9090 Destiny USA Dr, ☏ +1 315-466-6000. The largest shopping mall in the Central New York Area, its former Carousel Center name came from the restored fully functional carousel that is its center piece in the food court. Has department stores, restaurants, arcades, and movie theaters.  
• 6 Downtown Farmers' Market, Clinton Square. Early June to mid Oct: Tu 7AM-3PM. 
• 7 City Market. 10AM-4PM second Sunday of the month, May-Oct. Antiques and local crafts are sold at this open air market behind the Everson Museum of art in Downtown Syracuse. Free. (updated May 2019)
• 8 CNY Regional Market, 2100 Park Street, ☏ +1 315-422-8647. 7AM-2PM Saturday Farmer's Market, Sunday Flea Market, Thursday Farmer's Market May-Nov. (updated May 2019)

General retail opportunities like supermarkets, big-box stores, and casual dining can be found in Syracuse’s immediate suburbs on commercial strips including:

To the west: West Genesee St in Camillus.

To the north: US 11 (Brewerton Rd) in Salina, West of Syracuse Airport.

To the east: NY 5 (Erie Blvd E) in DeWitt.

Eat

View from University Hill

Diner

• 1 Modern Malt, 325 S Clinton Street, ☏ +1 315-471-6258. (updated Aug 2016)
• 2 Stella's Diner, 110 Wolf St, ☏ +1 315-425-0353. M Tu 5AM-2:30PM, W-Su 5AM-9PM. (updated Aug 2016)

Budget

• 3 The Brooklyn Pickle, 1600 West Genesee Street, ☏ +1 315-487-8000. Open M-Sa until 9PM. The biggest deli sandwiches around and a friendly mom and pop feel have created an almost cult following to this little sandwich shop. 
• 4 Varsity Pizza, 802 S Crouse Ave, ☏ +1 315-469-3171. 
• 5 Heid's, 305 Oswego St, Liverpool, ☏ +1 315-451-0786. Heid's is known for two things: long lines and the hot dogs that are responsible for those long lines. Ordering is simple: anything that isn't a hot dog or a coney gets ordered first after you get in the door, including their delicious grilled cheeses and super-thick milk shakes; at the end, once you get to the cash register, you simply order how many hot dogs and coneys you'd like. If the retro-style of the restaurant isn't to your liking, you can always cross the street and sit by Onondaga Lake. 

Mid-range

• 6 Alto Cinco, 526 Westcott St, ☏ +1 315-422-6399. (updated Aug 2016)
• 7 Coleman's Authentic Irish Pub, 100 South Lowell Ave, ☏ +1 315-476-1933. Daily 11:30AM-2AM. Don't be fooled by the name - this is a kitsch pseudo-Irish-themed bar with a leprechaun door next to the regular door. It holds an appeal for all ages. This place has a full menu as well as a bar. It is known for its participation in the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade and festivities. If you are in Syracuse on St. Patrick’s Day be sure to come here and try the green beer. It is in the Tipperary Hill neighborhood near the only inverted street light in the country with the green light at the top and red at the bottom. (updated May 2020)
• 8 Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, 246 W Willow St, ☏ +1 315-476-1662. This is the original Dinosaur Bar-B-Que restaurant. This restaurant is famous for its BBQ sauce and pulled pork sandwiches. Despite its popularity this restaurant maintains a certain small time charm. This is also a popular place for Blues concerts.  
• 9 Redfield's Restaurant, 701 E Genesee St (In Crowne Plaza hotel), ☏ +1 315-479-7000. An American bistro setting. (updated Jan 2017)
• 10 Salt City Market, 484 S. Salina St, ☏ +1 315-401-4111. Food hall featuring international fare from a variety of local vendors. (updated Jun 2024)
• 11 The Fish Friar, 239 E. Genesee St., ☏ +1 315-468-3474. Tu-Th 11AM-10PM, F Sa 11AM-11PM, Su 11AM-9PM. In the historic Courier Building next to City Hall. It offers Maine caught seafood. (updated Feb 2018)
• 12 Funk 'n Waffles, 307-13 S Clinton St, ☏ +1 315-474-1060. This unique and interesting restaurant routinely hosts funk music performances and serves high quality waffle and topping combinations as well as coffee and tea drinks. (updated May 2020)

Splurge

• 13 Lemon Grass Restaurant, 238 W Jefferson St (on Armory Square), ☏ +1 315-475-1111, fax: +1 315-475-3287. Great Thai food in a formal but not snobbish atmosphere. Pad Thai is fantastic as is the green curry. (updated Jan 2017)
• 14 Pastabilities, 311 South Franklin Street, ☏ +1 315-474-1153. Nice and original Italian food, great wine list, and friendly service. Can be a bit expensive but worth every cent. (updated Jan 2017)
• 15 Scotch 'N Sirloin, 3687 Erie Boulevard E, ☏ +1 315-446-1771. (updated Jan 2017)
• 16 The York, 247 W Fayette St (Armory Square), ☏ 315 701 0636NOCC, info@theyorkcny.com. 5PM-10PM. Industrial-chic restaurant and cocktail lounge with fresh renditions of classic seafood preparations and raw bar. $20-$60. (updated Dec 2024)

Drink

Syracuse has two major nightlife districts. The largest is Armory Square downtown, followed by Marshall Street on University Hill.

• 1 Faegan's Cafe & Pub, 734 S. Crouse Ave, ☏ +1 315-472-4721. A common hangout place for students at Syracuse University, usually not quite as hectic as some of the other bars near campus, this place has more of a relaxed sit down atmosphere. 

Coffeeshops & cafes

• 2 Cafe Kubal, 401 S Salina St, ☏ +1 315-440-6441. (updated Aug 2016)
• 3 Freedom of Espresso, 115 Solar St. (updated Aug 2016)
• 4 Recess Coffee, 110 Harvard Pl, ☏ +1 315-410-0090. (updated Aug 2016)
• 5 Strong Hearts, 719 E Genesee St, ☏ +1 315-478-0000. All vegan cafe. (updated Aug 2016)

Sleep

Airport

• 1 Econo Lodge Airport, 5396 South Bay Rd (I-81 to exit 26), ☏ +1 315-454-4462, fax: +1 315-454-4462. 
• 2 Red Carpet Inn, 2914 Brewerton Rd, ☏ +1 315-454-3266. Budget priced motel. 

Downtown

• 3 Courtyard Syracuse Downtown at Armory Square, 300 West Fayette St, ☏ +1 315-422-4854. Located in the Armory Square retail district. 
• 4 Clarion Pointe Downtown, 454 James St, ☏ +1 315-526-1887, fax: +1 315-474-7009. Comp breakfast. $74. 
• 5 Jefferson Clinton, 416 South Clinton St, ☏ +1 315-425-0500. Located in the Armory Square retail district. 
• 6 Marriott Syracuse Downtown (Hotel Syracuse), 100 East Onondaga St, ☏ +1 315-474-2424. (updated Nov 2017)

University Hill

The University Hill neighborhood is directly adjacent to Downtown Syracuse and is home to Syracuse University, SUNY Upstate Medical University, and SUNY College of Environmental Studies and Forestry.

• 7 Crowne Plaza Syracuse Hotel, 701 E Genesee St, ☏ +1 315-479-7000. Offers 276 rooms and 3 luxury suites. 
• 8 Collegian Hotel & Suites, Trademark Collection by Wyndham, 1060 E Genesee St, ☏ +1 315-476-4212. Gym. $84 (Dec 2022). 
• 9 Parkview Hotel, 713 E Genesee St, ☏ +1 315-701-2600. 

Suburbs

There are several hotels near Carrier Circle in DeWitt, directly accessible from the New York State Thruway's Exit 35, and 15-minute drive to/from Downtown Syracuse during non-peak hours.

• 10 Best Western Fairgrounds, 670 State Fair Boulevard, ☏ +1 315-484-0044, fax: +1 315-484-0045. 
• 11 Candlewood Suites East Syracuse, 6550 Baptist Way, ☏ +1 315-432-1684. 
• 12 Candlewood Suites Syracuse-Airport, 5414 South Bay Road, ☏ +1 315-454-8999. 
• 13 Comfort Inn Carrier Circle, 6491 Thompson Rd, ☏ +1 315-437-0222, fax: +1 315-437-4510. 
• 14 Residence Inn Syracuse, 6420 Yorktown Circle, ☏ +1 315-432-4488, fax: +1 315-432-1042. Extended stay hotel. 
• 15 Homewood Suites by Syracuse - Carrier Circle, 6006 Fair Lakes Rd, ☏ +1 315-433-1009. Off NSU Thruway I-90. Free shuttle to local restaurants. In-suite kitchend. WiFi and breakfast included. (updated Jul 2019)

Cope

Radio

Radio stations serving the Syracuse area include:

• News/talk: WAER 88.3 FM (NPR), WRVD 90.3 FM (NPR), WSYR 570 AM/106.9 FM (conservative)

Television

Major television stations serving Syracuse include:

• WSTM Channel 3: NBC
• WTVH Channel 5: CBS
• WSYR Channel 9: ABC
• WCNY Channel 24: PBS
• WSYT Channel 68: Fox

Connect

Libraries are your best bet for public Internet access, unless you can find a Wi-Fi hot spot elsewhere. Fortunately, the city and its suburbs have an excellent network of libraries, the Onondaga County Public Library System. There are eleven library branches in the city, and more than twenty in the suburbs.

• 1 Central Library, 447 S Salina St, ☏ +1 315-435-1900. This is the main library for the county, and the biggest of the branches. It's in a large glass building called The Galleries. 

Go next

Routes through Syracuse

Buffalo ← Rochester ←	W  E	→ Rome → Albany (Rensselaer)
Buffalo (Depew) ← Rochester ←	W  E	→ Utica → Albany (Rensselaer)
Buffalo ← Farmington ←	W  E	→ Utica → Albany
Watertown ← Pulaski ←	N  S	→ Cortland → Binghamton
Buffalo ← Auburn ←	W  E	→ Utica → Albany