Travel Guide to Downtown Buffalo

• HelloHowdy
  [haw-dee]
• GoodbyeTake care
  [tayk kair]
• YesYeah
  [yeh]
• NoNah
  [na]
• Please/You're welcomePlease/No problem
  [pleez/no problum]
• Thank youThanks
  [thaynks]
• Excuse me/SorryPardon me/My bad
  [pahr-dn mee/my bad]
• How are you?How's it going?
  [hows it go-in?]
• Fine. And you?Good. You?
  [good. yoo?]
• Do you speak English?Ya speak English?
  [ya speak ing-glish?]
• I don't understandI don't get it
  [I don't get it]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I check the menu?
  [kan I chek thee m-nyoo?]
• I don't eat meatI don't do meat
  [I don't do meat]
• Cheers!Cheers!
  [cheers!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseI'll pay now, please
  [I'll pay now, please]

• Help!Help!
  [help!]
• Go away!Go away!
  [go away!]
• Call the Police!Call the cops!
  [call the cops!]
• Call a doctor!Get a doc!
  [get a doc!]
• I'm lostI'm lost
  [I'm lost]
• I'm illI'm sick
  [I'm sick]

• I'd like to buy...I wanna get...
  [I wanna get...]
• I'm just lookingJust lookin'
  [just lookin']
• How much is it?How much?
  [how much?]
• That's too expensiveToo pricey
  [too pry-see]
• Can you lower the price?Can ya do a discount?
  [can ya do a dis-count?]

• What time is it?What's the time?
  [whats the time?]
• It's one o'clockIt's one
  [it's one]
• Half past (10)Half ten
  [half ten]
• MorningMornin'
  [mornin']
• AfternoonAfternoon
  [afternoon]
• EveningEvenin'
  [evenin']
• YesterdayYest'day
  [yest'day]
• TodayToday
  [today]
• TomorrowTomorra
  [tomorra]
• 1One
  [wun]
• 2Two
  [too]
• 3Three
  [three]
• 4Four
  [for]
• 5Five
  [fahyv]
• 6Six
  [siks]
• 7Seven
  [sev-uhn]
• 8Eight
  [ayt]
• 9Nine
  [nine]
• 10Ten
  [ten]

• Where's a/the...?Where's the...?
  [wheres the...?]
• What's the address?What's the addy?
  [whats the addy?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Can you show me (on the map)?
  [can you show me (on the map)?]
• When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?
  [whens the next (bus)?]
• A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)
  [a ticket (to ....)]

Long before European settlers arrived, the area now known as Downtown Buffalo was inhabited by the Seneca people, part of the Iroquois Confederacy. The Seneca utilized the resources of the Great Lakes and established trade routes, laying the groundwork for later settlements. Their presence and culture significantly influenced the region's development.

Buffalo's official establishment as a city dates back to 1832, but its history as a trading post began earlier. The opening of the Erie Canal in 1825 was pivotal, transforming Buffalo into a vital transportation hub and facilitating trade. This growth attracted immigrants and entrepreneurs, setting the stage for a rapidly expanding urban center.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Buffalo became a bustling industrial hub, known for its grain elevators and steel production. The city's proximity to Lake Erie and the canal allowed for easy shipping of goods, which spurred economic growth and attracted a diverse workforce, including Irish, German, and Polish immigrants.

Buffalo is renowned for its architecture, particularly during the late 19th century, when influential architects like Louis Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright designed significant buildings. The Guaranty Building, designed by Sullivan, and Wright's Darwin D. Martin House are notable examples that showcase the city’s rich architectural heritage.

The Pan-American Exposition held in Buffalo in 1901 marked a significant cultural event, showcasing advances in technology and culture. The exposition drew millions of visitors and helped to further establish Buffalo as a progressive city. Unfortunately, it is also remembered for the assassination of President William McKinley during the event.

Post-World War II, Buffalo faced economic decline due to deindustrialization and suburbanization. However, recent revitalization efforts, including the development of Canalside and the resurgence of the waterfront, have breathed new life into Downtown Buffalo, attracting residents and visitors alike.

Downtown Buffalo is easily accessible from other neighborhoods in Buffalo. The NFTA Metro Rail provides a convenient way to travel from the University District, Allentown, and other areas. You can take the light rail to the Erie Canal Harbor Station or the Seneca Station, both located in the heart of Downtown. If you're coming from the Buffalo Niagara International Airport, rideshare services and taxis are available, with the journey taking approximately 20 minutes.

Once in Downtown Buffalo, public transportation options include the NFTA Metro Bus and Metro Rail systems, which are efficient for navigating the area. Biking is also a popular choice, with several bike-sharing programs available. For walking enthusiasts, many attractions are within a short distance of each other, making the downtown area very pedestrian-friendly.

Downtown Buffalo is generally safe for tourists, but like any urban area, it's wise to exercise caution. Areas to be mindful of include parts of the East Side, where crime rates are higher. Always remain vigilant, especially at night, and avoid displaying valuables in crowded areas. It's advisable to stay in well-lit, populated areas after dark.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance. For non-urgent medical needs, visit local urgent care facilities or the nearest hospital. Familiarize yourself with the location of the nearest emergency room and pharmacy. Keep a list of local emergency contacts handy.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable attire appropriate for walking and the weather; don't wear overly casual clothing such as pajamas or beachwear. Religion: Do respect local customs if visiting places of worship; don't engage in loud behavior. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer your seat to elderly passengers; don't eat or drink while on buses or trains. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly smile; don't be overly familiar with strangers. Eating & Drinking: Do enjoy local cuisines, especially Buffalo wings; don't litter or leave food waste in public areas.

To experience Downtown Buffalo like a local, try visiting the Buffalo Public Market for fresh produce and artisanal goods. Attend local events at Canalside, which often feature live music and festivals. Take a stroll along the waterfront for picturesque views of Lake Erie. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the architectural wonders of the city, including the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Darwin D. Martin House.