3-Day Syracuse, NY City Experience Itinerary

  • Day 1: Onondaga Lake Park
    10 minutes (6.5 miles) from downtown Syracuse

    Spend the morning at Onondaga Lake Park, where you can enjoy the scenic park and walking trails. There's also a small beach area and bike rentals available. Stop by the Onondaga Lake Skate Park for some fun and excitement. Afterwards, head to the Erie Canal Museum, a historical landmark that has exhibits on the significance of the canal to Syracuse.

  • Day 2: Armory Square
    5 minutes (1.5 miles) from Onondaga Lake Park

    Start the day at Freedom of Espresso for some coffee and breakfast. Then, spend the morning window shopping and exploring boutiques in Armory Square. Be sure to check out the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science and Technology (MOST) for interactive exhibits and activities. In the evening, catch a show at the Landmark Theatre, an iconic venue from the 1920s.

  • Day 3: Syracuse University and Everson Museum
    15 minutes (3.8 miles) from Armory Square

    Start the day touring Syracuse University, where you'll see the stunning architecture, engage with professors, and learn about the university's history. Afterward, check out Everson Museum, with public art galleries showcasing contemporary and modern art.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Onondaga Lake Park (2-3 hours, free)
  • Erie Canal Museum (1-2 hours, $10)
  • Freedom of Espresso (30 minutes-1 hour, $5)
  • Armory Square (2-3 hours, free)
  • Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science and Technology (MOST) (1-2 hours, $12)
  • Landmark Theatre (2-3 hours, $20)
  • Syracuse University (2-3 hours, free)
  • Everson Museum (1-2 hours, $10)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $57 (excluding transportation and accommodation)

Transportation

Travelers can navigate the Syracuse area through ride-sharing services, taxis, and renting cars from national car rental companies such as Enterprise, Hertz, or Avis. Public transportation options include the CENTRO bus system and the Syracuse University Orange Line Trolley. Estimated costs for travel outside of ride-sharing services range from $1.50-$7 per trip.

Useful tips

If you have more time, explore the Rosamond Gifford Zoo or visit the Syracuse China Factory Tour. For less time, skip Syracuse University and the Everson Museum. For a unique dining experience, visit Dinosaur Bar-B-Que; a beloved BBQ spot in Syracuse, located five minutes from Armory Square.

Airports

Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR) is the main airport in Syracuse, conveniently located about 6 miles from the city center. Major airlines, such as Delta, American Airlines, and United operate through this airport.

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