- High Falls is a 96-foot waterfall in the middle of the city—view it from the Pont de Rennes bridge.
- The George Eastman Museum is the world's oldest photography museum in a stunning mansion.
- The Strong National Museum of Play is amazing for kids and adults (toys, video games, pinball).
- Eat a Garbage Plate at Nick Tahou Hots—mac salad, home fries, meat, and hot sauce. It's a rite of passage.
- Highland Park is famous for its Lilac Festival in May—the smell is incredible.
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When to go: Spring or Fall
May is the Lilac Festival. Fall foliage is beautiful. Summer is festival season (Jazz Fest).
Winter is snowy and cold (lake effect snow).
- May: Lilacs.
- June: Jazz Fest.
- Winter: Snow.
Getting there: Car
Rochester (ROC) airport is close. Amtrak stops here (Maple Leaf line).
Driving is easy. It's on the NY Thruway.
- Airport: ROC.
- Train: Amtrak.
- Car: I-90.
Where to stay: Downtown or Park Ave
Downtown is central. Park Avenue area is leafy, walkable, and full of cafes.
East End is lively at night.
- Downtown: Hotels.
- Park Ave: Vibes.
- East End: Nightlife.
What to see: Play and Photos
Spend hours at The Strong Museum of Play. Visit George Eastman's house.
Walk the Erie Canal path. See the High Falls.
- The Strong: Must do.
- Eastman: Photography.
- High Falls: Waterfall.
- Market: Public Market.
Food: Garbage Plate
The Garbage Plate is the legend. It's messy but good. Wegmans (supermarket) was born here.
Abbott's Frozen Custard is a local favorite.
- Garbage Plate: Nick Tahou's.
- Custard: Abbott's.
- White Hots: Local sausage.
- Beer: Genesee.
Getting around: Car
You need a car. Public transport is limited.
Traffic is light ('20 minutes to anywhere').
- Car: Essential.
- Traffic: Light.
- Uber: Available.
Budget: Affordable
Rochester is very affordable. Food and housing are cheap.
Museums are the main cost.
- Food: Cheap.
- Hotels: Good value.
- Museums: Ticketed.
1 Day in Rochester
Morning: George Eastman Museum. High Falls.
Lunch: Garbage Plate (if you dare) or Public Market.
Afternoon: The Strong Museum of Play (play arcade games).
Evening: Dinner on Park Avenue.
- Morning: History.
- Lunch: The Plate.
- Afternoon: Play.
- Evening: Stroll.
FAQ
What is a Garbage Plate?
A base of macaroni salad and home fries, topped with burgers or hot dogs, covered in meat sauce, onions, and mustard.
Is it snowy?
Yes, very. But they clear the roads fast.
Is Kodak still there?
Yes, but much smaller. The legacy is everywhere though.