Photo credit: Aiden Media.

Top 13 Things to Do in Syracuse According to ESF Students

04/12/2023

ICYMI, Syracuse was ranked as one of the Top 10 cities in the United States that Gen Z is moving to! We asked ESF students what their favorite activities were in the City of Syracuse. All of these spots are just a short ride away from campus.

Top 13 Downtown Spots
13. Pastabilities

This popular downtown Syracuse restaurant is home to awesome options for pasta lovers. If you visit, be sure to try their famous Hot Tomato Oil! Fun fact: One of the creators of Hot Tomato Oil is Steve Morrison, ESF’s Food and Beverage Manager for Trailhead and Moon Café.

12. Ice Skating in Clinton Square

A favorite winter activity for college students and community members alike is ice skating in Clinton Square. Skate rentals are available on site!

11. Panchito’s Taqueria

With locations on Syracuse’s West- and Northside, Panchito’s offers a wide variety of Mexican food options that will hit the spot for both lunch and dinner. Plus, they deliver!

10. The Downtown Farmer’s Market

In the mood for a lunchtime stroll through Syracuse? The Downtown Farmer’s Market in Clinton Square is home fresh fruits and veggies, food trucks and boutique shopping experiences.

9. Luna Cat Café

Feline fans rejoice! Luna Cat Café is just a short rideshare or walk from the ESF campus. Have a nice hot beverage and hop into their cat room to enjoy some furry friends.

8. Landmark Theater

Take in a Broadway show, concert, or other musical performance at Syracuse’s historical downtown theater.

7. Syracuse Antiques Exchange

Are you a big fan of thrifting? The Syracuse Antiques Exchange was called out by our students for some of the best finds in Syracuse.

6. Parthenon Books

If your idea of an awesome day is reading a good book and sipping on some coffee, then Parthenon Books is for you. You can even find a copy of the New York Times bestseller Braiding Sweetgrass on their shelves, authored by ESF’s own Robin Wall Kimmerer.

5. Clark Reservation

Of all the nature sites to explore in Central New York, Clark Reservation stands out from the crowd. The park includes cliffs carved from the last ice age, beautiful woodlands, and tranquil meadows. To top it off, it’s one of the closest parks to the Syracuse campus, making it a favorite among ESF students.

4. Wildflowers Armory

If you love shopping on Esty, then you’ll love Wildflowers Armory. Stop in for handcrafted works made by location artisans and fun events.

3. The Salt City Market
Home to 10 food vendors, a cooperative market, and coffee shop, the Salt City Market is all about cuisine and culture.

2. The CNY Regional Market

Who doesn’t love fresh fruits and veggies? The CNY Regional Market is one of New York State’s largest farmer’s markets and boasts hundreds of local farmers. Our challenge to new students: Create a meal with ingredients that can only be found at the market.

1. The Everson Museum of Art

Designed by the I.M. Pei, the same architect behind the Louvre Museum in France, the Everson Museum features rotating installations from famous national artists and local artists alike. They also have tons of programming that makes repeat visits worth your while.

Explore more of what Syracuse has to offer on the Visit Syracuse website.

Six Bonus Activities for the Greater Central New York Area

6. Baltimore Woods

Just a short drive from Syracuse is the Baltimore Woods Nature Center. Visit for fun programming or just a walk in the woods.

5. Onondaga Lake Park

Another quick ride from Syracuse is Onondaga Lake Park, whose main attraction is the lake loop trail that extends for miles. It’s the perfect spot for walking, biking, or roller skating.

4. Lime Hollow Nature Center

Located to the South of Syracuse in Cortland, the Lime Hollow Nature Center is home to 13 miles of trails. It’s a good place for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing.

3. Beak and Skiff

Known for its summer concert series, huge apple picking fields, and warm apple fritters, Beak and Skiff is where it’s at for Fall -- or any season in Syracuse.

2. Beaver Lake Nature Center

Home to a small lake and miles of hiking trails, Beaver Lake Nature Center is another excellent place for walking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. There’s also lots of educational programming focused on the wildlife that calls this nature center home.

1. Green Lakes

In the case of Green Lakes, the name can be taken literally. The water appears green because of the high levels of calcium carbonate that exist in the water. Coupled with the lack of seasonal mixing in the lake, it’s one of the most scientifically studied lakes in the country.

It's also a great place for a summer beach day, an outdoor hike, or winter snowshoeing.