Your guide to Rochester

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Set on the southern shore of Lake Ontario, Rochester combines access to the Finger Lakes with one of upstate New York’s strongest cultural scenes. Days here can mean walking historic districts, exploring museums or heading out onto the region’s waterways before returning for festivals, breweries and live music. Our Rochester travel guide serves up the food, arts and outdoor spaces that keep the city active year-round.

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Rochester highlights

Outdoor escapes

With a river running through the city and surrounding countryside, there are countless ways to enjoy the outdoors. Relax on beaches, hike through parks and birdwatch on the Highland Reservoir Loop Trail. Just an hour away, the Finger Lakes region offers plenty of fun on the water, including kayaking, sailing and paddle boarding.

Chasing waterfalls

Tumbling almost 30 metres into the Genesee River in downtown Rochester is the stunning High Falls waterfall. For excellent views, head to the Pont de Rennes pedestrian bridge or enjoy the falls with a cool drink on the Genesee Brew House’s rooftop terrace. You’ll find Lower Falls, another cascade worth a peek, just downriver in Lower Falls Park.

Where to stay

With its central location and plenty of accommodation options, downtown is one of the best places to stay in Rochester. You’ll only be a short walk away from attractions like the High Falls and the Strong National Museum of Play. For a culture fix, the Neighborhood of the Arts is right next door, home to institutions like the Memorial Art Gallery.

Rochester: Know before you go

Language	English
Currency	United States dollar ($)
Time zone	UTC-5 (EST) and UTC-4 (EDT)
High season	July - August
Low season	January - February

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Things to do in Rochester

Places to eat

A must-try local speciality is the ‘white hot’, a variation of the hot dog made with finely ground pork, veal and spices and served with mustard and onions. Sample other favourites at food truck ‘rodeos’, held on the last Wednesday of the month from April to September. And you’ll find a nice selection of restaurants along Lake Ontario, the Erie Canal, the Genesee River and Irondequoit Bay.

Beaches

Rochester’s beaches stretch along the sandy shores of Lake Ontario. Swim or relax under an umbrella at Durand Eastman Beach, or go boating at Hamlin Beach State Park. At Ontario Beach Park, you can splash in the water, play a game of beach volleyball or pickleball and ride the 1905 Dentzel Carousel. Outside beach season (June to September), enjoy scenic lakeside parklands.

Take in the culture

From fun to inspirational, Rochester’s museums will tickle your curiosity. Enjoy hands-on exhibits at the Strong National Museum of Play and the Rochester Museum & Science Center. Learn about the legacy of an influential suffragist at the Susan B Anthony Museum and House. Then explore the history of photography and film and enjoy manicured gardens at the George Eastman Museum.

FAQs about visiting Rochester

Is it safe to visit Rochester?

Rochester is generally considered a safe place, especially if you stick to the well-known tourist areas. As with any destination, be mindful of what's going on around you and keep belongings secure. Check any travel warnings or safety tips to ensure your stay in Rochester is relaxing and stress-free.

How expensive is a trip to Rochester?

Your city break in Rochester can differ in price based on anything from your chosen hotel to trip length. To find the best deals on Rochester flights and hotels, avoid locking yourself into fixed dates and keep an eye out for sales and discounts.

What currency is used in Rochester?

You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) while in Rochester. Along with your credit and debit cards, consider having cash available for things like minor purchases and getting around.

What is the hottest month in Rochester?

The warmest month in Rochester is July, when temperatures reach a maximum of 28ºC (82ºF).

What language is spoken in Rochester?

English is the language you'll hear most while on your city break in Rochester.

How many days do you need for a trip to Rochester?

A long weekend will give you enough time to tick off the main sights and get a feel for the city. But if you want to take day trips to the Finger Lakes region or explore trails along the Genesee River and Erie Canal, set aside five to seven days for your stay in Rochester.

What is the coldest month in Rochester?

January is the coolest time of year to visit. Take your stay in Rochester then and you can anticipate lows of -11°C (12°F).

When is the best time to visit Rochester?

You can enjoy a trip to Rochester year-round. Summer is perfect for outdoor adventures, while in winter you can skate on outdoor rinks and catch an ice hockey game. Spring brings a burst of colour with the Lilac Festival. And in autumn, you’ll spot beautiful foliage at places like Letchworth State Park.

Is Rochester a good place to visit?

With family-friendly attractions, parks, gardens and beaches, Rochester is a fantastic destination for families. Book flights and hotels to Rochester from late spring to early autumn, and you’ll find a festival nearly every weekend, including an international jazz festival in June and August’s Puerto Rican Festival.

What is the rainiest month in Rochester?

The rainiest month is June, which receives an average rainfall of 11 cm. But don't let that take the shine off your Rochester trip — there's still plenty to do indoors like browsing shops, discovering museums, or checking out cosy cafes.