What to do in Rochester, NY

Activities, attractions and tours

Pont de Rennes Bridge featuring a city, landscape views and a sunset
Rochester featuring a house
Memorial Art Gallery showing outdoor art and a house
Downtown Rochester which includes a fountain as well as an individual female
Memorial Art Gallery featuring interior views, religious elements and heritage elements

Places to Visit in Rochester

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Rochester, New York while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Rochester attractions from NZ$22, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Rochester tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 6 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Rochester. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

    find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
    calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
    trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

What to do in Rochester

Discover the most popular places to visit in Rochester

University of Rochester

University of Rochester

Explore the campus of University of Rochester during your travels in Rochester. Stroll along the area's riverfront or experience its great live music.

University of Rochester
Strong featuring interior views

Strong

Even the most museum-hating children may not want to leave this enormous complex, featuring an arcade, a butterfly museum and a toy hall of fame.

Strong
Rochester Museum and Science Center

Rochester Museum and Science Center

Fossils, a climbing wall, a planetarium and more fill this extensive museum, which is especially renowned for its kid-friendly Inventor Center.

Rochester Museum and Science Center
Ontario Beach Park

Ontario Beach Park

If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Ontario Beach Park might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Rochester.

Ontario Beach Park
Seneca Park Zoo

Seneca Park Zoo

Why not see the exotic and native animals who live at Seneca Park Zoo during your holiday in Rochester? Stroll along the area's riverfront or experience its entertainment choices.

Seneca Park Zoo
Highland Park which includes a sunset

Highland Park

Full of interesting plants as well as numerous memorials and architectural features, this Olmsted-designed arboretum is one of Rochester’s most-photographed areas.

Highland Park
George Eastman House featuring a house

George Eastman Museum

Once owned by the founder of Kodak, this opulent mansion features a huge collection of early photography equipment, interesting architecture and beautiful gardens.

George Eastman Museum

Rochester Institute of Technology

Explore the campus of Rochester Institute of Technology during your trip to Rochester. Stroll along the riverfront or attend a sporting event in this family-friendly area.

Rochester Institute of Technology

Strong Memorial Hospital

If Strong Memorial Hospital is what brings you to town, hopefully you'll have a chance to explore more of Rochester.

Strong Memorial Hospital

Explore areas of Rochester

Genesee River\'s High Falls featuring a city and street scenes as well as a couple

Downtown Rochester

4/5(1 area review)

This lively downtown is full of opportunities for recreation and relaxation and is the best place to connect with the unique history of the city.

Downtown Rochester
Default Image

Irondequoit

While visiting Irondequoit, you might make a stop by sights like Seabreeze Amusement Park and Lake Ontario.

Irondequoit
Default Image

Rochester Central Business District

While visiting Rochester Central Business District, you might make a stop by sights like Genesee River and Blue Cross Arena.

Rochester Central Business District
Default Image

Brighton

Brighton is well liked for its museums and art galleries. If you're hoping to see more of the larger area, Highland Park and Park Avenue are some interesting sights nearby to check out.

Brighton
Memorial Art Gallery featuring night scenes

East Avenue

Unique features of East Avenue include the museums and restaurants. Make a stop by Park Avenue or George Eastman Museum while you're exploring the area.

East Avenue
Default Image

Maplewood

If you're spending some time in Maplewood, Kodak Center for Performing Arts and Genesee River are top sights worth seeing.

Maplewood

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Frequently asked questions

Is Rochester worth visiting?
With a mix of festivals and dining, there are plenty of things to do in Rochester. While you're here, head to Strong, a top attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Rochester?
After you've checked off popular attractions like Strong and Seabreeze Amusement Park, spend the rest of your day exploring Rochester's retail and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Rochester?
You can't leave without checking out Strong, rated the top tourist attraction in Rochester.
Is three days enough to stay in Rochester?
You can easily enjoy top attractions like Strong, Kodak Centre for Performing Arts and Seneca Park Zoo with a three-day escape to Rochester. On average, most travellers plan two days here. There's plenty to do and see nearby too, so linger longer and venture to Henrietta.
Is Rochester a walkable city?
Some leading sights in Rochester, such as Strong and Kodak Centre for Performing Arts, are within walking distance. You can also enjoy several of the city's popular neighbourhoods on foot. Just 0.32 kilometres from central Rochester is Downtown Rochester and Rochester Central Business District is 0.64 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Rochester with kids?
Planning what to do in Rochester with kids has never been so simple. Whether you're travelling with toddlers or teenagers, there are many family-friendly sights and activities to keep everyone busy here.

What to do in Rochester for adults?
Whether you're an avid foodie, culture enthusiast or fan of Mother Nature, there are lots of things to do in Rochester for adults including Mount Hope Cemetery and ARTWalk.
Are there free things to do in Rochester?
From visiting parks to wandering around exciting neighbourhoods, it's a breeze to discover free things to do in Rochester. If you're stuck for ideas, get some tips from a local tour guide. Genesee River's High Falls is a great spot for anyone looking to save on their sightseeing activities.