Location: Rochester
Top Things to do in Rochester
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Top 10 Free Things to do in Rochester, New York (NY)
From family-friendly activities to professional sports teams, museums and galleries, Rochester has something for everyone. Enjoy the scenic Erie Canal, Genesee River and Lake Ontario. Don't miss the Strong National Museum of Play (America's second-largest children's museum) or the International Museum of Photography. Be sure to sample one of Rochester's famous "white hots," Rochester's version of the hotdog! And don't miss the nearby Finger Lakes region with its wine trails and gorges.
Restaurants in Rochester
1. St. Stanislaus Kostka Church
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By joannt539 - Rochester, United States
Hadn't been here in several years. It is the mot beautiful church. Old churches are the best. Even though it was a funeral it was great to see the stained glass windows & statues. Beautiful!!!
2. Highland Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 499 reviews
The annual Lilac Festival is the most popular event on the calendar here, one of the country's oldest city arboretums.
Reviewed By Freespirit134 - Rochester, United States
Highland Park is beautiful all year round, but in spring it is particularly lovely. Witch hazel bushes are the first to bloom with pale yellow blossoms, similar to forsythia, but not quite as bold a color. Carpets of spring bulbs appear along the paths and hillsides. There are numerous benches dotted along the walkways, often in locations that capitalize on the views to the distant hills of the Finger Lakes. Lamberton Conservatory is also a great place to visit while you're in the the park (also offers restrooms). Along the edge of Highland Ave there's a new playground constructed from natural tree limbs that makes a fun place for kids to climb & play. Also there's a small playground with swings & a climbing structure across from the conservatory. The park & conservatory is a popular place for wedding & prom photos. (If you are a professional photographer call Lamberton Conservatory to check on hours & restrictions for using a tripod) Fun for all ages!
3. Mount Hope Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 464 reviews
Mount Hope, dedicated in 1838, is America's first municipal Victorian Cemetery. Set in a picturesque landscape shaped by retreating glaciers, the cemetery contains priceless pieces of art and rare horticultural specimens. It is the final resting place of many dignified and internationally known individuals, including Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass, and is on the National Park Services National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. Mount Hope is listed in the New York State Register of Historic Places and National Register of Historic Places as part of the Mt. Hope/Highland Preservation District, featuring 83 mausoleums, soaring Egyptian obelisks, a Florentine cast-iron fountain, two stone chapels in the Gothic Revival style, a Moorish gazebo, a Victorian Gothic gatehouse, and infinitely varied tombstones marking 350,000 graves across 196 acres.
Reviewed By Creeping_Death_LA - Los Angeles, United States
Despite the famous people that are buried here this is one beautiful cemetery. I love visiting these old historic place for the incredible artwork on the headstones. The area with all the trees and hills makes it even better to walk along and get lost in its beauty.
4. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
5. Genesee Riverway Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 82 reviews
Popular with bicyclists, roller-bladers, joggers and walkers, this scenic trail stretches thirteen miles along the Genesee River.
Reviewed By ktzeller - Rothbury, Australia
Lovely parkland and paths leading to a very nicely maintained very long boardwalk. We saw birds, large fish, swans, squirrels. Boats and a paddle steamer came by. Perfect with kids or for a fresh long walk.
6. Padre Pio Chapel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By Sarushkaya - Rochester, United States
I’m a regular at Padre Pio Chapel to pray the Rosary on Wednesdays afternoon. Even with the pandemic the Chapel has remained open for everyone to come and pray. It’s a private chapel. I find peace and solace praying to Padre Pio & God at this place.
7. Rochester Public Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 171 reviews
Reviewed By WMSGKB - East Lansing, United States
The market was everything I was hoping for and more. Within five minutes of being there I was greeted by a nice young man from a fresh fish still who gave me an introduction to the market when I told him I had never been. The variety of products was incredible, the efficient operation and friendliness of the people was delightful, and the atmosphere was lively and interesting. If I lived nearby I could see myself doing over half of my grocery shopping at the market every week. The next time I am anywhere near Rochester I will plan another visit.
8. Cobbs Hill Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 108 reviews
Reviewed By Bob_and_friends-2014 - Tampa, United States
Great place for a leisurely walk or a jog around the reservoir. (Or cross country skiing in winter.) Watch the seasons roll by as the trees do. Nice views toward downtown through the trees.
9. Durand Eastman Park
10. ARTWalk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
