Niagara Falls, NY: All You Must Know Before You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor
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Plan Your Trip to Niagara Falls: Best of Niagara Falls Tourism

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PLAN YOUR TRIP
Niagara Falls
Nature really shows off at Niagara Falls. The main attraction is, of course, the falls themselves—a trio of waterfalls with a max vertical drop of nearly 200 feet. Hop aboard the Maid of the Mist boat tour to get close to (and drenched in) the cascading waters. Or hit the walkways at Cave of the Winds, where you’ll get within feet of the roaring Bridal Veil Falls. If you’d rather stay dry, explore one of the many hiking trails in Niagara Falls State Park, spend the day wine tasting, or stroll along Art Alley to check out some street art. The main strip of Clifton Hill has flashy tourist attractions and restaurants galore. Wanna take a ride? The 175-foot-tall Niagara Skywheel shows the Falls from a completely different angle. We’ve got even more recs below.

Essential Niagara Falls

How to get the best views of Niagara Falls

I’m something of a Niagara Falls junkie. Call it cheesy, but this world wonder remains a favorite destination, probably because it always delivers. There are plenty of ways to see the falls, by land, by boat and even helicopter. Here’s my guide to taking it all in and getting the share-worthy pictures.
Jo Piazza, Philadelphia, PA
  • Maid Of The Mist
    5,618
    Millions of visitors flock to the Maid of the Mist tour annually for a reason. A boat trip into the basin of Niagara Falls is something that everyone should do once. You will get wet. Your camera will get wet. Accept all of the ponchos and bags to put your phones in and get ready to see the falls from within while being delightfully drenched with all of the mist.
  • Niagara Falls Observation Tower
    1,095
    Soaring 282 feet into the air this spot offers the best 360 degree view of the falls on the American side. It’s the ideal place to catch the fireworks and light show most nights right after sunset. You have to travel through the tower for the Maid of the Mist boat tour so build in extra time before your journey. The tower is included in your tour fee but anyone can access it for $1.25.
  • Skylon Tower
    8,044
    Another tower, but much higher up. If you’re willing to head over to the Canadian side of the falls you can dine and enjoy cocktails high (764 feet) above the falls. The restaurant revolves which is a little kitschy, but also part of the allure. You can also purchase a ticket to the observation deck without eating. It’s right below the dining room and the views are just as good.
  • Journey Behind the Falls
    10,418
    Not all of the best views are from above. Head behind Horseshoe falls into the tunnels that get you so close to the rushing water you’ll feel it with your whole body. Portals throughout open up to the water and are perfect for snapping selfies straight through the rocks. This is a great option for those who want to get inside the falls, but don’t love boats.
  • Niagara Helicopters
    781
    If you’re looking to splurge a little, a helicopter trip above the falls is a truly spectacular experience that you can brag about for years. Not all scenic helicopter trips are created equal and this one really comes out on top. Tours operate from about 9 am to sunset and prices will vary depending on the number in your group.
  • Terrapin Point
    0 reviews
    Located on Goat Island in Niagara Falls State Park on the New York side of the falls, Terrapin Point is in between Bridal Veil Falls and Horseshoe Falls. It’s usually shrouded in mist so you get all of the beautifully eerie shots of being up close and personal with the water. This viewpoint is free and you can stay as long as you like so I recommend heading there early in the morning before the crowds to soak it all in in peace and quiet.
  • Rainbow Bridge
    1,888
    Rainbow Bridge is the connector over the river between the American and Canadian sides of the falls. Don’t stop traffic by trying to take in the views while driving across. The secret here is that pedestrians are allowed to walk across the bridge for a $1 toll (you will need your passport). It’s a great way to get your steps in while walking across a border and soaking in some serious vantage points.

How to do Niagara Falls in a weekend

Gorge hiking, underrated historic sites, and can't-miss local eateries
Read on

Browse collections

Bring on the natural wonders

Get soaked in the falls

For the kids—and kids at heart

Where to find fun for all ages

Hit the trails

Explore beyond the waterfalls

For the wine lovers

Niagara’s best sips and tours

Rainy-day attractions

Stay dry and tap into Niagara’s arts, culture, and history
Frequently Asked Questions about Niagara Falls



Niagara Falls is known for some of its popular attractions, which include:


If you're a more budget-conscious traveler, then you may want to consider traveling to Niagara Falls between December and February, when hotel prices are generally the lowest. Peak hotel prices generally start between June and August.

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