Downtown Syracuse - Syracuse, NY Area Guide

The Onondaga Salt Springs that flow through the vicinity provided a commercial industry that drew settlers to the area. When the salt industry declined after WWII, the manufacturing industry became a stronghold. Downtown Syracuse eventually developed into the city's prime retail and entertainment center.

The neighborhood provides its residents with plenty of culture, museums, and a rich arts scene. Visit the Museum of Science and Technology for an array of hands-on exhibits that please kids and adults alike. The Spark Contemporary Art Space fosters local artists and encourages diversity in the arts. The gallery sponsors local events that are open to the public and allows up-and-coming artists to rent space for their own art shows. Residents flock to downtown's Jazz in the Square three-day festival. Held in Clinton Square in late July, this international jazz event showcases both well-known and emerging performers.

As the city's entertainment district, downtown Syracuse teems with bars and restaurants. Locals enjoy bar-hopping around the nightlife hub of Amory Square. Most establishments feature American gastro pub fare. Family-friendly during the day, at night the bars are best appreciated by adults.

Locals frequent the Blue Tusk for the outstanding beer selection. Have the knowledgeable bartender help you select one of the 69 tap beers; the bar also sells flights if you can't make up your mind. The menu provides an interesting twist on standard bar food. Sample the kimchi and havarti quesadillas or the lobster BLT. If you're in the mood for a little dancing, head over to Al's Wine and Whiskey Lounge. Filled with oriental rugs and leather couches, the lounge encourages patrons to settle in and relax. You can enjoy live music events throughout the week. Nosh on a meat and cheese plate while you choose a whiskey from a full wall behind the bar.

Those who crave a taste of the exotic fit in at Lemon Grass & Bistro Elephant Steakhouse. Start your meal with the fresh spring rolls wrapped in rice paper, and proceed to a plateful of scrumptious clams. Accompanied by a red curry sauce, the massive portion could easily be split two or more ways. When you've finished your meal, treat yourself and order a towering stack of the strawberry shortcakes.

Visitors to the area have several transportation options available to them. Locals who live downtown find walking to be the simplest way to explore the area, as most of the attractions center around Amory Square. If you prefer to drive, expect to use one of the readily available fee-based parking lots. Metered street parking fills quickly, and the pay lots run between $1 to $3 per hour. Interstate 81 runs north-south through the vicinity, but few on-ramps lead directly into downtown Syracuse, so be sure to plan your route accordingly.

CNYRTA, the public transportation system, has several stops located within the vicinity. The bus line provides commuters and tourists with easy and efficient routes that begin and end downtown. Cabs and Uber cars troll the busy streets during nights and weekends, so you should be able to hail one easily. Bike lanes do exist in the area, but cyclists complain that the lanes confuse drivers and create unsafe situations. If you choose to bike, try to stick to quieter streets, and avoid central downtown.

Due to its commercial nature, the area does not contain any lakes or exercise-centric parks. The many small, tree-lined parks in the area serve mainly as event locations or pleasant places for visitors and workers to enjoy a little quiet time before heading back to the grind. The free parks welcome dogs, and some even provide dispensers with plastic bags in case you find yourself in a pinch. Kids enjoy the park system's statues and fountains.

Visit Franklin Square, and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The park has a fountain and several small gardens, making it one of the area's top locations for wedding photos. Check out the Benjamin Franklin statue and plaque to learn about the founding father's association with the area.

Pack a picnic lunch, and enjoy the activity of Columbus Circle Park. The park features a beautiful fountain and contains a statue of Christopher Columbus. In late July, check out the annual Arts & Crafts Festival. This three-day festival showcases local artisans and performance artists.

The main shopping hub of Armory Square provides visitors with several small, independent boutiques and specialty stores ranging in price from inexpensive to mid-range. Stroll the picturesque downtown neighborhood and window shop for gifts and hidden gems.

Make your first stop Indie Kids. The store sells hipster apparel for little ones, such as leather jackets and Bob Dylan T-shirts. From a velvet suit for boys to sassy print tees for girls, a variety of fashion-forward threads await. Kids love the store for its frequent special events, such as fashion and magic shows.

Find clothing for high school and college students at Modern Pop Culture. This clothing store carries an outstanding variety for all styles, ranging from preppy blazers to ripped jeans. Need accessories to spruce up your wardrobe? Swing by Showoff's Boutique for funky jewelry. Handmade by local artisans, the affordable jewelry and handbags add style to any outfit.

No grocery stores exist within downtown Syracuse, so residents venture to nearby neighborhoods to stock their shelves. Chain stores such as Trader Joe's exist within minutes of the area, but many residents prefer to shop at locally owned grocers such as Samir's Imported Foods. Samir's keeps customers stocked with international foods, spices and items that can be hard to find in the States. Locals shop the Downtown Farmers Market for fresh fruit and veggies. Located at the intersection of Salina and Clinton, the market runs from June to October.