Think you know Syracuse? Think again. While the city is a hub for college hoops and wintertime frolics, there’s far more bubbling under the surface. We are on way to showing you plenty of things to do in Syracuse NY to make sure your trip is eventful.
This comprehensive guide is for adventurers hungry for unique and Instagram-worthy experiences. Syracuse, NY, is the fifth largest city in New York, with numerous tourist attractions and the largest shopping mall.
Pack your bags and get ready for a deep dive into the 31 unusual and fun things that make Syracuse more than just a snow globe come to life.
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Table of Contents
1. Onondaga Lake Park: Go for the Park, Stay for the Swans
Why Go?
Ah, Onondaga Lake Park—the “Central Park” of Central New York, only with fewer tourists taking selfies. This Onondaga Lake Park is the place to be if you fancy running into swans that act like they own the joint.
What's the Catch?
Here’s the twist: this park is an overachiever. It doesn’t settle for being a mere patch of green. Oh no, it also has to throw in skating rinks, paddle boats, and probably an interpretive dance festival if you time it right.
Pro Tip
If you think you’re good on a bike, try to keep up with a swan on water. Spoiler: you can’t. They’re the Michael Phelpses of the avian world. Rent a bike but leave the water sports to the professionals (a.k.a., the swans).
2. The Sound Garden: Your Jukebox, Just Less Predictable
Why Go?
Are you sick of Spotify playlists that predict your next favorite song with eerie accuracy? The Sound Garden in Syracuse laughs at your algorithmic cage. The sound garden is a labyrinth of genres, decades, and moods, all curated by the Vinyl Gods.
One minute, you’re finger-flipping through ’80s synth-pop albums that make you yearn for neon leggings, and the next, a Japanese metal band enthralls you you can’t even pronounce.
This is where your musical horizons aren’t just broadened; they’re catapulted into a different stratosphere. So, put down the smartphone, pick up some vinyl, and let the grooves guide you.
What's the Catch?
Ah, the Sound Garden time warp. You waltz in with the intention of a “quick browse,” and suddenly, four hours later, you’ve listened to at least 30 snippets of songs, and you’re holding a stack of vinyl, CDs, and even a cassette tape or two
Oh, and that’s not even accounting for the vintage posters you’ve picked up. It’s a bit like Narnia, only you encounter Bowie and Hendrix instead of a lion and a witch. Your internal clock will get thrown out of whack but in the best way possible.
Pro Tip
Consider the Sound Garden event calendar your new best friend. Those in-store concerts? They’re legendary.
Picture a mosh pit of music lovers—from metalheads to jazz connoisseurs—all crammed into a space that’s as eclectic as the crowd. It’s like Woodstock’s younger, cooler sibling—no mud, no tie-dye, just pure unadulterated sonic bliss.
Keep an eye on the schedule because missing one of these gigs would be like refusing a backstage pass to the musical revolution. Get ready to ‘gram the night away; your followers won’t believe their ears.
3. 5 Wits: Because an Escape Room is Too Mainstream
Why Go?
So you’ve broken out of every escape room in your hometown? Kid’s play. 5 Wits is an escape room on steroids, sprinkled with some Tom Cruise ‘Mission Impossible’ action.
This place is in Destiny Mall, close to the Imax Theater and Armory Square.
I had an amazing time with my group! Joe was an amazing tour guide. I definitely recommend booking times in advance but this is so much fun especially in a group.
My group had an amazing time, doing all 4 adventures!! Joe was an great adventure guide!
this was soooo fun, joe was a great tour guide! we did all 4 and my favorite was deep space. so sick.
It was fun. Each adventure contains several rooms, I guess, we finished it quickly, so sometimes we had to wait inside until the group ahead of us solved the puzzle and moved forward to the next room. There were 2 of us, and we were able to finish each adventure with the score over 90 and under 30 mins.
While always fun, confused why they are listed as the Museum of Intrigue on Google advertising. Confusing and misleading
A rather short and simple escape room experince.THE GOOD:I give it 5⭐ on theming / design and extra credit on having rooms that adjust their difficulty level to how quickly you move through the 1st room (there are 3 rooms in each Option)HOWEVER:it was so loud inside we couldn't talk to the operator so on in the 1st room when we didn't understand something about the task - we got stuck for a long time, causing the room to adjust to its lowest level, and really taking away the challenge ( we then ran through the lther 2 rooms in minutes..)
This was quite fun. Even for 7 and 10 year olds. I'd do another room next time I'm near one. We did deep space.
We were all excited and looking forward in trying this out, our first time visiting. We asked our son what he wanted to do for his birthday and he said 5 Wits. There were five of us in which cost us $156 including tax. I asked the employee before we even purchased the tickets if there was a time limit, she told us there was no time limit, you can take as long as you want. Awesome. Not the case. The first room was pretty exciting, we figured it out. Next room was a little more challenging, if your not able to solve it it says your running out of time and you move to the next room, three rooms total. It felt rushed and like we were being pushed through. Took us 32 minutes. Also, you could hear another party in the room before us. Little disappointing for the price. Price per person should be half that Or a discount depending on the party size. FOLLOW UP: WE SENT YOU AN EMAIL JOHN TO THE EMAIL ADDRESS YOU PROVIDED IN YOUR RESPONSE ON JULY 30TH, TODAY IS SUNDAY AUGUST 4th AND WE STILL HAVE NOT HEARD FROM YOU. HOPE ALL IS WELL. LOOKING FORWARD IN HEARING FROM YOU
We did Dragon’s Castle and Deep Space. Dragon is mysterious, dark, dungeon vibe while Space is more funky and video game vibe. I like Dragon’s ambiance a bit better, it really gave me the traditional escape room feeling, I also found games in Deep Space is a bit repetitive. As for the room setting, they are all impeccable. I took off one star because I hope the game could be longer (add one more room maybe?)We were 3, ran around for the task quite a little. I think 4 people is the best (everyone will have something to do and not too busy)
EDIT: while there was one member who didn’t seem eager to help us, the rest of the staff was very kind and accommodating. We really wanted to have a good experience here, so we came back. The issue was a glitch in one of the rooms that was so bad that we ended up with a cruddy score right from the very beginning with little hope for redemption. but the manager actually approached us and surprised us when we came back to try other rooms. he apologized for the bad experience and helped to make sure that going through again, it would be the best experience possible. He worked with us and was a very kind and concerned individual. He even was there when we came from the first experience, coming back to us just to make sure that everything went accordingly and nothing misfired this time. we ended up being really pleased with the way things were handled the second time around. We ended up doing three out of four rooms. The tomb so far happened to be my absolute favorite! Will be back again.Original review, 1 Star: It was really rough. We went into One of the rooms that had the lasers and you were supposed to make your way to the other side without touching/tripping them. The moment we were in that room, it said that we were tripping the Lasers, and we weren’t even touching them, the literal second we walked in!. It kept saying we were doing a bad job, and we weren’t even moving. That was really rough. It really ruined our score for the rest of the game. Things just went downhill from there… the next two rooms, We were kind of able to figure it out, one of them before the other. Though on the third one, we didn’t notice the extra box in the room and ended up failing. That was our mistake, but that one was fun. As was the second one. But in the last room, the instructions were going by so quickly, we couldn’t keep up with them. Sorry to think that this one really requires more than two people… But we somehow made it through and figured out the puzzle. It was The first room that really truly ruined it for us and ruined the mood for the whole puzzle. And when we came out to tell the guy working there, he acted confused like he didn’t know what to do to help us. I don’t think we had a very good first experience, and I wanted to. I really did. It was a great idea and would have been an amazing concept, and because of a glitch In the first puzzle, we didn’t get to have the full experience we needed to succeed. I definitely hope it was fixed by the time the next group went in.
So we got right in but right when we get in nothing works everything is broken and I really wanted to do this but non of the puzzles or buttons worked
We had a great time tonight completing a few adventures. Richard, Emmy, Bayley and Victoria were all super helpful, energetic and fun. Always such a fun time. Thanks, everyone!
Fun activity for adults and kids alike, even if John is away fighting ninjas!Richard was super fun and helpful!
Richard was incredible. Stand up lad unlike John who would rather be off fighting ninjas than help my friends and I have the best experience possible. L employee.
Came with my younger brother. 5 Wits was a good place to go for a arcade like atmosphere, with plenty of games including bowling and punching bag. They also had a restaurant for good food in one place. Definitely a good place all in one, we will visit again in the future.
Okay guys.. THIS.. totally amazing experience. I hope I get his name right, but the guy Daniel was the best.
I had so much fun! My friends and I had a great time, and Daniel is such a great guide!
Dot did an amazing job and was extremely friendly. Please promote him.
This was my first time going to a 5 Wits. Our Host was very attentive and had a good personality, lead us to our starting point and got us set up to start. I believe his name was Dot. It took us 30 minutes to complete. We went through Draco’s castle. I would love go again and try one of the other ones.
The Tomb was pretty fun. We were pretty impressed with our score, so when we were told we could get half off a second room we jumped at the opportunity. The only downfall was how we were treated the 2nd time in. The young woman who had to book our session was very rude. The staff acted as though they did not want to be bothered with us. Totally different experiences within the span of a couple of hours. The experience of the escape room was genius, but the staff left me not ever wanting to go back. 2 hours is a long drive to be treated like we didn't belong there.
We did the space adventure it was kind of cool, but not worth the cost. I personally think 30.00 per person for 25 minutes of slightly above young child type adventure is too much.
My kids and I had a great time. It’s a fun team event to work together and solve riddles. All the staff were incredibly friendly and helped make the experience exciting.
"Set the Stage, but Not the Price"I recently experienced 5 Wits with my family, and while the set design and atmosphere deserve a standing ovation with 5 stars, the hefty price tag left me feeling like I was attending a Broadway show on a budget.The immersive world they create is top-notch – it's like stepping into a movie. My kids were enthralled, and the accessibility for the whole family was a show-stealer. However, the plot twist came when I saw the bill – a whopping $230 for the entire clan. I couldn't help but feel like I was paying for front-row seats to a blockbuster film rather than a family adventure.At $60 for two, this experience would have been a steal, but at $230 for my family for the same experience i could get for just the wife and I at 60, it felt more like a white-collar crime. In the end, 5 Wits, you nailed the set design, but you might want to reconsider the ticket prices. After all, even the best show on Earth is a tough sell when the price steals the spotlight. I see it used to be $17.99 each which that would easily made this a 5 star review.
I've been to both the Albany and Syracuse locations and I like the Syracuse location much better. The staff went above and beyond
The staff are funny and engaging, the puzzles even more so. There are some amazing puzzles to solve, too. Some of them are far easier than others, and that makes everything so intense and interesting. By far, the best thing I've done in NY.
Stopped by last minute to stay out of the snow. Despite the dreary weather, Tia, Daniel, and Bayley were so welcoming and helpful!
I had a great time! Thanks to Tia, Bailey, and Daniel! Deep space was great 🤙🤙🤙
The staff was absolutely amazing for our first time doing something like this. They built such a rapport with us and helped us in choosing which adventure was best for us for our first experience. The experience itself is so realistic and is a blast. My 12, 8 and 7 yr old loved it so much we did a second one! Worth EVERY penny.
That was high tech and very interactive! Staff was friendly and helpful. This was a good value!
This was my 2nd visit to a 2nd 5 wits location.Richard was great with us.Games are visually beautiful.Having the same formula with all their game designs is just meh.The "puzzles" are just ok.The biz model of designing games that have zero reset is ok, but you lose the satisfaction of solving things and opening things. It's all touch, feel, shift style "puzzles".My biggest gripe is top dollar price point for only 30 minute games and the fact that the games are designed to "push you through" if you can't solve something fast enough for their liking.
I honestly didn't get a chance to do it because I was by myself and didn't really have a +1 or +2 to come with me. I think it's a little annoying that they don't have one that's solo or have some integrated way to have people do it solo. Mystery Rooms allows you to do their puzzles by yourself or with people. And yes, I can understand you "need to have a form of cooperation on puzzles" but also not everyone has an extra to go with them. Additionally, there was one person I saw by themselves sitting in the waiting area. Not sure if he was an employee or not but he didn't have company with him. Besides that, it would be something to allow people to do puzzles by themselves.I'm sorry this a bitter review but I'm just stating that there just be stuff for people by themselves.
My wife and I had a great time, I definitely recommend having three people as a couple rooms was a bit difficult with only two, but it was a blast and great for the price, I highly recommend
Went with my family, did the pharaohs tomb, really cool! I would say the puzzles were fun and engaging and the presentation was almost Disney level. Would definitely come back and do the other rooms!
Went a couple of days ago with family and two little ones to celebrate a birthday. They very much enjoyed Dragos castle and were excited at the prospect to come again for the others. HIGHLY RECOMMEND DRAGOS CASTLE FOR LITTLE ONES!! Not too scary and puzzles were simple to follow, yet engaging and provided a moderate level of difficulty.
Was super fun! We did the espionage room. And we had to cross over laser beams and help disarm missiles. It was fun going from room to room and made it feel way cooler than a normal escape room feel. The directions were fairly clear and easy to understand and you couldn't move on to the next section until you finished the one you were in. The staff was super friendly and excited seeming. While we were waiting we played some cornhole.
FANTASTIC staff - great recommendation for our first adventure with engaging conversation with staff before. Highly recommend for people coming either with only one other friend/date or a group of friends. Great for a team building event and able to host large amounts of people.
My friend and I really enjoyed our time here! It was very interactive and fun to be engaged in the puzzle solving. We will definitely come back again 🙂
What's the Catch?
These rooms don’t just require your mind; they demand body and soul. Imagine breaking ancient curses while sprinting through corridors—Indiana Jones without the giant boulder.
Pro Tip
When assembling your team, diversify. Your trivia-night-obsessed friend? Bring them. Your yoga-loving, flexible cousin?
Definitely. That neighbor who claims to be a Ninja Warrior?
Now’s their time to shine. After you are done here, we recommend you push down to downtown Syracuse when visiting upstate New York.
4. The MOST (Museum of Science and Technology): The Geek's Paradise
Why Go?
Do you know science museums? Prepare to eat your protons and neutrons. The MOST isn’t just a collection of dusty exhibits; it’s a full-on science playground featuring a planetarium and other interactive exhibits and experiments that put Bill Nye to shame.
This Syracuse museum is excellent for kids because it is an interactive science museum that might also be good for adults with short attention spans. The museum focuses on family fun while demonstrating different aspects of American art.
What's the Catch?
You may accidentally learn something, and we all know how painful knowledge can be. Prepare to ponder the mysteries of the universe and then some.
Pro Tip
Forget ‘Casual Fridays.’ The MOST celebrates ‘Build-Your-Own-Mini-Rocket Tuesdays.’ Don’t miss the hands-on engineering corner unless you enjoy regretting things.
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5. Dinosaur Bar-B-Que: Where Fred Flintstone Would Be a Regular
Why Go?
If the mere mention of ‘meat,’ ‘smoked,’ and ‘dino-sized portions’ sends you into a salivating trance, it’s time for an intervention at Dinosaur Bar-B-Que. Think of a place where troglodytes and bikers unite over the love of smoky, tender and gloriously grilled meats.
The ambiance screams “prehistorically hip,” complete with a soundtrack of bluesy tunes that would make a T-Rex tap its (tiny) toes. Forget about a small side of fries; this is where you go big or go home—back to the Cretaceous period, perhaps.
This restaurant is in downtown Syracuse, next to a landmark theatre, and is one of the places you must stop when visiting Syracuse.
Our experience started with a 45 minute wait... that would normally have been a deal breaker, but the staff invited us to grab a few drinks at the bar and wait outside! Fantastic idea, and made passing the time easy.Once called for our table, we were greeted by a very friendly server, with a great sense of humor. She was very engaging and attentive and provided excellent recommendations for a group of first timers.Now for the food... simply amazing. Everything was amazing.Due to our late arrival, they were out of brisket. Understandable, but now we will have to come back so we can try it, 😉.We had the pleasure of dealing with several different staff over the couse of our vist, and it was clear to me that the culture is one of great customer service.We will be back!
Great Barbecue place and a maximalist atmosphere. Offers indoor, outdoor, and takeout. I tried the fried green tomatoes and a sample platter, which was more than filling (although I did skip lunch) which had pulled pork, ribs (falling off the bone) and juicy brisket. The Mac and Cheese was amazing too. Would recommend going with a group as it’s plenty to share
We got the pork and brisket sliders and they were amazing. We got a side of Cole slaw. It was vinegary which isn’t our thing, but it was fresh and still tasty. Highly recommended.
Wow! Your Ribs are just awesome! They were a complete taste explosion from start to finish! Will definitely return when next in the area. Very friendly staff also!
Stopped in for a late lunch. Great vibe. Sat at the bar. Matt, the bartender, helped us with the drinks and food. Will definitely visit again!
I have not eaten here in quite a few years. I was so excited to get take out to share with my 79 year old mother. EVERYTHING was spicy including the macaroni & cheese, coleslaw. Unfortunately, neither of us will be able to eat here again and I'm so sad that everything has to be spicy now.
Absolutely incredible. I will be back at every opportunity. Thank you. Even the smell in the air as you approach is intoxicating.
Really cool place with great BBQ. Gotta try some of the wings too!!! Great friendly staff.
Phenomenal place to eat everything was awesome. The only problem I had was how long we had to wait to get a table or take out. lol this will be our normal dinner spot when we come up salmon fishing
Wow this food is amazing. Had the brisket, pulled pork, and key lime pie. All sides are home made and delicious!
Best BBQ in New York State!Always great food.Excellent atmosphere!!I can't drive through Syracuse without stopping at the Dinosaur.
This is a great place to eat. Prices are a bit higher than expected. The service was personal and friendly. The meat is smoked on location, and the sides prepared in-house.Having lived in both South Carolina where BBQ is pork, and in west Texas where BBQ is beef, the Syracuse, NY variety of Southern BBQ is very close to authentic. Serving sizes were appropriate but not generous. Flavor was top of the line and nicely woody.We had pulled pork and sliced beef brisquet. The pork was subtly smokey, tender and never greasy, with good bark, and no cartilage. Sauce was served on the side, which was a plus, because it was Kansas City sweet.The sliced brisquet had excellent bark and a fine red smoke ring. Flavor was rich and the rub spicy but not overly so. The fat cap was melted to buttery deliciousness, and the meat was fork tender.The cole slaw was sweet and tangy. The cornbread was good, but a bit sweet for Southern taste buds. We had bbq beans with pork, of a sweet variety which we call pork n' beans below the Mason Dixon.Atmosphere was congenial, but 4 stars because it seemed all the tables were near a door due to the size of the establishment.
Atmosphere was inviting with lots of interesting artworks. The aroma of the barbecuing was enticing. The food was fresh authentic barbecue and well prepared.
Haven't been there in years. Decided on dining there since we were gonna be in the area. Food was amazing. Just like I remembered. After being seated, our server, Samantha, came right over. Super friendly & knowledgeable of the menu. Food came pretty quick & was so delicious. Had to order some to take home. Food was so good we forgot to take pictures. Will definitely be back again!
The food here is amazing. The sides are very unique such as the Mac salad, mac and cheese and the beans. The brisket was pretty awesome, maybe one of the best outside of Texas, and the ribs were cooked to perfection. Everything about the service was horrible.Also, their is a separate entrance for dining in and takeout. Make sure you use the right one.
Although the wait for the food was long, it was absolutely worth it, best brisket I’ve ever had and the sides were also very tasty
Very disappointed. We heard great things about the place, but must have been a off night.
Great atmosphere, food prices can be high but the food is great. Definitely the OG restaurant. Never disappoint. Parking kind stinks as it Street parking or you have to pay for a lot across from the dino
Great place, excellent bbq, I ordered burnt ends, not on the menu but available, the Mac and cheese was great, very very good place
The food was EXCELLENT! It's definitely worth the small wait. I had fried green tomatoes, brisket tacos, and mac and cheese. Everything was flavorful, the best BBQ I've ever had. The margaritas were awesome also. We decided to have the key lime pie for desert, and it did not disappoint! Best key lime I've had, and it's a great way to end a heavy meal. Our waitress was so kind and helpful. Thank you all so much!
Amazing BBQ. The original biker chic dive bar southern BBQ in upstate joint. Everything is awesome
First visit 2008, this wuz our second visit, both times on a boat in Erie canal & we found a way to visit DBBQ. It's OMG GOOD worth the effort. We brought the leftovers & another mixed meat back to the boat. IF UR A great looper, beg for a ride, borrow a car, rent a car or Uber for some Amazing BBQ. Clearly BBQ is not just good in the South!!!!
This place is the best! 💪The food is amazing; it's perfectly seasoned, cooked all the way, and the taste alone goes a thousand miles. The employees are nice, the background music has good vibes like The Doors, and the prices are on point and affordable. This place gets 5 stars as it dominates Racanelli's Original Pizza & Brew (that one overpriced Italian restaurant in uptown Manhatten).Awesome place, I highly recommend it if you're in the area.
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que is my happy place. The ribs are fantastic and the Mac n Cheese is the best I’ve ever had anywhere.
Travel to Syracuse this week led me Dinosaur Bar-B-Que. The place is very cool, very nostalgic. I really enjoyed the atmosphere. All of the memorabilia on the walls is fantastic to take in. The service all around was fabulous. We always had a drink, and every request was handled friendly and professionally. The food was tasty, but being a guy from Texas that loves bbq, my standards are misaligned. I enjoyed the meal. The brisket was tender, but a bit dry for my taste. The ribs were tasty, also a bit more dry for my pallette. As far as sides, I had the rice and beans, which I did not like really. They just tasted old. The mashed potatoes with gravy were probably my favorite overall! Dinosaur also has a nice selection of beers on tap. I did have a couple beers I never had before, and it's always refreshing to try new brews. Overall, going to Dinosaur Bar-b-que was a great experience. I even bought a shirt to commemorate that visit. If you haven't been, go check it out sometime!
Best BBQ I’ve had in Upstate NY. Very comparable to food I’ve had in the South. Great atmosphere, service, and drinks as well!
Cannot say enough! Super BBQ, Great portions & an Awesome atmosphere nothing eles to be said!!!
Delicious food, music, and atmosphere. It's a bit too cramped in there at times for my liking but if you're in the mood for really good bbq and beer this is one of the best spots in Syracuse in my opinion but I do wish they took reservations.
O M G. Absolutely delicious. I got the dino poutine as an appetizer and it was yum. It's a good blend of sweet and savory. Then I had the Western Ribeye with the Habanero butter. Each bite melted in my mouth. It was so so good. I didn't get much heat from the habanero butter though ... was expecting it to be a little bit spicy. I definitely recommend visiting this place when in Syracuse.
Large party of 10 on Saturday. Food was fresh, fast, wait time was about 30 minutes. Beer selection is great and our server was amazing!
I felt like we were in Texas eating delicious BBQ. We had brisket, Mac & cheese, bowl of chili, and more. It's outstanding! Service is excellent.
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