Symphony Circle Neighborhood Walking Tour

Symphony Circle and the surrounding neighborhood was once the desired residential address of Buffalo’s wealthiest, including William Fargo and George Birge. While the Fargo mansion was demolished in 1900, this Olmsted legacy district retains the grand homes that line the Circle, First Presbyterian Church, and is punctuated by the sleekly modern Kleinhans Music Hall. D’Youville University continues to be a major presence. Turn a corner to enter the ethereal “Little Summer” cottage district, a Garden Walk favorite. Architectural diversity and stories abound in this most eclectic community.

This tour meets by the parking lot of First Presbyterian Church at One Symphony Circle, Buffalo, NY 14201. The parking lot entrance is on Pennsylvania Street next to the church, and across the street from Kleinhans Music Hall. Parking is available in the church parking lot or on surrounding neighborhood streets. This tour is approximately ninety minutes in length. 

Tour Procedures & Policies: 

• Reservations are required for all tours, including for Explorer Pass members. Walk-ups without reservations cannot be accommodated. Tours are generally limited to a maximum of 18 people per group. 
  • Reservations close two hours before the tour’s scheduled start time (for example, reservations close at 8am for a 10am tour). 
  • To redeem an orange Explore Buffalo walking tour pass, please email explore@explorebuffalo.org at least 24 hours in advance to reserve your tour. 
  • The Explore Buffalo docent for your tour will have a list of tour reservations for their tour; you do not need to print or bring any tour confirmation. 
• Accessibility: Please contact us at explore@explorebuffalo.org or (716) 245-3032 if you plan to attend this tour and will require accommodations or if you have questions about accessibility. 
• Please wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather. Tours generally proceed rain or shine. In the event of weather that requires a tour cancellation, we will contact registered tour guests in advance of the tour. 
• See our FAQs page for our refund policy and answers to other questions.
• By confirming your reservation for any Explore Buffalo tour, you acknowledge and accept Explore Buffalo’s tour policies.