City on the Hill Walking Tour

Buffalo’s slight rise in elevation east of downtown became the site of many important and iconic civic buildings, as well as a highly-desired residential neighborhood. See the former home of the Buffalo Bills and Bisons, take in the gleaming beauty of Esenwein & Johnson’s City Honors School, appreciate the bulwark of the Masten Armory, and hear about the exciting investments taking place in this vital neighborhood “on the hill.”

Meet outside the Johnnie B. Wiley Sports Pavilion at the northwest corner of Jefferson Avenue and Best Street. Parking is available adjacent to the pavilion or on nearby side streets.

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 15 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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. 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.