Growing up a mere 20 minutes from Niagara Falls, it has become second nature to see and hear the roar of ‘The Falls’. For those 22.5 million visitors who have made the journey to Niagara Falls, or for those who make multiple trips will notice the constant, ongoing changes to help attract new visitors.
Although the Falls itself are breathtaking, the “tourist attractions” are just that, a tourist trap! If you have the chance to walk up Clifton Hill, you will see what I mean. Touristy stores line the street including Ripley’s Believe It or Not, Movieland Wax Museum, Miniature Golf, The Great Canadian Midway and their newest attraction, the Niagara Sky Wheel. All of which you pay a small fortune for.
If you decide to visit, and are not coming with children, I would highly recommend staying away from Clifton Hill and booking a room on Fallsview Blvd. This is the newest development of Niagara Falls including newer hotels and the Fallsview Casino.
For those coming for a short visit, I would recommend the following (all within a short walk from the Fallsview Blvd. area):
- Maid of the Mist (weather permitting)
- Fallsview Casino
- The Keg (Steakhouse – Book a table at the Keg in the Embassy Suites, it has an amazing view of the falls)
- Watch the fireworks over the falls @ 10pm – Book a fallsview hotel room and watch it from your room to avoid any crowds!
- Niagara Parks – Take the trip along the Niagara Parkway, it’s a beautiful drive & so much to see
- Napoli Ristorante & Pizzeria – Best for authentic Italian food (definitely a must!)
Without being bias, the Canadian side of Niagara Falls is MUCH better than the American side. The view itself is much prettier & there are more attractions on the Canadian side. HOWEVER, I will say the American side does have its perks, and that’s shopping! If you have some extra time, spend half a day at the Fashion Outlets in NY or the Walden Galleria in Buffalo. There are some great deals there, a lot of things you can’t buy in Canada.