First Time In A While

Trip Ideas & Itinerary

Visiting Rochester for the first time in a while? Welcome back! We’re excited for you to visit and see first-hand some of the many exciting changes and enhancements that you will find in our vibrant city.

Day 1

Begin your visit with a driving tour around Rochester’s downtown to look at the physical changes to our landscape. Everywhere you look you will notice changes to the community’s landscape – and even the skyline. Most significant is the removal of a majority of the former Inner Loop. Did you know that Rochester was the first city in the U.S. to fill in a sunken highway? The former Inner Loop has been filled in and redeveloped for several different purposes, including the expansion of The Strong National Museum of Play, the creation of the Neighborhood of Play and more.
Enjoy the beautiful drive down Rochester’s East Avenue and head to the George Eastman Museum. The museum, which is the oldest photography museum in the world, always has something new to see and experience. From rotating photo galleries, new and different events, and a new visitor’s center and main entrance – there is always a reason to visit the George Eastman Museum.
See the stars in a new light during your next step – the Strasenburgh Planetarium at the Rochester Museum & Science Center. The Strasenburgh Planetarium recently debuted new state-of-the-art projection systems bringing an even clearer picture of the stars above to visitors of all ages.
For dinner tonight, consider one of the many new restaurants that have opened up in Rochester over the past several years. Visitor favorites include Restaurant Good Luck, The Cub Room, The Revelry and REDD Rochester.
Satisfy your sweet tooth with a stop at a local chocolatier – newer options include Hedonist Artisan Chocolates and Laughing Gull Chocolates, while Stever’s Candies has been serving up candy and confections in Rochester since 1946.

Day 2

If your visit to Rochester falls on a Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday morning, be sure to start your day with a trip to the Rochester Public Market. The City of Rochester Public Market has undergone major renovations over the past several years, including a newly constructed outdoor shed and renovated indoor ending shed.
During your visit to the Rochester Public Market, check out some of the many new businesses that are a part of the Public Market District. Rohrbach Beer Hall, Bitter Honey (Cocktails and Mexican Food), Katboocha, and Warehouse 127 can all be found on Railroad Street just outside the market grounds.
On today’s itinerary is an event or festival. With more than 140 annual festivals and events, chances are there will be something special going on during your visit to Rochester. Some of the biggest events to plan a visit around include the Rochester Lilac Festival, the Rochester International Jazz Festival, Corn Hill Arts Festival and the Clothesline Festival. Newer festival favorites include the Rochester Fringe Festival and the Roc Holiday Village.
Your plans tonight include a visit to one of the newer destinations in Rochester for dining, drinks, and gaming is Radio Social. Radio Social is a bowling alley, restaurant, bar, music venue, and social club located in Rochester’s historical Stromberg-Carlson warehouse.

Day 3

Learn more about Rochester's role in the movement to bring the right to vote to women with a visit to the National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House. This was home to the legendary suffragist, abolitionist, and civil rights leader during her 40 most politically active years. Anthony is buried in Rochester’s Mount Hope Cemetery, and visitors can tour her national historic landmark home, which celebrated its 75th anniversary as a museum in 2020 (a year that also marked the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th amendment, as well as Susan B. Anthony's 200th birthday).
The wall art/mural scene in Rochester has exploded in recent years. Check out Wall/Therapy for a great overview of where to spot murals and wall art in Rochester, along with local photographer Quajay Donnell's recommendations for public art in Rochester here.
The Genesee River runs through the heart of downtown Rochester, and has been a site of much redevelopment in the Rochester area in recent years. The ROC the Riverway initiative is focused on improving access to Rochester's river waterfront, including new riverfront trails for walking, running and biking, along with new public spaces like the Roc City Skate Park and The Five.
“Rochester has reinvented itself as the Northeast’s best beer town.” That’s what one travel writer who visited Rochester had to say after touring and tasting their way through Rochester’s beer scene. With more than two dozen breweries in Monroe County alone, it is no wonder that Rochester continues to gain national attention for its beer scene. Grab lunch or dinner at the Genesee Brew House and enjoy stunning views of High Falls, the 96-foot waterfall in the heart of downtown Rochester. Conclude your return visit to Rochester with a locally made craft beer and raise your glass to another visit sometime soon!