The three cascades – Horseshoe Falls, American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls – that make up the iconic Niagara Falls are an awe-inspiring sight. They rush into the emerald Niagara River, which serves as a natural border between the USA and Canada. Staying on the New York side gets you closer to the whoosh of the water, but cross the Rainbow Bridge and you'll enjoy panoramic views from the Ontario side.
Most hostels in Niagara Falls, USA are set in townhouses. Visitors can bed down in the heart of the action at accommodation just minutes from the Rainbow Bridge, complete with knowledgeable staff ready to share sightseeing tips. Some places organise guided tours and picnics, while others have games rooms. Choose a Niagara Falls hostel with a spacious common room and a yard, where you can strike up conversation with fellow travellers. A few Niagara Falls hostels also have mini libraries for quiet downtime.
The Third Street Entertainment District on the New York side is filled with artisanal coffee shops, bustling restaurants and craft beer bars. Here, you'll also find Art Alley, which is adorned with colourful murals. The city of Buffalo, which is located around a 30-minute drive away, has verdant gardens and lakeside beaches. Over on the Ontario side, the charming town of Niagara-on-the-Lake is home to quaint 19th-century buildings and leafy streets.
Travellers can experience the sheer might of the Bridal Veil Falls at the Cave of the Winds Mountain Park. Here, a lift leads to the wooden walkways of the Hurricane Deck, where you'll be mere metres from the crashing cascades. Another way to get close to the rush of the water is by taking the Maid of the Mist boat tour right down to the Niagara Gorge beside the Falls. After all that excitement, you can unwind with some local wine at one of the many vineyards in the Ontario region.
Many visitors fly into Buffalo Niagara International Airport, which connects to the New York side of the Falls via a 40-minute taxi or shuttle bus ride. From the city centre, it's easy to get to the Niagara Falls State Park on foot. A trolleybus system serves the park and the surrounding downtown areas. You can also make use of the hop-on, hop-off shuttle bus for destinations further afield, such as Old Fort Niagara. For a different perspective of the Falls, walk, cycle or drive across the Rainbow Bridge to the Ontario side.
Top rated hostels in Niagara Falls
