See

Seneca Park Zoo

Rochester's zoo is nestled inside the Olmsted-designed Seneca Park. While small—the entire zoo can easily be enjoyed in an afternoon—a lot of value is packed into the small area. The zoo has the only African elephants in the state, part of their Step Into Africa exhibit that includes a rhinoceros, giraffes, lions, baboons, and zebras. The Rocky Coasts exhibit, with polar bears, sea lions, and penguins, is another highlight.

Address: 2222 St Paul St
Getting there: Rt 104 to Clinton Ave; follow signs for zoo
Hours: Apr-Oct: daily 10AM-5PM; Nov-Mar: daily 10AM-4PM; closed first Sat in Jun, Thanksgiving, 25 Dec, 1 Jan
Price: Apr-Oct: ages 12-62 $12, ages 63+ $11, ages 3-11 $9, under 3 free; $2 discount Nov-Mar
Website: senecaparkzoo.org (opens in a new tab)

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Listing from Wikivoyage: Rochester (New York), CC BY-SA 4.0.

Updated 28 Sept 2026. Something wrong? Tell us.

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Eat
Atlas Eats Kitchen and Bake Shop
While the Bake Shop offers light sandwich fare and breakfast dishes, the real attraction here for foodies is their Edible Atlas dinner series. Every two weeks, the kitchen selects a whole new cuisine to present to intrepid diners, be it Mexican, Korean, Greek, or anything else the chefs can think of. The menu is set in advance; all you have to choose is your beverage. You'll want to get reservations, though, as the restaurant offers only 18 seats for each dinner (one on Friday and one on Saturday). If you can't get a seat, try the takeout version (though you'll need a reservations for that, too).
Bake Shop: Fri Sat 10AM-8PM; Brunch: Fri Sat 10AM-2PM; Edible Atlas: Fri Sat 6:30PMBrunch $10-16; Edible Atlas $68 (takeout $35)
See
Seneca Park
While it's best known for the Seneca Park Zoo, the rest of Seneca Park largely maintains its Olmsted design focused on pastoral fields and river overlooks. Trout Lake, formed by damming a natural spring, is a gem. You can access Maplewood Park and the Genesee Riverway Trail via pedestrian bridge over the river.
7AM-11PM (summer hours)
Do
Kodak Center
Theatre on the Ridge
Part of the sprawling industrial complex once known as Kodak Park, Kodak Center is a live performing arts, event, and conference center featuring a 1,978-seat main theater with the biggest stage in Rochester, 180-seat Studio Theater, 48-seat Club Theater, conference rooms, a gymnasium, and many other spaces. Numerous musical, stand-up comedy, and dramatic acts are featured throughout the year. The center also hosts the Kodak Visitor Center where visitors can learn about the history of Kodak. There is a 1,000+ spot parking lot located across the street for patrons and a 30 minute visitor lot directly next to the theater.
Buy
House of Guitars
The "Great, Great House of Guitars" has a huge selection of new and used records, CD's, and cassettes, most of which you won't be able to find anywhere else. The store is also a shrine to music and musicians, with an extensive collection of instruments for sale. Some of the biggest rock and pop musicians in the world go out of their way to come to this store, because of the selection and the knowledgeable, well-connected staff. The proof is on the walls, which are *covered* with photos and memorabilia from those visits.
Mon-Sat 10AM-9PM, Sun 1-5PM