City centre Rochester blends business energy with cultural treasures. Corporate towers housing Xerox and Paychex headquarters stand alongside the interactive Strong National Museum of Play and elegant Eastman Theatre. The Blue Cross Arena adds modern flair to this vibrant scene. Explore the Genesee Riverway Trail for scenic views or catch live performances at the Rochester Auditorium Theatre. The district transforms after business hours with restaurants and entertainment venues coming alive. Cultural enthusiasts will appreciate the Rochester Museum & Science Center's engaging exhibits.
Step into Rochester's oldest area where Victorian and Italianate homes line peaceful tree-canopied streets. Corn Hill offers a living museum of 19th-century architecture with ornate gingerbread trim and wraparound porches. History buffs will appreciate this charming residential haven just minutes from city centre. The annual Corn Hill Arts Festival showcases local talent amid this cultural enclave. Stroll to Mary Jemison Landing or venture to nearby Blue Cross Arena. Intimate cafes housed in historic buildings serve farm-to-table cuisine while boutique shops offer unique Victorian-era reproductions.
Rochester's Area of the Arts transforms industrial spaces into a vibrant creative hub. The Memorial Art Gallery's 5,000-year collection anchors this district where artists work in converted brick warehouses. ARTWalk connects galleries, studios, and cultural venues throughout these tree-lined streets. Explore the Rochester Museum & Science Centre for hands-on exhibits or catch performances at the historic Auditorium Theatre. Monthly First Friday art walks extend gallery hours, offering chances to meet local artists. Village Gate Square buzzes with unique shops and cafes in a walkable, artistic atmosphere.
Rochester's Central Business District blends historic charm with modern energy. Limestone facades stand alongside sleek glass towers in this economic hub. The ornate Powers Building contrasts with the reflective Legacy Tower while Eastman Theatre hosts world-class performances nearby. Take in stunning architecture as you stroll the walkable city centre streets. Catch shows at Geva Theatre or Blue Cross Arena after exploring the Genesee River. During weekdays, the area buzzes with business professionals while evenings feature cultural events and upscale dining options.
Highland Park dazzles visitors with its magnificent 150-acre arboretum featuring over 1,200 lilac varieties that burst into fragrant bloom each May. Historic treasures like Warner Castle and the Frederick Douglass Memorial dot this peaceful Rochester area. Tree-lined residential streets surround the lush parkland, offering a glimpse into local life. The park's well-maintained paths wind through specialised gardens and ancient trees that form natural cathedrals of greenery. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy quiet reflection in secluded garden groves far from urban noise. The annual Lilac Festival transforms this normally tranquil area into Rochester's most colourful celebration.
Discover the most popular places to visit in Rochester
Strong
9.0/10 (682 reviews)
Explore the world's largest collection of toys, dolls, and games at The Strong Museum. Immerse yourself in interactive exhibits like the kid-sized Wegmans Super Kids Market or the colourful Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden.
Rochester Museum and Science Center
8.8/10 (178 reviews)
Explore over 200 hands-on exhibits spanning natural sciences to technology at this interactive learning hub. The Strasenburgh Planetarium and Tesla coil demonstrations offer unforgettable scientific spectacles.
Highland Park
9.0/10 (77 reviews)
Full of interesting plants as well as numerous memorials and architectural features, this Olmsted-designed arboretum is one of Rochester’s most-photographed areas.
Photo by Pon Xayavong Photography
Open Photo by Pon Xayavong Photography
Ontario Beach Park
8.8/10 (3 reviews)
Relax on Ontario Beach Park's natural sand shoreline with sweeping views of Lake Ontario. Take a spin on the historic 1905 Dentzel Menagerie Carousel, a beautifully restored treasure.
Seabreeze Amusement Park
8.6/10 (54 reviews)
Home to the Jack Rabbit, America's oldest continuously operating roller coaster since 1920. Enjoy thrilling rides and water attractions with scenic Lake Ontario views at this historic amusement park.
Blue Cross Arena
8.6/10 (335 reviews)
This iconic Rochester venue hosts thrilling Amerks hockey games and high-energy concerts under one historic roof. Arrive early to explore the glass atrium and secure optimal seating for the evening's entertainment.
Kodak Center for Performing Arts
8.8/10 (94 reviews)
This intimate 1,968-seat theatre offers exceptional acoustics and sightlines. Arrive early to enjoy premium concessions before experiencing world-class concerts, comedy, or theatrical productions.
Monroe Community College
8.6/10 (19 reviews)
Explore the campus of Monroe Community College during your trip to Rochester. Experience the area's entertainment choices or attend a sporting event.
"Il n'y a pas de piscine malgre la photo de la piscine sur le site de l'hôtel. L'odeur à l'intérieur de la chambre était désagréable, la literie sentait mauvais. Déjeuner très ordinaire. Prix élever pour la chambre pour l'ensemble du séjour."
"It was better than expected and offered great value for money. I was pleased with the front desk service, and the breakfast was extensive; the staff in charge of breakfast were fantastic, promptly replenishing any items that ran low. It was a pleasant stay"
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
You can grab a holiday package to this destination on Expedia. But how much your holiday to Rochester costs will depend on factors like your hotel choice, length of stay and season.
What are the cheapest months to go to Rochester?
December, January and February are the best times to search for cheap Rochester holiday packages. Travelling in less busy periods means you can usually find lower prices on accommodation and flights.
How many days is enough for Rochester?
Rochester holidays can be short or long, but to really get a feel for this place, we'd say 2 days is a good ballpark. This will mean you can visit headline attractions like Seneca Park Zoo and Rochester Auditorium Theatre and seek out some lesser-known gems. Don't miss out on neighbourhoods such as Downtown Rochester and Rochester Central Business District either. If you're smart with your time, you can even schedule a day trip outside of Rochester too.
Is it worth booking a holiday package to Rochester?
Whether you're looking to visit major sights like Strong and Blue Cross Arena on your Rochester holiday, or coming for its great festivals, dining and nightlife, there's something for everyone here. With so many things to do, you'll quickly learn why so many travellers think Rochester is a good holiday destination.
How to find the best Rochester package deals?
Begin your search for a Rochester package deal by entering your destination and travel dates under our "Packages" tab. Then add some filters, like "Property type" and "Popular locations," to tailor the results to your exact style. You can also sort by "Package discount" and discover offers that come with irresistible savings. If you don't find the ideal Rochester package deal right away, just switch up your dates and search again. Bear in mind that deals are only available for a limited time, so book early and get your Rochester getaway off to a flying start.
Is it cheaper to book a Rochester holiday as a package?
Expedia holiday packages are designed to help you keep more cash in your pocket. Bundle your flight, hotel and car rental into one great-value price and enjoy significant savings. You'll generally get a better deal than booking each component separately. And you'll still enjoy the freedom to create a personalised Rochester holiday by choosing your favourite airline, accommodation type and car class.
When to book a holiday package to Rochester?
If you have your Rochester holiday dates locked in, book early to snap up some terrific deals. With Expedia, you can generally reserve some flights up to one year ahead of time. Prefer spontaneous getaways? Our last-minute deals are perfect for impromptu escapes.
How to plan a trip to Rochester?
Pick the right time to travel: Your schedule, favourite season and the type of weather you enjoy can all impact your decision on when to travel to Rochester.
Set your budget: Factor in expenses such as flights, food and transportation when calculating how much to set aside for your trip to Rochester. Then, select a hotel that suits your budget, whether that's an economical option or a lavish retreat.
Decide how long to go for: Now that you're up to speed on Rochester, you can figure out the perfect length of your holiday. Put together a rough itinerary and give yourself enough time to cover everything you want to see.
Combine your accommodation and airfare: After you've nailed down your travel dates and duration, lock in the perfect Rochester holiday package for you.