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USS Little Rock docked at Buffalo waterfront, with city bridge skyline and serene waters.

Things to Do in Erie, United States

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When to visit

NOT BUSYJan-2°10d rain
NOT BUSYFeb-1°8d rain
MODERATEMar4°9d rain
MODERATEApr11°8d rain
MODERATEMay17°9d rainBEST
BUSYJun22°10d rainBEST
VERY BUSYJul25°7d rainBEST
VERY BUSYAug24°8d rainBEST
BUSYSep20°7d rainBEST
MODERATEOct14°6d rain
NOT BUSYNov7°8d rain
NOT BUSYDec1°9d rain

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Most popular attractions in Erie, United States

Erie Maritime Museum

1. Erie Maritime Museum

Official website, directions, tips & more
4.7 (698)
MuseumTourist AttractionEducational InstitutionPoint of InterestEstablishment

Discover history afloat with an actual War of 1812 frigate to explore. Engage with immersive exhibits that bring naval stories vividly to life.

Presque Isle State Park

2. Presque Isle State Park

Official website, directions, tips & more
4.8 (14,012)
State ParkTourist AttractionParkPoint of InterestEstablishment

Sandy beaches meet vibrant sunsets on this unique peninsula. Experience nature's calm bays and lively birdwatching for a refreshing outdoor escape.

Erie Zoo

3. Erie Zoo

Official website, directions, tips & more
4.4 (5,118)
ZooPoint of InterestEstablishment

Experience wildlife encounters like no other. Explore lush habitats with vibrant birds and playful primates up close.

Our #1 travel tip

Have you heard of free walking tours?

After traveling to 30+ countries, there's one thing I wish someone had told me from day one, and it completely changed how I experience new cities.

Free walking tours. Yes, actually free. No credit card needed. No catch.

Local guide, 2-3 hours

Major sights, hidden gems, local stories

100% tip-based

Guides earn only tips, so they give their absolute best

You tip what feels right

At the end, just tip whatever you feel is right

I've done these in dozens of cities and they've been the highlight of almost every trip. If you're visiting Erie, United States, do this on your first day. You'll thank me later.

Adrijana, founder of City Buddy
Browse FREE walking tours
Tom Ridge Environmental Center

4. Tom Ridge Environmental Center

Official website, directions, tips & more
4.7 (249)
Tourist AttractionMuseumEducational InstitutionPoint of InterestEstablishment

Discover nature's wonders and sustainable design in one unforgettable visit. Walk through vivid exhibits and catch stunning lake views from the eco-friendly observation deck.

War Memorial and Convention Center

5. War Memorial and Convention Center

Official website, directions, tips & more
4.5 (1,433)
Convention CenterEvent VenuePoint of InterestServiceEstablishment

Experience a vibrant hub filled with diverse events and stunning architecture. Step inside to feel the energy of a lively crowd and admire intricate art deco designs.

Lake Erie Waterfront Trail

6. Lake Erie Waterfront Trail

Official website, directions, tips & more
4.8 (1,156)
ParkPoint of InterestEstablishment

Experience breathtaking lake views and peaceful nature trails in one beautiful stretch. Perfect for biking, walking, and soaking up serene waterfront vibes.

Bayfront Convention Center

7. Bayfront Convention Center

Official website, directions, tips & more
4.5 (1,433)
Convention CenterEvent VenuePoint of InterestServiceEstablishment

Experience buzzing events with gorgeous lake views. Enjoy vibrant atmospheres paired with stunning waterfront and rooftop moments.

Additional popular things to do in Erie, United States

Curated tours, tickets, and activities recommended by travelers

Traditional Sweet Dishes

Lake Erie Perch Fritters

Lake Erie Perch Fritters

Though primarily a savory dish, this fried delicacy has a sweet variant with a hint of maple syrup, popular in Erie due to the abundant perch from Lake Erie.

Grape Pie

Grape Pie

Grape pie is a historic southwestern Pennsylvania dessert embraced in Erie, made from Concord grapes with a uniquely tangy and sweet flavor, known for its beautiful purple filling.

Black Raspberry Pie

Black Raspberry Pie

This pie features locally grown black raspberries and is a regional favorite during the summer months, enjoyed for its vibrant color and sweet-tart taste.

Traditional Savory Dishes

Erie Perch Sandwich

Erie Perch Sandwich

A local specialty, this sandwich features fresh lake perch fried to golden perfection, served on a bun with tartar sauce, representing Erie’s fishing heritage.

Cheese Curd Plate

Cheese Curd Plate

Originating from Pennsylvania Dutch influences, cheese curds are a beloved snack in Erie, often served deep-fried and enjoyed with various dipping sauces.

Venison Stew

Venison Stew

Reflecting the region's hunting traditions, venison stew is a hearty and flavorful dish made from locally sourced deer meat, slow-cooked with root vegetables and herbs.

Traditional Beverages

Lake Erie Wine

Lake Erie Wine

Erie is part of Pennsylvania's Lake Erie wine region, famous for its ice wines and varietals that thrive in the cool climate along the lake.

Dutch Country Birch Beer

Dutch Country Birch Beer

Birch beer is a sweet, carbonated beverage made from birch bark extract, popular in Erie due to the area's Pennsylvania Dutch heritage.

Erie Craft Beer

Erie Craft Beer

Erie has a growing craft beer scene, with breweries offering a variety of styles from IPAs to stouts, reflecting the city's vibrant local culture.

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Most popular day trips

Presque Isle State Park

15 km 20 min by car

A beautiful park with beaches and trails along Lake Erie.

Cleveland, Ohio

180 km 2h by car

City known for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and cultural attractions.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

180 km 2.5h by car

City with rich history, museums, and sports venues.

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Getting there

Train stations

Erie Amtrak Station

Lake Shore Limited

From Erie International Airport or Amtrak Station, taxis and local buses provide easy city center access.

Find flights to Erie, United States

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Useful information for Erie, United States

Shopping locationsMillcreek Mall, Erie Downtown Market
Nightlife locationsDowntown Erie, Bayfront
Popular casual restaurantsMasa Sushi, The Brewerie at Union Station
Popular fancy restaurantsThe Cork 1794, DiCamillo Bakery & Coffee Bar
Popular coffee shopsCoffee Rush, Platform Coffee House
Tap water safe to drinkYes
Digital nomad visaNo
Best taxi appUber, Lyft
Taxi price / km$2.5
Tourists / year500000
Mobile internet speed100 Mbps
Unemployment percentage4 %
Poverty percentage12 %
Average income / month$3500
Average cost of living / month$2000
Hotel price / night from$80
Beer price from$4
Coffee price from$3
Street food price from$7
Restaurant meal price from$15
Local currencyUSD
Power plug typesA, B
ReligionsChristianity
Spoken languagesEnglish
EthnicitiesWhite, African American, Hispanic
Political orientationcenter-left
Population density900 /km²
Geographical area105 km²
Possible natural disastersFlooding, Severe storms, Winter storms
Dangerous animalsNone
Locations for a nice walkPresque Isle State Park, Erie Waterfront Park
Public transportationsErie Metropolitan Transit Authority buses
AirlinesAmerican Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines
Suggested vaccinationsFlu, Tetanus, COVID-19
Architecture typeVictorian, Colonial, Modern
Average beer consumption per person / year75 l
Average wine consumption per person / year10 l
Tipping cultureExpected, 15-20%
Coworking / day$20
Airbnb / month$900
1BR rent / month$800
Gym / month$30
Daily budget (backpacker)$50
Daily budget (mid-range)$90

Overview for Erie, United States

English proficiencyVery good
Traffic safetyGood
Friendly to foreignersAverage
Freedom of speechVery good
Public transportationAverage
HealthcareGood
EducationAverage
Power grid reliabilityGood
Crime safetyAverage
WalkabilityAverage
NightlifeAverage
Food sceneGood
LGBTQ+ friendlyAverage
Startup sceneBad
Noise levelAverage
CleanlinessAverage
Nature accessGood
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