• Confluence Park, (at the east end of Riverside Dr bridge). any time. A fairly new public park, this provides an scenic location to enjoy the meeting of the Susquehanna and Chenango Rivers as well as enjoy the historic Washington Street bridge. Nearby cafes and bars are found at the south end of the bridge. It is easily accessible by canoe or kayak from the river, and kayakers are often seen surfing a standing wave on the Susquehanna nearby. free.  edit
• Cutler Botanic Garden, 840 Front St (Use exit 5 from Interstate 81). daytime. A teaching and research garden of 3.5 acres maintained by the Cornell Cooperative Extension. free.  edit
• Greenwood Park, (Rt.17 to Exit 71 N (Airport Road). Go approximately 6 miles north on Airport Road. Turn left onto Commercial Drive. At end of Commercial Drive take right onto East Maine Road. Go 3 miles on East Maine Road to stop sign. Go straight onto a.m.es Road to stop sign. Turn right on Nanticoke Road- travel 7 miles. Turn left onto Greenwood Road.), ☎ 607.778.2193, [7]. This county park offers good recreational opportunities in all seasons. In winter, it offers affordable cross-country ski rentals and 5.5 miles of groomed trails with good options for beginners.  edit
• Otsiningo Park, 1 Otsiningo Park (take exit 5 off Interstate 81 and go S, park is left very shortly after), ☎ (607) 778-6541, [8]. dawn to dusk. Extending for about three miles along the west bank of the Chenango River, Otsiningo Park offers many recreational opportunities, including several miles of paved pedestrian/bicycle trails. There are several good locations for birdwatching. Restrooms and water fountains are available in several areas as well as soccer and baseball fields. free.  edit
• Recreation Park and Carousel, vicinity of Beethoven St and Seminary Ave (turn N on Beethoven St from Riverside Dr). dawn to dusk. A neighborhood park built as part of local shoemaker George F. Johnson's "square deal" for his workers, "Rec Park" is a popular place year-round. It features public pools, playgrounds, and the second-largest of the six Herschell Carousels Mr. Johnson donated to the community on the condition that they be maintained with free admission in perpetuity. When it works, the Wurlitzer music machine makes the ride around particularly fun. free.  edit
• Temple Concord/Kilmer Mansion, 9 Riverside Drive, ☎ (607)723-7355. Built at a cost of $1 million in 1901, the Kilmer Mansion is easily the most elaborate single family home ever constructed in Binghamton history. The Kilmers played a prominent role in Binghamton history, and the estate formerly covered much of the town's West Side. The home has been owned and maintained for more than 50 years by Temple Concord, a Reform Jewish congregation which opens it up for a seasonal "Hanukkah House" exhibition during the winter holiday season. Even if you're not around when the exhibit is open, the building itself is something to behold from the outside.  edit

By plane

The area is served by the Greater Binghamton Airport (BGM)[2]. As of 2009, destinations served by the airport include Philadelphia (US Airways), Detroit (Delta Air Lines), and Washington-Dulles Airport (United).

More flights and destinations are available at Syracuse-Hancock International Airport[3], roughly 70 miles north of Binghamton.

By bus

Intercity bus service is available out of downtown Binghamton via Greyhound [4] (with destinations including Syracuse, Albany, Rochester, Scranton, Toronto, Washington, D.C., and New York City.) Shortline/Coach USA also service the region, with daily departures to Albany, Syracuse, Olean, Elmira, Turning Stone Casino, Utica, Atlantic City, Monticello, and New York City.

By car

Three highways service the Binghamton area.

• I-81 runs north to Syracuse, Watertown, and ends at the Thousand Islands. Along the way it passes by the Finger Lakes region, Lake Ontario, and the Adirondack Mountains. To the south it passes through the Endless Mountains on the way to Scranton, PA.
• I-88 begins in Binghamton and runs northeast to Albany. It passes through Oneonta and Cobleskill, and is the nearest highway to Cooperstown.
• I-86/NY17 passes through the entire Southern Tier on its way downstate. To the west it passes through Elmira and Corning and eventually ends at I-90 in Pennsylvania. To the east, it skirts the Catskill Mountains and I-86 ends at I-87 in the Hudson Valley region, but 17 turns south and eventually ends in New Jersey.

Public transportation in Binghamton and outlying areas is served by BC Transit, a service of the Broome County Department of Transportation [5]. Taxis are plentiful in the city but generally have to be called for a pickup. There are a few areas, such as State St late at night, where they congregate uncalled, but this is the exception rather than the rule.

Students at Binghamton University are also served by OCCT (Off-Campus College Transport) [6].

Neighborhoods

The City of Binghamton is divided into six neighborhoods.

Big Box Stores

• Oakdale Mall - anchored by Macy's, The Bon-Ton, JCPenney, Sears, and Burlington Coat Factory, it is the only indoor super-regional mall in the Greater Binghamton area and within a 50-mile radius. Located in suburban Johnson City.

• Vestal Parkway in suburban Vestal has most of the area's big box retail strip centers.

• Downtown Binghamton has several shopping options including a Boscov's department store.

Art Galleries and Gift Shops

• Anam Cara Art Gallery, 204 State Street, ☎ 607-722-2220.  edit
• Anthony Brunelli Fine Arts, 186 State Street, ☎ (607) 772-0485, [31]. 12p-4p Sa. Anthony Brunelli is known particular for his photorealist works, but his gallery features several other artists including Marla Olmstead whose early childhood was the subject of the 2007 documentary "My Kid Could Paint That".  edit
• Atomic Tom's Gallery, 196 State Street.  edit
• Cooperative Gallery 213, 213 State Street (from N Shoreline Dr turn N onto Washington St, then R on Hawley St and L on State St), ☎ (607) 724-3462, [32]. 3p-6p F (9p on first of month), 12p-4p Sa. A local artist cooperative with about two dozen members, Cooperative Gallery 213 has some work of each member on display at all times and a rotating feature exhibition for one of its members.  edit
• On Point Productions and Gallery, 67 Court Street, 2nd floor (downtown), ☎ (607) 773-7850, [33]. 6p-9p F, 12p-3p Sa. In addition to providing multimedia production services, On Point has gallery featuring one or two local artists at a time.  edit
• Orazio Salati Gallery, 205 State Street, 2nd floor, ☎ 607-772-6725, [34]. 6p-9p first Friday of month, 11a-4pm Sa. Features paintings by various local artists, including a large rotating solo exhibition.  edit
• Tom's Coffee, Cards, and Gifts, 184 Main Street (west of Front St about 1 mi), ☎ 607-773-8500, [35]. Su 11a-9p, M-S 9a-9p. Billing itself as Binghamton's premier craft gallery and gift shop, Tom's does not disappoint. There's something for just about everyone in here, and if you get hungry while you're looking expect a variety complementary gourmet treats: chutneys, salsas, biscuits.  edit

Antiques

• Mad Hatter Antiques, 284 Clinton St (turn W from Front St and proceed about 1.5 mi), ☎ (607) 729-6036‎. Stuffed with wonderful items old and older, the Mad Hatter is among the best of the shops on Clinton Street, which is also billed locally as "Antique Row". Leave yourself a good hour to explore the shop.  edit

Binghamton has always been (and still is) a melting pot of ethnic flavors. The city's history has been strongly influenced by German, Italian, and Polish immigrants; with many today coming from Eastern Europe, Latin America, and India. The eateries in the city reflect this and provide that big city cultural and culinary experience largely missing in many small cities. Many of the national chains are present in the city as well, and are easily located.

General Food/Cafes

• Cyber Cafe West, 176 Main Street (from rt 201, head east on 17C. Around a mile down the road near Schiller St. next to a Wendy's), ☎ (607) 723-2456‎, [36]. 11AM-11PM M-W, 11AM-1AM Th-Sa, 11AM-9PM Sun. Innovative and tasty sandwiches and wraps and 20+ beers on tap. (Wine and bottled beer also available.) Great vegetarian options. Budget.  edit
• Java Joe's, 81 State St, ☎ (607) 774-0966‎. Tasty panini and pastry with decent coffee and laid back atmosphere make Java Joe's a comfortable place to grab a snack or light meal. Budget.  edit
• Laveggio Roasteria and Espresso Bar, 101 Court Street, ☎ (607) 779-1100, [37]. 7a-4p M-F, 6p-9p first Friday of month. This local coffee house roasts coffee beans to order and emphasizes direct trade and sustainable practices. Budget.  edit
• Nezuntoz
• Pat Mitchell's Ice Cream
• Lost Dog Cafe, 222 Water Street (from Court St, follow Water St north two blocks), ☎ (607) 771-6063, [38]. 11:30a-10p. This eclectic fusion restaurant serves great and generous dishes. Though they offer lunch, the place really heats up at night and often has live music. It can get busy, particularly when the university is in session so you may want to call ahead. Mid-range.  edit
• River Muse Cafe, 7 South Washington Street (just of NY 434 in South Bridge neighborhood), ☎ (607) 235-3122‎. Delicious, homemade baked goods and fine coffee await you at this South Side gem. It has a friendly owner, laid-back atmosphere, and often shows local artists' work on its walls. Check out this Cafe's facebook for a very filled repertoire of great musical artists. There are free tango (or salsa, can't remember) lessons every week that make you part of the entertainment! Budget.  edit
• Tranquil Bar and Bistro, 36 Pine Street #1 (from Court St turn N onto Carroll St and R onto Pine St), ☎ (607) 723-0495, [39]. see website. Excellent French dining in downtown Binghamton. Depending on the time of day and day of the week, this place offers brunch, lunch, dinner, and nightlife. Mid-range.  edit

Grocery/Deli

The best groceries available in Binghamton are from the Wegmans across the street from the Oakdale Mall. There are also GIANTs strewn about the city.

• Binghamton Farmers Market, Collier Street (next to county courthouse), ☎ (607) 778-2131, [40]. 9a-2p Tu, F June - September; F only in October. Live musical performances often accompany the Friday farmer's market.  edit

Indian Food

• Curry's of India 45 Court St # 2, Binghamton. A nice hole in the wall with a very affordable lunch buffet.
• Taj Restaurant 59 Main Street, Binghamton.

Italian

Binghamton has some of the most authentic southern Italian and Sicilian food this side of Italy. Each of these restaurants also serves pizza but the focus is on fine Italian dinning.

• Cortese Restaurant[41], 117 Robinson Street, Binghamton.
• Grandes Bella Cucina[42], 1171 Vestal Avenue, Binghamton.
• Grotta Azzurra 52 Main St # 1, Binghamton.
• J Michaels Restaurant and Lounge, 59 Court Street, ☎ (607) 720-6453‎. Don't let the facade fool you! This restaurant sits in the basement of one of Binghamton's oldest buildings. The winding stairwell that you follow down drops you at what used to be the ground floor when State Street was the Chenango Canal. The light fare is the best here, especially the thin crust pizza.  edit
• Little Venice Restaurant, 111 Chenango Street (near the bus station), ☎ 607-724-2513, [43]. 11a-11p daily, closed M. This charming little restaurant offers more than the outside suggests. Several pasta dishes are homemade, and the manicotti are especially good. The original owner was quite an art collector and you will find dozens of paintings to look at while you wait for your order, including several idyllic, impressionistic paintings of local landmarks by Armonodo Dellasanta. Budget.  edit
• Mama Giuseppa Restaurant, 4 South Liberty Street, Endicott (from I-86, take exit 67N then Main St west for about 1.5 mi, then R on Liberty St), ☎ (607) 748-7200‎. Among the very best Italian restaurants in the Binghamton area. The location is a bit odd, but the food is exceptional. Make sure to come hungry -- the servings are extremely generous and you'll want to leave room from dessert. Mid-range.  edit

Pizzerias

Pizza in Binghamton is predominantly New York Style. However, Binghamton is well known (and sometimes reviled) for its 'sheet' or square pizza.

• Bella Pizza 1116 Chenango Street, Binghamton.
• La Cucina Pizzeria 62 Glenwood Ave, Binghamton.
• Leroy Pizza & Subs 67 Leroy St, Binghamton.
• Nandos 286 Conklin Ave, Binghamton.
• New York Pizzeria[44] 33 W State Street, Binghamton.
• Nirchi's[45] 954 Front Street, 219 Main Street, and 166 Water St, Binghamton.
• Pronto Cucina 790 Conklin Rd, Binghamton.

Pub Food/Diners

• Park Diner, 119 Conklin Ave, 607.722.9840. Traditional greek diner located on a little hill above the Rockbottom Dam and across the river from downtown Binghamton. It has a fantastic view and the food is is just as good. The Par is very popular with locals and eeekend mornings (in particular Sunday) are generally very busy... there can be a wait. Budget
• The Spot, 1062 Upper Front St, 607.723.8149‎. The Spot is open 24/7 and is frequented by the local college scene. The food and service are great with some of the best french toast ever offered on a menu. Mid-range
• Thirsty's Tavern, 46 S Washington St, 607.771.0660 [46]. This local tavern specializes in providing the down-to-earth experience. The decor is barn-like with rough wood floors and barrels for tables and stools for seats. Good beer, a burger-heavy menu, and frequent local bands provide a good atmosphere. There is a banquet hall and catering as well. Budget

Specialty/Steakhouse

• Kilmer Brasserie & Steakhouse, 31 Lewis St, 607.217.7270 [47]. Located in the historic Kilmer Building, this is Binghamton latest edition to the upscale dinning scene. French and American cuisine is featured along with steaks. The restaurant has many interesting specials including B.Y.O.W. Thursdays. Splurge
• Number 5, 33 S Washington St, 607.723.0555 [48]. Built in the old Fire Station #5 building (circa 1897), this is generally considered Binghamton's premier upscale restaurant. Splurge
• Whole in the Wall, 43 S. Washington St, 607.722.5138 [49]. Pleasant restaurant on the Southside that specializes in natural and wholesome meals. Mid-range

Spiedies

The Spiedie is a regional dish born in Binghamton to Italian immigrants. It consists of marinated chunks of meat grilled over charcoal on metal skewers. It is served still on the skewer with a slice of italian bread (almost always Felix Roma's) used to pull the meat off, usually with a little marinade drizzled on top. The meat was originally lamb, but has come to include chicken, pork, and venison.

• Sharkey's Restaurant, 56 Glenwood Ave, 607.729.9201. Purported to be the birthplace of the spiedie, it is certainly the oldest remaining purveyor and one of the tastiest. Budget
• Lupo's S&S Char Pit, 6 West State Street, 607.723.6106 [50]. One of the two major spiedie sauce labels in the area (the other being Salamida's). Budget
• Spiedie and Rib Pit, 1268 Front Street, Binghamton, 607.722.7628 and 3908 Vestal Parkway East, Vestal, 607.729.2679 [51]. Budget

• The Ale House Vestal Parkway East (Near Binghamton University) has 36 beers on tap. [52]

• The Belmar on Main Street is a nice rough-edged town bar that is popular with students. It has a fun 10-cent wing special on Tuesday and cheap pitchers.

• The Pine Lounge on Rotary Ave near Recreation Park on the West Side (strangely in a residential district) has the cheapest pitchers anywhere. Stop in to this fine west side establishment anytime, especially if you like sports and beautiful women.

• Uncle Tonys is just one of the bars located on the notorious State Street strip. With a laid back atmosphere, it provides both food and drink, including the popular "mug night," featuring a 75-cent beer special.