bigtravelbuzzBoise is the capital city of Idaho, located in the southwestern part of the state. It is the largest city in Idaho and a popular destination for visitors due to its vibrant arts scene, outdoor recreation opportunities, and rich history. Here are some things to do and see in Boise:
Idaho State Capitol: Located in downtown Boise, the Idaho State Capitol is an impressive building with beautiful architecture and historic significance.
Boise Art Museum: This museum features a variety of contemporary art exhibitions and educational programs.
Idaho Botanical Garden: A beautiful garden featuring a variety of native and exotic plants, the Idaho Botanical Garden is a great place to explore and relax.
Boise River Greenbelt: This scenic path runs along the Boise River and offers miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as access to parks and other outdoor recreation areas.
Old Idaho Penitentiary: This historic site offers a glimpse into Idaho’s past with guided tours of the prison, including the gallows and solitary confinement cells.
Zoo Boise: Located in Julia Davis Park, Zoo Boise is home to a variety of animals and offers educational programs and events for visitors of all ages.
Basque Block: This historic district features a variety of Basque restaurants, bars, and shops, as well as a museum and cultural center.
Discovery Center of Idaho: This hands-on science center is a great place to explore and learn about science and technology.
Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area: Just a short drive from downtown Boise, this mountain recreation area offers skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities, as well as hiking and biking trails during the summer months.
Freak Alley Gallery: This open-air gallery features murals and street art by local and international artists, making for a colorful and unique experience.
Places to Visit in Boise
Boise is the capital city of the U.S. state of Idaho and a popular tourist destination in the Pacific Northwest region. Here are some places to visit in Boise:
Idaho State Capitol Building: The Idaho State Capitol Building is a historic landmark in Boise, and it’s a great place to learn about Idaho’s history and government.
Boise River Greenbelt: The Boise River Greenbelt is a scenic walking and biking path that runs along the Boise River. It’s a great place to enjoy the outdoors and see wildlife.
Boise Art Museum: The Boise Art Museum is a must-visit destination for art lovers. It features a wide variety of contemporary and modern art exhibits.
Idaho Botanical Garden: The Idaho Botanical Garden is a beautiful place to enjoy nature and learn about local plants and wildlife.
Old Idaho Penitentiary: The Old Idaho Penitentiary is a historical site that provides a glimpse into the harsh realities of prison life in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
World Center for Birds of Prey: The World Center for Birds of Prey is a conservation center dedicated to preserving and protecting birds of prey. It’s a great place to learn about these amazing animals.
Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area: Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area is a popular ski resort in the winter months, but it’s also a great place for hiking and mountain biking in the summer.
Idaho Historical Museum: The Idaho Historical Museum is a great place to learn about Idaho’s rich history, from Native American culture to early pioneers and settlers.
Freak Alley Gallery: Freak Alley Gallery is a must-visit destination for street art lovers. It’s the largest outdoor art gallery in the Northwest, featuring murals and graffiti from local artists.
Discovery Center of Idaho: The Discovery Center of Idaho is an interactive science museum that offers hands-on exhibits and activities for visitors of all ages. It’s a great place for families to explore and learn.
Best Time To Visit Boise
The best time to visit Boise depends on your interests and preferences. Here’s a breakdown of the seasons and what you can expect during each:
Spring (March – May): Spring is a great time to visit Boise if you enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and exploring the city’s parks and gardens. Temperatures are mild, ranging from the 40s to the 60s (Fahrenheit), and the city comes alive with blossoming flowers and trees.
Summer (June – August): Summer is peak tourist season in Boise, with warm temperatures ranging from the 70s to the 90s (Fahrenheit). There are plenty of outdoor festivals and events, such as the Boise River Festival and the Western Idaho Fair. However, the crowds can be overwhelming, and lodging prices may be higher.
Fall (September – November): Fall is a great time to visit Boise if you enjoy cooler temperatures and fall foliage. The weather is mild, ranging from the 40s to the 70s (Fahrenheit), and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. The Boise State University football season is also in full swing during the fall.
Winter (December – February): Winter is a good time to visit Boise if you enjoy winter sports, such as skiing and snowboarding. The nearby Bogus Basin ski resort offers plenty of outdoor activities, and the city is decorated for the holiday season. However, temperatures can be cold, with highs ranging from the 20s to the 40s (Fahrenheit).
How to get around in Boise
There are several ways to get around Boise, depending on your preferences and needs:
Walk: Boise is a walkable city, and many of the downtown attractions and restaurants are within walking distance of each other. If you’re staying in the downtown area, walking is a great way to get around and explore the city.
Bike: Boise has an extensive network of bike lanes and trails, making it a bike-friendly city. You can rent a bike from one of the many bike-share companies, such as Boise GreenBike, or bring your own bike.
Public transportation: Valley Regional Transit operates the public transportation system in Boise, including buses and a downtown trolley. You can purchase a day pass or a multi-day pass to use on the buses and trolley.
Ride-sharing: Companies like Uber and Lyft operate in Boise, providing an easy and convenient way to get around the city.
Car rental: If you prefer to have your own vehicle, there are several car rental companies located in Boise, including major brands like Hertz and Enterprise.
Taxi: Taxis are also available in Boise, but they may be more expensive than other transportation options.
No matter which mode of transportation you choose, it’s important to be aware of the local traffic laws and regulations and to always exercise caution when navigating the city.
Where to eat in Boise
Boise is known for its vibrant food scene, with a variety of restaurants and cafes offering a range of cuisines. Here are some of the best places to eat in Boise:
The Basque Market: The Basque Market is a Boise institution, offering traditional Basque cuisine, including tapas, paella, and chorizo sandwiches. They also have a market where you can purchase Basque cheeses, meats, and other food items.
Fork: Fork is a farm-to-table restaurant that serves seasonal, locally sourced cuisine. The menu features dishes like bison burgers, Idaho rainbow trout, and wood-fired pizzas.
Boise Fry Company: Boise Fry Company specializes in French fries, offering a variety of fry options, including russet, purple, and sweet potato fries. They also have a selection of burgers, sandwiches, and salads.
Bittercreek Alehouse: Bittercreek Alehouse is a gastropub that serves craft beer and seasonal cuisine made with local ingredients. The menu features dishes like wild mushroom risotto, bison meatloaf, and artisanal cheese plates.
Big City Coffee: Big City Coffee is a popular cafe that serves coffee, tea, and baked goods. They also have a breakfast and lunch menu featuring sandwiches, quiches, and salads.
Guru Donuts: Guru Donuts is a donut shop that offers a variety of creative flavors, such as maple bacon, huckleberry, and lavender lemon.
Goldy’s Breakfast Bistro: Goldy’s Breakfast Bistro is a popular breakfast spot that serves classic dishes like eggs benedict, pancakes, and waffles. They also have a selection of vegetarian and gluten-free options.
State & Lemp: State & Lemp is a fine dining restaurant that offers a tasting menu featuring creative, seasonal cuisine. The menu changes regularly to reflect the freshest local ingredients.
Chandler’s Steakhouse: Chandler’s Steakhouse is a classic steakhouse that offers prime cuts of beef, fresh seafood, and an extensive wine list. The restaurant has a sophisticated, upscale ambiance.
The Hyde House: The Hyde House is a neighborhood gastropub that serves craft beer, cocktails, and seasonal cuisine made with local ingredients. The menu features dishes like smoked brisket mac and cheese, elk burger, and fried chicken sandwich.
Famous street stalls in Boise
While Boise may not have a reputation for street stalls, there are still a few famous food vendors that operate out of food trucks or trailers. Here are some of the best street stalls in Boise:
Mad Mac: Mad Mac is a food truck that serves gourmet macaroni and cheese. Their menu features classic mac and cheese, as well as creative variations like lobster mac and cheese, buffalo chicken mac and cheese, and mac and cheese topped with pulled pork.
Boise’s Best Kettle Korn: Boise’s Best Kettle Korn is a food vendor that serves freshly popped kettle corn. They offer a variety of flavors, including traditional kettle corn, caramel corn, and cheddar cheese corn.
RiceWorks: RiceWorks is a food truck that serves Asian-inspired rice bowls. Their menu features dishes like Korean barbecue beef, chicken teriyaki, and Thai green curry. They also offer vegetarian and gluten-free options.
The Funky Taco: The Funky Taco is a food truck that serves creative tacos and other Mexican-inspired dishes. Their menu features tacos filled with Korean barbecue pork, jerk chicken, and tempura-fried avocado.
P. Ditty’s Wrap Wagon: P. Ditty’s Wrap Wagon is a food truck that serves wraps and sandwiches. Their menu features items like grilled chicken wraps, BLT sandwiches, and turkey and bacon melts.
These street stalls are often found at local events and festivals, so be sure to check out Boise’s events calendar to find out where and when they’ll be operating.
Where to stay in Boise
Luxury accommodation
Boise offers a variety of luxury accommodations, including hotels and resorts. Here are some of the best options for luxury accommodation in Boise:
Inn at 500 Capitol: The Inn at 500 Capitol is a boutique hotel located in the heart of downtown Boise. The hotel features 110 rooms and suites, each with its own unique decor and furnishings. Amenities include a rooftop terrace, complimentary breakfast, and a 24-hour fitness center.
The Grove Hotel: The Grove Hotel is a luxury hotel located in downtown Boise, just steps away from the Boise Centre convention center. The hotel features 250 rooms and suites, each with plush bedding, marble bathrooms, and high-end amenities. Amenities include an indoor pool, spa services, and a fitness center.
Riverside Hotel: The Riverside Hotel is a full-service resort located on the banks of the Boise River. The hotel features 300 rooms and suites, each with a private balcony or patio. Amenities include an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and a full-service spa.
The Modern Hotel: The Modern Hotel is a boutique hotel located in the Linen District of downtown Boise. The hotel features 39 rooms, each with unique artwork and decor. Amenities include a complimentary breakfast, a 24-hour fitness center, and an on-site bar.
Hotel 43: Hotel 43 is a boutique hotel located in the heart of downtown Boise. The hotel features 112 rooms and suites, each with luxury bedding and high-end amenities. Amenities include a 24-hour fitness center, a complimentary breakfast, and an on-site restaurant and lounge.
These luxury accommodations offer a range of amenities and services to ensure a comfortable and memorable stay in Boise.
Where to stay in Boise
Budget accommodation
Boise has a variety of budget-friendly accommodation options for travelers on a budget. Here are some of the best options for budget accommodation in Boise:
Motel 6 Boise: Motel 6 is a budget-friendly motel chain with multiple locations in Boise. Rooms are simple but comfortable, and amenities include free Wi-Fi, cable TV, and free morning coffee. Some locations also offer outdoor pools.
Red Lion Hotel Boise Downtowner: The Red Lion Hotel Boise Downtowner is a budget-friendly hotel located in the heart of downtown Boise. The hotel features 182 rooms and suites, each with a mini-fridge and microwave. Amenities include an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and free Wi-Fi.
Hampton Inn Boise Airport: The Hampton Inn Boise Airport is a budget-friendly hotel located just minutes from the Boise Airport. The hotel features 63 rooms and suites, each with a mini-fridge and microwave. Amenities include a free hot breakfast, an indoor pool, and a fitness center.
Rodeway Inn Boise: The Rodeway Inn Boise is a budget-friendly hotel located just minutes from the Boise Airport. The hotel features 47 rooms and suites, each with a mini-fridge and microwave. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, free continental breakfast, and an outdoor pool.
HI-Boise: HI-Boise is a budget-friendly hostel located in downtown Boise. The hostel features dorm-style rooms as well as private rooms with shared bathrooms. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, a shared kitchen, and a common area with board games and a fireplace.
These budget-friendly accommodation options offer a comfortable stay at an affordable price, allowing travelers to explore Boise without breaking the bank.
Travel Tips Boise
If you’re planning a trip to Boise, here are some travel tips to help you make the most of your visit:
Visit in the summer: The best time to visit Boise is during the summer months (June to August) when the weather is warm and sunny. The city has many outdoor activities and festivals during this time of year.
Rent a bike: Boise has an extensive network of bike trails and bike lanes, making it easy and fun to explore the city on two wheels. There are several bike rental shops throughout the city.
Try the local cuisine: Boise has a thriving food scene with many locally owned restaurants and food trucks. Be sure to try local specialties like finger steaks, huckleberry jam, and Basque cuisine.
Visit the Boise River: The Boise River runs through the heart of the city and offers opportunities for swimming, kayaking, and fishing. There are several parks and green spaces along the river where you can relax and enjoy the scenery.
Check out local events and festivals: Boise has many events and festivals throughout the year, including the Treefort Music Fest, the Boise Art Museum Art in the Park, and the Western Idaho Fair. Be sure to check the city’s event calendar to see what’s happening during your visit.
Take a day trip: Boise is located in the heart of the Treasure Valley, which offers many nearby attractions like the Snake River Canyon, Idaho Wine Country, and the historic town of Idaho City. Consider taking a day trip to explore the surrounding area.
By following these travel tips, you’ll be able to experience the best that Boise has to offer and make the most of your visit to this vibrant city.