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29 hand-picked places in 10 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.

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10 places on the map

Top 10

  1. 1

    Pedestrian heart of Boulder with shops, cafés and street performers.

    • Tip: At night
    3 tips
    • Buskers perform most summer evenings
    • Free kids' play rocks near 14th St
    • Great for people-watching on a patio
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  2. 2

    Historic park at the foot of the Flatirons, start of many trails.

    • Tip: Go early
    2 tips
    • Take the free Park to Park shuttle
    • Summer concerts in the old auditorium
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  3. 3

    Iconic slanted sandstone slabs rising above the city.

    • Tip: Go early
    2 tips
    • Hike from Chautauqua to the First Flatiron
    • Carry plenty of water at altitude
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  4. 4

    Ornate hand-carved teahouse gifted by Boulder's sister city in Tajikistan.

    • Tip: Book ahead
    2 tips
    • Try the afternoon tea service
    • Admire the painted ceiling inside
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  5. 5

    Leafy campus quad framed by red-roofed sandstone buildings.

    3 tips
    • Campus is free to wander
    • Visit in autumn for golden trees
    • Mountain views from the quad
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  6. 6

    Mountain road and trails with panoramic city and plains views.

    • Tip: Sunset
    3 tips
    • Non-residents need a parking permit
    • Sunrise Amphitheater is a classic spot
    • Great at sunset
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  7. 7

    I.M. Pei research building with free climate exhibits and views.

    3 tips
    • Free admission and parking
    • Walter Orr Roberts trail starts here
    • Check open hours before visiting
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  8. 8

    Dramatic canyon famed for rock climbing and creekside hikes.

    3 tips
    • Entry fee per vehicle, timed entry in summer
    • Watch climbers on the walls
    • Fowler Trail is easy and scenic
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  9. 9

    Beloved open-air market with local produce and food stalls.

    • Tip: Go early
    2 tips
    • Saturdays April-November
    • Food stalls make a great lunch
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  10. 10

    Paved path along the creek through the city, great for walking or biking.

    3 tips
    • Tubing is popular in summer
    • Rent bikes nearby
    • Path continues into Boulder Canyon
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Before you go: Boulder tips

Transportation

  • Ride RTD buses: Local routes like the SKIP along Broadway cross Boulder, and the FF lines run to Denver; pay with a MyRide card or RTD's mobile ticketing app.
  • Take the AB1 from the airport: The RTD AB1 bus links Denver International Airport with downtown Boulder, a cheaper option than shuttles or taxis.
  • Cycle the Boulder Creek Path: Boulder is one of the most bike-friendly US cities; the Boulder Creek Path runs right through town and rentals are easy to find.

Security

  • Respect the altitude: Boulder sits at about 1,650 metres; drink plenty of water, go easy on alcohol and pace yourself on hikes for the first days.
  • Beat the afternoon storms: In summer, thunderstorms often build over the Flatirons by afternoon; start hikes early and leave exposed ridges before lightning.
  • Be wildlife aware: Mountain lions and black bears live in the foothills around Boulder; stay on trails, keep dogs leashed and never leave food out.

Saving

  • Use free trails: Boulder's Open Space and Mountain Parks offer miles of free hiking, from Chautauqua to Mount Sanitas, with no entry fee for walkers.
  • Shop the farmers market: The Boulder County Farmers Market near Central Park runs on Saturdays in season, great for an affordable lunch and local produce.
  • Hit happy hour: Many bars and restaurants on and around Pearl Street run late-afternoon happy hours with cheaper drinks and small plates.

Weather/Clothing

  • Layer for big swings: Boulder can swing from warm afternoons to chilly evenings, even in summer; always carry a fleece or light jacket.
  • Expect sunny winters: Winter snowstorms are often followed by bright days that melt snow fast; pack waterproof boots and sunglasses.
  • Pack strong sun protection: At altitude the sun is intense year-round; wear sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses on trails like the Royal Arch hike.

Cultural

  • Embrace the outdoor culture: Locals live in hiking and running gear, and casual dress is accepted almost everywhere, even at nicer restaurants.
  • Enjoy Pearl Street Mall: The pedestrian Pearl Street Mall is Boulder's heart, with street performers, local shops and cafes; tip performers if you stop to watch.
  • Tip properly: In Boulder's restaurants and bars, tipping around 18 to 20 percent of the bill is expected, as service staff rely on tips.

Local Hacks

  • Visit the Dushanbe Teahouse: This ornate teahouse, a gift from Boulder's sister city in Tajikistan, is a unique spot for tea or brunch.
  • Catch sunset on Flagstaff: Drive or hike up Flagstaff Mountain for sweeping views over Boulder and the plains, especially at sunset.
  • Go early to Chautauqua: Arrive before mid-morning for parking and cooler trails at Chautauqua Park, the gateway to the Flatirons.

1-day itineraries in Boulder

Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.

Day 1 of 2

Boulder County Farmers Market and around

🕘 9:30–17:00📍 5 stops

  1. 1Boulder County Farmers Market
  2. 2Boulder Creek Path
  3. 3Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art
  4. 4Pearl Street Mall
  5. 5Museum of Boulder
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Day 2 of 2

University of Colorado Boulder - Norlin Quad and around

🕘 9:30–17:45📍 5 stops

  1. 1University of Colorado Boulder - Norlin Quad
  2. 2CU Museum of Natural History
  3. 3CU Art Museum
  4. 4Chautauqua Park
  5. 5Flagstaff Mountain
See the day →

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