Are you thinking about visiting Boise, Idaho? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Boise worth visiting?
Yes, it's worth visiting this city for one to two days because of the many great activities. Boise is the capital of the state of Idaho. It is a cultural city with a good number of museums and many nice outdoor spaces. The city offers visitors the opportunity to explore a relaxing and laid back destination that is often overlooked by travelers.
Boise, Idaho
Reasons to Visit Boise
Museums
As the state capital, there's a nice selection of local museums around town. Favorites include the Boise Art Museum, the Basque Museum & Cultural Center, the Idaho Black History Museum, and Discovery Center.
Nightlife
In downtown Boise you'll find a selection of bars, lounges, and breweries. There's enough around town to keep the nightlife scene interesting.
Shopping
You'll find a mix of local boutiques, independent vendors, and suburban shopping centers where you'll find anything that you might need.
Authenticity
Boise has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.
Things to Consider Before Visiting Boise
Food: Boise doesn't top the list for most foodies. While Idaho has long been associated with the potato, the locals usually think of "finger steaks" when describing local food. These are deep-friend beef strips that are as good as they sound.
Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Boise might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Boise here or see if Boise is expensive here.
Related
What is Boise most famous for?
Boise is most famous for its many outdoor and recreational activities. People visit this impressive city for its great museums, nightlife, and shopping. It is often described as friendly, welcoming, and authentic.
What is the most famous sight in Boise?
The most popular sight in Boise is the Idaho State Capitol Building. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Boise on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for the Idaho State Capitol Building and other attractions here.
How touristy is Boise? Is it a popular city to visit?
Boise is an off-the-beaten-path city that many travelers overlook. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Hells Canyon Kirkwood Jet Boat Tour near Boise, Idaho: $218
- Boise Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Boise by 3Quest Challenge: $10
- Boise Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $13
- A Macabre History of Boise Walking Tour: $25
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure Self-Guided City Game: $10
- Boise Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $13
How long should I spend in Boise?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Boise is one to two days. Since Boise has activities such as shopping, museums, and nightlife, most people visit for up to two days.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Boise? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Boise?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.