Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Boulder?

Should you spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Boulder?

Most people spend two to three days in Boulder during their visit. The nature-filled city offers amazing highlights such as the hiking, the cuisine, the nightlife scene, and the gorgeous scenery.

Boulder is located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and it is a very progressive, bike-friendly university town. It offers easy access to outdoor sports including rock climbing, kayaking, and hiking. There are many hiking trails in the area and the university keeps the population young and energetic.

Do you have one or two days to visit Boulder? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.

Is one day enough time in Boulder?

Boulder, a small city offering numerous sights and attractions, is fairy popular with visitors. Given only one day, you will likely find yourself hurrying to experience the mountain town vibe and surrounding mountains here. You won't want to miss the chance to get out into nature, sample the delicious cuisine, enjoy the evening activities, and take in the beautiful scenery. To truly savor all that the city boasts, a longer amount of time is recommended. Many vacationers opt for two to three days to thoroughly enjoy the mountain vibe of the city. However, if your schedule is tight, we have a handful of recommendations for making the most of your visit.

How to spend a day in Boulder

Known for it's hiking, Boulder sees plenty of visitors looking to get outdoors. Spend a day exploring the natural beauty and scenery on a nearby hike. There are many accessible hikes in the area that take you through the mountains, by wildflowers, or up mountain peaks. Popular hikes that are nearby include the Bear Peak Summit Hike, the trails in Eldorado Canyon State Park, and Boulder Falls.

A few tour suggestions include:

4 Hours Immersive Boulder Flatiron Hike ($80)
Boulder Yoga Hikes ($90)

You can't miss out on tasting the fantastic cuisine at one of the best restaurants in town, so make sure you find somewhere special for lunch or dinner. This is an often overlooked foodie town, with great farmer's markets and restaurants to try. There are many casual places to eat as well as vegetarian and vegan friendly options everywhere.

Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Boulder?

With only a weekend, you might feel a bit pressed for time to explore the mountains and scenic town here. After all, Boulder is a fun city that is somewhat popular with tourists because of its great list of sights and attractions. To fully embrace Boulder, a longer visit is better. Most travelers tend to allocate two to three days to get out into nature, sample the delicious cuisine, enjoy the evening activities, and take in the beautiful scenery. Nevertheless, if your schedule is limited, we can provide some suggestions to maximize your visit.

Boulder, Colorado

How to spend 2 days in Boulder

Having a weekend (two to three days) in Boulder will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the city.

Perhaps the most famous place in Boulder is the Flatirons, so don't miss it. It might not be at the top of your list, but it's worth experiencing during your trip.

This city is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. The town has breweries, craft beer, and plenty to do in the evening. Live music is popular and many venues are smaller with a more personal atmosphere. Check out The Bitter Bar or License No. 1 for a local vibe.

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Boulder, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.