Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Boulder?

Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Boulder?

Most people spend two to three days in Boulder during their visit. The biker-friendly 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 3, 4, or 5 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 3 days enough time in Boulder?

Boulder, a small city offering numerous sights and attractions, is fairy popular with visitors. Three days is just the right amount of time to see pretty much everything in Boulder. Most visitors prefer to spend two to three days here, and we have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting such as exploring the town and the surrounding mountains. Also, Boulder is popular with students which enjoy visiting because the city offers activities specifically for them.

How to spend 3 days 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 ($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.

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.

Shopping in Boulder is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. The downtown area has many local retailers where you can shop for clothing, art, or home goods. You can also pick up outdoor gear, camping equipment, and any other items you may need in town. Make sure you wander down the pedestrian-friendly Pearl Street Mall.

Boulder is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. The city is surrounded by beautiful mountains and breathtaking landscapes. Many people move here specifically for the surrounding natural beauty.

A few tour suggestions include:

Boulder Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game ($25)

Is 4 days enough time in Boulder?

Four days is more than sufficient for an in-depth trip to Boulder, giving you the freedom to set your own pace while you explore the town and surrounding mountains. Enjoy the chance to get out into nature, sample the delicious cuisine, enjoy the evening activities, and take in the beautiful scenery on your own schedule. Then, unwind at your hotel, take on some extra hikes, or use Boulder as a hub for some nice day trips to nearby towns.

Boulder, Colorado

How to spend 4 days in Boulder

Having 4 days in Boulder will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the city.

After you've explored most of Boulder, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.

Live music is very popular in Boulder, so make sure you spend the evening exploring some of the more popular venues. During the summer months there are often outdoor concerts. Head to Pearl Street for open air stages or see a concert at Boulder Theater.

Is 5 days enough time in Boulder?

Five days is more than enough time to see everything that Boulder has to offer such as the scenic town and gorgeous mountains. Many visitors prefer to spend two to three days here, so you'll be able to take in all of the hiking, the cuisine, the nightlife scene, and the gorgeous scenery at your own pace. We have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting, especially for students. You can also take a day trip to nearby mountain towns if you're looking to explore further around the area.

How to spend 5 days in Boulder

With 5 days in Boulder, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the city has to offer.

With plenty of hiking trails and viewpoints around Boulder, you'll need another day to experience the gorgeous hiking trails that you haven't seen yet. Either head out in a different direction, or pick up where you left off before.

More Info

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