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Top Things to Do and See in Boulder

Where to start? You'll want to make time during your stay for these top things to do in Boulder. And they are just the beginning. Explore more with 48 Hours in Boulder or go deeper with our Insider Guides.

  

AB Variation:

Pearl Street

The brick-paved Pearl Street is Boulder's heart and soul — a central gathering place where locals and visitors alike come to stroll and shop among the historic storefronts, dine at buzzed-about restaurants, sip coffee, throw back a microbrew or simply people-watch. If you do only one thing in Boulder, walking this pedestrian mall should probably be it.

Photo by Justin Bilancieri

Pearl Street in the spring

The Flatirons

Boulder's beloved Flatirons — those slanting, massive slabs of sandstone that form Boulder's backdrop from just about any angle — tend to have a slightly mystical effect on visitors. We're willing to bet you'll be drawn to them, and the Chautauqua area affords the best way to get a closer look. Gaze up at them from the hiking area's beautiful meadow, where dozens of trails lead off into the foothills, then hike right up into the Flatirons if you are seeking a bit more exercise and adventure.

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Tree-Hugger Tip

Sticking to the trails prevents harmful erosion and irreversible damage to vegetation and soil. So we ask you to take the road most traveled (much to Robert Frost's dismay).

Hiking Chautauqua Trail

Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse

Unless you've been to Tajikistan, you've probably never seen a teahouse like this one. Handcrafted by artisans in Boulder's sister city of Dushanbe, the structure was shipped piece-by-piece from the Tajikistan city and assembled in Boulder. It is an inviting and peaceful place to enjoy one of dozens of types of teas and a bite to eat while taking in the vibrant carvings and paintings that cover every inch of the interior.

Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse

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A Coffee Mecca

Boulder was recently named one of America's hottest up-and-coming coffee cultures by Expedia and falls just barely behind Seattle for coffee shops per capita. Check out our Coffee Crawl to see Boulder's 50+ indie coffee shops all on one map.

Celestial Seasonings

Get an up-close look at how the largest tea manufacturer in North America blends ingredients into some of the country's most beloved teas (Sleepytime tea, anyone?). Take a stroll through the production floor to see how teas are blended and packaged from start to finish. Make a stop at the famous Mint Room, taste any of the 90-plus teas and view the paintings that grace the front of the tea boxes in the art gallery. Celestial Seasonings was named one of the country's best food factory tours by USA TODAY's Readers' Choice. Tours are 45 minutes, $5 and take place Tuesday-Saturday.

Celestial Seasonings

Boulder Theater

The historic Boulder Theater has been a stage for music and film since 1906, though in various incarnations. Today, the theater's art deco facade and neon marquee are almost as iconic to Boulder as the Flatirons. And from big-name musical acts like The Lumineers and Brandi Carlile to local faves such as Big Head Todd and the Monsters and The Samples, the Boulder Theater has put on some of the finest shows in Boulder's history.

The famous Boulder Theater marquee

Boulder Farmers Market

The Boulder Farmers Market is the perfect way to experience Boulder like a local. Established in 1986 by a handful of local farmers looking to sell farm-fresh produce directly to the public, the market is a growers-only outlet. Shoppers are guaranteed the best selection of locally grown, seasonal produce, eggs, cheeses, meats, herbs, flowers, wines and gourmet food products available in Boulder County. Open Wednesdays 3:30-7:30pm, May–October and Saturdays 8am–2pm, April through November.

The Boulder Farmers Market is a local growers-only market

University of Colorado Boulder

Architecturally stunning and full of lovely gathering spaces, the CU campus is worth a stroll through just to admire the setting. But there are also a few attractions that are worthy of your can't-miss list, too: Old Main (the school's original building dating back to 1876), Mary Rippon Theatre (home stage for the Colorado Shakespeare Festival), Macky Auditorium and Fiske Planetarium being chiefly among them. Here's a guide for Things to Do at CU.

The University of Colorado with a scenic mountain view

Museum of Boulder

Want to see Boulder through a local lens? Make the Museum of Boulder one of your first stops and you'll fully understand how Boulder became the outdoor-lovin', health-obsessed, eco-conscious and tech-savvy city it is today. And you'll learn it all through fun, interactive exhibits. An innovative space that's also dedicated to hosting popular traveling exhibitions, art shows and events, it's best to carve out a couple of hours to see it all. (And don't miss the rooftop, which has some of the best views of the Flatirons around.)

The Museum of Boulder's Boulder Experience gallery

E-Bike Tour of Boulder

If you’ve never tried an e-bike, you’re in for a treat. You'll feel like a superhero zooming up hills with the greatest of ease. In our e-biking guide, find a selection of fun tours on topics ranging from Boulder's history to its vibrant murals. Not the tour type? You can also rent a bike and find an e-bike-friendly route to ride in Boulder, a famously bike-friendly city with a huge network of bike paths and bike lanes.

Photo by Gwen Gray

A tour of Boulder on electric bikes

This list barely scratches the surface of all the things Boulder has to offer. Check out our Things to Do section for more ideas, and be sure to sign up for our visitor newsletter to hear the latest and greatest.