A Guide to Boulder’s Neighborhoods

What's the best way to feel like a local and really experience the true Boulder? Discover its neighborhoods. Boulder’s neighborhoods each offer a different flavor, from pizza and rock n’ roll on University Hill to cutting-edge cuisine and burgeoning breweries in East Boulder. 

Downtown Boulder
The Hill
Chautauqua 
Twenty Ninth Street
South Boulder
North Boulder
Gunbarrel
Central Boulder
Old North Boulder 
East Boulder
University of Colorado

Tip: You’ll notice that all the business listings across this website can be sorted by these same neighborhoods. Just select the “Location” drop-down to filter by a neighborhood of your choice. 

Downtown Boulder

Downtown is the always-lively heart and soul of Boulder, which centers around historic Pearl Street. This brick-paved pedestrian walkway is lined with independently owned shops, acclaimed restaurants and distinctive Victorian-era architecture. The shopping and dining continue on Pearl East and Pearl West, plus a few blocks to the north and south of Pearl. It’s where visitors come to stroll, tech startups come to work, farmers come to sell their bounty at the Boulder Farmers Market and Boulder locals gather for great events and entertainment.

3 Things to Do:

• Watch live street performers on Pearl Street — or simply people-watch from a shady bench
• Snap pics of the iconic Boulder Theater marquee 
• Admire Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse’s spectacular architecture

The Hill

University Hill — more commonly referred to as simply “The Hill” — is just up a (you guessed it) hill from downtown. As the neighborhood across the street from CU’s campus, it is a hub of social activity for students and those who come to enjoy great food, drinks and live music. 

3 Things to Do:

• Catch a concert at the Fox Theatre, named by Rolling Stone magazine as one of the best live music venues in the country
• Indulge in a plate of paella at Café Aion or “ugly crust” pizza at The Sink
• Settle into a booth at the sleekly styled Alpine Modern Café for a latte and avocado toast

Chautauqua 

The Chautauqua district is located at the base of Boulder's Flatirons and is one of the most scenic and popular destinations in town. This historic area of Boulder centers around the Colorado Chautauqua, founded in 1898 as part of a national series of cultural and educational summer retreats to which orators, performers and educators traveled, bringing lectures, performances, concerts, classes and exhibitions to the public. Today, people visit for the natural lands, a sprawling park, rental cottages, performance venues and an esteemed restaurant.

3 Things to Do:

• See the Flatirons, the iconic slanting rock formations that make Boulder…Boulder! Hike from Chautauqua Trailhead, snap pics or admire from a picnic blanket spread out on Chautauqua Park
• Have brunch on Chautauqua Dining Hall’s beautiful veranda 
• Come for an evening at the Chautauqua Auditorium, built in 1898, and hear famous singer-songwriters perform, watch a silent film — or spend a few days during the esteemed Colorado Music Festival

Twenty Ninth Street

A retail district with killer mountain views, this is where you’ll want to head for brand-name shopping, dining and entertainment, all centered around the open-air Twenty Ninth Street shopping center. Summertime also brings in crowds for outdoor concerts during the Twenty Ninth Street Live music series.

3 Things to Do:

• Shop til you drop at Twenty Ninth Street shopping mall. There’s Apple, Anthropologie, Lululemon, Madewell, H&M and soooo much more
• Get picnic fixin’s at Trader Joe’s
• See a movie at Century Theatres

South Boulder

A residential district with a big heart, denizens of South Boulder are loyal to its laid-back lifestyle, easy access to trails and esteemed national laboratories. The neighborhood is nestled into the foothills, with beautiful lands to explore.

3 Things to Do:

• Grab a beer and some gourmet grub at Southern Sun
• Meander around the scenic Viele Lake or play a round of disc golf at Harlow Platts Community Park
• Hike the lovely Shanahan Ridge Trail through pine forests and rocky outcroppings

North Boulder

Once an industrial zone, NoBo is quickly becoming a new hangout for young families, artists and fledgling businesses — from breweries and wineries to importers of artisan goods. Rapid growth means plenty of good restaurants to choose from, plus a chance to see Boulder’s up-and-coming artists in action.

3 Things to Do:

• Take part in the First Friday Art Walk and meet the rising artists of North Boulder
• Sample libations at a winery, a cidery and brewery right next door to one another: BookCiiff Vineyards, BOCO Cider and Upslope Brewing
• Stroll the perimeter of shimmering Wonderland Lake and take in views of the foothills 

Gunbarrel

Removed from the hubbub of central Boulder, the northeast neighborhood outpost is teeming with things to see and do, making it a worthwhile destination for a day or half a day. You’ll drive past the beautiful Boulder Reservoir and watch lush farmland roll by your window on the way to several top attractions.

3 Things to Do:

• Explore Gunbarrel's exploding brewery scene at Avery Brewing and Asher Brewing 
• Take a stroll around peaceful Twin Lakes
• Grab a 100% organic, fair-trade coffee from Ampersand Coffee Roasters

Central Boulder

Geographically central to the rest of Boulder, this area is close to just about everything and is a frequent hub of activity for visitors who will find hotels, cultural institutions and venerable restaurants. 

3 Things to Do:

• Visit the Dairy Arts Center to explore the latest gallery exhibitions or to catch a dance or theater performance by one of 11 resident companies
• Stop in the much-loved McGuckin Hardware and find the gadget you didn’t know you needed
• Have a to-die-for breakfast at The Buff or crispy empanadas at Rincon Argentino

Old North Boulder 

A small enclave just north of downtown, Old North Boulder is characterized by mid-century modern homes, urban farms and the distinctive wavy roofline of the Ideal Broadway Shops and Community Plaza Shopping Center. You’ll find yourself right at home among locals here by grabbing a bite to eat, a cup of tea or browsing a handful of gift shops. 

3 Things to Do:

• Stop by Growing Gardens for a free tour (by appointment) or dig-your-own irises at the urban Long’s Gardens
• Run and play at North Boulder Park, which sports a fantastic Flatirons view
• Grab a delicious pastry from Breadworks Bakery & Cafe or an ice cream cone in flavors like Oatmeal Cookie or OZO Coffee at Sweet Cow creamery

East Boulder

We’ve heard this area called the “Brooklyn of Boulder” and think that’s pretty apt. With slightly lower real estate prices, there’s a growing tech industry here, which helps fuel progressive, chef-driven restaurants, plus coffee shops, breweries, a record shop and access via winding bike trails.

3 Things to Do:

• Dine at a Top Chef champion’s restaurant: Blackbelly Market
• Sample freshly crafted beers at Upslope or VisionQuest
• Dance the night away at DV8 Distillery, a place for "friends, freaks and lusty libations."

University of Colorado

Since it was founded in 1876, the University of Colorado Boulder has shaped Boulder’s cultural identity as a progressive, forward-thinking city. Today, its beautiful campus covers 786 acres, and visitors are welcome to stroll among its signature Tuscan Vernacular Revival buildings, sprawling greens and tree-shaded alcoves. See beautiful Old Main, the college’s original structure; Macky Auditorium, where discussions, readings, opera, theater, music and dance performances happen year-round; and pop into the University Memorial Center or Center for Community for a bite to eat.

3 Things to Do:

• Visit the CU Art Museum or the CU Museum of Natural History
• Stroll over to Varsity Bridge, a lovely and peaceful photo op
• Recline and be mesmerized by a laser or star show at Fiske Planetarium

See the complete list of Things to Do at CU.