University of Colorado

The picturesque University of Colorado campus spans 786 acres in the heart of Boulder. Visitors are welcome to stroll among its sandstone architecture with red-tiled roofs and idyllic courtyards dotted with ponds and pine trees, all against the backdrop of the Flatirons. And it isn’t just a sight to see — between live theater, music, dance, lectures and sporting events, there’s always something educational and entertaining to experience in this part of town.  

Things to Do

• Cheer on the Buffs at one of their many sporting events, from basketball and volleyball to the ultimate CU sporting experience — cheering on the Buffs football team at Folsom Field. Check out our football game-day guide.

• See live entertainment on campus, from student showcases to world-famous traveling acts. A few must-sees are the Colorado Shakespeare Festival; the dance, classical music, opera and other performances with CU Presents; new and classic films being shown at the International Film Series and more.

• Engage in playful competition at The Connection with bowling, shooting some pool, playing ping pong, renting board games from the front desk or simply relaxing and lounging. Weekly events like karaoke, open mic nights, video game tournaments and trivia nights are also offered.

• Admire historic and contemporary art at the CU Art Museum, featuring an extensive permanent collection of more than 8,000 works and regularly rotating contemporary exhibitions.

• Ponder the universe at Fiske Planetarium, which offers engaging and interactive full-dome films, live talks by leading researchers, and late-night liquid sky and laser shows set to music, with titles like "Laser Gaga," "Laser Floyd" and "Liquid Sky Prince."

• Explore The Hill. Located just across Broadway from the CU campus, The Hill is a neighborhood in its own right but is a natural go-to spot for students, with cafes, bars and live music.  

More Things to Do

The University of Colorado neighborhood offers an incredible selection of museums, attractions, theaters, sporting events and scenery for visitors to enjoy.

Where to Eat

Although on campus you may only find a handful of coffee shops, cafes and food trucks, just across Broadway, The Hill sports a vibrant culinary scene with casual eateries, trendy cafes and diverse international spots.

Where to Stay

CU's campus is centrally located in the heart of Boulder, so almost all of Boulder's hotels are within 5-15 minutes of the university. The hotels listed on our Hotels Near CU page are particularly close — within one mile from the center of the University of Colorado Boulder campus.