Your guide to Boise

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Travellers and cabin class, 1 Adult, Economy

Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, Idaho’s capital mixes rugged frontier charm with a love for 21st-century amenities. Hiking trails, riverfront promenades, nature reserves and ski slopes invite you to get outdoors year-round. Boise promises culture in mountain-sized doses too. Discover it in the city’s Basque-inspired food, at emerging wineries and in independent galleries. Our Boise travel guide covers it all.

Warren Lassen

Boise highlights

Urban greenspace

No trip to Boise is complete without exploring the Boise River Greenbelt. Its vast network of scenic pathways links hundreds of hectares of parkland. Whether by foot or bike, in summer or winter, it’s the perfect way to enjoy the outdoors just steps from downtown. Cafes and breweries serve culinary delights, while Boise Art Museum and Boise History Museum offer culture in abundance.

Basque traditions

Idaho is home to America’s largest Basque population, and their unique customs are evident around the Basque Block. Learn about the journey from Spain to the American West at the Basque Museum and Cultural Center, located near authentic bars and taverns that serve tapas-like ‘pintxos’ and local cider. Every five years, the Jaialdi festival turns the city into one giant celebration of Basque food, music and sports.

Where to stay

Choose from reliable chain hotels in Downtown and be close to parks, museums, restaurants and everything that makes Boise a loveable city. For proximity to nature and outdoor pursuits, try staying in quieter Southeast Boise. West Boise gives you access to great shopping at Boise Towne Square.

Boise: Know before you go

Language	English
Currency	United States dollar ($)
Time zone	UTC-7 (MST) and UTC-6 (MDT)
High season	June - August
Low season	January - February

Boise CVB

Things to do in Boise

Places to eat

For a true taste of Idaho, order some ‘finger steaks’ — strips of battered beef deep-fried until golden and crispy. Find the dish served with fries and ranch dressing at the city’s steakhouses and pubs. Or embark on a foodie journey from Basque Country and Peru to Nepal and Ethiopia at food trucks, upscale eateries and Boise’s food-themed festivals.

Shopping

Make Boise Towne Square your first port of call for a shopping spree. With over 150 boutiques and major retailers, it’s Idaho’s biggest shopping centre. Browse antique shops, bookstores and second-hand clothing boutiques on the leafy streets of Hyde Park. If it’s local produce and handmade crafts you’re looking for, don’t miss Boise Farmers Market, held on Saturday mornings from April to October.

Nightlife

Being thirsty is a good thing in Boise, home to craft beer bars, natural wine joints and plenty of craft cocktails. Pubs, lounges and speakeasy bars on Main Street promise a lively time any night of the week. Is performing arts more your thing? Find out what’s playing at The Egyptian Theatre and Opera Idaho. Or discover the city’s stand-up scene at local comedy clubs.

FAQs about visiting Boise

What is the coldest month in Boise?

January delivers the coolest conditions when visiting Boise. Go during this time and you'll experience lows of -11°C (12°F).

How expensive is a trip to Boise?

Your city break in Boise can vary in price based on anything from where you stay to your travel dates. To score the best deals on Boise flights and hotels, be flexible with when you go and look out for sales and discounts.

What language is spoken in Boise?

English is what you'll hear in most conversations. From casual greetings to playful local lingo, you'll likely pick up a few new terms during your city break in Boise.

What is the rainiest month in Boise?

With an average rainfall of 60 millimetres, December is the rainiest month to visit Boise. When the weather shifts, venture indoors and enjoy the city's shops, museums, cafes and more.

How many days do you need for a trip to Boise?

In two or three days, you can easily cover the main attractions in Boise. Stay for a week and add year-round recreation at nearby Bogus Basin to your itinerary, or go camping and sandboarding at Bruneau Dunes State Park.

What currency is used in Boise?

You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) while in Boise. As well as your credit and debit cards, consider having some cash handy for things like minor purchases and public transport fares.

What is the hottest month in Boise?

The hottest month in Boise is July, when temperatures reach a maximum of 35ºC (95ºF).

Is it safe to visit Boise?

Low crime rates make Boise one of the safest state capitals in the US. Follow common travel precautions like keeping your belongings secure and staying aware of your surroundings for a trouble-free trip to Boise.

When is the best time to visit Boise?

Book your flights and hotels to Boise between March and May for mild temperatures and near-perfect hiking conditions. The cultural season heats up in summer with events like Boise Music Festival and Idaho Shakespeare Festival. Snow covers the Boise Foothills from November to March, when skiers and snowboarders hit the slopes at Bogus Basin.

Is Boise a good place to visit?

From Idaho State Capitol Building to Old Idaho Penitentiary, this city knows how to keep things interesting. Kick-start your next adventure by making a list of the top things to do in Boise.