Boise
The charming city of Boise in Idaho is a fantastic mix of nature, outdoor pursuits, history and lovely architecture. Definitely a place to pay a visit.
Boise in a nutshell
The perfect city to head for if you’re an adventure seeker, according to National Geographic, Boise in the Rocky Mountains offers a vast expanse of parks, a busy downtown area, great sport offerings, dining, entertainment and shopping.
It’s a great city to visit in the American West and offers every outdoor activity imaginable, from climbing, trout fishing and hiking in the Boise River Greenbelt in summer to great skiing opportunities at nearby Bogus Basin through the winter months.
The capital of Idaho, Boise is part of the famous Oregon Trail, forged by pioneers in the early 19th century. The city is also home to a community of Basque immigrants who have left a stunning mark on the city’s traditions and cuisine.
Historic sights abound, including the Old Penitentiary and historic Boise Depot train station.
The modern part of the city is the area’s artistic heart, evident in the magnificent Boise Art Museum and numerous art galleries filled with creative contemporary artworks.
And then there are the Rockies… Boise is the ideal base from which to ski and explore these iconic mountains.
Come and experience Boise’s frontier charm and wonderful natural wilderness areas, stay to savour its superb cuisine in a selection of superb restaurants and soak up the unique blend of American and Basque culture. Boise is truly a delight.
Best time to visit: You can visit year-round, thanks to stunning sports activities both summer and winter. Best times to visit are in the shoulder seasons – spring (May and June) for summer adventure activities and before the ski season gets too busy, from early December. Fall (September to November) is another shoulder season when prices are less expensive.
Best Area for Sightseeing: Idaho is better-known for its range of outdoor activities, but there are some sights to see. For a list of these, read Things to do in Boise below.
Shopping in Boise: You can pick up some great clothing here as well as potato-themed souvenirs, particularly around Boise Towne Square, Broad Street in BoDo and the Eighth Street Marketplace. For great produce, head for the Saturday farmer’s market on Fulton and 8th.
Food & Restaurants in Boise: Sample traditional Basque dishes at the authentic Basque Market. The city is full of excellent gourmet bistros to enjoy, offering a variety of cuisines as well as casual pubs with hearty food. For a real taste of the city, book a food tour where knowledgeable guides give you an insight into what and where to eat.
Nightlife: Downtown Boise is a hive of activity at night, with a lively music scene and lots of nightclubs and other venues offering live entertainment and concerts. The town’s downtown distillery and selection of breweries make it a great spot for sampling unique brews and craft cocktails. There’s also a late-night happy hour from 10pm.
Things to do in Boise:
- Discover the city’s fascinating penitentiary history at the Old Idaho Penitentiary Site.
- Learn all about Boise’s strong links to Spain and France’s Basque regions at the Basque Museum.
- Idaho’s State Capitol Building is housed in Boise, its capital. Take a tour through Idaho’s history here.
- The Boise community has its own monument to Anne Frank, which you can visit, the Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial: Hope for Humanity. (Anne Frank hid in Amsterdam from the Nazis and wrote a legendary diary before she was killed.)
- Immerse yourself in nature in the Boise River Greenbelt.
- Enjoy adventure sports year-round, including mountain climbing, hiking and fishing in the summer and superb skiing in the winter months.
Best way to get around: Boise is easy to get around, by taxi, bus and car.
Best Area for Families: Downtown Boise BoDo as Downtown Boise is called, is a bustling place, but it’s also home to numerous family-friendly attractions including Boise Zoo, the Discovery Center and the State Capitol. You’ll also find plenty of entertainment and activities at the Boise River waterfront – and there’s a great selection of accommodation here to suit every budget.