10 Best Things to Do in Boise

What is Boise Most Famous For?

The best things to do in Boise introduce you to the exciting capital of Idaho, a city with plenty of history and interesting places to visit. The Idaho State Capitol Building is an architectural marvel, and the Boise Art Museum is an ever-evolving attraction for art lovers.

But to truly experience Boise, visitors need to take advantage of all the outdoor opportunities available in the area. The Greenbelt is a long, winding path that meanders along the Boise River, enticing bird lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. The Idaho Shakespeare Festival offers theater under the stars, and Boise State football games draw thousands to Albertsons Stadium and its famous blue turf.

What are the best things to do in Boise?


Boise Hotels

1. Boise River Greenbelt

Pathway that meanders along the Boise River

Footbridge over Boise River

Categoría: Foto, Económico, De aventura


The Boise River Greenbelt is a tree-lined pathway that follows the Boise River for more than 25 miles. It begins at Lucky Peak Dam, east of Boise, before winding through downtown Boise and the neighboring cities of Garden City and Eagle.

Pedestrians and cyclists are able to see birds and other wildlife on every stretch of the Greenbelt, and there are a number of access points for anglers to fish in the Boise River or nearby ponds. The Greenbelt also traverses through several Boise parks, including 3 of the city’s most popular areas for recreation: Julia Davis Park, Ann Morrison Park, and Kathryn Albertson Park. Other attractions along the Greenbelt include restaurants, museums, and athletic fields.


Horarios: From sunrise to sunset

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Boise River Greenbelt

2. Idaho State Capitol Building

Historic building that serves as the seat of Idaho’s state government

Idaho State Capitol

Categoría: Familias, Económico, Historia


Construction on the Idaho State Capitol Building began in 1905, and for more than 100 years the building has served as the seat of the state’s government. The dome of the state Capitol rises 208 feet into the Boise skyline. The building’s foundation rests on river rock 15 feet below ground, and it is the only state capitol in the United States that is heated by geothermal water.

Most of the capitol’s superstructure is made of sandstone taken from nearby Table Rock, and its color blends into the foothills on the horizon. The Capitol can be visited by guided or self-guided tours.


Ubicación: 700 W Jefferson St, Boise, ID 83702, USA

Horarios: Daily from 8 am to 5 pm

Teléfono: +1 208-332-1012

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Idaho State Capitol Building

700 W Jefferson St, Boise, ID 83702, USA

3. Old Idaho Penitentiary Site

Site of a functioning prison for more than 100 years

Penitentiary museum

Categoría: , Exótico, Historia


The Old Idaho Penitentiary served as a prison from 1872 to 1973. The penitentiary has a storied history worthy of a prison in the Western United States during its time of operation. Hundreds of escapes were attempted, and at least 90 of them were successful. A total of 10 men were executed at the site.

Visitors to the Old Idaho Penitentiary are able to step inside the 4 walls of the prison yard and also imagine a life of confinement while touring the site’s prison cells. The penitentiary is 1 of only 4 territorial prisons open to the public today. Self-guided tours are available during all hours of operation and guided tours are available for a nominal fee.


Ubicación: 2445 Old Penitentiary Rd, Boise, ID 83712, USA

Horarios: Daily from noon to 5 pm

Teléfono: +1 208-334-2844

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Old Idaho Penitentiary Site

2445 Old Penitentiary Rd, Boise, ID 83712, USA

4. North End Neighborhood

An area with shopping, dining, and history

North End in Boise

Categoría: Familias, Ir de compras, Económico


Visiting Boise’s North End can feel a little bit like stepping back in time. The area’s roots date to the 1890s, when Harrison Boulevard was named in honor of the United States’ 23rd president. Many of the city’s most prominent citizens built their homes on Harrison Boulevard in the early 20th century, and a drive down the boulevard today is a spectacle. You’ll see a variety of architectural styles, and the side streets will lead you to more historic homes and churches.

Hyde Park is known as the heart of the North End, and the walkable area features restaurants, shops, and more. Camel’s Back Park, an iconic area for recreation, is a few blocks from Hyde Park.

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North End Neighborhood

5. Boise Art Museum

A museum with culture, classes, and events

Museum in a field of flowers

Categoría: Parejas, Familias


The Boise Art Museum believes the world is a better place with visual arts, and visitors to the museum will agree with that sentiment. The museum opened in 1937, and since then it has been a space for Idahoans and visitors to see local artists, traveling exhibitions, and artwork on loan.

Over the past several decades the Boise Art Museum has hosted exhibits from artists around the world, including local artist James Castle. Each September, the Boise Art Museum hosts Art in the Park, an open-air festival that gives visitors the opportunity to meet more than 200 artists and purchase their works. The 3-day event also has food and hands-on activities for kids.


Ubicación: 670 Julia Davis Dr., Boise, ID 83702, USA

Horarios: Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm, Sunday from noon to 5 pm

Teléfono: +1 208-345-8330

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Boise Art Museum

670 Julia Davis Dr., Boise, ID 83702, USA

6. Idaho Botanical Garden

A place to enjoy nature, concerts, and Christmas lights

Botanical garden

Categoría: Familias, Foto


The Idaho Botanical Garden was established in 1984 on a 42-acre site in the Old Penitentiary District. A visit to the Idaho Botanical Garden can be both refreshing and educational. The gardens have a number of different themes, from an Idaho Native Plant Collection to a Children’s Garden to a Firewise Garden. Tours, classes, and workshops are available.

Winter Garden aGlow has been a holiday tradition for Idaho families for years, and visitors are treated to sparkling, glowing lights throughout the grounds. But Idaho Botanical Garden keeps things interesting throughout the year with a variety of events from its spring plant sale to its summer concert series at Outlaw Field.


Ubicación: 2355 N Old Penitentiary Rd, Boise, ID 83712, USA

Horarios: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm

Teléfono: +1 208-343-8649

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Idaho Botanical Garden

2355 N Old Penitentiary Rd, Boise, ID 83712, USA

7. Idaho Shakespeare Festival

An outdoor theater experience

Actor in Shakespeare play

Categoría: , , Foto, Exótico


An evening spent at the Idaho Shakespeare Festival is a chance to exercise all of your senses. Breathe in the air and you might smell the clear waters of the nearby Boise River or perhaps take in the aromas of the assorted meals that people have brought in for picnicking, a Shakespeare Festival tradition. Look around as you arrive, and you might see deer, heron, ducks, geese, and other wildlife on the festival grounds. Listen carefully, and you may hear the songs of water birds.

And then there’s the performances on the stage. Expect to be wowed with song and dance, or perhaps you’ll experience a pitch-perfect performance of a classic Shakespeare play.


Ubicación: 5657 E Warm Springs Ave, Boise, ID 83716, USA

Teléfono: +1 208-336-9221

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Idaho Shakespeare Festival

5657 E Warm Springs Ave, Boise, ID 83716, USA

8. Boise Trolley Tours

A vintage trolley with seasonal tours

A vintage trolley

Categoría: Familias, Foto, Historia


Take a seat aboard Miss Molly, Boise Trolley Tours’ vintage trolley, and settle in for a tour through a variety of Boise neighborhoods. The downtown Historical Tour includes the Idaho State Capitol, the Basque Block, Hyde Park, Harrison Boulevard, and some of the other more noteworthy sights that visitors will want to check out.

In October, get your spook on and enjoy a Haunted Halloween Tour. The Oct. 31 tour is for adults only and includes wine and sandwiches. In December, the trolley begins its Holiday Lights Tour, which visits some of the more extravagantly decorated houses in the Boise area. Miss Molly can also be rented for weddings, parties, and corporate events.


Ubicación: 1800 Fairview Ave, Boise, ID 83702, USA

Horarios: Monday–Friday from 11 am to 5 pm, Saturday–Sunday from 2 pm to 5 pm

Teléfono: +1 208-433-0849

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Boise Trolley Tours

1800 Fairview Ave, Boise, ID 83702, USA

9. Freak Alley

Artwork in an urban setting in downtown Boise

Art depicting two guitars

Categoría: , Exótico, Foto, Parejas


The vibrant Freak Alley is the Northwest’s largest open-air, multi-artist gallery. Freak Alley has grown organically over the years. It started with a drawing on the doorway of a local cafe and has expanded over the years to its current state: murals and graffiti-inspired artwork that fills the alley between 8th and 9th streets and Bannock and Idaho streets in the heart of downtown Boise.

Artists add new works to Freak Alley every year, so the viewing experience is constantly growing and changing. As you walk through Freak Alley you can expect vibrant colors and plenty of whimsy, with some serious statements mixed in.


Ubicación: 210 N 9th St, Boise, ID 83702, USA

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Freak Alley

210 N 9th St, Boise, ID 83702, USA

10. Boise State Football Game

Football on the Broncos’ famous blue turf

American football field with blue turf

Categoría: Foto, , , Familias, Parejas


Boise State football games at Albertson Stadium have become major events in Boise. The Broncos won a national championship (I-AA) in 1980, and they have ridden a wave of success ever since. Albertson Stadium is well known for its blue playing surface, which was installed in 1986.

Kellen Moore played for the Broncos from 2008 to 2011, and he became the first quarterback in FBS history to win 50 games in his career. This unprecedented success led to stadium expansions and attendance records. Albertsons Stadium has a total seating capacity of 36,387, and tailgaters surround the stadium for hours before, during, and after games, making Boise State football games a full-day experience.


Ubicación: 1400 Bronco Ln, Boise, ID 83706, USA

Teléfono: +1 208-426-4737

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Boise State Football Game

1400 Bronco Ln, Boise, ID 83706, USA

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