Historic Downtown
/ Places to Visit / Downtowns / Burlington
Vibrant. Welcoming. Innovative.
Burlington, Vermont
Vermont’s biggest city, Burlington makes an ideal destination for those looking for an urban vacation set among mountains with a lakefront view. Easily walkable and bikeable, the city is home to USA Today’s 2022 No. 1 public square in America.
Top Attractions
An outdoor mall, a museum celebrating the Lake Champlain ecosystem with lots to do for the whole family, and a vibrant arts scene, including 150,000 pieces of exhibited Americana, outline a trip to Burlington. Round out your visit with scenic cycling and walking, Vermont’s premier comedy club, and a dinner cruise on the “sixth great lake.”
Waterfront Park
A large public park near the shore of Lake Champlain which hosts many music and food festivals and offers walking, biking, and views.
The Flynn
Burlington’s “Wonder Theatre” was established in 1930 as a state-of-the-art vaudeville and motion pictures venue.
Pine Street
The Pine Street Historic District hosts local businesses and restaurants with a fun, artistic vibe.
Church Street Marketplace
With more than 100 shops and restaurants, this outdoor mall was named No. 1 Public Square in America in 2022 by USA Today.
Echo Leahy Center for Lake Champlain
Learn about the species that call Lake Champlain home and efforts to conserve this natural ecosystem.
Read More about Echo Leahy Center for Lake ChamplainRead More
Spirit of Ethan Allen Cruises
See Burlington from the water on a dinner cruise or evening event.
Fleming Museum of Art
More than 24,000 collected pieces take viewers on an exploration of art and anthropology.
Vermont Comedy Club
A locally owned performing arts venue featuring standup, improv and sketch comedy.
Old North End
Burlington’s Old North End is home to diverse local food and small business offerings with a “melting pot” vibe.
Burlington Bike Path
Packed gravel on a narrow causeway takes riders, walkers, or wheelchair users across Lake Champlain, with a bike ferry to South Hero.
Oakledge Park
Two beach areas, two shelters, a playground, and an accessible treehouse make this park unique.
North Beach
Food concessions, lifeguards, and a playground make Burlington’s largest beach a summertime haven.
Red Rocks Park
100 acres with waterfront, a designated swimming area, miles of pedestrian trails, and scenic overlooks await.
A_Dog Skate Park
A world-class skate park accessible from the Burlington Bike Path.
Lake Champlain Chocolates
Sample Vermont-made chocolate, ice cream, and milkshakes and see it being made.
Shelburne Museum
More than 150,000 exhibited works span 39 historic buildings on the museum’s expansive grounds.
“Reverence” – Whales Tails
A tribute to the whale bones found in Vermont, this public art installation highlights Lake Champlain’s history.
Explore Downtown
Find summer in Burlington between the water, the mountains, and the sky, where people come together to enjoy long days, warm, sunny weather, and close access to outdoor recreation.
Attraction Spotlight
Church Street Marketplace
With more than 100 shops and restaurants, this outdoor mall was named No. 1 Public Square in America in 2022 by USA Today. A walk down Church Street draws the eye in every direction as murals add character to historic architecture, local performers entertain with live music, and the immersive atmosphere invites you to stay all day.
Event Spotlight
Burlington Discover Jazz Festival
Annually in June
Celebrate 40 years of outdoor jazz in this citywide festival with performances and jam sessions to be found everywhere.
Itineraries
72 Hours in the Lake Champlain Valley
The Lake Champlain Valley cradles the shore of Lake Champlain, and with every season, the landscape transforms, showcasing local character. Diverse experiences abound, including riding your bike or walking across Lake Champlain, picking your own produce at farm markets, and a vibrant performing arts scene.
72 Hours in The Champlain Valleyabout 72 Hours in the Lake Champlain Valley
Winter in and Around Burlington
With five ski areas within an hour’s drive and a historic downtown stacked with live events, local and inventive dining, and independent shops, Burlington is a winter destination.
Further Reading
Read More about Three Days in Northern Vermont
Itinerary
Three Days in Northern Vermont
From bustling downtown Burlington to the rugged outdoors of the Northeast Kingdom, follow this three-day itinerary for an authentic feel of Northern Vermont.
Read More about A Long Weekend in Burlington
Itinerary
A Long Weekend in Burlington
A train trip to Burlington includes shopping and dining at Church Street Marketplace, named the nation’s No. 1 public square, Sunday brunch, and beautiful lake views.
Read More about Gift Shopping in Burlington
Gift Shopping in Burlington
Explore Burlington’s vintage shops for a one-of-a-kind gift shopping experience for everyone on your list.
Read More about Get Out on the Water at Burlington Surf Club
Get Out on the Water at Burlington Surf Club
Beat the heat at Burlington Surf Club with a paddleboard rental, kitesurfing lesson, or even an open-air yoga class.
Eat, Shop, and Stay in Burlington
Dining
Dining
Shopping
Shopping
Lodging
Lodging
Transportation Options
For Burlington
1 Main Street
Burlington, VT
1200 Airport Drive
S. Burlington, VT
Local Transportation
- Car Rental services: Enterprise, Hertz
- Taxi Service and/or Rideshare: Uber, Lyft, Burlington Taxi, 89 Taxi, AA Transportation, Future Cab
- Bus services: Greyhound, Green Mountain Transit
Discover More
Trip planning resources with Burlington’s local downtown organization, Hello Burlington.
