Updated · On BootsnAll since 2015 · History
Overview and Things to Consider
Burlington is small - population around 45,000 - but feels like the center of Vermont. The downtown waterfront on Lake Champlain has parks, restaurants and views. The University of Vermont gives it youth and progressive energy. The food scene is excellent, built on local farms, craft beer and thoughtful restaurants. Outdoor recreation is right there. Fall foliage season brings crowds along with the color, and winter brings skiing at nearby Stowe Mountain Resort (45 minutes). The progressive politics and indie culture are real - this is Bernie Sanders' Vermont capital.
Getting There and Around
Burlington International Airport (BTV) connects to major cities. Downtown is compact and walkable, and walking is the best way to see it, so you don't need a rental car for the city. To get beyond it for hiking, skiing or other towns, a car helps. The Lake Champlain Transportation Company runs ferries to New York. Public transit (CCTA) exists but is limited.
What's Changed Since 2016
The restaurant and brewery scene has grown, with more serious places. New hotels have opened, and the waterfront has seen investment. Fall foliage season is even more touristy, with prices to match. UVM keeps growing. The progressive politics have intensified. Housing costs have climbed, pricing out longtime residents, and tourism has become more professionalized.
Ideas to Consider for Your Visit
Walk the Lake Champlain waterfront and its parks. Church Street marketplace has shops, restaurants and local character. Visit the ECHO Science Center if it interests you. Eat at farm-to-table restaurants - the local food culture is strong - and visit breweries like Magic Hat and Switchback. If time allows, take a ferry across Lake Champlain to New York. Day trip to Stowe Mountain Resort (45 minutes) for skiing or hiking, or to Ben and Jerry's factory in nearby Waterbury (30 minutes). Hike nearby trails. The charm is in the walking and eating, not major attractions.
Realities to Be Aware Of
Burlington is small - you can see the core in 1-2 days. Fall foliage season (mid-September through October) brings big crowds and inflated prices. Winter is serious and long, and the city feels different in snow. There are few major attractions; the appeal is the vibe and access to nature. Everything is close, which is nice but means the city never feels very large. The progressive politics can feel preachy. Homelessness and youth culture from UVM create a particular downtown dynamic.
If Burlington Is Part of a Longer Trip
Use it as a base for Vermont. Stowe Mountain is 45 minutes away for skiing and hiking. Montpelier (45 minutes) is Vermont's capital, with a different feel. The Green Mountains have hiking throughout. Montreal is 2 hours north across the Canadian border (passport required), and New York City is 6 hours south. Most visitors spend 2-3 days in Burlington as part of a New England trip.
Yearly Things to Consider
Fall (September-October) brings the foliage and peak tourism. It's the best season, but expect crowds. June-August is warm and comfortable, with outdoor events, and July-August has the best weather without the fall crowds. Spring (April-May) is muddy and unpredictable. Winter (November-March) brings cold, snow and skiing, and it's for skiers and snow lovers.
Ideas for Itineraries
One Day in Burlington
Walk the waterfront and Lake Champlain shoreline, then Church Street marketplace. Eat at a farm-to-table restaurant and visit a brewery. That covers the essentials.
Three Days in Burlington
Day one: Waterfront and downtown exploration. Day two: Ben and Jerry's factory or day hike. Day three: More restaurants, galleries, and relaxation.
Fall Foliage Trip
Spend 2-3 days in Burlington for fall colors and town exploration. Drive to Stowe Mountain or other hiking spots for foliage viewing. Visit Ben and Jerry's. Drive scenic routes through the Green Mountains.
Winter Skiing Trip
Use Burlington as a base. Day trip 45 minutes to Stowe Mountain Resort for skiing. Stay in Burlington for restaurants and nightlife. Explore winter hiking and other outdoor activities.
FAQ
1-2 days to experience the core. The city is small and walkable. Extend to 3+ days if you're using it as a base for outdoor activities or region exploration.
September-October for fall foliage (expect crowds and high prices). July-August for warm weather without foliage crowds. Winter for skiing and snow. Avoid April-May - it's muddy and unpredictable.
It's a popular tourist attraction, with crowds and a gift-shop feel. The ice cream is very good. Worth a quick visit, but not essential to the Burlington experience.
Yes. It's Bernie Sanders' home, and the politics are left-leaning and environmental. You'll see it in the culture, policy, business practices and signage.
Not for downtown Burlington. For outdoor activities, Ben and Jerry's or Stowe, a rental car is useful.
Update history (8)▸
· Rewrite
Edited for readability and the BootsnAll voice: generic phrasing cut in 12 passages, no facts changed
· Fact-check
Fact-checked against current sources: 1 correction
- Montreal is a 1.5 to 2 hour drive from Burlington, not 3.5 hours; New York City is about a 6-hour drive, not 5. (source)
· Rewrite
Updated for modern frameworks, with content updates and changes
· Update
Annual update by Adam Seper, including traveler dispatches and AirTreks returnees
· Update
Annual update by Adam Seper, including traveler dispatches and AirTreks returnees
· Update
Annual update by Adam Seper, including traveler dispatches and AirTreks returnees
· Update
Annual update by Adam Seper, including traveler dispatches and AirTreks returnees
· Contributors
Chris Heidrich, BootsnAll co-founder, has contributed to this guide since 1999, including dispatches from BootsnAll and AirTreks travelers