Old Idaho Penitentiary
A sandstone territorial prison that held inmates from 1872 to 1973 and now welcomes visitors into its cell houses, solitary cells and gallows on the edge of the foothills.
Idaho
Boise
Boise is Idaho's capital and a rare city where a river, a ridge and a lively downtown all sit within minutes of each other.
The Boise River and its 25-mile Greenbelt run through the middle of town, floaters drift past the zoo and the university in summer, and the foothills begin where the streets end, with Table Rock giving a sunset view over the valley. History runs deep too: the Old Idaho Penitentiary held inmates from 1872 to 1973, the Capitol is warmed by natural hot water, and the Basque Block on Grove Street anchors one of the largest Basque communities in the United States. Add Snake River Valley wine country to the west, Bogus Basin for skiing and a summer coaster, a Saturday market, outdoor Shakespeare beside the river and a food scene that goes well beyond potatoes. This guide sorts the best experiences into clear plans, with partner tours for the river, the wine and the food, and a set of downtown, riverfront and university-area hotels.
Don't miss
Old Idaho Penitentiary
A sandstone territorial prison that held inmates from 1872 to 1973 and now welcomes visitors into its cell houses, solitary cells and gallows on the edge of the foothills.
Basque Block and Basque Boise Podcast Tour
A single downtown block of Grove Street that anchors one of the largest Basque communities in the United States, with restaurants, a market, a pelota court and a self-guided audio tour.
Boise River Guided Float and Wildlife Tour
A relaxed raft or tube float down the Boise River through the middle of the city, with a guide pointing out birds, fish and views of the foothills.
Boise River Greenbelt
A ribbon of paved path, parks and riverside trees running about 25 miles through the heart of Boise, loved by walkers, runners, cyclists and birdwatchers.
Things to do in Boise
Hand-picked: every experience here has strong traveler reviews and a verified booking link.
Basque Block and Basque Boise Podcast Tour
A single downtown block of Grove Street that anchors one of the largest Basque communities in the United States, with restaurants, a market, a pelota court and a self-guided audio tour.
Basque Museum and Cultural Center
A small museum on the Basque Block telling the story of the Basque immigrants who came to Idaho, set partly inside one of Boise's oldest brick homes.
Boise River Guided Float and Wildlife Tour
A relaxed raft or tube float down the Boise River through the middle of the city, with a guide pointing out birds, fish and views of the foothills.
Half-Day Whitewater Rafting Near Boise
A guided half-day whitewater rafting trip on a rapids-filled river within reach of Boise, with all the gear and instruction included for newcomers.
FreeBoise River Greenbelt
A ribbon of paved path, parks and riverside trees running about 25 miles through the heart of Boise, loved by walkers, runners, cyclists and birdwatchers.
One to four hoursDetails →
Zoo Boise
A compact, well-kept zoo in Julia Davis Park, with African and Asian animals, a mountain-themed Idaho section and plenty of room for children to roam.
FreeIdaho State Capitol
A sandstone and marble capitol topped by a copper dome, notable for being heated with geothermal water and open for free visits and tours.
About one hourDetails →
FreeTable Rock Hike
A flat-topped sandstone bluff above Boise reached by a steady foothills trail, with big views of the city, the valley and the Owyhee Mountains.
Two to three hoursDetails →
Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area
Boise's non-profit mountain playground, about 16 miles from downtown, with skiing and night skiing in winter and a mountain coaster, hiking and biking in summer.
Idaho Botanical Garden
A themed garden in the foothills beside the Old Idaho Penitentiary, with native plants, a Lewis and Clark garden, a rose garden and a popular winter lights show.
Snake River Valley Wine Country
Idaho's main wine region, west of Boise, where vineyards, tasting rooms and orchards in the Sunnyslope area make an easy afternoon or day trip.
Where to stay
Hotels we would book ourselves, from splurges to good-value bases.
$$$The Grove Hotel
Downtown Boise
A full-service downtown hotel beside the convention center and arena, a few steps from the Basque Block, the Grove Plaza and the Capitol.
Check rates →Residence Inn Boise Downtown City Center
Downtown Boise
An all-suite hotel in the downtown core with kitchens, breakfast and an easy walk to the Capitol, the Basque Block and the Grove Plaza.
Check rates →The Modern Hotel and Bar
Downtown Boise
A design-minded hotel in a converted mid-century motel, with a lively bar, compact rooms and an easy walk to downtown restaurants.
Check rates →Hyatt Place Boise Downtown
Downtown Boise
A modern, mid-priced downtown hotel with spacious rooms, breakfast, a fitness area and an easy walk to the Capitol and the Basque Block.
Check rates →Residence Inn Boise Downtown University
Downtown and University
An all-suite hotel near Boise State University and the river, with kitchens in many suites, breakfast and easy access to the Greenbelt.
Check rates →Hampton Inn and Suites Boise Downtown
Downtown Boise
A dependable mid-priced hotel in the downtown core with free breakfast, a pool and an easy walk to restaurants, the Capitol and the Basque Block.
Check rates →Courtyard Boise Downtown
Downtown Boise
A modern downtown hotel with a bistro, a fitness room and rooms designed for work and rest, a few blocks from the Capitol and the Basque Block.
Check rates →The Riverside Hotel
Garden City Riverfront
A riverfront hotel in Garden City with a pool, restaurant and direct access to the Greenbelt, a short ride from downtown Boise.
Check rates →Hotel 43
Downtown Boise / Grove Street
An upscale downtown hotel a block from the Grove Plaza and the arena, with refined rooms and easy walks to restaurants and the Capitol.
Check rates →Inn at 500 Capitol
Downtown Boise / Capitol Boulevard
A boutique-style inn on Capitol Boulevard, with a quieter feel than the big hotels, close to the river, Boise State and the downtown core.
Check rates →Element by Marriott Boise Downtown
Downtown Boise
A modern all-suite style hotel downtown with kitchen-equipped rooms, a healthy-living focus and an easy walk to restaurants and the river.
Check rates →Oxford Suites Boise
West Boise
A suite-style hotel on the west side of Boise, with spacious rooms and good value for families and groups who are happy to drive into downtown.
Check rates →Tour + stay
Ready-made pairings: a top sight and a hotel that suits it. Add both to your trip and book each when you are ready.
Do
Old Idaho PenitentiaryStay
The Grove HotelDowntown Boise
Do
Basque Block and Basque Boise Podcast TourStay
Residence Inn Boise Downtown City CenterDowntown Boise
Do
Boise River Guided Float and Wildlife TourStay
Inn at 500 CapitolDowntown Boise / Capitol Boulevard
Boise guides
Boise for First-Time Visitors
How to plan a first trip to Boise: the layout of the city, getting around, seasons, signature sights and a simple plan for your first day.
Three Days in Boise
A three-day Boise itinerary that mixes history, the river, the Basque community, food and wine, and a foothills view.
Where to Stay in Boise
How to choose a Boise base: downtown, the university and river area or Garden City, with notes on rates and parking.
Eating and Drinking in Boise
A guide to Boise's food scene: Basque cooking, Idaho ingredients, wine, beer and the best ways to taste the city.
Best Time to Visit Boise
A season-by-season guide to Boise: weather, events, crowds and what to do in each part of the year.
Day Trips and Outdoor Adventures from Boise
Outdoor day trips from Boise: rafting, skiing, wine country, birds of prey and foothills hikes within an hour or so of the city.
