15 Best Things to Do in Burlington, VT

Planning a trip to Burlington, Vermont? You’re in for cozy cafés, colorful foliage, and some of the best lake views in New England. This small city on the shores of Lake Champlain is packed with charm, from its lively downtown to scenic bike paths and historic sites.

Whether you’re strolling along Church Street Marketplace, hopping between local breweries, or taking a cruise on Lake Champlain, Burlington makes the perfect base for exploring northern Vermont. It’s also a great jumping-off point for day trips to Stowe, Montpelier, and the iconic Ben & Jerry’s Factory!

This guide covers all the best things to do in Burlington and practical tips to help you plan your visit.

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Best Things to Do in Burlington, Vermont

1. Explore Church Street Marketplace

At the heart of downtown Burlington, Church Street Marketplace is a lively pedestrian street lined with shops, restaurants, and street performers. It’s the perfect place to soak up the local vibe, whether you’re window shopping, grabbing a coffee, or people-watching from one of the outdoor patios.

This four-block stretch is home to local boutiques, Vermont-made goods, and popular spots like Leunig’s Bistro for French-inspired dining or Muddy Waters for a laid-back coffee break.

Don’t miss the chance to snap a photo of the iconic Unitarian Church at the north end, it’s a Burlington classic!

Church Street in Burlington, Vermont. A brick-paved Church Street in Burlington, Vermont leading to a red brick church with a green steeple. People are walking and sitting on benches, while storefronts and cafes line the street.

2. Walk or bike the Burlington Greenway

Stretching for 8 miles along the shore of Lake Champlain, the Burlington Greenway (also known as the Island Line Trail) is one of the best ways to enjoy the area’s stunning scenery.

The paved path runs from Oakledge Park in the south to the Winooski River in the north, with plenty of benches and viewpoints along the way.

You can walk a short section or rent a bike for a longer ride. If you’re up for a full adventure, continue beyond Burlington into the Colchester Causeway, where the trail extends across the lake on a narrow strip of land with water on both sides. It’s one of the most unique bike rides in Vermont!

Pro tip: Local bike rentals are available at places like Local Motion near Waterfront Park.

3. Visit the Burlington Farmers Market

If you’re visiting on a Saturday, don’t miss the Burlington Farmers Market. It’s held downtown from late spring through October and is one of the largest markets in Vermont.

You’ll find fresh produce, flowers, baked goods, local cheeses, maple products, and handmade crafts – perfect for picking up a few souvenirs or enjoying a snack on the go.

It’s also a great spot to experience the community vibe of Burlington, with live music and plenty of locals browsing the stalls. For a quick bite, try a breakfast sandwich or a warm cider donut while you explore.

4. Take in the views from Battery Park

Perched on a hill above the lake, Battery Park is a small but beautiful green space with some of the best views in Burlington. From here, you can look out over Lake Champlain to the Adirondack Mountains in New York.

It’s especially stunning at sunset when the sky lights up with shades of pink and orange!

The park is also steeped in history. Its name comes from the cannons placed here during the War of 1812, which you can still see along the edge of the park today.

With benches, shady trees, and occasional live music in the summer, it’s a great spot to take a break and soak up the scenery.

5. Stroll around Waterfront Park

Waterfront Park is one of the most relaxing spots in Burlington, perfect for a leisurely walk or picnic by the lake. This wide-open green space runs alongside Lake Champlain and connects to the Burlington Greenway, so it’s easy to combine both on the same outing.

You’ll find plenty of benches to sit and take in the views, food trucks parked nearby in warmer months, and often live music or festivals happening right on the lawn. If you’re wondering what to do in Burlington on a sunny afternoon, this is an easy and beautiful choice!

6. Cruise on Lake Champlain

One of the best things to do in Burlington is to get out on the water, and a cruise on Lake Champlain is a fantastic way to take in the scenery. You’ll enjoy sweeping views of the lake and the surrounding Adirondack and Green Mountains, especially beautiful in the late afternoon when the light softens.

The most popular option is the Spirit of Ethan Allen, which runs daily sightseeing, lunch, and sunset cruises from the Burlington waterfront. For a more intimate experience, you can book a sailboat tour with Whistling Man Schooner Co. or a private charter for a small group.

Pro tip: Cruises run seasonally from spring through mid-October, and tickets can sell out during peak foliage season, so it’s worth booking in advance.

7. Check out Burlington’s best breweries

Burlington has a thriving craft beer scene, and brewery hopping is easily one of the best things to do in Burlington, Vermont, for beer lovers. Start with local favorites like Foam Brewers, known for its IPAs and lakefront location, or Zero Gravity, which has a large taproom and seasonal outdoor seating.

For a more guided experience, consider joining the Burlington Signature Guided Brewery Tour. This small-group tour takes you to several of the city’s top breweries and includes tastings, snacks, and behind-the-scenes insights. Perfect if you want to sample a variety without worrying about driving!

8. Explore the ECHO Leahy Center

The ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain is a fun and educational stop, especially if you’re visiting Burlington with kids or looking for a rainy day activity.

This science and nature museum focuses on the ecology of Lake Champlain and features interactive exhibits, an aquarium with local fish and turtles, and hands-on activities for all ages.

It’s located right on the waterfront, so it’s easy to combine with a stroll through Waterfront Park or a cruise on the lake. Even if you’re not traveling with kids, the exhibits about the lake’s history and wildlife make for an interesting visit.

9. Tour the Shelburne Museum

Just a short drive from Burlington, the Shelburne Museum is one of Vermont’s most unique attractions.

This massive outdoor-indoor museum spans over 40 historic buildings, gardens, and galleries, covering everything from folk art and American paintings to a full-sized steamboat and covered bridge.

You can easily spend a few hours wandering the grounds, especially in the fall when the gardens and trees are full of color. The museum is seasonal, typically open from May through late October, so check ahead if you’re visiting outside of these months.

10. Visit Ethan Allen Homestead

Step back into Vermont’s history at the Ethan Allen Homestead, the former home of Revolutionary War hero Ethan Allen.

Located just a few minutes from downtown, the site includes a small museum, guided tours of the restored 18th-century farmhouse, and walking trails along the Winooski River.

It’s a peaceful spot to learn more about Vermont’s colonial past and enjoy a bit of nature at the same time. Allow about an hour for a visit if you’re exploring the house and exhibits.

11. Try a maple creemee or Ben & Jerry’s ice cream

No trip to Vermont is complete without tasting a maple creemee, the state’s signature soft-serve ice cream flavored with pure maple syrup. You can find them at various local spots around Burlington, like Burlington Bay Market.

If you prefer something classic, head to the Ben & Jerry’s scoop shop downtown for one of their famous flavors. It’s a fun stop for ice cream lovers, and you’ll be enjoying it just steps from where the company got its start.

12. See the World’s Tallest Filing Cabinet

For something a little quirky, stop by the World’s Tallest Filing Cabinet. This towering sculpture, officially called “File Under So. Co., Waiting for…”, is made up of 38 stacked filing cabinets and stands 38 feet tall.

It was created as a commentary on bureaucratic delays and has since become one of Burlington’s oddball photo spots. You’ll find it on Flynn Avenue (not far from the South End Arts District), making it an easy stop if you’re exploring that part of town.

13. Tour Ben & Jerry’s Factory in Waterbury

Take a short drive to Waterbury to visit the original Ben & Jerry’s factory, where it all began. The 30-minute guided tour gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how their iconic ice cream is made, complete with a stop at the Flavor Lab for free samples.

After the tour, swing by the gift shop or enjoy a cone at the on-site scoop shop. Don’t miss the Flavor Graveyard outside, where you can wander past headstones for discontinued flavors like Wavy Gravy and Peanut Butter and Jelly.

Pro tip: Tours often sell out in peak season, so it’s a good idea to book your tickets online in advance.

14. Explore charming Stowe on a day trip

Just under an hour from Burlington, Stowe is a picture-perfect Vermont town that’s ideal for a day trip. Stroll through the historic village with its white-steepled church, browse local shops, and stop for a coffee or cider donut at a cozy café.

If you’re visiting in fall, don’t miss the scenic drive through Smugglers’ Notch Pass or a gondola ride up Mount Mansfield for sweeping views of the Green Mountains. Stowe is also home to the famous Trapp Family Lodge, founded by the family that inspired The Sound of Music.

For more inspiration, check out my guide to the best things to do in Stowe, Vermont to plan your perfect visit.

Girl with a church in the background at Stowe, Vermont

15. Take a quick trip to Montpelier

Montpelier may be the smallest state capital in the U.S., but it’s full of charm. Just a 40-minute drive from Burlington, it makes an easy half-day trip if you’re looking to explore beyond the city.

Wander through the compact downtown to find local boutiques, coffee shops, and restaurants, then snap a photo of the Vermont State House with its golden dome surrounded by fall foliage.

This little capital is also a great addition to a road trip exploring the best places to visit in Vermont in the fall, especially if you’re heading further south from Burlington.

Useful Info for Visiting Burlington, VT

Where to stay in Burlington

Burlington has plenty of great places to stay, whether you’re after a stylish boutique hotel downtown or a quiet budget-friendly option.

Staying near the waterfront or close to Church Street Marketplace makes it easy to walk to many of the city’s best attractions, restaurants, and shops.

If you’re planning a fall trip, book early! It’s the most popular time to visit Burlington, and it’s also one of the best places to stay in Vermont in the fall, so accommodations tend to sell out quickly.

Here are some of the best places to stay in Burlington for every budget:

How to get to Burlington

Burlington is located in northern Vermont on the shores of Lake Champlain, about 45 minutes south of the Canadian border.

The closest airport is Burlington International Airport (BTV), which has direct flights from several major U.S. cities. From the airport, it’s just a 10-minute drive or taxi ride into downtown.

If you’re coming from further away, Burlington is around a 3.5-hour drive from Boston and about 2 hours from Montreal, making it an easy road trip destination.

Bus services like Greyhound and Megabus also connect Burlington to nearby cities, though having a car gives you more flexibility to explore the surrounding area.

Best time to visit Burlington

Burlington is a year-round destination, but each season offers a different experience.

Fall is by far the most popular time to visit, thanks to Vermont’s famous foliage. From late September through mid-October, the hills around Lake Champlain explode with shades of red, orange, and gold. It’s also when the farmers market is at its best and the weather is perfect for walking or biking.

Summer is ideal for enjoying the lake, with warm days perfect for cruises, kayaking, and outdoor dining. Winter draws skiers and snowboarders to nearby resorts like Stowe, while spring tends to be quieter as the snow melts and the city wakes up from the cold.

How to get around Burlington

Burlington is a very walkable city, especially if you’re staying downtown near Church Street Marketplace or the waterfront. Many of the main attractions, restaurants, and shops are within a short stroll of each other.

If you’re planning day trips to places like Stowe, Waterbury, or Montpelier, having a car will make exploring much easier. I recommend checking Discover Cars for the best rental deals – it’s an easy way to compare prices and book in advance.

For those staying car-free, local buses operated by Green Mountain Transit can get you to nearby areas, and taxis or rideshares are also available.