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Historic Downtown

Burlington

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Seen from above, a sprawling rural city lines a large body of water in the setting sun.

Food trucks and vendor tents line lit walking lanes, with a band is playing on a stage, outdoors in the winter.

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.

North Beach

Food concessions, lifeguards, and a playground make Burlington’s largest beach a summertime haven.

Oakledge Park

Two beach areas, two shelters, a playground, and an accessible treehouse make this park unique.

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.

The Flynn

Burlington’s “Wonder Theatre” was established in 1930 as a state-of-the-art vaudeville and motion pictures venue.

Echo Leahy Center for Lake Champlain

Learn about the species that call Lake Champlain home and efforts to conserve this natural ecosystem.

Red Rocks Park

100 acres with waterfront, a designated swimming area, miles of pedestrian trails, and scenic overlooks await.

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.

Shelburne Museum

More than 150,000 exhibited works span 39 historic buildings on the museum’s expansive grounds.

Pine Street

The Pine Street Historic District hosts local businesses and restaurants with a fun, artistic vibe.

Vermont Comedy Club

A locally owned performing arts venue featuring standup, improv and sketch comedy.

“Reverence” – Whales Tails

A tribute to the whale bones found in Vermont, this public art installation highlights Lake Champlain’s history.

Fleming Museum of Art

More than 24,000 collected pieces take viewers on an exploration of art and anthropology.

Lake Champlain Chocolates

Sample Vermont-made chocolate, ice cream, and milkshakes and see it being made.

A_Dog Skate Park

A world-class skate park accessible from the Burlington Bike Path.

Spirit of Ethan Allen Cruises

See Burlington from the water on a dinner cruise or evening event.

Old North End

Burlington’s Old North End is home to diverse local food and small business offerings with a “melting pot” vibe.

Tour 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.

Seen from above, a bustling outdoor shopping street in the summer.

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.

Church Street

A crowd gathers around a person singing into a microphone in a street performance.

Groups of people shop an outdoor marketplace in warm weather.

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.

Jazz Festival

A narrow gravel path surrounded by rocks cross the lake with mountains in the distance.

Two people ride bicycles along a gravel path close to water.

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 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.

Eat, Shop, and Stay in Burlington

Dining

Shopping

Lodging

Transportation Options

For Burlington

Amtrak Station

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

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Discover More

Find local guides and trip planning resources from Burlington’s downtown organization.

Visit Hello Burlington

Seen from above, the sun sets in the distance across a large body of water and the buildings of a rural town in the winter.

People on a sandy beach next to a lake with a city visible in the background of the image.