Burlington

Perched on the shores of Lake Champlain, Vermont's largest city would be considered tiny in most other states, but its relatively diminutive size is one of Burlington's charms. With the University of Vermont (UVM) swelling the city by 13,000 students and contributing to its vibrant cultural and social life, Burlington has a spirited, youthful vibe and more ethnic diversity than anywhere else in Vermont.

Burlington's walkable downtown, bike paths, farmers market, fabulous food co-op, and proximity to nature earn it accolades as one of America's greenest and most livable cities. The city's ongoing Great Streets Initiative (www.greatstreetsbtv.com) aims to sustain that momentum, with wider sidewalks, enhanced green spaces and reduced pollution.

Burlington makes an attractive base for exploring the rest of northwestern Vermont. Two of Vermont's crown jewels, Shelburne Farms and the Shelburne Museum, lie just 15 minutes south, while Stowe and the Green Mountains are within an hour's drive.

Explore Burlington

Shelburne Museum
The extraordinary 45-acre Shelburne Museum, nine miles south of Burlington, showcases 100,000 priceless artifacts, from America and abroad.
Shelburne Farms
In 1886 William Seward Webb and Lila Vanderbilt Webb built themselves a magnificent country estate on the shores of Lake Champlain. The 1400-acre farm,…
Church Street Marketplace
Burlington's pulse can often be taken along this four-block pedestrian zone running from Pearl to Main Sts. When the weather's good, buskers (licensed by…
I
Intervale Center
You'd never guess it standing on a busy Burlington street corner, but one of Vermont's most idyllic green spaces is less than 2 miles from downtown…
Waterfront
A five-minute walk from downtown, Burlington's delightfully uncommercialized waterfront features a scenic, low-key promenade, a 7.5-mile bike path, a pier…
Magic Hat Brewery
Drink in the history of one of Vermont's most dynamic microbreweries on the fun, free, self-guided 'Artifactory' Tour (once you see the whimsical labels,…
E
Echo Leahy Center for Lake Champlain
This kid-friendly lakeside museum examines the colorful past, present and future of Lake Champlain. A multitude of aquariums wriggle with life, and nature…
E
Ethan Allen Homestead
American Revolution hero Ethan Allen lived in this 18th-century colonial homestead, 1 mile north of Burlington on VT 127. Be sure to take the guided tour …
B
Burlington City Arts Center
Under the auspices of Burlington City Arts, the BCA Center is an exciting locus for art exhibits, classes and discussions. Ongoing open studios involve…

Shelburne Museum
The extraordinary 45-acre Shelburne Museum, nine miles south of Burlington, showcases 100,000 priceless artifacts, from America and abroad.
Shelburne Farms
In 1886 William Seward Webb and Lila Vanderbilt Webb built themselves a magnificent country estate on the shores of Lake Champlain. The 1400-acre farm,…
Church Street Marketplace
Burlington's pulse can often be taken along this four-block pedestrian zone running from Pearl to Main Sts. When the weather's good, buskers (licensed by…
I
Intervale Center
You'd never guess it standing on a busy Burlington street corner, but one of Vermont's most idyllic green spaces is less than 2 miles from downtown…
Waterfront
A five-minute walk from downtown, Burlington's delightfully uncommercialized waterfront features a scenic, low-key promenade, a 7.5-mile bike path, a pier…
Magic Hat Brewery
Drink in the history of one of Vermont's most dynamic microbreweries on the fun, free, self-guided 'Artifactory' Tour (once you see the whimsical labels,…
E
Echo Leahy Center for Lake Champlain
This kid-friendly lakeside museum examines the colorful past, present and future of Lake Champlain. A multitude of aquariums wriggle with life, and nature…
E
Ethan Allen Homestead
American Revolution hero Ethan Allen lived in this 18th-century colonial homestead, 1 mile north of Burlington on VT 127. Be sure to take the guided tour …
B
Burlington City Arts Center
Under the auspices of Burlington City Arts, the BCA Center is an exciting locus for art exhibits, classes and discussions. Ongoing open studios involve…

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Burlington.

See
Shelburne Museum
The extraordinary 45-acre Shelburne Museum, nine miles south of Burlington, showcases 100,000 priceless artifacts, from America and abroad.
See
Shelburne Farms
In 1886 William Seward Webb and Lila Vanderbilt Webb built themselves a magnificent country estate on the shores of Lake Champlain. The 1400-acre farm,…
See
Church Street Marketplace
Burlington's pulse can often be taken along this four-block pedestrian zone running from Pearl to Main Sts. When the weather's good, buskers (licensed by…
See
Intervale Center
You'd never guess it standing on a busy Burlington street corner, but one of Vermont's most idyllic green spaces is less than 2 miles from downtown…
See
Waterfront
A five-minute walk from downtown, Burlington's delightfully uncommercialized waterfront features a scenic, low-key promenade, a 7.5-mile bike path, a pier…
See
Magic Hat Brewery
Drink in the history of one of Vermont's most dynamic microbreweries on the fun, free, self-guided 'Artifactory' Tour (once you see the whimsical labels,…
See
Echo Leahy Center for Lake Champlain
This kid-friendly lakeside museum examines the colorful past, present and future of Lake Champlain. A multitude of aquariums wriggle with life, and nature…
See
Ethan Allen Homestead
American Revolution hero Ethan Allen lived in this 18th-century colonial homestead, 1 mile north of Burlington on VT 127. Be sure to take the guided tour …
See
Burlington City Arts Center
Under the auspices of Burlington City Arts, the BCA Center is an exciting locus for art exhibits, classes and discussions. Ongoing open studios involve…

Guidebooks

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks

Get to the heart of Burlington with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.