Boulder Travel Guide on Rhyme & Reason

Boulder

Oh how I love Boulder, Colorado! I went to the University of Colorado (CU) for college so I lived in Boulder for four blissful years! First off, if you are thinking about where to attend college, I cannot recommend CU enough… the campus is gorgeous, the people are incredible, and the town is one of the best college towns you’ll find! The friends I made at Boulder are still some of my very best friends today. I’m lucky enough to travel back to Boulder often to see friends throughout the year, to gather for football games in the fall, to congregate before ski weekends in the winter, and to celebrate for weddings in the summer. Set against the Flatiron Mountains, Boulder is a beautiful town with a plethora of incredible restaurants, unbeatable hiking, and an adorable outdoor walking street called Pearl Street! I recommend visiting Boulder between mid-May and the end of October for gorgeous summer and fall weather. The football stadium has wonderful views of the Flatirons so visiting for a home football game is high on my list (you get to see Ralphie run!).

Boulder Travel Guide on Rhyme & Reason
Boulder Travel Guide on Rhyme & Reason
Boulder Travel Guide on Rhyme & Reason
Boulder Travel Guide on Rhyme & Reason

Must Have

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  • Browse guide by:
  • Shop
  • Eat
  • Drink
  • Stay
  • Do
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Shop

  • Shop

    Weekends

    This is my favorite store in Boulder! They carry a great selection of Rag & Bone, Rebecca Taylor, ALC, 360 Cashmere, and more in addition to an entire room full of denim.
  • Shop

    Chelsea

    A cute boutique that carries Lem Lem, James Perse, and Chan Luu. I shopped here a lot when I lived in Boulder for college.
  • Shop

    Peppercorn

    Beautiful kitchen, houseware, gourmet food, and cookbooks. If you like houseware, then go here. I promise you'll find something to walk away with.
  • Shop

    J Albrecht Designs

    J Albrecht Designs is the best of the best in terms of jewelry in Boulder! They specialize in custom-designed fine jewelry and everything is so beautiful. It's definitely worth it to pop into this family-owned store.
  • Shop

    Angie Star Jewelry

    Everything in the store is handcrafted fine jewelry made in Boulder. I think they have really lovely pieces and offer great window shopping along Pearl Street.
  • Shop

    Patagonia

    I love Patagonia (along with the rest of America) so you know I had to mention its Pearl Street location in Boulder. Go here if you forgot a puffer jacket.
  • Shop

    Chain Stores

    Free People, Anthropologie, H&M, Loft, Lululemon, Madewell, and Goorin Bros. Hat Shop.

Eat

  • Eat

    Pizzeria Locale

    Please, please, please eat here. The classic Napoletana pizza is out of this world as are the appetizers. Plus, the wine list is just about as extensive as it gets.
  • Eat

    Brasserie Ten Ten

    I love the brunch and the dinner at Brasserie. They quite possibly have my favorite eggs benedict out there and I've tried a lot of eggs benedicts.
  • Eat

    The Kitchen

    This restaurant will leave you wanting to come back to Boulder over and over again. The farm to table spot doesn't have a single item on the menu that's not delicious. I recommend the hummus, garlic fries, charcuterie plate, gnocchi, bolognese, or pork chops.
  • Eat

    The Kitchen Upstairs

    A more causal version of The Kitchen. Go here for shared plates and cocktails.
  • Eat

    West End Tavern

    This place does a mean Texas toast for being outside of Texas. They serve up solid barbeque... their brisket, pulled pork, fried chicken, corndogs etc - are all too good. I also love their rooftop bar and patio!
  • Eat

    Santo

    The chef, Hosea Rosenberg's, love for his hometown of Taos, New Mexico is clear the minute you walk into Santo. It's a warm, rustic yet modern style eatery with the best New Mexican eats. I recommend the green chili hamburger, blue corn enchiladas, and anything from the amazing tequila list!
  • Eat

    Blackbelly Market

    Hosea Rosenberg's other restaurant, Blackbelly, is just as amazing as Santo but with completely different cuisine. It's a farmhouse style eatery (everything is from local farms!) and butcher shop with the most amazing cuts of meat.
  • Eat

    Jax Fish House

    The oysters here... you got to do it. It’s the best seafood in town and have a really fun vibe.
  • Eat

    Oak

    I'm in love with the restaurant. The menu is locally sourced New American cuisine with delicious dishes like crispy pork shoulder with pineapple fried rice (so good!). My girlfriend had her wedding rehearsal dinner here and it was to die for!
  • Eat

    L'atelier

    It might sound crazy but this upscale restaurant blends French and Asian flavors to make for a completely delicious menu. I really love their escargot (note: I LOVE all escargot).
  • Eat

    Via Perla

    Go here for the yummiest and freshest pasta in Boulder. It is a real Italian style restaurant and oh so mouthwatering! Go for lunch, happy hour, or dinner and snag one of their cute matchboxes too.
  • Eat

    Flagstaff House

    A classic Boulder spot that boasts gorgeous views of the flatiron mountains. You'll get a lovely mountain experience here.
  • Eat

    Steakhouse No. 316

    If you gravitate toward dimly lit steakhouses with extensive wine lists, then this place is for you! The original location is in Aspen and so loved that they opened a second location in Boulder!
  • Eat

    Mateo

    A great spot to go when your family wants a nice dinner. It's French and Italian inspired with yummy dishes including butternut squash hummus, lobster ravioli, and steak frites.
  • Eat

    The Mediterranean

    Tapas galore! This is the best spot in town to go with large groups + it's so nice to sip sangria on the patio in the summer.
  • Eat

    Centro Mexican Kitchen

    Mexican food + margaritas. It's a great spot in the summer because they have a big outdoor patio.
  • Eat

    Sushi Zanmai

    A great sushi place for groups who want to eat a lot of sushi and drink a lot of sake bombs. Go to Sushi Zanmai on Saturday nights for karaoke!
  • Eat

    Izakaya Amu

    Izakaya Amu is the sister restaurant of Sushi Zanmai but it's a completely different experience. Go here if you're a serious sushi lover! It's super tiny and emulates the experience you would have at a traditional sushi restaurant in Japan.
  • Eat

    Hapa Sushi

    You'll laugh when you read the names of the sushi rolls at this casual place. I love the Mork & Mindy roll as well as the #9 roll (these are tame names in comparison to others).
  • Eat

    Frasca

    A very traditional Italian restaurant and wine bar. This über foodie spot put Boulder on the map as a food destination.
  • Eat

    Corrida

    Without a doubt, this restaurant has some of the best views of the Flatirons in all of Boulder! The restaurant itself is a Spanish style steakhouse but even if that isn't up your alley, still put it on your list for tapas and drinks so you can take in the views!
  • Eat

    Lucile's

    This family owned restaurant that resides in an old yellow Victorian home serves the best breakfast in Boulder. The menu has a Cajun influence and the best jams and butters for your biscuits.
  • Eat

    Snooze

    A super fun breakfast place to go to with friends (especially if you were over served the night before and want pancakes or a little hair of the dog!).
  • Eat

    Alpine Modern

    The best spot in Boulder for specialty coffee and fresh healthy food. The vibe is relaxed but still bright and Instagram worthy. Coffee lovers will be happy here!
  • Eat

    Flower Child

    Flower Child is one of my favorite causal lunch and dinner spots in town for healthy and delicious food. I always feel great after eating here! A healthy must.
  • Eat

    Cured

    Cured is a gourmet grocery store & cafe known for their excellent selection of hand-picked cheese, charcuterie, & wine but they also have the best artisanal breakfast sandwiches! I also highly recommend getting one of their meat and cheese picnics + a bottle of wine to go before a Red Rocks show or night of music at Chautauqua.
  • Eat

    Dish Gourmet

    A gourmet deli with yummy breakfast items, sandwiches, salads, and prepared foods to eat in or to take out. It's the perfect spot to pick up supplies for a picnic along the Boulder Creek!
  • Eat

    Rush Bowls

    In my opinion, this place invented the smoothie bowl with granola and fruit on top. Needless to say, go here for smoothies and smoothie bowls... you'll love their acai bowls.
  • Eat

    Salvaggio's Deli

    An Italian deli with quick breakfast and lunch sandwiches. Every Boulder student will tell you that it's a go-to spot.
  • Eat

    Boulder Baked

    The freshest, warmest cookies you'll ever have. They also serve a mean grilled cheese and tomato soup combo. Get their cookies delivered for a fun night in.

Drink

  • Drink

    The Bitter Bar

    I love the Moscow Mule's here and the hip yet cozy vibes. This is always a go-to for me!
  • Drink

    The Kitchen Upstairs

    See description above under "Eat."
  • Drink

    The Corner Bar

    A classic Boulder watering hole where you can enjoy great cocktails - fabulous martinis - at both happy hour and during the late-night hours.
  • Drink

    License No. 1

    A great whiskey bar located in the basement of The Hotel Boulderado. It runs on one of Boulder's original liquor licenses.
  • Drink

    The Attic Bar & Bistro

    A great college spot late night but also don't overlook it as a great spot to go for beers (and burgers) in the evening.
  • Drink

    Bohemian Biergarten

    A classically fun biergarten with a big stage that offers up great live music, a wide selection of beers, and a lively patio.
  • Drink

    Sanitas Tap Room

    The perfect spot to go on a beautiful afternoon to grab a few beers with friends. They have a huge patio with corn hole that is sure to turn into a good time. You can ride and park your bike here too!
  • Drink

    Alpine Modern

    See description above under "Eat."
  • Drink

    Beleza Coffee Bar

    Coffee lovers, rejoice! If you're looking for a hip coffee shop that also has a great menu for healthy food, then head here. It's got all the trendy coffee shop vibes!
  • Drink

    Boxcar Coffee Roasters

    A great spot for delicious cold brew and in-house coffees as well as yummy juices, pastries, and more. This is a nice cozy little coffee shop!

Stay

  • Stay

    St Julien

    This is the place to stay in Boulder! I literally smile every time I walk in this hotel. The beds are so comfy. The spa is great. They have live music on weekends (in the summer it's outside). They have a great hotel bar - I frequent it when I go back to visit college friends. I promise, you'll love this hotel!
  • Stay

    Hotel Boulderado

    Boulder's classic historical hotel. It has a whiskey bar in the basement (License No. 1) and a handful of spooky stories about haunted rooms.
  • Stay

    Chautauqua

    This is such a unique and special place to stay in Boulder because you literally walk out your front door and you're on the Flatiron Mountains. You can stay in one of two lodges or in one of 58 cottages on the property.

Do

  • Do

    Pearl Street Mall

    A walking mall in the middle of downtown Boulder. It's lined with restaurants, shops, bars, and street performers. On Friday night's before University of Colorado football games, the school band performs up and down the mall. Go Buffs!
  • Do

    Hike Chautauqua

    A gorgeous hike through fields and trees. There are a handful of trails so you can make it as easy or as difficult as you want. It is truly beautiful.
  • Do

    Hike Mount Sanitas

    A challenging hike that will have you climbing up to hike peaks with gorgeous views of all of Boulder. Bonus, you can bring your dog!
  • Do

    Walk around the University of Colorado

    Go Buffs! I love my alma mater so much and I think it is the most beautiful campus. The school owns a Colorado mine so every brick of every building is the same gorgeous red color. The campus has creeks running through it, is covered in red, yellow, and orange leaves in the fall, looks so peaceful in a blanket of snow, is bursting with wildflowers in the spring and summer, and has breathtaking views of the Flatiron Mountains. Clearly, I'm in love! P.S. if you're in high school, go to Boulder and pledge Kappa!
  • Do

    Visit a Brewery

    Boulder has been called the "Napa Valley of beer." It's so fun spending an afternoon at a brewery sipping beer and playing corn hole. Try Upslope Tap Room, Sanitas Tap Room, or Finkel & Garf Tap Room.
  • Do

    Alchemy Face Bar

    This place is a beauty lover's dream! It's dedicated to fast, effective, natural, no nonsense services for all things face including makeup, skin, lashes, and brows (they do great lash extensions and amazing quick facials!).
  • Do

    Red Rocks Amphitheatre

    This concert venue isn't actually in Boulder but it's close enough. This is the best and most spectacular outdoor music venue in the country. Google pictures if you don't believe me! They also do other fun events here like massive yoga classes.
  • Do

    Denver

    You're only about 35 minutes from Denver so you have a big city to play in as well! My favorite things to do in Denver = catching a Broncos or Rockies game and walking around Larimer Square.
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