Downtown Boulder

Downtown is the always-lively heart and soul of Boulder, which centers around historic Pearl Street — a brick-paved pedestrian walkway lined with independently owned shops, acclaimed restaurants and distinctive Victorian-era architecture. Downtown is where visitors come to stroll, tech startups come to work, farmers come to sell their bounty at the Boulder Farmers Market and Boulder locals and visitors gather for great events and entertainment.

Things to Do

• The first and most obvious, Pearl Street. This must-see street and brick-paved pedestrian walkway provides endless entertainment — from award-winning restaurants and local boutiques to happy hours, bookstores and coffee shops galore. Take a stroll anytime, any day, and you'll find something new and exciting to see or do.

• Explore local tastes at the Boulder Farmers Market. Everything here is strictly local — grown or raised in Colorado (Boulder County alone has 1000+ farms!). The Market runs on Saturdays, April-November, and Wednesday evenings, May-October. If it's outside market months, you can always dine at one of Boulder's many farm-to-table restaurants.

• Enjoy tea at the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse. The teahouse was a gift to Boulder from our sister city in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. It's an ornate Persian teahouse covered in carved designs and hand painted decorations. Come sip a huge variety of teas, have lunch and enjoy the stunning setting. 

• Embrace true relaxation with a day at a local spa. The St Julien is a complete sanctuary from the outside world, and treatments include complimentary access to the steam room, sauna, hot tub, pool, patio and lounge. A "Sanctuary Session" at The Dragontree includes a cold plunge, hot tub, cedar sauna, salt and steam rooms — you can also add a session onto any treatment for $20.

• Step off the city streets and into the natural world at The Peoples' Crossing. Accessible by walking and biking just west on Pearl Street, this trailhead and hiking area includes Red Rocks Trail, a short hike that leads you to otherworldly ochre-colored sandstone formations. 

More Things to Do

Browse art galleries, shop at only-in-Boulder boutiques, picnic in a scenic city park, see a show at the Boulder Theater, museum hop... the options are nearly endless downtown. Browse below for even more things to do in this part of town.

Where to Eat

No matter the craving, chances are you'll find it in Downtown Boulder. Take a casual stroll down Pearl Street and you'll stumble upon a restaurant at nearly every other storefront. From creative sushi bars to taco joints to a MICHELIN-recognized restaurants, browse the listings below for Downtown's eateries.

Where to Stay

Downtown Boulder is home to some of Boulder's most raved-about hotels that maximize comfort and make it convenient and easy for you to walk to restaurants, shops and entertainment.