Boulder, Colorado is a great city located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. It is a college town and a very pleasant place to live and visit. It should be noted that it is also a very expensive place to take up residence as the City of Boulder, as well as Boulder County, has strict zoning and building regulations that limit development.

These days, Boulder wears several hats: as a university town, home of the University of Colorado at Boulder and others; as a hi-tech town that is rapidly spawning bedroom communities in outlying farm towns; and as a center of alternate culture, with various new age institutions, Naropa University, meditation centers, Buddhist centers, and the like. What perhaps distinguishes it most from other cities of similar size in the United States, however, is its status as a Mecca for serious athletes, many of whom have made their home here for the conditioning advantages of high altitude, combined with businesses, facilities, and a community that provide opportunities for serious training and competition. Even the average nine-to-fiver Boulderite is much more likely than the average American to be a serious cyclist, runner, skier, etc., and you will see the difference as you're about town.

Getting Here

Boulder is easily reached from Denver International Airport via car or bus. The public Regional Transportation District (RTD) "AB" bus runs hourly between DIA and Boulder. The AB bus is a clean, safe, and easy way to get to town. Boulder is only 20 miles from Denver, and is an easy drive via US highway 36.

Getting Around

Boulder has decent mass transit for such a small city. Boulder and Denver share a common mass transit system, known as RTD . If you choose to drive around town, be aware that there is heavy traffic on the main thoroughfares, and parking downtown can be a bit tight. There are a number of city-owned garages tucked behind the buildings downtown. Keep your eyes open for the large green "P" signs outside their entrance ramps, as they don't look like parking garages from the outside. Be careful parking in the University area, as tickets can be quite expensive.

See & Do

 • Downtown  covers a large area, with the Pearl Street Mall (see below) at it's core. Downtown features shopping, eating, and entertainment for all ages. Be sure to check out the restaurants on Walnut Street, between 9th Street and Broadway, as they offer several good options just off the Pearl Street Mall. Also check out the West End of Pearl Street, between 8th Street and the Pearl Street Mall, as it offers additional shopping and more restaurant options. For home furnishings, make sure to check out Pearl Street's East End, from the Pearl Street Mall to 20th Street. Stop by the Boulder Farmers Market on 13th St., between Canyon and Arapaho Avenues, on Saturday mornings and Wednesday evenings - an experience not to miss.
 • Pearl Street Mall. This five block long downtown pedestrian walking mall is surrounded by historic buildings containing shop fronts and restaurants. Along Pearl Street you will find many boutiques and independent shops featuring everything from clothing to trinkets and art. Also along Pearl Street are some national chain shops, and several street performers. For food, the Pearl Street area offers a large variety of cuisines from around the world, and is priced from $8 to $30 per person.
 • University Hill . This small area is located West of Broadway across from the main campus of the University of Colorado at Boulder. Commonly referred to as just 'The Hill,' the area caters to college students with a variety of restaurants and bars, and services such as barbershops, bookstores, and coffee houses. There are also several entertainment venues that showcase up-and-coming talent from around the world.
 • Boulder Creek Path . This miles-long path sits on the banks of the Boulder Creek, cutting right through the middle of town. Along this path you will find beautiful walking, biking, and other forms of recreation. In the downtown area, pick up the path at Civic Park, located on Broadway, between Canyon and Arapaho Avenues.
 • University of Colorado at Boulder . The flagship institution of the state of Colorado, CU-Boulder (as it's called locally) has a 600-acre campus, with beautiful gardens and buildings tucked away in it's mainly pedestrian core that's worth a visit. Check out the Heritage Center located in the Old Main building, for a look at the history of CU. There are also art galleries and museums located throughout campus.
 • Chautauqua Park  is located at the base of the Flatiron's rock formation, at Baseline Ave and 8th Street. For a minor hike, take the trail to the 3rd Flatiron. This hike will show you sweeping vistas of town and an up-close and personal look at the Flatiron's rock formations. During the summer months, the Boulder Symphony performs at Chautauqua, with the mountains as a stunning backdrop.

Eat & Drink

 • Rhumba. Located on the west end of Pearl St. (near Pearl and 10th), Rhumba features great Caribbean food, drinks, and music on certain nights. Don't leave without trying a Mojito--a blend of rum, soda water, sugar, mint, and lime. For bold types, the famous Brazilian cocktail known as the caiparinia is a must and worth the money.
 • Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse . A great place to enjoy a cup of tea and enjoy architecture from half way around the world. The food is moderately portioned and deliciously prepared.
 • Illegal Pete's . A favorite for students of CU-Boulder, there is a location on "The Hill," close to Jones Drugs, across the street from the CU Economics Building, and one on the far east side of the Pearl Street Mall. Economically priced, very generously proportioned Mexican food and beer.
 • West End Tavern . The classic American tavern is reborn! The rooftop deck is open (weather permitting), affording remarkable views of the Flatirons beneath 300 days of sunshine a year. Visit the Boulder locals' favorite for a cold brew and some good eats.
 • Brasserie 1010 . For a more expensive meal, visit Brasserie 1010, on Walnut Street downtown, where french-inspired cuisine is served in an elegant setting with delicious daily specials.
 • Hapa Sushi . Located on the Pearl Street Mall, Hapa is a cosmopolitan sushi house with Japanese influences. Reasonably priced, watch as sushi chefs prepare your meal at the sushi bar.
 • Q's Restaurant . Q's is located in the Hotel Boulderado. Q's delivers it's extraordinary cuisine at reasonable prices. For a truly exquisite display of the culinary arts, this is the place to be.
 • Boulder Chophouse . Yes, it's part of a national chain, but it's still worth a visit to experience wonderful beef and seafood in a moderately priced environment.
 • Flagstaff House . Tucked up on Flagstaff Mountain, the Flagstaff House has breathtaking views of the City of Boulder just below it. Visit for cocktails, dessert, or stay for a full meal, the views will astonish you. Located up Baseline Ave, on Flagstaff Mountain, just 3 minutes outside of town.