About Boise
Boise is the capital and most populous city in the U.S. state of Idaho. It is the county seat of Ada County. The population of the city was 235,685 at the 2020 census. The Boise metropolitan area, located in the Treasure Valley, includes five counties of Idaho with an estimated population of 846,000, the most populous metropolitan area in Idaho and 95th-most populous in the United States.
Places to visit in Boise
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Boise River Greenbelt
ParkA long tree-lined path following the river through the city, ideal for walking or biking between parks, and in summer many people float the river on tubes and rafts.
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Idaho State Capitol
Landmark · 2 mi from centreA domed capitol built of local sandstone and heated with geothermal water, offering self-guided tours of its marble interior, rotunda and legislative chambers with historical exhibits.
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Old Idaho Penitentiary
Historic · 4 mi from centreA former territorial prison where visitors can explore cell blocks, solitary confinement and the gallows area, learning stories of inmates behind sandstone walls the prisoners built themselves.
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Basque Block
NeighborhoodA downtown street celebrating Boise's large Basque community, with the Basque Museum and Cultural Center, a historic boarding house and restaurants serving Basque food and drink.
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Table Rock
ViewpointA mesa above the city reached by a short but steep hike or by car, with a large lit cross on top and wide views over Boise, especially at sunset.
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World Center for Birds of Prey
Nature · 7 mi from centreSouth of Boise, this center run by The Peregrine Fund shows live raptors such as eagles, falcons, owls and California condors, with presentations about conservation and recovery programs.
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Julia Davis Park
Park · 2 mi from centreA riverside park near downtown that contains Zoo Boise, the Idaho State Museum, a rose garden and paddle boat rentals, all linked to the Greenbelt path.
Where to stay in Boise
Popular hotels in Boise, out of 77 properties you can book.
Hyatt Place Boise/Towne Square
From $118 per night
The Riverside Hotel, BW Premier Collection
From $162 per night
La Quinta Inn Suites By Wyndham Boise Towne Square
From $99 per night
SpringHill Suites Boise ParkCenter
From $153 per night
The Grove Hotel
From $229 per night
LaQuinta Inn and Suites
From $114 per night
Inn At 500 Capitol
From $232 per night
Holiday Inn Express Boise-University Area
From $149 per night
Hampton Inn & Suites Boise Downtown
From $171 per night
La Quinta Inn Suites Meridian Boise West
From $118 per night
Hilton Garden Inn Boise Downtown
From $302 per night
Hilton Garden Inn Boise/Eagle
From $157 per night
Best time to visit Boise
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Boise is May and September, when average daytime highs are around 71–83°F and rain falls on about 4 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Boise weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 79° 47° 28%
- Thu 22 Oct 72° 56° 85%
- Fri 23 Oct 59° 47° 85%
- Sat 24 Oct 60° 44° 2%
- Sun 25 Oct 63° 49° 14%
- Mon 26 Oct 63° 50° 12%
Know before you go
- Currency
- United States dollar (USD)
- Language
- English
- Calling code
- +1
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/BoiseUTC−6
- Capital
- Washington, D.C.
Upcoming public holidays in United States
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
- New Year's Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Presidents DayWashington's Birthday
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Boise
These are the airports closest to central Boise. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- BOI Boise Airport3 mi (6 km) from the city centre
Getting around Boise
Idaho is not known for public transportation, so most places outside the city center require a vehicle.
By car
Cars can be rented at the Boise Airport from major rental companies including Hertz, Avis, and Enterprise. Traffic in Boise is relatively light and peaceful, especially compared to Seattle or Portland. But Boise is no stranger to heavy traffic in certain places. Interstate 184, Capitol Boulevard, Meridian Road, Eagle Road and State Street should be avoided during rush hours. Interstate 84 between I-184 and the Garrity Boulevard exit in Nampa (and sometimes into Caldwell) can be challenging as well.
By taxi
Taxi service has been decimated by ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft. Boise City Taxi is now little more than a network of Uber drivers. Taxis are still common at the airport, though.
By bicycle
The Boise city center is extremely bicycle-friendly. The Boise Greenbelt is a paved pedestrian and bike path that stretches approximately 25 mi (40 km) from Lucky Peak Reservoir east of Boise all the way through town . For avid bikers and walkers, much of the river and Boise's parks can be accessed this way.
Boise travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Boise?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Boise is May and September, when average daytime highs are around 71–83°F and rain falls on about 4 days a month.
What is the weather like in Boise?
July is usually the warmest month in Boise, with average highs of 95°F (35°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 25°F (-4°C). The wettest month is typically December, with about 85 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Boise?
Boise Airport (BOI) is the closest airport, about 3 miles (6 km) from the centre of Boise.
What time zone is Boise in?
Boise uses the America/Boise time zone (currently UTC−6). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Boise?
Idaho is not known for public transportation, so most places outside the city center require a vehicle.
What are the best places to visit in Boise?
Top sights in Boise include Boise River Greenbelt, Idaho State Capitol, Old Idaho Penitentiary and Basque Block. A long tree-lined path following the river through the city, ideal for walking or biking between parks, and in summer many people float the river on tubes and rafts.
Where should I stay in Boise?
Popular areas for hotels in Boise include Downtown and Meridian. Well-reviewed options include Hyatt Place Boise/Towne Square and The Riverside Hotel, BW Premier Collection.
How many hotels can I book in Boise?
Destina Holidays currently lists 77 properties in and around Boise, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
