Located in Vermont’s Lake Champlain, the city of Burlington is known for its vibrant culture and attractions.
Some of the best and fun things to do in Burlington, VT include visiting the Fleming Museum of Art, the Echo Lake Aquarium, and the Ethan Allen Home.
There are also many other activities that you can do in the city, such as planning a romantic wedding, staying at a great hotel, and cooking a great meal.
The article covers different exciting activities to do in Burlington, Vermont, its culture, cuisines, and several more.
Let’s get to it!
Where is Burlington, Vermont?
Located in Chittenden County, Vermont, the city of Burlington is the most populated municipality in the state. At the time of the census, its population was 44,743.
It is also the least-populous city in the state. It is approximately 45 miles from the US-Canadian border and 95 miles from Montreal.
In addition to being home to the University of Vermont and Champlain College, the city of Burlington also has a large airport.
The facility, located in South Burlington, is the largest of its kind in the state. In 2015, the city became the first municipality in the country to go green completely.
See Also: Fun Things to Do in Geneva (NY)
Fun Things to Do in Burlington, VT
Below are the best things to do in Burlington, Vermont, for kids, families, adults, couples, and for the weekend.
1. ECHO Lake Aquarium
The Lake Champlain Aquarium and Science Center aims to give the public a deeper understanding of the lake and its inhabitants.
It also aims to protect its delicate ecosystems. The facility features over a hundred interactive exhibits and educational programs.
It is located in the heart of the city of Burlington and is one of the most popular attractions in the area.
The center features over 70 species of fish, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. It also has an exhibit called “Champ,” which is a creature that’s supposedly a serpent that lives in the lake.
Address: This beautiful lake is located on the Champlain waterfront in Vermont.
2. Church Street Marketplace
There is always something happening in and around downtown Burlington.
The area between Main, Pearl, and Church Streets is closed for traffic, and the Church Street Marketplace is a great place to gather.
There are also multiple restaurants, stores, street entertainers, and music.
The Church Street Marketplace is excellent for gathering and exploring the city of Vermont.
It’s full of people who are enjoying the town despite the weather. This is a great place to start if you plan to visit the area.
Address: The Church Street Marketplace is located at 131 Church St., Burlington, VT 05401
3. Fleming Museum of Art
The Fleming Museum of Art was founded in 1931 to provide people with practical knowledge and a place where they could learn about art and anthropology.
This museum, located in Vermont, features over 25,000 pieces of art and artifacts from various continents.
The Fleming Museum of Art is a must-visit if you plan to visit Vermont. It has various programs and exhibitions designed to provide people with diverse educational experiences.
Besides these, the museum also offers free movies and workshops every Saturday.
Address: Fleming Museum of Art is at Fleming Museum of Art 61 Colchester Ave, Burlington, Vermont.
4. Burlington Farmers’ Market
Hundreds of people flock to City Hall Park every Saturday morning to enjoy the delicious treats offered by the local farmers.
During the colder season, the market crew moves to the Saint Paul Street location.
The market is the best place to meet the artisans, cheesemakers, and farmers of Vermont.
Besides being able to taste their products, the market also features a variety of ethnic food from different regions such as Jamaica, Nepal, and Mexico.
If you’re looking for a great date in the area, the farmers’ market is a great place to meet.
Address: The Burlington Farmers’ Market is located at Pine St, Burlington, Vermont.
5. Pizzeria Verita
You will immediately fall in love with the food that you will find at the restaurant known as Pizzeria Verita. The large pizza oven you see in the middle of the room is a 6,000-pound work of art imported from Italy.
The restaurant’s large pizza oven can make a perfect pizza in 90 seconds. Its creamy and flavorful food is served in a beautiful and spacious space located in downtown Vermont.
The walls of the restaurant are also lined with fine wines. The wood used in the restaurant’s construction looks like sculptures.
Although the restaurant has a wide selection of Italian dishes, the pizzas are the most popular items on the menu. The restaurant staff makes their mozzarella daily.
Address: The Pizzeria Verita is located at 156 St. Paul Street, Burlington, Vermont.
6. North Beach Park
You can swim in North Beach on Lake Champlain from May through Labor Day.
This small beach is located near the high school and has a variety of equipment such as canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards. There is also a snack bar and a small patch of grass with barbecue grills.
If you plan to camp near the beach, you can easily access a well-organized campground. This park is a great place to meet the whole family for a night of fun.
During the summer, the beach is patrolled by a lifeguard, and during the winter, it’s closed.
The park also has a variety of activities for the kids, such as snowball fights and snowman building.
Address: The Park is located at Burlington, VT 05401, United States.
7. Hen of the Wood
The elegant and romantic Hen of the Wood restaurant features two roaring fireplaces that make it feel warm and inviting.
Its wood walls are filled with natural wood, which adds a touch of Vermont to the atmosphere. The restaurant’s leather seats are also comfortable, and the ceiling beams are charming.
The restaurant’s open kitchen allows you to watch the drama unfold as the staff members move around the room.
Its simple and tempting menu is also made with local ingredients. The restaurant’s meat is the king of Hen of the Wood and is always perfectly cooked by the skilled kitchen staff.
Address: The Resturant is located at 55 Cherry St, Burlington, VT 05401, United States.
8. Ethan Allen Homestead
The home of Vermont’s most famous folk hero, Ethan Allen, is located in the heart of the state’s history.
He was a well-known backwoodsman who became a prominent figure in the state’s history.
During the New Hampshire Grants, Vermont was regarded as the frontier of the New England colonies.
Inside the home, you will see the rough living conditions that Allen experienced during the time he lived there.
The artifacts from his time in the house also provide a glimpse into the turbulent times of the country’s history.
The Ethan Allen House Museum and Preserve hold various special events. These include the Harvest Festival and A Tribute to Nature.
Address: The Ethan Allen House Museum is located at 1 Ethan Allen Homestead, Burlington, Vermont.
9. Burlington City Arts Center
The goal of the B.C. Arts Center is to make the arts accessible to everyone. It started in 1981 by organizing a free concert series in the park.
This event, which was very popular then, continues to be one of the center’s most popular activities.
The Center for the Performing and Visual Arts aims to provide a variety of experiences for the public.
Through its extensive collection of contemporary art, it encourages individuals to explore and engage with the works.
Besides regular events, the center hosts various art-related activities such as theatre performances and movie screenings.
Address: Burlington City Arts Center is located at 135 Church Street, Burlington, Vermont.
10. American Flatbread
Having a great pizza place is very important for a university town. American Flatbread is a popular spot for people who appreciate the taste of pizza made with wood-burning in an earthen oven.
All ingredients are organic and carefully placed in the oven to create an incredibly creative and satisfying pizza.
The food at American Flatbread is made using local ingredients, such as the organic vegetables grown by the Mirth Collective and the cheese made by the local farm, Cob Hill.
The dressings are also made with the finest Zero Gravity beers.
Address: This attraction is located at 115 St. Paul St., Burlington, Vermont.
11. Frog Hollow Craft Center
For the last 40 years, people have been going through the various exhibits at the Frog Hollow Craft Center in Church Street Marketplace to see the work of Vermont’s talented artisans.
This gallery is an excellent place for artists to show their latest creations and those looking for something unique.
A variety of exhibits range from paintings to glass to sculptures and photographs.
The center has worked with over 500 artisans and artists through its various programs.
It has also been organizing multiple classes and workshops. Its latest project is to put some of the art in a 1969 vintage traveling gallery and take it on a state tour.
Address: The Frog Hollow Craft Center is located at 85 Church Street, Burlington, Vermont.
12. Queen City Brewery
Queen City Brewery is located in the heart of the South End of Vermont’s historic city of Burlington.
It offers a variety of prime craft beers that are regularly updated. The owners of the brewery have traveled to Europe several times in an attempt to find the best beers in the world.
They have a passion for traditional styles and are proud to carry a list of these beers.
At any given time, you will find a variety of American and European beers on tap.
They also have a good selection of Scottish stouts, English ales, and lagers. The Tap Room is a great place to come and sample their various beers.
Address: The Queen City Brewery is located at 703-B Pine Street, Burlington.
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13. Green Mountain Railroad
One of the best ways to experience the beauty of the Green Mountain region is to take a train ride.
The Green Mountain Railroad offers a variety of train rides that are suitable for all ages.
During the summer season, you can enjoy a leisurely three-hour journey between Vermont’s capital city of Burlington and the town of Middlebury. The restaurant in the historic dining car features a three-course meal.
During special occasions such as Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and Independence Day, the train rides are available for groups of up to 10 people. The train rides can also be booked for weddings and other special events.
Address: The Green Mountain Railroad is located at 1 Main Street, Burlington.
14. Battery Park
Located in the City of Burlington, Battery Park is a historical site that was initially a military camp.
It was constructed on an elevated point overlooking the city’s waterfront park.
During the War of 1812, the park’s gunners successfully defended the area against British forces.
Today, most people visit the park to enjoy the views of Lake Champlain and the surrounding area.
The park features a variety of activities, such as a children’s playground, a band shell, and a promenade. It also has a memorial fountain. You can additionally admire various art pieces and sculptures.
Address: The park is located at Battery Park, 1 North Ave, Burlington, VT 05401.
15. ArtsRiot
Located in the heart of downtown Burlington, Vermont, ArtsRiot is a venue that showcases various art forms.
It is a must-visit for anyone looking for something unique and fun to do in the area. In addition, with a variety of food and performing arts, it is a great place to meet up with friends and family.
Address: The ArtsRiot is located at 400 Pine St, Burlington, VT 05401, United States.
16. Burlington Bike Path
One of the best outdoor activities you can do in Vermont during your visit is riding a bike path.
The route is approximately 7.6 miles long and goes through Connects Park and Lake Champlain.
Although it is commonly referred to as a bike path, it can also be used for other activities such as walking, skating, and power walking.
Address: This attraction is located in Burlington, VT, United States.
17. Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream
Although Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream is a well-known brand in the country, it started its operation in Vermont.
As a result, it is a must-visit for anyone who is in the area. The company’s unique flavors and clever names have set the state apart from other ice cream shops.
Address: This attraction is located at 36 Church St, Burlington, VT 05401, United States.
18. Vermont Comedy Club
The Vermont Comedy Club is a great venue for people looking for an evening filled with laughter.
Address: The Vermont Comedy Club is located at 101 Main St, Burlington, VT 05401, United States.
19. Mount Philo State Park
Situated in the heart of Vermont’s Green Mountains region, Mount Philo State Park is a beautiful 240-acre park that offers fantastic views of Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains.
It is also a great place for people to explore.
Address: This beautiful attraction is located at 5425 Mt Philo Rd, Charlotte, VT 05445, United States.
20. Three Needs
The Three Needs is an excellent place for adults in the city of Vermont to gather and enjoy a casual atmosphere.
It was established in 1995, and its owner’s vision was to create a welcoming environment.
Address: The Three Needs can be located at 185 Pearl St, Burlington, VT 05401, United States.
21. Bolton Valley Resort
One of the best attractions in the city of Vermont is Bolton Valley Resort, located in the Green Mountains.
During the winter season, it offers a variety of winter sports and activities. It’s also an excellent place for people to enjoy summer activities.
Address: This attraction is located at 4302 Bolton Access Rd, Richmond, VT 05477, United States.