Areas & Neighborhoods in Boise
After orienting yourself to the city, venture into Boise's distinctive neighborhoods. From its bustling downtown to the Hyde Park district, known as the mountain bike headquarters of the Treasure Valley, there's something here for everyone.
Downtown
A 15-minute trip from Boise International Airport, Boise's central business district teems with world-class eateries, sprawling public parks, and museums that clue in visitors to the history of the city. Destinations include Grove Plaza and the Capital City Public Market—a farmers' market that runs every Saturday between April and December.
Basque Block
The Basque Block enclave of Downtown Boise honors the Basque shepherds who settled in the foothills of the Boise Mountains a century ago. Spanish- and French-inspired fare and the Basque Museum and Cultural Center offer a stellar introduction to the enduring influence of Basque culture on the region.
Hyde Park Historic District
The Hyde Park Historic District provides a taste of Idaho’s suburban charm in a location that's decidedly metropolitan. Eclectic restaurants and antique shops beckon beside outfitters who equip cyclists for adventures in the neighboring Hulls Gulch/Camels Back Reserve.
Things to See in Boise
There are a bevy of things to see in Boise within walking distance of its commercial center. Begin at the Idaho State Capitol, erected to pay homage to St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, St. Paul's Cathedral in London, and the US Capitol in Washington, D.C.. From there, meander through Capitol Park to the Egyptian Theatre, the city's preeminent event space, where opera performances, film festivals, and rock concerts are held. For those visiting in summer, considering taking in a play at the Idaho Shakespeare Festival, which runs between June and October in an outdoor performance space along the Boise River.
Sightseeing in Boise
With the skyscraping peaks of the Boise Mountains in the distance, it can be tempting to trade the city's urban charms for the remote wilderness. Don't be fooled—the City of Trees offers an array of things to do, beginning with its own natural wonders. Inside expansive Julia Davis Park, visit Zoo Boise, where you can marvel at red pandas, snow leopards, and Magellanic penguins. Then, journey to the Boise Art Museum, an exquisite Art Deco and Egyptian Revival building brimming with examples of 20th-century realism as well as ceramics from American, Northwest, and Idaho artists. For more adventurous types, rent a bike or take a trek on the Ridge to Rivers Trail System, which offers endless loops through the Boise foothills.
