Burlington Itineraries. 3 Days, 1 Week, Budget Travel

-Hour Highlights

Experience the essence of Burlington in a single day.

This compact plan allows a glimpse into downtown vibrancy and lake serenity.

Suggested Flow

Morning (9 AM - 12 PM): Walk Church Street Marketplace, grab coffee and a pastry from a local cafe, explore shops.
Afternoon (12 PM - 5 PM): Stroll to Waterfront Park, enjoy Lake Champlain views, visit ECHO Leahy Center, or take a scenic cruise on the Spirit of Ethan Allen III (check schedules).
Evening (5 PM onwards): Dine at a highly-rated local restaurant on or near Church Street, sampling Vermont's farm-to-table cuisine. Consider live music.

Extended Stays

Allocate more time for exploration and regional excursions.

Weekend Getaway 2-3 days

A compact plan to taste Burlington's charm and local flavor.

Day by Day

Day 1 (Arrival & Downtown): Arrive, check in. Explore Church Street Marketplace. Dinner downtown. Evening: consider live music or a performance.
Day 2 (Lake & South End): Morning walk/bike on Burlington Greenway. Visit ECHO. Afternoon: South End Arts District, breweries (Foam, Zero Gravity), artist studios. Dinner in South End.
Day 3 (Day Trip & Departure): Morning day trip: Shelburne Museum OR Waterbury (Ben & Jerry's, Cold Hollow Cider Mill). Lunch at day trip spot. Return and depart.
Consider a scenic lake cruise for an afternoon option.

This itinerary offers a balanced blend of city exploration and nearby attractions.

One-Week Immersion

A comprehensive journey into Burlington and its surrounding attractions.

Exploration

Days 1-3: Thoroughly explore Burlington, its shops, dining, and tours. Consider a cooking class or guided walking tour.
Day 4: Full day trip to Stowe. Enjoy hiking, a scenic drive along the Mountain Road, and visiting the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum.
Day 5: Dedicate to Shelburne. Explore Shelburne Museum in detail (it consumes most of a day). Visit Shelburne Farms for its working farm, cheesemaking, and walking trails. Consider a wine tasting at Shelburne Vineyard.

Two-Week Deep Dive

Combine the one-week itinerary with dives into specific interests.

Options

Longer hikes in the Green Mountains.
More extensive exploration of the South End arts and culinary scene.
Additional day trips to Montpelier, Middlebury, or even a multi-day excursion to Montreal or the Adirondacks.
Incorporate seasonal activities like skiing (winter) or extensive water sports (summer).

Long-Term Stay Recommendations

For stays exceeding two weeks, consider a local living experience.

Integration

Rent an Airbnb or Vrbo with a kitchen for increased cost savings and a local living experience.
Explore local community events, look for volunteer opportunities, or join a local gym/community center.
Discover hidden trails and local favorites not typically on tourist itineraries.

Flexible Planning

These itineraries serve as flexible guides. Feel free to mix and match activities based on your preferences.

Adaptability

These itineraries serve as flexible guides. Feel free to mix and match activities based on your preferences.

Personalization

Consider pre-booking popular tours or accommodations, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred choices.

Experience Booking

Many bookable experience components are available via GetYourGuide, enabling easy integration into your plan.

Itinerary Flexibility

Your Burlington trip adapts to your available time, allowing for a fleeting visit or a comprehensive immersion. Tailor your plan for optimal enjoyment.

Interest-Based Routes

Tailor your Burlington itinerary to your specific interests, focusing on what you enjoy most.

Historical & Heritage Focus

Dive into Burlington's rich past and regional heritage.

Sites

Explore Church Street Marketplace, observing its historic architecture.
Visit the Ethan Allen Homestead Museum for insights into Vermont's revolutionary past.
Spend a day at Shelburne Museum, with its extensive collection of historical buildings and Americana.
Visit Battery Park, a significant site from the War of 1812.

Consider a guided historical walking tour downtown.

Food & Culinary Experiences

Savor Burlington's renowned farm-to-table scene and local delicacies.

Culinary Stops

Visit the Burlington Farmers Market (seasonal) to sample local produce and artisan foods.
Embark on brewery and distillery tours in the South End (Foam Brewers, Zero Gravity) and beyond.
Take the Ben & Jerry's Factory Tour in Waterbury for a sweet treat.
Enjoy cheese tastings at local shops or during a visit to Shelburne Farms.

Adventure & Outdoor Activities

Embrace Vermont's natural playground with active pursuits.

Outdoor Pursuits

Bike the Burlington Greenway for scenic lake views.
Go kayaking or paddleboarding on Lake Champlain.
Hike at Red Rocks Park or Mount Philo, or tackle a more challenging Green Mountain peak like Camel's Hump.
In winter, dedicate time to skiing or snowboarding at nearby resorts like Stowe or Smugglers' Notch.

Always check trail conditions before hiking, especially during spring "mud season" or after heavy rains.

Family-Friendly Itinerary

Experiences designed for all ages.

Family Fun

Spend time at ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, with its interactive exhibits.
Enjoy Waterfront Park, which features playgrounds and a splash pad in summer.
A trip to the Ben & Jerry's Factory Tour in Waterbury is a highly suggested family stop.
Visit North Beach Park for swimming and relaxation in summer.

Art & Architecture Emphasis

Immerse yourself in Burlington's visual and structural beauty.

Artistic Exploration

Walk Church Street Marketplace, focusing on its Victorian architecture.
Visit the Burlington City Arts Center for contemporary art exhibitions.
Explore the South End Arts District, browsing numerous galleries and artist studios.
Visit the Fleming Museum of Art on the UVM campus.

Outdoor Photography Route

Capture Burlington's scenic vistas and natural beauty.

Photo Opportunities

Waterfront Park and the Burlington Greenway offer stunning sunset views over Lake Champlain.
Mount Philo State Park for panoramic views of the lake and Adirondacks.
Route 100 in autumn provides fall foliage landscapes.
The Ben & Jerry's Flavor Graveyard offers a quirky photo op.

Personalized Journeys

These interest-based routes enable you to craft a Burlington experience that truly reflects your passions and desires.

Budget-Based Plans

Burlington accommodates various budgets, from frugal backpacking to luxurious escapes.

Backpacker's Guide

Maximize your experience on a minimal budget.

Cost Savings

Accommodation: Choose a budget motel slightly outside downtown for affordable rates.
Meals: Cook many meals using ingredients from City Market Co-op or opt for food trucks/casual delis.
Transportation: Utilize Green Mountain Transit (GMT) public buses ($1.25/ride or $3 day pass). Walk and bike extensively.
Activities: Focus on free attractions like Church Street, Waterfront Park, hiking (Battery Park, Red Rocks), and free brewery tours (tastings extra).

The Ben & Jerry's Factory Tour in Waterbury also offers a free factory tour component.

Mid-Range Traveler's Itinerary

A balance of comfort, convenience, and local flavor.

Value & Comfort

Accommodation: Stay in a mid-range hotel (Hilton Garden Inn, Courtyard by Marriott) or a comfortable Airbnb.
Meals: Enjoy a mix of casual restaurants for lunch and a few mid-range dining experiences for dinner.
Transportation: Use rideshare services for convenience and public buses for cost savings. Consider a car rental for a day or two for specific day trips.
Activities: Include paid attractions like ECHO, a Lake Champlain cruise, or formal brewery tours.

Luxury Experience Plan

Indulge in premium accommodations and exclusive activities.

Premium Choices

Accommodation: Stay at Hotel Vermont or a premium vacation rental in a desirable downtown or waterfront location.
Meals: Dine at fine dining establishments like Juniper or make the short drive to Hen of the Wood in Waterbury for a gourmet experience.
Transportation: Utilize taxis, dedicated rideshare services, or private transfers. Consider a high-end car rental for excursions.

Exclusive Activities

Indulge in spa treatments.
Fly directly into BTV and minimize travel time.
For conservation support, consider The Rainforest Site (GreaterGood), which contributes to conservation through purchases.

Value-Focused Recommendations

Smart choices for any budget.

Optimize Savings

Travel during shoulder seasons (May, late Oct-early Dec) for lower prices and pleasant weather.
Look for happy hour specials at restaurants.
Utilize free activities like walking tours, parks, and waterfront enjoyment.
Consider packing snacks and drinks for excursions.

Additional Budget Tips

Further strategies to manage costs effectively.

Smart Choices

Visit local cafes for breakfast rather than hotel dining.
Explore attractions reachable by foot or public transport to save on parking/rideshares.
Purchase souvenirs from local markets rather than tourist traps.
Set a daily spending limit and track your expenses.

Peak Season Advisory

High Demand

Accommodation and popular tour prices ascend considerably during peak summer and fall foliage seasons.

Advance Booking

Book well in advance for these periods to secure better rates and availability.

Seasonal Specialties

Burlington's distinct seasons hold unique experiences, influencing how you plan your visit.

Summer June-August Highlights

Prime season for outdoor fun and lake activities.

Summer Fun

Lake Champlain Activities: Swimming, boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, public beaches.
Outdoor Dining: Enjoy patios on Church Street or along the waterfront.
Outdoor Concerts and Festivals: Burlington Discover Jazz Festival, Festival of Fools, Grand Point North music festival.
Warm, sunny weather for extensive outdoor exploration.

Summer brings the most outdoor scene with long daylight hours.

Fall September-October Highlights

A season of colors and crisp air.

Autumn Splendor

Peak Fall Foliage Viewing: Drive scenic routes like Route 100 or hike in local parks for spectacular colors.
Apple Picking: Visit local orchards for apple picking and fresh apple cider donuts.
Harvest Festivals: Many communities celebrate the autumn harvest.
Crisp Weather: Ideal conditions for walking, biking, and comfortable outdoor attraction visits.

Cooler Seasons

Experience unique charms during winter and spring.

Winter Nov-Mar

Skiing and Snowboarding: Convenient base for resorts like Stowe, Smugglers' Notch, Sugarbush.
Ice Skating: Waterfront Park often features an outdoor rink (weather-dependent).
Cozy Indoor Activities: Enjoy warm dining, breweries, and distilleries.

Spring Apr-May

Maple Sugaring Season: Late March to early April for seeing the process and tasting syrup.
Mud Season: Prepare for muddy hiking trails as snow melts; wear appropriate footwear.
Early Spring Blooms: Witness nature awakening as early spring flowers emerge.

Seasonal Planning

Each season offers unique activities and atmosphere.

Considerations

Check local event calendars for specific dates and timings.
Weather influences outdoor activities; pack accordingly.
Some attractions hold seasonal closures; verify operating status.
Be prepared for temperature fluctuations, especially during shoulder seasons.

Activity Specifics

Tailor your activities to the season.

Advice

Summer calls for water sports and outdoor festivals.
Autumn is for foliage drives and apple picking.
Winter focuses on skiing, snowboarding, and cozy indoor experiences.
Spring brings maple sugaring and blossoming landscapes.

Seasonal Alert

Mud Season Spring

Late March to early May often includes thawing ground and muddy trails, especially for hiking.

Footwear

Wear waterproof footwear if planning outdoor excursions during this period.

Seasonal Travel

Burlington's distinct seasons offer different charms. Selecting your travel dates based on desired activities greatly upgrades your visit.

Burlington Itineraries