Where to Stay in Boise

The Best Areas to Stay in Boise

Idaho’s lively, outdoorsy capital, Boise is overflowing with chances for cycling, hiking and canoeing in the summer, exceptional skiing nearby in the winter, and a huge assortment of independent shops, eateries, and bars year-round. Most top spots are situated in Downtown Boise, a one-and-a-half mile grid north of the Boise River, though there’s plenty happening to the south in the Boise State University District, and gigantic shopping centers additionally afield in West Boise. Further south and north along the Boise River lie attractive, leafy neighborhoods known for floating, kayaking, craft breweries, and wineries.

While exploring Downtown Boise on foot is fairly straightforward, the optimal way to access surrounding neighborhoods is by private transportation. Failing possession of personal transport, Valley Regional Transit provides a network of bus services that serve most of the greater Boise area, with individual rides $1.50 and daily passes just $2.50.

Best Places to Stay in Boise

a city street filled with lots of tall buildings

Best Areas in Boise for…

  • Top Neighborhood for Newcomers: Downtown Boise
    Nearly all of Boise’s primary attractions and museums can be found Downtown, making this the best area for initial visitors. The choice of lodging is good, everything is within walking distance, and Boise’s best restaurants and bars are also clustered here, such as the city’s renowned Basque eateries. In the summer, there’s always something happening at Grove Plaza, while the Boise River is lined with parks and the city’s popular Greenbelt, a 25-mile pedestrian and cycle trail hugging the riverbank.
  • Most romantic locale: Garden City
    Approximately two miles to the northwest of downtown Boise, Garden City is essentially a residential area located on the southern bank of the Boise River. The river provides much of the romantic charm here, a calm, tree-lined waterway abundant in wildlife. Staying at the Riverside Hotel provides direct access to the waterside Greenbelt trail (bike rentals available), discreetly river facing rooms (near enough to the water to hear the ducks and geese), and outdoor live music playing nightly – couples frequently dance on their balconies. Active couples can check out Boise Whitewater Park. The hotel is also within easy walking distance of some of the city’s increasingly praised wineries: Coiled Wines and Telaya Wine Co, with several others a brief drive up Chinden Boulevard.
  • Premier Neighborhood for Cuisine and Eateries: Downtown Boise
    Located in the heart of Boise is a congregation of exceptional eateries, cafes, and taverns. At the top end is the classic steakhouse Chandlers, the farm-to-table hotspot Fork, and Wild Root, while Goldy’s is an excellent locale for breakfast. Downtown is also where one can sample the culinary customs of the region, with Bar Gernika a good starting place. Boise’s craft beer scene is likewise flourishing, represented here by establishments such as the Bittercreek Alehouse, while the local coffee culture can be experienced at Flying M Coffee House. Finally, Boise is the birthplace of “fry sauce” (mayonnaise, ketchup and seasonings), best sampled with burgers and fries at Boise Fry Co.
  • The top district for browsing shops and boutiques in Boise is West Boise.

    • Though Downtown is the traditional commercial center of the city, dedicated shoppers will appreciate the high concentration of stores in West Boise`s massive shopping centers. Some 4.5 miles west of the city center (on I-184), Boise Towne Square is the largest shopping mall in Idaho, with over 150 retailers and numerous eateries. Just to the south, the Boise Spectrum Center is another mall at the heart of a major shopping hub at the junction of I-184 and I-84. With many hotels and motels at both locations, it’s easy and relatively affordable to stay here, all within a short drive (or bus ride) of Downtown Boise

  • Best neighborhood for community atmosphere: North End
    Backed by the hilly and wooded outskirts of Boise, the leafy and affluent streets of North End are off the tourist trail, but provide an insightful look into everyday living in Boise. North End also has one of the city’s best places to stay, Franklin House, providing “bed and beer garden”. A brief walk north from the hotel is the lively Hyde Park area along North 13th Street, lined with local shops and eateries, while just a few blocks further is Camel’s Back Park with routes into the hills.
  • Best Neighborhood for Deals (and regional access): Boise Airport
    Motorists planning to explore not just the city of Boise but also the surrounding region should consider the concentration of motels and hotels around Boise Airport (on the border between the Bench and South Boise neighborhoods). With convenient access to I-84 (for points north and south in Idaho), and Downtown (a 15-minute drive), the location is ideal. And with so much competition, rates here tend to provide good value – properties tend to be modern, spacious, and regularly renovated.

The 6 Best Neighborhoods in Boise for Tourists

1. Downtown Boise

Boise`s lively Downtown combines long-standing structures with modern buildings, where new office towers coexist with stores, galleries, theatres, arenas, and conference centres. Activity centres around Grove Plaza, with its fountains and yearly “Alive after Five” concert series in summer. Downtown also boasts the largest concentration of eateries and bars in Boise, and some of the city`s landmark attractions. Boise has one of the biggest populations of Basque descent globally (The Basque Country is the culturally distinct region in northern Spain and southern France); the “Basque Block” features the Basque Museum and Cultural Center, as well as restaurants like the Basque Market, and Bar Gernika. On the southside of Downtown, along the Boise River, Julia Davis Park houses the city’s top museums: Boise Art Museum,Idaho State Museum,Idaho Black History Museum, and Discovery Center of Idaho, as well as the local zoo. On the northside, Downtown is dominated by the stately Idaho State Capitol Building.

2. West End and Garden City

The West End and Garden City are primarily residential neighborhoods facing each other on either side of the Boise River, just northwest of Downtown. Staying here means easy access to Downtown’s attractions, but also various activities along the river, from Esther Simplot Park to the Greenbelt Trail. Boise Whitewater Park provides a little more thrills, while there are a growing number of wineries and craft breweries in both neighborhoods. In Garden City, the Memorial Stadium is home to the Boise Hawks Minor League Baseball Club, while the Boise Fairgrounds host the annual Western Idaho Fair each August.

3. Boise State University District

This area lies just south of Downtown across the Boise River, enlivened by the students at Boise State University (BSU), whose riverside campus provides much of the district’s allure. Catch BSU`s Bronco football team competing at the renowned Albertsons Stadium, with its blue-painted turf and enthusiastic local support, or take exhibits at the Morrison Center or ExtraMile Arena.

4. East End and Southeast Boise

The East End and Southeast Boise encompass both banks of the Boise River southeast of Downtown, with the river (and Greenbelt trail) once more taking center stage. Both are generally peaceful residential areas (with plenty of historic Queen Anne Victorian residences and Craftsman bungalows, especially on Warms Springs Avenue), but leafy East End also contains undervisited gems such as the Idaho Botanical Garden and Old Idaho Penitentiary, now a fascinating museum.

5. Boise Airport (South Boise)

Boise Airport lies on Interstate 84 four miles south of Downtown in South Boise, serviced by a diverse selection of lodging options, from lavish hotels to inexpensive chain motels. The surrounding neighborhood doesn’t have much character, but for drivers it’s the most convenient place for exploration of the surrounding area, with easy access to Downtown, and to north and south Idaho via the interstate, as well as the airport itself. There are the usual strip mall choices for eating and drinking nearby on South Vista Avenue, but almost everything the city has to offer is within a short drive. Another plus: hotel rates here tend to be very competitive.

6. West Boise

Though the residential area of West Boise – about four miles west of downtown along Interstate 184 – is home to the family-friendly Aquarium Of Boise, the largest attractions on this side of town relate to shopping. The massive Boise Towne Square mall is situated here, with the upscale Village at Meridian to the west and Boise Spectrum Center just southward, with a multitude of shops interspersed between, ranging from a Walmart Supercenter and Costco to Cabela’s sporting goods and Michaels craft store. Accommodation options are abundant and affordable.

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Welcome to my travel website! I’m Mary Howard, an American who has been exploring the world full-time for 8 years.

Together with my husband, Intan, we often find ourselves in our second home, Bali, but our adventures take us to exciting destinations all over the globe.

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