Burlington surprised us in the best way. We came for a white Christmas and slow winter days and ended up finding a town that feels both lively and grounded, creative without trying too hard, and genuinely easy to enjoy at your own pace.
The Best Things to Do in Burlington, Vermont
If you’re searching for things to do in Burlington, Vermont, here’s what we actually did, loved, and would happily repeat.
No filler, no tourist traps, just real experiences that made our time there memorable.
Walk Church Street (More Than Once)
Church Street is the heartbeat of Burlington, and somehow it never felt overwhelming. Snow falling, brick walkways, twinkle lights, local shops, coffee spots, bookstores, and restaurants all packed into a few easy blocks.
We walked it daily. Morning strolls felt calm and almost quiet, while evenings brought more energy without crossing into chaos. It’s the kind of place where you can wander without a plan and still feel like you’re doing something worthwhile.
Tip: If you don’t have a car, this area makes Burlington incredibly walkable.
Do the Hello Burlington Brewery Challenge
This turned out to be one of our favorite activities.
The Hello Burlington Brewery Challenge is a free digital pass that turns brewery hopping into a low-pressure adventure.
No app required, no weird hoops to jump through, just a fun reason to explore Burlington’s craft beer scene one pint at a time.
Here’s how it works:
- You download the free mobile pass to your phone, or in our case, we bookmarked it.
- Visit participating breweries across the region.
- Check in when you grab a pint or flight.
- Earn points that can be redeemed for Hello Burlington swag like t-shirts, hats, stickers, or beer mugs.
We appreciated that it provided structure without being rigid. It nudged us into spots we might not have prioritized otherwise and made brewery visits feel more intentional instead of random.
If you enjoy craft beer even a little, this is one of the most fun things to do in Burlington.
Bonus, we both earned some Burlington stickers and felt pretty good about that!
Some of Our Fave Burlington Breweries
Even outside the challenge, Burlington’s brewery scene is strong. We loved the relaxed energy, creative brews, and how each spot felt distinct without trying too hard to stand out.
- Foam Brewers
- Zero Gravity Craft Brewery
- The Vermont Pub + Brewery
Foam Brewers stood out for its lake-adjacent location and airy space, while Zero Gravity felt like a solid, welcoming go-to. Flights made it easy to sample without overcommitting, which we always appreciate.
The Vermont Pub felt homey, like we were true locals.
This is very much a “stay awhile” kind of brewery town.
Take a Walk Along Lake Champlain
Even in winter, Lake Champlain is worth your time. The views are wide open, peaceful, and grounding.
Bundled up, walking along the waterfront became part of our daily rhythm, especially when we wanted to slow things down after busy days.
We also made it part of our morning routine, including stretching and walking.
In warmer months, this area is great for biking, sunsets, and lingering by the water. In winter, it’s quiet and reflective, which honestly fits the season perfectly.
Visit ECHO, Leahy Center
ECHO sits right on the waterfront and offers a thoughtful view of Lake Champlain and the natural world surrounding it.
It’s interactive without feeling juvenile, and it makes a great stop if the weather turns or you want something a little different between walks, meals, or brewery stops.
The exhibits focus on local ecology, science, and the lake itself, giving you a deeper appreciation of the place you’re standing in, not just something to pass the time.
Cozy Up With Coffee and Food
Burlington knows how to do cozy well. Warm cafés, comforting meals, and spots that feel lived-in rather than styled for social media.
Some of Our Fave Nosh Spots
- Church Street Tavern
- Skinny Pancake
- Leonardo’s Pizza
- Hen of the Wood
We loved ducking inside to warm up, lingering longer than planned, and letting meals stretch into conversations. It’s an easy town for that kind of pace.
Note, Hen of the Wood is higher-end. We recommend making a reservation. It is 100% worth it!
Visit Ben & Jerry’s
A trip to Burlington also feels incomplete without a nod to Ben & Jerry’s.
Although the factory is located in Waterbury, just outside the city, Ben & Jerry’s is part of Burlington’s identity in a way that’s hard to separate.
Whether you make the short drive to the factory or enjoy a scoop while walking downtown, it’s one of those experiences that feels essential to the area. Burlington and Ben & Jerry’s go hand in hand.
Stay Somewhere That Feels Like Home
One thing that made Burlington extra special for us was staying in a place that was quiet, safe, and walkable. We stayed at a Small But Mighty Airbnb in downtown Burlington.
Not needing a car changed the entire experience. Everything felt more relaxed and intentional when we weren’t planning routes or parking.
If you’re planning your own trip, choosing the right location makes a big difference.
Why Burlington Just Works
Burlington has a balance that’s hard to fake. It feels creative without being performative, lively without being loud, and cozy without feeling sleepy.
Whether you’re coming for breweries, winter vibes, food, lake views, or just a slower pace for a few days, Burlington makes it easy to settle in and enjoy where you are.
If things to do in Burlington, Vermont, are on your search list, we’d say this town is absolutely worth your time. We look forward to returning and experiencing more!
FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Especially if you stay near Church Street, most restaurants, shops, and attractions are within easy walking distance.
Absolutely. Winter brings a quieter, cozier version of the city that feels calm and intentional.
Yes. The Hello Burlington Brewery Challenge is completely free and accessed through a mobile pass.
