Why go
Boise, the capital of Idaho, surprises many visitors. Instead of a hectic big city, a modern, relaxed metropolis with lots of greenery, a lively city center and an impressive proximity to nature awaits you. The Boise River runs like a green band through the city, while the foothills of the Rocky Mountains begin just minutes away.
Boise combines urban flair with outdoor adventures. In the morning you can stroll through the historic city centre, cycle along the river for lunch and in the afternoon stand on a hiking trail overlooking the city.
For campers, Boise is also an ideal place to fill up supplies, keep the vehicle waiting or take some relaxing days before travelling further towards Oregon, Nevada or Wyoming.
At a glance
Category | Information
Inhabitants | approx. 240'000
Altitude | 830 m
Ideal stay | 2–3 days
Fifth-wheel access | Check your vehicle, specific campsite and approach road.
Culture | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Outdoor | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Shopping | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Idaho State Capitol
The magnificent Capitol forms the political center of Idaho and is one of the most beautiful government buildings in the northwestern United States.
The construction of light sandstone and marble can be visited free of charge.
Particularly worth seeing are:
the imposing dome
the historic meeting rooms
the well-kept parks
Photo Tip
In the early morning, the capitol is still quiet and ideal for atmospheric recordings.
Downtown Boise
The city centre combines historic brick buildings with modern cafes, restaurants and small boutiques.
Especially popular are:
8th Street
Freak Alley Gallery
Basque Block
Grove Plaza
Here the social life of the city takes place.
Basque Block
Boise owns the largest Basque community outside Spain.
In the Basque block you can:
Discover traditional architecture
taste Basque specialities
Visit small museums
Learn more about the history of immigrants
Insider tip
If your visit falls on one of the Basque festivals, you should not miss this experience.
Boise River Greenbelt
Greenbelt is one of the most beautiful city parks in the United States.
The trail passes along the Boise River:
Parks
Bridges
Picnic areas
Wild animals
Cafés
Ideal for walking, cycling or jogging.
Old Idaho Penitentiary
The former state prison was opened in 1872 and is now one of the city's most popular attractions.
The following may be visited:
Prison cells
Watch Towers
Courtyards
historical exhibitions
The exciting stories of former inmates make the visit particularly interesting.
Cycling tour on the Greenbelt
In Boise you can rent bicycles or e-bikes in several places.
The Greenbelt is ideal for a relaxing tour along the river.
Hike to Table Rock
The most famous vantage point above the city.
Distance: about 6 km
Duration: 2–3 hours
Difficulty: medium
From above you enjoy a fantastic view over Boise and the entire Treasure Valley.
Boise Farmers Market
Depending on the day of the week, one of Idaho's most popular farmers' markets awaits you.
Here you can find:
regional products
Fresh fruit
Cheeses
Honey
Floating on the Boise River
In the summer, letting go on the Boise River is one of the most popular leisure activities for locals.
Several providers rent:
Inflatable boats
Paddleboards
Kayaks
Shopping
Boise offers excellent shopping.
Recommended are:
The Village at Meridian
Boise Towne Square Mall
Costco Wholesale
REGIONS
Walmart Supercenter
WinCo Foods
RV tip
Boise is ideal for filling up food, camping equipment and spare parts or for carrying out minor maintenance work on the camper.
Barbacoa Grill
One of the best restaurants in town.
Known for:
Steaks
Seafood
creative cocktails
Fork
Modern cuisine with regional ingredients.
Especially popular are:
Burger
Trout
seasonal specialities
Basque Market
A must for those who want to get to know Basque cuisine.
Recommended are:
Paella
Tapas
regional wines
Goldy's Breakfast Bistro
An institution for breakfast and brunch.
Especially popular:
Eggs Benedict
Pancakes
homemade sauces
Boise Riverside RV Park
Right on the Boise River.
Benefits:
Full Hook-up
Large pull-through pitches
Quiet location
good connection to the city center
Ideal for large Fifth Wheels.
Hi Valley RV Park
Comfortable RV park south of the city.
Perfect for transit.
Mountain View RV Park
Well-kept facility with spacious pitches and good infrastructure.
RV tip
Boise is one of the best places in Idaho for maintenance, shopping or a rest day. Workshops, large supermarkets and camping shops are easily accessible.
Insider tip
Rent a bike and explore the city via Greenbelt. Many of Boises' most beautiful places can be discovered much more relaxed than by car.
Photo Tip
Table Rock offers spectacular views of the city and surrounding mountains, especially shortly before sunset.
Best animal observation
Along the Boise River you can often see:
Osprey
Series
Beaver
White-tailed deer
different water birds
Avoid frequent errors
Visit the city center if possible not during rush hours.
Plan enough time for the Greenbelt – many visitors underestimate its length.
Use smaller vehicles or bicycles for the city centre, as parking spaces are partially limited.
In summer, temperatures can rise significantly above 35 C – taking enough water with them.
Our recommendation
Boise impressively proves that a capital city does not have to be noisy or hectic. The relaxed atmosphere, the proximity to nature and the excellent infrastructure make the city an ideal stopover on a trip through Idaho.