Best Things to Do in Boise

Traditional pintxos (tapas) and paella in the heart of the Basque Block. Go on Wednesday or Friday afternoon to catch them cooking huge pans of paella right on the patio (and grab some for only ten bucks).

More of a pub atmosphere, but they’ve got some killer Basque sandwiches and kabobs to go with your craft beer.

The name means “good place,” and they aren’t kidding. Owner Jose Maria Artiach is from the Basque country and created a menu full of traditional dishes and wines from the region.

Their tagline is “burgers on the side,” which should tell you everything you need to know. Choose from six kinds of locally sourced potatoes (or Brussels sprouts) and five different cuts. Then pick the perfect in-house seasoning and/or dipping sauce. If you really want to go for it, get the Bourgeois: russet potatoes fried in duck fat and topped with truffle salt. 

The rosemary-parmesan Idaho french fries are worth a visit on their own, but don’t let that distract you from the rest of the New American-style menu, because this is one of Boise’s absolute best lunch spots.

They’ve got a cool urban tasting room in Garden City and some badass Chardonnays, Syrahs and Viogniers. 

Make sure to try their big Syrah blends, Petite Verdot and dry Riesling at either their Garden City tasting room or Downtown wine bar.

At these events, you’ll hear local storytellers spinning true tales that range from heart-wrenching to hilarious, all without notes. The Story Story Night nonprofit plans themed story nights, spontaneous story slams and adults-only late-night events.

This is a pop-up concert series featuring live music at venues across the city. 

During the Great Depression, the Modern opened as a waypoint where sheepherders lodged alongside traveling musicians and artists. And it’s still got that everyone-is-welcome spirit. Eat and drink on-site at trendy Txikiteo (see above), or venture out to nearby hot spots like Eighth St. and relaxing areas like Ann Morrison Park. 

These towering walls of volcanic basalt are a climber’s paradise. If you’re not a climber, the sheer rock faces are still a sight to behold.

A popular hiking and mountain-biking spot southeast of the city (next to the Old Idaho Penitentiary), and if you’re a romantic, the perfect place to catch a sunset over the city.  

Whitewater rafting, anyone? The Payette River (north of Boise) is the place. For a more chill aquatic afternoon, rent tubes and take an afternoon float down the Boise River. 

Some Idahoans will tell you that Boise’s ski resorts rival Salt Lake City’s (gasp!). But they’re not wrong, and Bogus Basin is one of the state’s premier mountain recreation areas.

An intimate venue in Downtown Boise with a full bar and a diverse lineup of local and national bands.

The self-proclaimed “heaviest-hitting venue in Boise.” An energetic place for a rock show with a dive bar aesthetic. (Oh, and there’s a half-pipe in the back. Fuck yeah!)

The pride and joy of the Broncos football program (aside from the team, of course) is the iconic blue turf of Albertsons Stadium. It’s so blue there’s a rumor that geese think it’s a lake. Even without players clashing on the field, it’s a cool thing to see.