Burlington, Vermont: Why You’ll Love It — Destination Dreamer Diaries

I’ve been to many cities all over the United States, but the majority of them fail to charm me – but Burlington, in Vermont, however… did not fail to do so, as it’s truly a special little gem left under the radar for most travelers headed to New England.

My dad and I agreed that while this wasn’t the most scenic place for the fall foliage in New England, that this city was something special.

Is Burlington Worth Visiting?

Yes, Burlington in Vermont is absolutely worth visiting – especially in the fall for it’s autumn foliage, charming cafés, photogenic streets, and exclusive maple syrup tasting or chocolate shop experiences.

The table below will reveal some of the best things to do in Burlington, Vermont:

🍁 Unique Things to Do in Burlington, Vermont 🍁

🍁 Try Vermont-Made Maple Syrup	No trip to Burlington is complete without sampling the state’s signature maple syrup — whether on pancakes, in lattes, or chocolate.
🛍️ Shop Along Church Street	The Church Street Marketplace is a charm-covered, pedestrian-only street lined with local boutiques, cozy bookstores, and independent cafés.
🥐 Explore Local Bakeries & Restaurants	Burlington has a strong farm-to-table and artisan bakery culture — from flaky pastries to fresh Vermont cheddar grilled cheeses, there’s plenty of unique food to try.
🍂 Embrace the Secluded Charm	Compared to other popular destinations in New England, such as Boston or Providence, Burlington feels slower-paced and more tucked away — making it perfect for a cozy, unhurried escape to break up your trip.

How long should i stay in burlington?

If you’re planning a trip to Burlington in Vermont and wondering how long to stay for, the city is relatively small – meaning a 2 night or 2 full day trip is plenty of time to see everything, even at a relaxed pace.

5 Best Things to Do in Burlington

There are a few highlights you shouldn’t plan on missing while in Vermont, which include:

🍺🍂 Must-See Things in Burlington, Vermont 🍂🍺

☕ Sitting at a Local Café in Burlington

Burlington has one of the coziest café cultures I’ve experienced in the United States — in a way that somehow feels both artsy and small-town at the same time. Between the fall foliage, brick storefronts, and local coffee shops, the vibe feels uniquely precious in a way very few American cities truly encapsulate.

🛍️ Exploring Church Street & Main Street

Church Street is genuinely one of the most charming pedestrian streets in the United States — honestly reminiscent of places like Reykjavík . Between the bookstores, boutiques, cafés, and local shops, it’s perfect for photographers and curious small-town shoppers alike.

🌊 Walking Through Waterfront Park

Quiet and family-friendly, Waterfront Park is your chance to experience a calmer and more residential side of Vermont. If you visit during autumn, you may even catch some beautiful fall foliage surrounding Lake Champlain.

🍫 Touring Lake Champlain Chocolates

Calling all chocolate lovers — this stop is absolutely worth it. I got to taste some incredible chocolate here, including flavors made with in-house Vermont maple syrup for a uniquely local twist.

Here are five things I recommend you do while you’re there:

1. Walk Down Church Street

Most people complain when they get caught in the rain, like myself, but I didn’t mind it this night – because out of it came a stunning picture…

Church Street in Burlington Vermont; October 2016

… it’s a street, essentially, full of quintessential charm, lit up in luminescence both inside and out, with small shops to peruse.

2. Have an Apple Cider at Muddy Waters

During our entire New England trip, all I wanted was an apple cider to pair with the parade of fiery colors we were seeing everywhere.

It wasn’t until Burlington that we finally found exactly what I was looking for.

Inside Muddy Waters in Burlington; October 2016

Muddy waters is not only like a cozy cabin from a movie come to life, but they will make you a real hot apple cider with a real cinnamon stick.

3. Go to the Lake Champlain Chocolates Factory Store

I’m a huge chocoholic… on the contrary, my dad isn’t… and yet, we both really enjoyed this museum.

They make really fun, atypical flavors to choose from: including bars infused with their maple syrup.

P.S. – Don’t let yourself leave Vermont without trying their maple syrup… it’s more robust; it tastes much better than what you’re buying at Costco.

4. Grab a Baked Good at August First

Burlington is home to some beautiful bakeries, but August First was my personal favorite when I visited Burlington.

If you’re not into sweets, they also have places to sit down for a savory meal.

Outside August First in Burlington, Vermont.

5. Take a Walk to the Waterfront Park

This one is probably more amusing in the summertime, but it’s a nice walk nonetheless – and the view of the trees popping against the still silver lake is definitely something to see with your own eyes.

Waterfront in Burlington, Vermont; October 2016

If you plan on a longer stay in Burlington, below you’ll find three more amazing things you could do while in the city.

🚲🍁⛴️ Additional Things to Do in Burlington ⛴️🍁🚲

🧺 Visiting the Burlington Farmers Market

Open every Saturday from 9 AM to 2 PM, the Burlington Farmers Market is one of the best places to experience local Vermont culture in action. Expect maple syrup, artisan cheeses, handmade crafts, fresh produce, baked goods, flowers, local honey, and plenty of small businesses showcasing Vermont-made products.

🚲 Biking the Burlington Bike Path

For more adventurous travelers, the Burlington Bike Path is a beautiful way to enjoy the scenery in the present moment — without worrying about taking a million photos. It’s peaceful, active, and one of the best ways to experience Lake Champlain.

⛴️ Riding the Lake Champlain Ferry

The Lake Champlain ferry is a simple but scenic way to experience the water while visiting Burlington. Adult passenger tickets cost around $5.50 , making it an affordable little add-on for a Vermont itinerary.

I hope this gave you some ideas on what to do in Burlington!

Still need helping planning your trip? Discover the answers to frequently asked questions about traveling to Burlington.

🍁 FAQs About Visiting Burlington, Vermont 🍁

🍁 Is Burlington, Vermont worth visiting?

Yes, Burlington is an amazingly precious little city that should absolutely be visited — especially in the fall, where the cozy vibes only add to its already usual charm.

🗓️ How many days should I stay in Burlington, Vermont?

I think 2 full days in Burlington is best to be able to thoughtfully explore Church Street, museums, and nearby parks and scenery a short drive away from Burlington.

🚶‍♀️ Is Burlington, Vermont walkable?

Yes, for the most part — Burlington is pretty walkable. The heart of most things you'll want to see and do are on Church Street, and many other attractions are around a 20-minute walk away.

💸 Is Burlington expensive?

Yes, living in Burlington is on average 13.4% more expensive than the rest of the nation — but as a tourist, you likely won’t feel it too heavily. Just keep in mind that a local coffee or souvenir probably won’t be as cheap as it would be in a lower-cost city like St. Louis or Pittsburgh.

Want to see some of our trip to Burlington in action?

Check out my New England travel vlog below!

If you’re looking for other things to do in the U.S., click here.

Additional articles you might find helpful include:

Your Ultimate Guide to Maine: Portland & Bar Harbor

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About the Author

Hi, I'm Stephanie Safdie, a travel writer and content creator based in Paris. Since living here, I've spent years exploring the city and regularly update my Paris travel guides with firsthand experience while also exploring destinations across Europe and beyond as a solo female traveler. I've been solo traveling for the past decade, having visited more than 70 cities and nearly 30 countries before turning 30.

Before moving abroad, I grew up moving all around the United States, having lived in New York City, Washington, D.C., San Francisco, and Tampa – which sparked my desire to discover and experience new places and cultures from a young age.

As a true writer at heart passionate about being open-minded, adventurous, and diaristic – it's my goal to share honest, practical travel advice, local insights, detailed itineraries, and real-life experiences that go beyond typical tourist recommendations. With over 200 guides published on Destination Dreamer Diaries, I’m here help you plan the most memorable trip of a lifetime with confidence.

When I'm not traveling or working professionally in content creation, you'll find me doing just about anything creative: writing, practicing my photography skills (the large majority of photos featured on this blog were taken during my own travels), playing my music at open mic nights, editing videos for my YouTube channel, cooking, or creating travel content.

Last updated: May 12, 2026