Are you looking to spend one day in Burlington, Vermont? Perhaps you’re making it a day trip from Stowe or stopping through during a New England fall foliage road trip. Either way, it’s a great city in which to spend a day.
Burlington sits on the shores of Lake Champlain, nestled between the Adirondack Mountains of New York and the Green Mountains of Vermont. If you visit Burlington for nothing other than its beautiful views, that is reason enough.
My grandmother used to take me on day trips to Burlington, since she lived on the New York side of Lake Champlain. We’d take the ferry across and, to my delight, always stop at the Barnes and Noble. However, now that I’m older, I appreciate that there is even more to do with one day in Burlington.
From its vibrant food scene to its arts and live music, Burlington is a hub of creativity. With such a beautiful location, it’s no wonder people get inspired.
This one-day itinerary will take you through what to do, what to see, and where to eat in this quirky Vermont city.
Getting There
- By car: The most flexible way to reach Burlington is by car. Of course driving times vary, depending on where you are coming from. Driving distances from major surrounding cities include Montreal (1.75 hours), Boston (3.25 hours), and New York City (5.5 hours).
- By train: Burlington’s Amtrak station is called Union Station (BTN), and is located right in downtown Burlington. The Ethan Allen Express line runs from New York City to Burlington via Albany once daily.
- By plane: The Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport (BTV) is located in South Burlington, only a short drive away from downtown. Car rentals and taxis are available from the airport.
- By boat: Two Lake Champlain Ferry routes run between New York State and Vermont. The Plattsburgh/Grand Isle Ferry takes about 15 minutes across, while the Essex/Charlotte Ferry takes about 30 minutes.
Getting Around
- By car: Having a car is the easiest way to get around when spending a day in Burlington. There is ample parking around the city.
- By bike: Burlington is quickly growing its bike path network, furthering Vermont’s eco-friendly reputation. Bike rentals are available from several places in Burlington, such as North Star Sports and Local Motion.
How to Spend One Day in Burlington
Breakfast or Brunch
Depending on how early you start your one day in Burlington, you’ll want to fuel up with either breakfast or brunch.
Some of the best places for breakfast and brunch in Burlington include:
- The Skinny Pancake: sweet and savory crepes
- August First: awesome bread, pastries, and sandwiches
- The Café HOT: down-to-earth coffee shop
- The Friendly Toast: classic brunch items and eclectic decor
If you are visiting Burlington on a Saturday, you can also swing by the Burlington Farmers Market for fresh produce, cheeses, flowers, and baked goods (particularly fresh cider donuts…yum).
Wander Church Street Marketplace
One of the most popular things to do in Burlington is to visit the Church Street Marketplace. This pedestrian-only street is quintessentially New England, filled with local shops and name brands.
Some of my favorite shops on Church Street include Crow Bookshop (selling both used and new books), The Vermont Flannel Company (offering high-quality flannel), and Homeport (featuring multiple floors of home goods).
Church Street Marketplace is also the perfect spot for a Vermont-made sweet treat, either from Lake Champlain Chocolates (more about them later) or Ben & Jerry’s.
In addition to storefronts and restaurants, you’ll also find street vendors, artists, and musicians.
Visit a Museum
If you are visiting with kids, one of the best activities to do in Burlington is to take them to ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain. This kid-focused science museum has interactive exhibits about lake life and ecology. You can keep kids entertained with everything from a water table to aquariums with feeding demonstrations.
For those more interested in American history, you can take a quick 10-minute drive to the Ethan Allen Homestead Museum. The home was built in the 1780s by Ethan Allen, who was a prominent figure in Vermont and Revolutionary War history.
Note: The Ethan Allen Homestead Museum and Historic Site is only open to the public from May through October.
Lunch on the Lake
One of my favorite things to do in Burlington is to enjoy a meal by the water. Once you’re ready for lunch, there are several good restaurants on the lake’s edge, where you can take in awesome views of the Adirondack Mountains in the distance.
Some of the best lakeside restaurants in Burlington include:
- Spot on the Dock: an aptly-named surf-themed restaurant
- Splash At the Boathouse: seafood restaurant with a floating deck
- Burlington Bay: an easy-going place for salads and sandwiches
Walk Along Waterfront Park
Once you’ve eaten your fill, stretch your legs with a walk along Waterfront Park. This large community park, situated along the lake, features a boardwalk for pedestrians and a bike path for riders.
Note: Keep an eye out for Champ(y), the fabled lake monster of Lake Champlain. There have been over 300 recorded sightings over the years…even as recently as drone footage from 2024.
See Some Vermont Curiosities
Speaking of peculiar things, if you want to continue walking, follow the Island Line Trail south for about 1.7 miles, and you’ll reach some unique Burlington sites. (Alternatively, you can drive 10 minutes south.)
The Burlington Earth Clock is a must-see for any “Outlander” or “Brave” fans. This stone circle may not be in the Scottish Highlands, but it is magical. It sits peacefully by the side of the lake and can tell you the time of day based on sunlight and shadows.
A ten-minute walk from the Earth Clock will bring you to the World’s Tallest Filing Cabinet. Built by local artist Bren Alvarez, this filing cabinet is made up of 38 drawers and stands over 40 feet tall.
Indulge at Lake Champlain Chocolates
Just a block up from the filing cabinet is the flagship store for Lake Champlain Chocolates. If you’ve never tried Lake Champlain Chocolates, you are in for a treat (literally); they are decadent!
Within the flagship store, you can try free samples and watch the chocolatiers at work in the Innovation Kitchen. If the chocolate-making really interests you, you can book an hour-long guided chocolate tasting.
If you are visiting Burlington on a hot day, you can order some delicious ice cream. If you’re visiting in the fall or winter, you can warm up with some delightful hot chocolate.
Drinks and Dinner
While Vermont may be most known for producing maple syrup and cheddar cheese, it is also a hub for craft beer. Now that you are in the South End of Burlington, you’re in a prime location to visit some local breweries. There are quite a few packed into one area, so you could even do a mini pub crawl if you’re so inclined.
Order up some pub grub and a flight, or a pint, at some the best breweries in Burlington:
- Zero Gravity Brewery: small, but mighty tasting room with good food
- Burlington Beer Company: awesome food selection with locally sourced ingredients
- Switchback Brewing Co: beer garden with themed flights
- Queen City Brewery: specializes in German and English-style beers
For those who love Vermont beer, check out the Vermont Brewers Festival. For a weekend in July each year, brewers gather in Burlington, offering samples of their craft beers, as well as merchandise and lawn games.
Enjoy Live Music
To finish out your one day in Burlington, catch some live music. The music scene in Burlington is quite lively, with outdoor concerts, various music venues, and historic theaters.
Check out Burlington’s live events calendar here, or check out these venues:
- Higher Ground: music venue hosting everything from national acts to DJ nights
- Burlington City Arts (BCA): hosts seasonal concert series and block parties
- Radio Bean: underground coffee bar/venue hosting local acts and open mic nights
Honorable Mentions
If you have a little more time or are interested in doing more, check out these other activities in the Burlington area:
- Ben & Jerry’s Factory: While there is a Ben & Jerry’s shop in downtown Burlington, if you want more of an experience, you can take a tour of their factory in Middlebury, VT (about a 30-minute drive away).
- Lake Champlain Causeway: For those who enjoy biking (or walking), you can explore this path that extends out into the lake.
- Spirit of Ethan Allen: One of the best ways to experience Lake Champlain is by boat. The Spirit of Ethan Allen is a ship that offers brunch, dinner, and sightseeing cruises on the lake.
I hope you enjoy your one day in Burlington! After all these years, I enjoy seeing what’s new while also visiting old favorites. It’s a friendly, laidback city that should definitely be on your Vermont bucket list.
Have you visited Burlington, VT? Let me know what your favorite things to do in Burlington were in the comments below!
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