Burlington Guide

Historic Downtown Burlington Walks: A Complete Guide

Step back in time and discover the charming streets, rich history, and vibrant culture of Burlington's historic heart.

12+ tours
From $$28
1.5-3 hours
Historic Downtown Burlington Walks: A Complete Guide

Burlington, Vermont's vibrant Queen City, boasts a historic downtown that hums with a unique blend of New England charm and progressive energy. Centered around the iconic Church Street Marketplace, this area is a treasure trove of 19th-century architecture, fascinating stories, and a lively contemporary scene. Exploring Burlington's historic downtown on foot is the most immersive way to connect with its past and present. These guided walks go beyond mere sightseeing, delving into the narratives of the merchants, reformers, artists, and everyday people who shaped this captivating waterfront city. Visitors can expect to uncover the architectural evolution of Church Street, from its early days as a bustling commercial hub to its pedestrian-only transformation. Tours often highlight key landmarks like the Ethan Allen Homestead (nearby, accessible via some longer tours), the historic City Hall, and the picturesque waterfront. Beyond the brick and mortar, these excursions illuminate Burlington's role in the Underground Railroad, its maritime history on Lake Champlain, and its enduring spirit of innovation and community. Whether you're a history buff, a curious traveler, or simply looking for a deeper understanding of this beloved Vermont destination, a historic downtown walk offers an unparalleled perspective.

Featured Historic Downtown Burlington Walks Tours

Discover our top picks for historic downtown burlington walks in Burlington

Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Burlington VT
From $14.99
Free Cancellation👤Private TourNew

Step into the shoes of a newly-minted detective, tasked by Commander Mahoney to solve a gripping case... murder on the streets of Burlington. Throughout this crime-solving audio adventure, visit each of the 10 mapped locations. You'll have the chance to explore the downtown area using the Walking Map. Refer to ‘Meeting Point’ for the starting location. See images for route. Stop at each location, listen to the audio story, and put your detective skills to the test by gathering clues and piecing together the evidence. Finally, make your deductions and issue an arrest warrant. Your overall detective skills will be evaluated, culminating in a Case Performance Score to measure your sleuthing prowess. This game is suitable for solo detectives, dynamic duos, or groups of mystery enthusiasts, offering an immersive audio tale filled with intrigue.

2.5(2)
2h 30m
View Details
Burlington's Famous Ghosts Smartphone Guided Walking Tour
From $9.75
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

From the chilling tales of the Ghosts of the Shanty to the haunted site of Nectar’s to the serial killer HH Holmes, this tour will guide you in the footsteps of Burlington’s haunted history, uncovering the stories that have shaped this city. Go at your own pace, anytime. This is a location aware walking tour and the app plays the stories as you walk. The tour never expires, go as many times as you want.

5.0(1)
1h
View Details
Smartphone-Guided Walking Tour of Burlington
From $27.5
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

With no in-person contact, our smartphone-guided experience brings the real facts and stories behind Burlington to life with the quality of a personal private tour crafted by Vermonters. We've taken the same stops and sights we share with our friends and families when they come to town, and created an interactive web-based tour - read the stories behind the city, answer questions about what you've seen to reveal fun facts, and experience what makes Burlington one of our favorite cities in the Northeast! Purchase your tour and then navigate to our website to enter your access code and launch the tour. You can either start immediately or create an account and come back when you've reached the starting location and are ready to explore.

3.5(11)
1h
View Details
Awesome Scavenger Hunt: Burlington Beauty
From $12.31
👤Private Tour

Let’s Roam leads the charge as the top app-guided adventure hunt provider! Wander through the city's most iconic landmarks and discover hidden gems while tackling trivia questions and thrilling challenges. Whether you're collaborating with your team or engaging in friendly competition, each step brings new facts and unforgettable experiences. Let’s Roam Adventure Hunts are perfect for any occasion—whether it's a spontaneous outing, a lively bachelorette party, a festive birthday celebration, or a dynamic corporate team-building event! Each participant selects an interactive role, ensuring that every challenge is tailored to their strengths and interests. Get ready to explore, compete, and create lasting memories with Let’s Roam!

3.4(5)
2h
View Details
Operation City Quest Scavenger Hunt - Burlington, ON
From $10.3
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

Using an app on your smartphone, you'll be given nearly 120 objects to find during your scavenger hunt. You'll then wander throughout the downtown area searching for the items. Once you've found the object, you'll send a photo in to score points. Along the way, you will perform challenges for even more points. You'll have 13 categories of objects you can find in this city walk, with each object varying in points depending on the difficulty. Don't worry, you won't be alone. You'll have a remote guide that will be texting you during your game if you need help or have a question. They will also encourage you and give you hints along the way! The objective of the game is to have fun, rank #1 on the leaderboard, and try to get as many points as possible by finding all of the objects!

2h
View Details

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Why Choose Historic Downtown Burlington Walks in Burlington?

Local Expert Guides

Learn from knowledgeable guides passionate about Burlington's history and stories.

Immersive Exploration

Experience the city on foot, uncovering details easily missed from a vehicle.

Photo Opportunities

Discover the best vantage points and historical context for memorable photos.

Rich Historical Narratives

Uncover stories of Vermont's past, from early settlers to modern-day influences.

Sustainable Travel

Walking tours are an eco-friendly way to experience the destination.

Diverse Perspectives

Gain insights into the diverse social, political, and economic history of Burlington.

Types of Historic Downtown Burlington Walks in Burlington

General Historic Downtown Walks

These comprehensive tours cover the main historical and architectural highlights of Burlington's downtown core, including Church Street Marketplace. They offer a broad overview of the city's development and significant landmarks.

Covers Church Street MarketplaceArchitectural highlightsGeneral city historySuitable for most visitors

Ghost and Haunting Tours

For those intrigued by the darker side of history, these tours explore Burlington's spectral side. Guides share chilling tales and local legends associated with historic buildings and sites, often taking place after dusk.

Spooky local legendsHistoric haunted locationsEvening departuresFocus on folklore

Culinary and History Walks

Combine your love for food with an appreciation for history. These tours often include stops at local eateries, breweries, or artisan shops, weaving culinary experiences into the narrative of Burlington's past and present.

Food tastings includedVisits to local businessesHistorical context for food cultureExplores culinary heritage

Waterfront and Maritime History Walks

Focusing on Burlington's vital connection to Lake Champlain, these tours explore its maritime past, from early steamboat days to its role in trade and transportation. They often include insights into the natural environment of the lake.

Lake Champlain focusMaritime historyWaterfront landmarksEnvironmental insights

What to Expect on Historic Downtown Burlington Walks Tours

Duration

Most tours last between 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the specific itinerary and the depth of exploration.

Weather

Tours operate in various weather conditions. It's essential to check the forecast and dress accordingly, with comfortable walking shoes recommended year-round.

Group Size

Group sizes can vary significantly, from intimate private tours to larger public groups. Booking in advance is often advised, especially during peak season.

What's Included

Typically, tours include the guided commentary and the expertise of your guide. Specific inclusions like food tastings or entrance fees to attractions will be detailed in the tour description.

Meeting Point

Meeting points are usually in central, easily accessible locations within the historic downtown area, often near Church Street Marketplace or a well-known landmark. The exact location is provided upon booking.

Additional Costs

While the tour price covers the guided experience, visitors may wish to purchase souvenirs, snacks, or meals at stops along the way. Entrance fees for specific museums or attractions not part of the tour are typically extra.

Expert Tips for the Best Experience

1

Book in advance, especially during summer and fall foliage season, as popular tours fill up quickly.

2

Wear comfortable walking shoes – you'll be covering a good amount of ground.

3

Check the weather forecast and dress in layers; Vermont weather can change unexpectedly.

4

Bring a reusable water bottle, as many tours involve significant walking.

5

Don't hesitate to ask your guide questions. They are a wealth of local knowledge.

6

Allow for extra time before or after your tour to explore shops, galleries, or cafes independently.

7

Consider the time of year; fall colors offer a spectacular backdrop, while summer brings vibrant street life.

8

Have your camera ready – the historic architecture and Lake Champlain views are very photogenic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:What is the typical walking distance on these tours?

A: The walking distance can vary, but most general historic downtown tours cover about 1-2 miles at a leisurely pace. Some specialized tours might focus on smaller areas.

Q:Are these tours suitable for children?

A: Many general historic tours are suitable for older children who can walk for a few hours. Ghost tours might be too scary for younger kids, and culinary tours' suitability depends on the food included.

Q:What happens if it rains?

A: Most tours operate rain or shine, with guides prepared for various conditions. Some tours may have partial indoor components. It’s best to check the specific tour’s cancellation policy or reschedule options if severe weather is a concern.

Q:Can I book a private historic downtown Burlington walk?

A: Yes, private tours are often available for individuals, families, or groups looking for a more personalized experience. You can usually filter for these options when searching.

Q:Do I need to tip my tour guide?

A: Tipping is generally appreciated in the service industry in the US. If you enjoyed your tour and felt your guide provided excellent service, a gratuity is customary.

Q:How far in advance should I book?

A: For peak seasons (summer, fall foliage, holidays) or popular tour times, booking several days to a week in advance is recommended. For off-peak times or less popular tours, booking a day or two ahead might suffice.

Q:What if I'm late for the tour?

A: Tour operators usually have a grace period, but it's best to arrive at the meeting point at least 10-15 minutes early. If you are significantly late, contact the tour provider directly to see if arrangements can be made, though often you may miss the start of the tour.

Don't Miss the Perfect Burlington Experience

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Why Visit Burlington?

Explore the vibrant Church Street Marketplace, a pedestrian haven buzzing with local shops and street performers.

Experience the stunning Lake Champlain waterfront, offering breathtaking views and recreational opportunities.

Discover a thriving craft beer scene, with numerous breweries showcasing innovative local brews.

Immerse yourself in Vermont's rich history at sites like the Ethan Allen Homestead.

Enjoy a farm-to-table dining experience, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients from surrounding farms.

Connect with a laid-back, progressive community nestled against a beautiful natural backdrop.

Best Time to Visit

Weather

Burlington experiences a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and humid, while winters are cold and snowy. Spring and autumn offer milder temperatures, though they can be quite variable. The region is known for its beautiful fall foliage and its snowy winters, impacting outdoor activities.

Best Months

The best months to visit Burlington are typically September and October for stunning fall foliage and pleasant, crisp weather, or June through August for warm summer days perfect for exploring the lake and city.

Peak Season

Peak season generally runs from June through August, offering warm weather ideal for outdoor activities like boating on Lake Champlain and exploring the city's many parks and trails. Expect larger crowds and higher accommodation prices during this time.

Off Season

The off-season includes the winter months (December-February) with cold, snowy weather perfect for skiing and winter sports, and early spring (March-April) which can be chilly and muddy. Visiting during these times often means fewer crowds and lower prices.

Plan Your Burlington Trip

Transportation Tips

Getting around Burlington is quite manageable. The downtown area is very walkable, especially Church Street Marketplace. For longer distances, the Green Mountain Transit (GMT) bus system offers affordable and frequent routes throughout the city and surrounding areas. Cycling is also popular, with dedicated bike lanes and the extensive Burlington Greenway. Ride-sharing services and taxis are readily available. Parking can be a bit tricky and expensive in the busiest downtown areas, so consider using public transport or walking when possible.

Car Rental Deals in Burlington

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Where to Stay

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Best Hotel Deals in Burlington

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