Boulder City Guide

Fresh, farm-to-table options dominate. There’s a good mix of Italian, Asian, Mexican, and American food. Vegan and vegetarian choices are strong. Some late-night food is available but limited.

Nightlife centers around Pearl Street Mall with breweries, bars, and live music venues.

High-quality coffee shops with specialty roasters and a community-focused vibe.

Tipping is expected across service industries, including restaurants, taxis, and coffee shops.

SIM cards are available at major carrier stores like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. Verizon and AT&T offer the best coverage. eSIMs are becoming more common.

Streets are clean with efficient waste and recycling services.

Some late-night pharmacies, many 24/7 convenience stores, and emergency rooms open all the time. Night food options are limited.

Good selection of international products in major supermarkets and specialty stores. Farmers markets offer fresh produce seasonally.

Most places take credit cards and mobile payments. Cash is rarely needed.

ATMs are common at banks, grocery stores, and convenience shops. Fees for out-of-network ATMs usually range from $2.50 to $5.00.

Local schools such as Boulder High School and Fairview High School teach mostly in English. International schools are rare but available in the Denver area.

Active meetups and coworking spaces support remote workers. Some shared housing options available but limited dedicated co-living.

Extensive green spaces and parks with shaded walking paths and trails great for running.

Safe, scenic running routes include Boulder Creek Path and Mesa Trail. Many running clubs and events throughout the year.

Gyms with various facilities are easily accessible across the city.

Public and private tennis courts are widely available. Padel courts are limited but may be found at private clubs.

Few padel courts exist, mainly at private clubs.

Strong yoga scene with many studios offering a range of styles and drop-in classes.

Many dojos offer BJJ, Muay Thai, boxing, judo, karate, and taekwondo. Drop-in classes available.

Ski resorts like Eldora are under an hour away. Larger resorts are 1.5-2 hours' drive. Season runs mid-November to April with terrain for all levels.

Kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, and windsurfing available at Boulder Reservoir and Boulder Creek during warmer months.

No surfing options near Boulder.

No diving or snorkeling near Boulder.

Boulder Community Health is the main hospital with English-speaking staff. Private and public options are available. Pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS are abundant with consultation services.

Tap water meets federal and state safety standards and is safe to drink.

Playgrounds and family-friendly cafes are plentiful. Attractions like Boulder Creek Path and Chautauqua Park offer outdoor fun for all ages.

Boulder is accepting and inclusive with many safe spaces and annual Pride events.

Very pet-friendly city with many businesses welcoming pets, plus off-leash parks and vets.