Burlington, Vermont, is a city that offers much more than its charming streets and stunning Lake Champlain views. Its vibrant craft beer scene, historic sites, and quirky attractions make it a perfect spot for exploring on guided and self-guided tours. We particularly enjoy the Burlington Signature Guided Brewery Tour for its intimate experience and chance to meet Vermont’s passionate brewers, or the Ghosts Smartphone Guided Walking Tour which takes you through Burlington’s spooky past at your own pace. Whether you’re after a refreshing beverage, a dark history fix, or a fun activity with friends, Burlington’s diverse tour options deliver.
What makes Burlington stand out is its combination of small-scale, authentic experiences and scenic, lively urban adventures. The city’s compact size means you can comfortably explore its highlights—like the waterfront, historic downtown, and local breweries—in a day or two. Plus, many tours are designed to match different interests and budgets, making it easier for everyone to find a memorable way to enjoy Burlington.
Quick Overview
Our list includes brewery tours, which showcase Vermont’s thriving craft beer culture, such as the Burlington Signature Guided Brewery Tour. For those interested in longer, immersive adventures, the Small Group 5-Day Vermont Tour offers a multi-day exploration of the region’s top sights. If ghost stories or spooky mysteries are more your style, check out the Ghosts Walking Tour. For self-guided options, the Burlington Smartphone Tour and scavenger hunts provide fun, flexible ways to explore. Stunning and interactive, all these tours cater to different tastes and schedules.
1. Burlington Signature Guided Brewery Tour
At number 1 on our list, the Burlington Signature Guided Brewery Tour offers a taste of Vermont’s renowned craft beer scene with a focus on quality and connection. Priced at $105 per person, this 3.5-hour tour provides a chance to visit three local breweries and sample up to 12 beers, all while enjoying the company of a small group. The tour includes transportation, so you can indulge without worrying about driving. The tour begins at 1st Republic Brewing Co, where you’ll learn about their Veteran-owned roots and enjoy their flagship brews, then heads to Queen City Brewery, famous for its traditional ales and innovative specialty beers.
What makes this tour stand out is its personal approach—meeting the brewers and owners behind your favorite Vermont beers adds an authentic touch you won’t find on larger, more commercial tours. Reviewers frequently mention the knowledgeable guides, like Nick, who make the experience engaging and educational. It’s ideal for beer lovers craving a behind-the-scenes look at Vermont’s craft brewing industry. The only potential downside: the tour covers some walking and standing, so prepare for a lively, active afternoon.
Bottom Line: This tour is perfect for those who want a relaxed, beer-focused experience with insider stories and local flavor. Book early—130 reviews give it a 5-star rating, and it sells out quickly.
2. Small Group 5-Day Tour Vacation Package in Vermont
For travelers seeking a deeper dive into Vermont, the Small Group 5-Day Tour Vacation Package is an excellent choice. With just six participants, it offers a genuinely intimate experience of Vermont’s highlights, from Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory to the Trapp Family Lodge, and scenic drives through Smugglers’ Notch State Park. Starting with a pickup in Burlington, the tour combines visits to historic sites, charming villages like Woodstock, and natural wonders, all packed into five days of exploring.
This tour is well-suited for those who want a rundown of Vermont with personalized attention. The itinerary balances cultural sites, outdoor adventures, and local food stops, making it ideal for history buffs, nature lovers, and foodies alike. The price of $2,495 reflects its all-inclusive, immersive nature, but it’s worth it if you’re after an in-depth Vermont experience.
A standout feature is the focus on small-group interactions, which enhances the personal experience. The tour is perfect if you want an organized, in-depth adventure without the crowds of large bus tours.
Bottom Line: If you prefer a comprehensive, personalized tour with plenty of time for stops and exploration, this five-day experience is highly recommended. Reserve well in advance given the limited group size.
3. Burlington’s Famous Ghosts Smartphone Guided Walking Tour
At number 3, the Ghosts Smartphone Guided Walking Tour provides a spooky, atmospheric look at Burlington’s haunted spots. For just $7.75, this self-guided tour lasts about an hour to 75 minutes and takes you from the Old Shanty on the Shore through the historic downtown streets. Using your smartphone, you’ll uncover stories about H.H. Holmes, the haunted buildings, and the mysterious tunnels beneath the city.
This tour stands out because it allows you to set your own pace, making it perfect for those who want a flexible, no-pressure experience. Reviewers mention that the stories are interesting and the directions are clear, though noise from downtown traffic can sometimes make listening tricky. It’s a fun way to get a taste of Burlington’s darker side without committing to a longer or more expensive tour.
Ideal for history and mystery enthusiasts, or families looking for an engaging outdoor activity, this tour combines storytelling with exploration. Just be prepared with earbuds if you want to hear every detail clearly.
Bottom Line: For a quick, affordable adventure into Burlington’s ghostly past, this tour hits the mark. Great for a late afternoon stroll or a spooky evening activity.
$7.75 per person
4. Smartphone-Guided Walking Tour of Burlington
Next in line is the Smartphone-Guided Walking Tour of Burlington—a flexible way to explore at your own pace. For $27.50, you’ll walk from Waterfront Park to Church Street Marketplace, passing landmarks like Follett House and City Hall Park. This tour combines written stories and questions to keep you engaged as you learn about Burlington’s history and culture.
Reviewers appreciate the ability to go at their own speed, with one noting, “We could relax and read the material at each stop.” It’s suitable for families or solo travelers who want an informative stroll without the constraints of a scheduled guide. The tour also provides family-friendly stops, making it accessible for all ages.
While some found that an audio component would improve the experience, the detailed written content and support make it a worthwhile option for a light, self-directed exploration. The tour is ideal for those with a curiosity about Burlington’s sites who enjoy independent discovery.
Bottom Line: This guided walk offers a good balance of information and flexibility, perfect if you enjoy exploring on your own schedule.
$27.50 per group (up to 15)
5. Self-Guided Burlington Scavenger Hunt: Burlington Beauty
For a lively, engaging activity, the Burlington Scavenger Hunt offers a two-hour adventure for just $12.31 per person. Using an app, you follow prompts to uncover hidden gems and solve clues across the city. It’s suitable for friends, families, or groups wanting a fun, active break from typical sightseeing.
What sets this apart is its flexible pace—you can pause, take your time, or speed through as you like. It encourages participants to explore parts of Burlington they might otherwise overlook, making it a great option for spontaneous travelers or those keen on interactive experiences. One reviewer summed it up as “a very good time walking around and seeing the sights of Burlington.”
Ideal for birthday parties, team-building, or just a different way to see the city, this scavenger hunt makes sightseeing feel like a game. It’s a budget-friendly, entertaining choice that adds some adventure to your visit.
Bottom Line: Fun, active, and flexible—this scavenger hunt is perfect for those who want to explore Burlington with a sense of play.
$12.31 per person
6. Burlington Bash Scavenger Hunt
Our sixth selection, the Burlington Bash Scavenger Hunt, offers an immersive, interactive experience with a live remote host. At $29 per person, it combines elements of tour, detective work, and social challenge. You’ll be chasing clues and competing against other teams, all guided remotely via your phone, making it ideal for groups seeking a lively, competitive activity.
While reviews are not yet available, this type of adventure appeals to puzzle lovers and teams looking to combine sightseeing with a social game. It’s a different approach from traditional tours, emphasizing strategy and teamwork.
The Hunt is suitable for those who enjoy puzzles, live interaction, and a bit of adrenaline, with the added benefit of a unique, game-like experience that can be played multiple times.
Bottom Line: If you’re after an energetic, team-based challenge that turns Burlington into a giant gameboard, this scavenger hunt offers a memorable twist.
$29.00 per person
7. Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Burlington VT
For something a little different, the Murder Mystery Detective Experience is a two-and-a-half-hour audio adventure where you solve a murder case on the streets of Burlington. Priced at $14.99, it guides you through ten locations while you listen, gather clues, and piece together the story.
Although reviews aren’t available yet, the concept appeals to puzzle enthusiasts and fans of story-driven gameplay. The experience is designed to be interactive, encouraging you to observe your surroundings while engaging in crime-solving. It’s perfect for groups or individuals wanting an active indoor-outdoor activity that combines history, storytelling, and mystery.
Because it requires visiting multiple locations, it’s best suited for those comfortable with walking and urban exploration. The price point makes it an accessible way to enjoy a detective-themed adventure without breaking the bank.
Bottom Line: If you enjoy stories and puzzle-solving, this detective experience provides a fun, interactive way to spend an evening in Burlington.
$14.99 per person
8. The Hunt, an exciting cat and mouse game in Burlington
Another energetic activity is The Hunt, a two-hour, live-action game that turns Burlington into a gameboard for strategic hide-and-seek. For $12.02 per person, teams compete to outsmart each other in a fast-paced chase involving strategy, speed, and teamwork.
While reviews are not available yet, this game is perfect for active groups, families, or friends who enjoy tactical challenges. It’s designed to be both physical and mental, offering a lively way to see parts of Burlington you might miss with traditional tours.
Ideal for those looking for a high-energy activity, The Hunt encourages quick thinking and coordination. It’s a different type of exploration that combines outdoor adventure with competitive fun.
Bottom Line: If you thrive on action and teamwork, this game provides a thrilling way to experience Burlington’s streets.
$12.02 per person
9. Small Group Wine & Cider Tour in Vermont
Finally, our list wraps up with the Small Group Wine & Cider Tour, a six-hour tasting journey through Vermont’s local wineries and cidery. Priced at $359 per person, it includes visits to Shelburne Vineyard, Charlotte Village Winery, and other local producers, with tastings of wines and ciders crafted from Vermont-grown ingredients.
This tour is excellent for wine and cider enthusiasts wanting an immersive, relaxed experience. The visits include a variety of wines—from dry to semi-sweet—and a charming orchard view at Charlotte Village Winery. The tour also features local cheeses and charcuterie, making it a full sensory experience. Since this tour is seasonal (spring and summer), it’s best to plan ahead.
The value lies in the quality of the tastings and the intimate setting, making it suitable for special occasions or those eager to explore Vermont’s emerging wine culture. The only consideration: it’s a long day, so some physical stamina is recommended.
Bottom Line: For dedicated wine and cider lovers, this tour delivers a premium, leisurely tasting adventure in Vermont’s picturesque landscape.
$359.00 per person
How to Choose the Right Tour in Burlington
When selecting the best tour for your trip, consider your budget, the time you have available, and your interests. For example, if you’re a craft beer enthusiast, the Burlington Signature Guided Brewery Tour offers an authentic and personal experience. If you prefer a longer, more immersive adventure, the 5-Day Vermont Tour covers a broad spectrum of attractions.
For self-guided explorers, the Burlington Smartphone Guided Tour and scavenger hunts provide flexible options to discover at your own pace. Families or groups craving a fun, active experience might enjoy the Burlington Scavenger Hunt, while puzzle lovers could try the Murder Mystery Experience.
Timing is also key—some tours, like the Wine & Cider Tour, are seasonal, so plan accordingly. Booking early, especially for the small-group options, ensures you secure a spot.
Burlington’s tour options cover a wide spectrum—from craft beer and wines to ghost stories and outdoor games—making it easy to tailor your visit to your interests. Whether you want a quick spooky stroll or a multi-day Vermont adventure, these tours will enrich your trip and give you lasting memories. If you find one that piques your interest, don’t wait—these experiences fill up quickly. Happy exploring!