Downtown Boise is compact and walkable. Most of the main sights — the Basque Block, Freak Alley, the State Capitol, 8th Street — are within a 15-minute walk of each other. The Boise River Greenbelt is bikeable and connects to a wider trail network; bike rental is available from several shops near the Greenbelt.
A car is useful for reaching the Old Idaho Penitentiary, Table Rock, and Bogus Basin, none of which are practical without one. Rideshares are available throughout the city. The local bus system (ValleyRide) covers the urban area but is infrequent and not the most practical option for visitors. Boise is fundamentally a driving city outside the downtown core.