Top 11 things to do in Denver from baseball to tubing South Platte River

Liza Prado

Jul 23, 2023 • 7 min read

visit to denver

Vendors sell everything from gelato to bao buns at Denver Milk Market © Chip Kalback / Lonely Planet

A Rocky Mountain megastar, Denver is a thriving city that blends its rich Old West history with a modern, cosmopolitan vibe. Here you’ll find dynamic arts and cultural options woven with a booming food, craft beer and cannabis scene. And with endless sunny days, green spaces galore and a spectacular mountain backdrop, outdoor play is always part of the local ethos. Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, you’ll find Denver is buzzing with activity.

Here are its top things to do.

A long exposure shot of the Union Station at dusk

1. Eat, drink and play in Union Station

Enjoy a drink or a fancy meal at Union Station , an iconic landmark and beautifully restored 19th century train station. Sure, it’s Denver’s main transportation hub – local buses, light rail and cross-country trains use it – but this Beaux Art beauty also is home to tony restaurants and cocktail bars, a place locals come for a night out on the town.

Local tip: If you need a sightseeing break, chill out in the Great Hall, a waiting area and chic lounge with leather couches, shuffleboard and wifi. It’s all free and open to the public – no need to buy anything.

2. Cheer on the Rockies

Join baseball fans at Coors Field in downtown Denver, one of the MLB’s most hitter-friendly ballparks (thank the thin air for all the homeruns). Eighty home games mean lots of opportunities and with tickets in the Rockpile (aka centerfield) starting at just US$1, it won’t break the bank. Come decked out in your purple, black and silver best to fit right in.

Detour: If you’re a die-hard baseball fan, cross the street to the National Ballpark Museum, which is jam-packed with memorabilia from the country’s 14 classic ballparks.

Exterior of the Denver Art Museum illuminated at night

3. See masterpieces at the Denver Art Museum

The crown jewel of the Mile High City’s art scene, the Denver Art Museum houses an eclectic collection of some of the world’s greatest works of art, from Old Master painters to modern contemporary artists. It includes a stunningly rich collection of Native American art, integrating both historic and contemporary work, with signage that prioritizes Native perspectives. The complex itself is a work of art – the titanium-paneled Hamilton Building with its jutting angles connected by bridge to the newly-renovated Martin Building, a fortress-like structure covered in millions of glittering glass tiles.

Local tip: No need to hesitate about coming if you’re traveling with kids – there are loads of interactive art stations and activities throughout the museum plus two eateries for mid-visit treats. Admission is free for everyone 18 and under too.

4. Take in back alley street art

Nowhere has street art more transformed a neighborhood in Denver than the one-time-industrial-wasteland-turned-hipster-enclave of RiNo (aka River North Arts District). Unexpected and ever-changing, the streets and alleys are draped in hundreds of murals covering every sort of surface, from parking lot walls to transformer boxes. Walking through the neighborhood, the art stops you in your tracks, the images speaking to the city’s diversity, politics and day-to-day life.

Local tip: If you want a bit more structure to your mural walkabout, check out RiNo’s own mural map . For an even deeper dive into the art, take a guided tour with Denver Graffiti Tour , a two-hour stroll past notable works, including details on the artists and their historical context.

Crowd at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado

5. Go to a Red Rocks concert

There’s something almost primal about attending a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheater : the sounds of instruments enveloping you, the sight of people dancing under an umbrella of stars and the iconic 300ft-high red sandstone monoliths standing guard on either side. Renowned for its natural acoustics and stunning beauty, Red Rock has been a rock 'n’ roll venue ever since 1964 when The Beatles played there. Today, Red Rocks is synonymous with big name bands of all genres – even symphony orchestras – and a place where memorable albums are often recorded. For many, it’s reason enough for a trip to Denver. Concerts are held all summer long.

Detour: If a Red Rocks concert isn’t in the cards, the venue and its surrounding 816 acres are free to visit during the day, including several hiking trails that wind through the red rock landscape. The amphitheater also hosts other events like early morning yoga and movie nights.

6. Have a flight at Great Divide

Colorado takes its beer seriously, raising craft brewing to a high art. And with over 150 breweries in Denver, you certainly won’t go thirsty in this town. For an OG experience, head to the downtown brewhouse of Great Divide Brewing Company , a small brick building housing one of the most decorated breweries in the country with a whopping 18 Great American Beer Festival medals and five World Beer Cup Medals to its name. Weekend evenings bring wall-to-wall crowds but stop by on a weeknight for a seat at the bar and a flight of Great Divide’s exquisitely bold and balanced brews. If you want to go all in, geek out on a behind the scenes tour to learn how their magic sauces are made. 

A sculpture of a giant blue bear peering into a building in Denver

7. Take a selfie with the Blue Bear

Stop for photos with the playful and ever-curious symbol of the city, a 40ft-tall sculpture of a blue bear entitled I See What You Mean . Located in Downtown Denver, the bear stands upright peering into the Convention Center – the artist Lawrence Argent’s riff on a local newspaper’s photo of a bear looking into a home (a not unfamiliar occurrence in the state). The bear’s color represents the famous Colorado skies.

8. Spark your sense of wonder at Meow Wolf

Step into Denver’s most immersive art experience at Meow Wolf Denver , an extension of the renowned art collective started in New Mexico. Here, wander through a multi-story building that tells a story of the convergence of four worlds through 70+ fantastical art installations. Enter dark tunnels and tipping hallways, man towering spaceships and touch psychedelic coral reefs, and keep your eyes peeled for the live performers who somehow creep onto the scene. It’s wonderfully bizarre and totally unforgettable.

The Dancers public sculpture at night, in front of the Denver Performing Arts Complex.

9. Catch a show at the Denver Performing Arts Complex

Denver is home to the second largest theater complex in the country: the Denver Performing Arts Complex , a four-city-block-wide collection of stages connected by a sky-high glass canopy, with large-scale art pieces dotting its walkways and green spaces. Weekends bring thousands to the complex, a river of people flowing into its different venues to see everything from Broadway shows to experimental theater. Join the crowd! While big ticket shows sell out fast, there are enough venues to almost guarantee a seat most nights.

Detour: If homegrown theater is more your speed, head to nearby Curious Theater . Housed in a repurposed church, this award-winning theater company stages thought-provoking plays with a social justice bent. Stay afterwards for the talk-backs, when actors engage with the audience about everything from the plot to the set.

10. Float through Denver

Float down the South Platte River, taking in the downtown skyline as you dip your toes into the cool, gentle water. A historic waterway, gold was found along its shores way back in 1858, sparking the Colorado Gold Rush and the founding of Denver itself. Today, the South Platte winds its way through the center of the city, popular pedestrian walkways and small sandy beaches following its path. Ask about tube and kayak rentals at Confluence Kayaks near Confluence Park.

11. Meditate in the International Cannabis Church

You don’t have to be high to feel the full effect of the light show at the International Cannabis Church (in fact, onsite cannabis use is technically prohibited by the public). Every day of the year, the one-time Lutheran church turned multi-colored Elevationist sanctuary comes alive in a spectacular 3D video mapping show while a guided audio meditation leads visitors on a journey towards self-discovery. People leave feeling at peace, happy and well, high on life.

Local tip: Come early to take full advantage of the old school arcade, complete with Galaga and Ms. Pacman machines plus Mario Kart projected onto a 26-foot movie screen, all included in the price of admission.

This article was first published June 2021 and updated July 2023

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Denver   Travel Guide

Courtesy of TylerPorter | Getty Images

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1-day Itinerary in Denver

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Larimer Square Larimer Square free

In 1858, a group of settlers struck gold at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. Their discovery soon spread back to the East Coast, prompting people to pick up and move west. The site of the original pioneer camp (known back then as Auraria) soon grew into the charming area now known as Larimer Square. Although the city has since expanded, this historic neighborhood remains the heart and soul of the Mile High City, and according to some, it's the place to start your Denver experience thanks to its variety of restaurants, bars and shops. It's also a featured stop on many of the best Denver tours . 

Before venturing to Larimer Square, you may want to pay a visit to the Larimer Square  website . Here, you'll find a listing of all the local businesses and upcoming events, not to mention maps that can help orient where specific dining, shopping and entertainment options are.

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Denver's Union Station Denver's Union Station free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Have breakfast at Snooze (a local chain), but get there early – there's almost always a line because the food is that good. – Amanda Norcross, Content & SEO Strategist

Denver's Union Station serves a dual purpose: it's a working public transit station and a highly-praised dining and shopping center. The station was a huge success when it first opened to the public in 1881, providing railroad service until the center of the building caught fire in 1894. The architecture from the 1914 redevelopment remains, and today, it's home to an Amtrak hub and a bus concourse. Located in the hip Lower Downtown neighborhood (aka LoDo), the station also houses multiple dining options and boutiques, as well as  The Crawford Hotel .

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16th Street Mall 16th Street Mall free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Visit Skyline Park (located at 15th and Arapahoe streets) in the summer for draft beers at Skyline Beer Garden and the winter for outdoor ice skating at the Downtown Denver Rink. – Leilani Osmundson

Walk along this mile-long pedestrian mall for restaurants, shops, entertainment and more. Described as "the spine that connects all of downtown," the mall starts with Union Station on the north end and the Colorado State Capitol on the south end, with attractions like the Denver Performing Arts Complex, Larimer Square and the Denver Pavilions – a shopping and dining complex with multiple movie theaters and pop-up events – along the way. If you've worked up an appetite walking around, you won't go hungry: There are more than 40 outdoor cafes throughout the mall, as well as plenty of casual, upscale and international eateries.

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Denver Art Museum Denver Art Museum

With galleries showcasing more than 70,000 works by famed artists such as Vincent Van Gogh and Winslow Homer, the Denver Art Museum houses one of the most impressive collections of art between Chicago and the West Coast. Spread across two buildings, the museum's holdings range from pre-Columbian artifacts to contemporary displays with such mediums as painting  and sculpture represented. One of the highlights of a visit to the Denver Art Museum is its extensive assembly of western American art, which includes paintings, sculptures and works on paper related to the West going back two centuries.

Past visitors raved about the Denver Art Museum, praising its diverse and varied collections, especially its collection of western American art, and the museum's ability to appeal to kids through interactive activities. If you don't make it here on your own, you'll find that the museum is a popular stop on many of the best Denver tours .

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Molly Brown House Museum Molly Brown House Museum

U.S. News Insider Tip:  Though you can explore the museum on your own, a guided tour is vastly more educational. Register for a late morning tour and then walk to The Corner Beet after for tasty juices and brunch options. – Leilani Osmundson

Nestled among the contemporary architecture of the Capitol Hill district is the Molly Brown House Museum, an eccentric example of Victorian life and design that no history buff should miss. Once the home of the "unsinkable" Margaret "Molly" Brown (Kathy Bates' character in the film, "Titanic,"), this museum offers a glimpse into Denver's history and the life of one of its most fascinating residents. On a guided tour of the house, you'll learn about Brown's experience aboard the Titanic, as well as her role in the women's suffrage movement and her endeavors in Colorado's mining industry.

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41 Seriously Fun Things to Do in Denver

Home » Blog » U.S.A. » 41 Seriously Fun Things to Do in Denver

Situated at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, Denver is an exciting city that’ll keep you on your toes. We’re sharing the best things to do in Denver, Colorado — from outdoor adventures to free activities to the most delicious food in town. This Denver city guide is filled with insider tips and unique ideas for planning your trip to the Mile High City!

Union Station Denver Colorado

With snowcapped peaks looming in the distance and promising adventure, as well as a top-notch foodie scene and ever-growing list of craft breweries, Denver has something for every type of traveler.

Outdoor adventurers and city slickers alike will fall in love with Colorado’s capital city.

  • Epic, heart-thumping adventures?  Yep.
  • World-class dining?  You bet.
  • Lively nightlife scene?  Sure thing!
  • Free things to do?  Oh yeah.

There are so many fun things to do in Denver that it can kind of make your head spin as you’re trying to plan a trip.

Denver is a city we’ve been to a handful of times, but usually on our way to other destinations. So we never properly explored it… until now.

Our editor, Amanda, called Denver home for more than 2 years and knows the city well. Like,  really  well. So when we were planning to stay in Denver for a few days on a road trip, we asked for a few suggestions, and she replied to us with 10 pages worth of suggestions. TEN PAGES!

We decided it would be a shame for our eyes to be the only ones to see her suggestions of things to do in Denver, so we decided to co-author this article to share all the goods with you. 

It’s part local insight (Amanda!) and part outsider eyes (us!).

The Denver guide is packed with unique and fun things to do, local tips, best restaurants, where to stay, and a few other important tidbits. We hope this guide helps you plan an amazing trip to the Mile High City, filled with adventure, good eats and a few surprises sprinkled in!

Article Contents

  • Outdoor Adventures
  • Food & Booze  
  • Free things to do in Denver
  • Rainy Day Activities

Day trips from Denver

Where to eat in denver, where to stay in denver, a note on safety.

Psst! If you have more time , be sure to check out our bucket list of  epic things to do in Colorado !

Outdoor Adventures in Denver

Situated at the base of the Rocky Mountains, it should come as no surprise that there are seemingly endless outdoor activities in and around Denver.

We’re sharing some of the best things to do outside in the “mile high city”, from heart-thumping adventures to low-key ways to enjoy some time outdoors.

1. Practice Yoga on the Rocks

Red Rocks Yoga on the Rocks Colorado

If you want to get your downward dog on, you’ll have no shortage of places to choose from in crunchy Denver. But if you want to practice yoga with a twist —  literally and figuratively  — you might be interested in heading out of town for a morning session.

Yoga on the Rocks  is a longstanding Denver tradition, and after hearing about it for years, this was at the top of my “to do” list in Denver.

While it looks quite a bit different lately — people are spaced  at least  6 feet apart, advanced tickets are required, and masks must be worn the entirety of the class — it was still a pretty wonderful experience. Plus, it was good to know they’re doing everything they can to keep people safe.

Going through a flow in such a beautiful place with incredible acoustics is, well, blissful to say the least.

Yoga on the Rocks (summer only)

  • Friday:  7 a.m., 8:30 a.m. & 10 a.m.
  • Saturday:  7 a.m. & 8:30 a.m.
  • Sunday:  7 a.m., 8:30 a.m. & 10 a.m.
  • Admission:  $17 per person (annoyingly, when we bought tickets they had all been snatched up by a third party, so we had to pay a bit more money)

Yoga on the Rocks Red Rocks Colorado

Shoutout to our instructor!  On a related note, I just have to take a minute to shout out the instructor of our class, Ali Duncan.

She was a fantastic teacher (I’ve never cried at a yoga class until this one!), and she is the founder of  Urban Sanctuary , a yoga studio and wellness center. The space looks heavenly, and they offer a wide variety of classes from regular yoga flows to naked yoga (yep!).

And the even cooler part about Urban Sanctuary is that they are focused on creating a space for POC and those who are often left out of the typical “yoga world”. There are PRIDE-only and POC-only classes as well as those open to all. If you have time while in Denver, check them out!

Planning a trip to Colorado? Find out the best time to visit Colorado based on seasonal weather patterns and your personal travel style.

2. Catch a show at Red Rocks Amphitheater

Red Rocks Ampitheater Colorado

Speaking of this incredible venue… If you ever have the chance to see an artist you like perform at Red Rocks, DO IT. Make a trip out of it. It is an experience you will cherish, and quite honestly, it will spoil most other concerts for you.

Back in 2011, Ben and I booked a trip to Denver to see our favorite band play at Red Rocks and to this date it is still our favorite concert ever. 

  • Perhaps it was because we got our seats upgraded from row 52 to row 2…
  • Perhaps it was because we’re both obsessed with outdoor venues…
  • Perhaps it was because the band we were seeing had just reunited after several years of not touring…
  • Perhaps it was a combination of all of the above.

There are lots for tailgating and vendors onsite selling everything from Coors to local craft brews. Oh, and food too. Because that’s important. 

There is something pretty incredible about the venue — rock formations rising from the ground to create the illusion of an intimate space and nearly perfect acoustics. 

It is pretty incredible watching the venue shift from being bathed in afternoon sunshine to cast in a red glow at sunset to becoming an undulating movement of people grooving to their favorite artist beneath the stars. Like we already said, if you have the chance, book a show here. You won’t regret it. 

Plus, being that it’s just a quick 30-minute drive from downtown, it’s makes it easy to combine a show into a trip to Denver.

Important Note:  Currently, the  summer concert series  is not taking place at Red Rocks, but keep this in mind for future travels. 

Can’t catch a show?  Even if you don’t have the chance to see a show at Red Rocks Amphitheater, it is still very worthwhile checking out the venue and the surrounding area (yes, even while empty!). The park is open to the public daily, subject to scheduled events, and is a popular place for early morning grinders (aka stair runs!), hiking and biking enthusiasts, and a great place to catch a sunrise. 

3. See an outdoor movie in the summertime

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Since we’re still on the topic of Red Rocks, another cool event series they offer in the summer is  Film on the Rocks . It’s exactly what it sounds like: movies in an epic outdoor venue… and you can bring your own snacks. Sounds like the perfect date night to me!

But Red Rocks isn’t the only place to catch an outdoor flick during the summertime in Denver. Below is a list of more venues where you can catch a movie under the stars. (Some are even free!)

  • Founders Green in Stapleton:  Starting in June, the  Movies on the Green Series  is open to the public and free to attend. Come early to snag a seat and enjoy a concession stand with fresh popcorn and food trucks. 
  • Dick’s Sporting Goods Field:  Hosts a pop-up drive-in movie theater during the summer time in Lot G at the park. Check the  MCA website  for dates and details. 
  • Avanti F&B:  Every Thursday night at 9 p.m. during the summertime, bring your lawn chair and receive a free beer from Alamo Draft House!
  • Denver Mart Drive-In:  Denver’s outdoor theater with the largest state-of-the-art digital screen, FM audio transmission and a cafe. They show double-features every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night from Memorial Day to Labor Day. 
  • 88 Drive in Theatre:  Serving the community since 1972, this is the only remaining original drive-in movie theater in Denver. The only thing that’s changed in the last 40 years is the digital project screen. You must have a working car stereo or portable FM radio to hear audio. 

There are also plenty of other outdoor movie showings all summer long at venues in the ‘burbs surrounding Denver, so check out  Denver’s official website  for more information. 

Insider Tip:  For a an intimate movie experience that’s a twist on the typical theater, check out this  backyard movie night  from Airbnb Experiences.

4. Float down the River in Golden

Things to do in Denver | Tubing in Golden

If you’re visiting Denver in the summertime and are looking for a refreshing way to escape the heat, keep reading…

Just 30 minutes from downtown, the town of Golden is a great place to spend an afternoon. Straddling Clear Creek, the water is one of the biggest draws to the town when the weather heats up.

There are sections of rapids, so this isn’t a boring float!

Good to know:  Water levels vary throughout the season, with the highest levels in the early summer months, making the river run fast. Alternatively, if you’re visiting in late summer, the water levels tend to be quite low and the river is much slower-flowing.

Bring your own tube, or rent one from  Adventure West :

  • Single tube:  $20 per day
  • Double tube:  $40 per day

*Rentals include complimentary lifejacket and helmet. (FYI when we visited and the water was low, we didn’t see many people wearing them.)

Insider Tip:  If you’d prefer to rent a tube, be sure to  reserve your tube online , as they can book out especially on summer weekends. They were fully-booked on the day we visited.

You can put in your tube in at many points along the river, and you’ll want to take out at  Parfet Park . Walking with your tube along the river from the take out point, then floating all the way back takes about 1 hour in total, so the great thing is that you can do a couple of laps!

Hungry?!  For a super satisfying lunch after a river float, head to  Bob’s Atomic Burgers  for greasy but super yummy grub and a milkshake. We split one burger, a small set potato fries and small onion petals. Godzilla sauce was a pretty great addition too!

5. Go on a hike near Denver

Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado

You don’t have to go far outside the city limits to find yourself surrounded by nature in the beautiful foothills and Rocky Mountains. If you have a car, you will have nearly unlimited options for hiking in every direction. However, plenty of the hikes can be reached by public transportation from Denver as well. 

Insider Tip:  Download the app AllTrails to find hikes near you along with reviews, photos, elevation gain, and difficulty level.

If you’re interested in hiking while in and around Denver, here are some areas to begin with…

Table Mountain (Golden)

  • Distance:  2.7 – 7.7 miles
  • Difficulty:  Moderate
  • Drive from Denver:  25 minutes

Access the great butte known as Table Mountain in Golden from neither of the North Table Mountain Trail or the South Table Mountain Trail. On top of the vast plateau filled with windswept grass, you’ll have access to a variety of different trail options. 

Red Rocks (Morrison)

Red Rocks Trading Post Trail

  • Distance:  1 – 6 miles
  • Difficulty:  Easy – Moderate

Red Rocks Amphitheater Park provides access to a number of different scenic trails from easy 1-mile jaunts to the longest Red Rocks Trail 6-mile loop. 

Chautauqua Park Royal Arch Trail (Boulder)

  • Distance:  3.5 miles
  • Drive from Denver:  30 minutes

While it’s not very far in distance, this hike will take you about 2.5 hours to complete out and back, depending on your pace. Constant switchbacks are rewarded with a giant arched rock formation and sweeping views of the city of Boulder from the peak. 

Mount Sanitas Loop Trail (Boulder)

  • Distance:  3.2 miles
  • Drive from Denver:  30 minutes

This heavily trafficked hike can be done in about 1.5 hours (or longer for slower hikers) with a lot of altitude gain. Think climbing stairs for almost an hour straight. The loop trail can also be done as an out and back on either the steeper side or the more steady incline side. 

Psst! We also have a complete round up of the best hikes near Denver on our sister site. Check it out for more inspiration!

6. Spot Bison in an Urban Wildlife Refuge 

Comprising more than 15,000 acres of land, Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is one of the largest urban wildlife refuges in the United States. More than 330 species of animals call this land home, including bison, deer, coyote, and hundreds of species of birds.

Follow the 11-mile self-guided wildlife driving route, or get out on the trails with your camera. Being that this refuge is on the way to the Denver airport, it makes a good stop on your way into or out of town. 

  • Free to enter
  • Open 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., 7 days a week
  • Currently, the number of cars allowed to enter at a time is capped at 200

7. Learn to rock climb

Rock climbing Colorado

We are low-key infatuated with rock climbers. We’ve gone climbing in a few places with guides or friends, and each time leave itching to do it again.

If you, too, want to learn, Denver might just be a good place to try it out. And if you’re reading this rolling your eyes because you’re already a pro, you likely already know that there is some epic climbing just outside the city.

Denver Climbing Co.  offers courses for all skill levels (whether you’re a total newb, or you’re advanced and just want a guide). The great thing is that you won’t be climbing at an indoor gym… you’ll actually learn to rock climb outdoors on real Colorado rocks. They provide all the equipment and a professional climbing guide.

So if you, like us, have been obsessing over trying out climbing, get your booty out there and experience one of Colorado’s favorite outdoor activities!

Food & Booze in Denver

One of our favorite things about traveling is trying local cuisines and checking out restaurants that are known for serving up something special — whether it be a refined, 5-star dining experience, or more often than not, a hole-in-the-wall surprise.

And we also love scoping out cool cocktail bars, happy hour deals, and of course, sampling as many local craft beers as possible.

Come with us as we share some of the best foodie and boozy experiences Denver has to offer…

8. Take a Food Tour

Denver Food Tour Colorado

We like… err…  LOVE  food. Anyone else?!

While traveling around the world, we’ve come to love taking cooking classes and more recently, food tours. Not only do you get to sample some of the best food the location has to offer, but you often get to learn little tidbits that you’d never discover on your own. 

Like most major US cities, Denver has a ever-expanding culinary scene and we thought it would be a great destination to let our tastebuds loose. And man, we were right!

When Delicious Denver invited us to join their Downtown Food Tour we knew we’d be in for a good time.

Food Tour Denver Colorado

On this food tour, I guess you could say we “ate our way around the world” as we made our way through the city. We sampled pizza, gourmet hot dogs (featured on Guy Fieri’s  DDD ), quite possibly the best empanadas we’ve had in the US, a twist on street tacos made with Navajo fry bread. And we topped off the tour with gelato, because as I often say, “There’s always room for ice cream… it just fills in the cracks!”

All along the way, our guide shared little pieces of history and insider tips. It was certainly a great start to our time in Denver!

Another cool thing about Delicious Denver is that you can choose from a few different food tour itineraries, depending on what it is your craving:

Downtown Food Tour

Food Tour Denver Colorado 3

Explore historic downtown Denver while sampling a variety of hand-picked dishes.

  • When: 1 – 4 p.m. Thursdays – Sundays
  • Price: $65 ($90 with 3 optional drink pairings)
  • What’s Included: 5 food tastings (a full lunch), 3 optional alcoholic drink pairings, a guided walking food tour

Cocktails & Tastes

If you love a good craft cocktail, this tour through some of downtown Denver’s best cocktail bars will be right up your alley. And don’t worry, it’s not all booze! Drinks are paired with small bites to keep you from getting hangry.

  • When: 4:15 – 6:30 p.m. Fridays & Saturdays
  • What’s Included: 5 craft cocktails, 4 paired bites (small plates), a guided walking food and drinks tour

Food & Beer

The River North District (or “RiNo” as abbreviation-obsessed locals call it!) is home to some of Denver’s best breweries and eclectic dining options. Go brewery hopping and learn a little on the way.

  • When: 1 – 4 p.m. Saturdays
  • Price: $65 ($90 w/ beer pairings)
  • What’s Included: 5 food tastings (a full meal), 4 optional beer pairings, a guided walking tour through RiNo
Bonus:  We have an exclusive promo code just for you! Use the code TWOWANDERINGSOLES when checking out for $5 off any tour.

9. Grab Happy Hour at a former Mortuary

Rooftop happy hour Denver Colorado

Was it the word  mortuary  that caught your eye?

Not gonna lie: That’s initially what intrigued me and led to my eventual dragging of Ben to this Denver institution for drinks.

Located in the Lower Highlands neighborhood (or LoHi, as the cool kids call it), Linger is a trendy restaurant/bar with a rooftop and great happy hour (more on that later), but it wasn’t always such a happy place to be.

I’m gonna be honest, while the whole  mortuary  thing was what piqued my interest, the real reason to come here is their happy hour. You likely won’t even really notice anything unusual about the venue, and the drinks and food are good enough to make you forgetthat it was ever anything other than a delightful restaurant.

The name  Linger  pays homage to its previous name, Olinger Mortuary. And a sign on the roof is pretty much the only reminder that this building was anything other than a hip Denver eatery.

The happy hour deals are fan-freaking-tastic, but it doesn’t last long (just 1 hour!). So our advice would be to get there at the start of HH so you can order a couple rounds.

Happy Hour:  4 – 5 p.m., Monday – Thursday

  • Signature Cocktails: $6
  • Craft Beer: $5
  • eclectic selection inspired from global cuisines
  • pork belly bun, lemongrass potstickers, goat cheese-stuffed dates wrapped in bacon, etc.

Check out the whole  HH menu here .

Just a heads up:  Linger is closed on Mondays.

Other happy hour spots in Denver:

  • When: 3-6 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday, all night on Monday
  • When: 5-6:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, 3-5 p.m. Saturday & Sunday (*Temporarily closed for 2020)
  • When: Everyday until 5 p.m., (+ $25 bottle & a board after 8 p.m. Mon-Tues)
  • When: 3:00 – 5:30 p.m., everyday

10. Step back in time at a Speakeasy

Speakeasy Denver Colorado 2

We have a growing obsession with speakeasies. 

Maybe it’s the intimate, dimly-lit interiors. Maybe it’s the smell of leather and aged books and smoked whiskey. Maybe its the feeling that just for a moment you’d stepped back in time into a mahogany world with secret passageways and moustashed men with pinstriped fedoras who use phrases like,  “Hey there, darlin’, what can I getcha to wet your whistle?”

Okay, let’s be real… My obsession with speakeasies is with the drinks.

While researching things to do in Denver, we’d come across a few mentions of  Williams & Graham , so we decided to make reservations. (Be sure to do this if you want to get in.)

Situated in LoHi behind a bookstore facade, this intimate, dimly-lit space oozes prohibition-era charm.

Our first round of drinks was chosen from the menu. We tried to choose drinks that sounded interesting and not like what we usually order. They were very good. And beautifully presented.

But for our second round, we ordered a bartender’s choice and told them what liquors and flavors we like, and they NAILED them both. 

  • My cocktail was made with tequila, cucumber, spicy peppers and lime
  • And Ben’s was with whisky, smoke, passionfruit and deliciousness

Speakeasy Denver Colorado

Our advice would be to start by telling them what you like instead of ordering off the menu. It is a couple dollars more, but in our experience, super worthwhile. Additionally, we’ve read rave reviews about the food here, but we only ordered drinks on our visit.

Do it yourself:  As previously mentioned, be sure to make a reservation. Also, if the “Williams & Graham” door is blocked off (it was on our visit), go straight to the doorman at Occidental and give your name. We don’t want to spoil things too much, but there’s a bookshelf and a secret door involved. 

Price:  In general, speakeasies aren’t necessarily a very budget-friendly option, as drinks tend to start at $15. That said, if you’re up for a splurge, a speakeasy will be the best place to spend a little more on drinks and atmosphere.

More Denver Speakeasies

If you can’t snag a spot at Williams & Graham, don’t worry because Denver has a handful of speakeasies to choose from:

  • The Cruise Room  is the first bar to open in Denver, after the repeal of Prohibition. Not much has changed in the Art Deco space, bathed in a red glow and located in the lobby of the historic Oxford Hotel. Rumor has it the underground tunnels and secret panels still remain, although those are left to be seen. 
  • Retrograde   in North Capitol Hill wins the award for most sneaky entrance. This ‘60s-style speakeasy operates in the back of an ordinary ice cream shop. To enter you’ll have to go inside Frozen Matter, walk to the back to find the unmarked “freezer” door, flip the switch and wait with ID in hand to be let in.  
  • Green Russel  will have your feeling like you’ve stepped back in time when you enter this self-proclaimed ‘chef-driven cocktail joint’ hidden behind a pie shop in Larimer Square. Enter through Wednesday’s Pies and tell them you are looking for Green Russel to be escorted into the speakeasy. Be prepared to shut off your phone as Green Russel forbids the use of cell phones except in their designated telephone booth.
  • Millers & Rossi  may look just like your standard art gallery from the outside, but make your way to the back of this trendy RiNo space and you’ll find a hidden doorway that will transport you into the dimly lit lounge. 

11. Go brewery hopping

Beer Denver Colorado Brewery

Confession: I’m not a fan of Coors (Denver’s most beloved beer). Please don’t judge. 

But lemme tell ya, I am a huge fan of many of the city’s craft brews. And there are lots. Frankly, you could live in Denver and still not sample them all.

Denver has a lot of breweries. And by “a lot”, I’m talking more than 150. I mean, are you surprised? It seems like every major US city has their own craft beer scene, and we are  here for all of them. 

We visited during the summertime and sought out breweries with cool outdoor spaces.

Here are the ones we visited (and loved):

  • Ratio Beerworks (RiNo)
  • Zuni Street Brewing Company (LoHi)

The breweries listed below are on our “wish list” of places to visit in the future:

  • Our Mutual Friend (RiNo)
  • Recess Beer Garden (LoHi)
  • Crooked Stave (Highlands)
  • Denver Beer Co. (Highlands)
  • Rock Bottom Brewery (Downtown)
  • Woods Boss (Downtown)

Some of the bigger guys:

  • New Belgium Brewing (RiNo)
  • The Great Divide Brewing Company (Five Points)
  • Odell Brewing Co. (RiNo)
  • Wynkoop Brewing Company (LoDo)
Pro Tip:  Denver’s official website offers this handy  Beer Trail Map  that will help you plot out your brewery tour by neighborhood!

Not into beer?  Here are some other options…

  • Stem Ciders (RiNo)
  • Infinite Monkey Theorem (RiNo)
  • Blanchard Family Wines (LoDo)
Psst!  For More info on each neighborhood,  jump to the bottom  of this article where we have descriptions and explain the abbreviations.

12. Have a play date with Mary Jane

Urban Dispensary Denver Colorado

Being that Colorado was one of the first states to legalize recreational marijuana (tied with Washington), it should come as no surprise that many visitors want to give it a whirl…  err, puff…  while they’re in town.

If you choose to partake, here is some information you should know:

Dispensaries:  You can purchase recreational marijuana in the form of flower and edibles. You can simply search “dispensary” in Google Maps to see where they are located around town (there are a lot).

  • You must be over 21 years of age to enter.
  • Have your ID ready as well as cash on hand, as dispensaries do not take credit cards. There may be an ATM on site, and some dispensaries accept payment by debt card.
  • The staff at dispensaries tend to be helpful, so ask questions or tell them what you’re looking for and they can give recommendations.

IMPORTANT: If you are going to use marijuana recreationally on your trip to Colorado, be sure you’re familiar with the laws.

It is NOT legal to:

  • consume in public
  • share with minors
  • drive under the influence
  • fly with marijuana or bring it out of Colorado

Here are three unique ways to have an  extra  special time:

International Church of Cannabis

International Church of Cannabis Denver Colorado

This is not your typical church, that’s for sure!

According to  their website , their mission is  “…to offer a home to adults everywhere who are looking to create the best version of themselves by way of the sacred plant. Our lifestance is that an individual’s spiritual journey, and search for meaning, is one of self-discovery that can be accelerated with ritual cannabis use.” 

The inside of the church has magnificent murals, but what people flock to is the laser light show. Partnered with a guided meditation, this experience is called “Beyond” and happens 20 minutes past the hour, every hour.

We showed up, excited to see the interior of the church, but upon reaching the entrance were told that it was a $25 “donation” to enter. We ended up leaving because we just weren’t prepared to pay $50 to see the inside. However, if this experience sounds like it might be up your alley, we’ve heard from some that  Beyond  is worth the price.

Photo courtesy of elevationists.org

  • Friday – Monday: 12 – 6 p.m.
  • Tuesday – Thursday: 1 – 2 p.m.
  • Adults: $25
  • Students: $20
  • Children (under 12): $10 (and yes, we did see a couple kids on the premises, so it seems to be family friendly

Yoga + Marijuana

I had never heard of this trend until researching our trip to Denver. And I’ve gotta say, I can see the appeal.

As ABC affiliate,  The Denver Channel , so eloquently put it, this combination mixes  “downward dog with doobies”.

A handful of studios (that qualify as social clubs) around the city allow yogis to bring their own marijuana (BYO…M) and even incorporate smoking into the breathing techniques. Some 420-friendly yoga teachers claim that it can help people quiet their minds and focus on their practice.

So where can you get your downward-dog-and-doobie on?  Bend & Blaze  is the city’s most well-known ganja practice, but there are others too.

*2020 note:  Bend & Blaze has paused in-person classes, but are offering virtual sessions for the time being.

Carve your own pipe

Things to do in Denver | Carve a Pipe

If you’re creative and like to get your hands dirty, this might be a perfect activity to add to your Denver itinerary.

Airbnb Experiences are a great way to do something totally unique on your travels — no matter where in the world you might be.

The rave reviews on this particular experience as well as the affordable price ($49) and cool souvenir you get to take with you, make me upset that we didn’t find out about it until writing this article. I guess we might just have to sign up next time!

13.  Eat your heart out at a Food Truck or Food Hall

Food Hall Denver Colorado

We love splitting meals because it give us the chance to try more dishes.  Anyone else?! 

One of the best things about hitting up a food truck pod or an indoor food hall is that you have all sorts of different cuisines at your disposal.

Can’t decide on street tacos or dim dum?  Why not get both,  and  a scoop of gelato for dessert!

Anything is possible at a food hall or pod of food trucks. Plus, it’s also a good solution when traveling with people who all are craving something different. 

Food Trucks in Denver

Because of low start-up fees and few regulations, Denver is ranked as one of the top US cities for food trucks to get their start. So it comes as no surprise that you’ll find them parked outside many-a-brewery.

For the most diverse selection, head to the Civic Center where you’ll often find a few food trucks lined up with a selection of different options.

Every summer the Civic Center Conservancy partners with local businesses to put on the annual Civic Center EATS culinary event in Denver. Join the fun on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. where a variety of Denver’s best food trucks gather on the southwest side of the Central Promenade of the historical Civic Center Park.

Insider Tip:  Follow @CivicCenterEATS on Facebook to check out the food truck schedule before you arrive and get real-time event updates. 

And for a list of pretty much every food truck in Denver, check out  Go Truckster  for descriptions and upcoming locations.

Food halls in Denver

Food halls are great for finding a variety of different food and drink options all under one roof. As an added bonus, some double as a great co-working space, artisanal markets, or even nightlife hotspots. Denver certainly loves their food halls and there are a few notable ones around the city. Here are a few highlights:

Denver Central Market (RiNo)

With 11 vendors, this indoor market in the RiNo district feels in a way like a marketplace of the past. You can stop in and pick up cuts of meat from the butcher, freshly made bread from the artisan bakery, and specialty chocolates, all to go.

If you’d prefer to enjoy a meal onsite, that’s an option too. Mix and match from the different vendors — oysters, a craft cocktail, a hearty salad and a wood-fired pizza, anyone?! There is plenty of outdoor seating where you can enjoy your bites while surrounded by evocative murals and string lights, or post up inside with your laptop to get some work done while you snack.

Psst!  There’s even a second version of this food hall at the airport, so you can grab your favorite eats one last time before leaving the city.

Avanti Food & Beverage (LoHi)

Coined as a Collective Eatery, this modern day food hall is built into a bi-level shipping container and features an eclectic mix of vendors from pizza to sushi. Each of the 6 different restaurant concepts feels a bit like a food stall or permanent food truck with community seating throughout. At night the bar scene comes alive and the rooftop is guaranteed to be a hot spot all summer long.

The Source Hotel + Market Hall (RiNo)

At the base of The Source Hotel are two market halls that feature 25 vendors and artisans. Here, you’ll find Israeli cuisine, pizza, sushi, smoked meats and gelato. A little something for everyone!

Denver Milk Market (LoDo)

Situated on the iconic Dairy Block, the Milk Market is centrally-located and offers varied dining options. From hot fried chicken to fresh pasta to bao buns to lobster rolls, it can be hard to choose! But that’s the beauty of a food hall — you can sample a few different dishes all under one roof.

14. Satisfy your sweet tooth with Little Man Ice Cream 

Little Mans Ice Cream Denver Colorado

Located on 16th street in Denver’s LoHi neighborhood is the iconic ice cream shop known as Little Man’s.

You can’t miss this place as it’s shaped like a giant milk jug and often has a line forming well down the block. However, the line goes pretty quickly (we hardly had any wait when we were there!) and the small batch homemade ice cream with unique flavors – like Salted Oreo, Horchata and Lemon Lavender – is totally worth the wait!

Good to know:  We love the fact that they give back with their “Scoop for Scoop” initiative. According to their website, they match each scoop of ice cream purchased with a “donated scoop of rice, beans, or other essentials to a community in need anywhere around the world”.

15. Get glazed at a craft doughnut shop

Doughnuts Denver Colorado

Speaking of sweet treats… let’s chat about where to get the best and most creatively-topped fried dough in the city!

If you’re wondering what constitutes a  craft  donut, let me be the first to introduce you to this delicious hipster invention. Pushing the envelope on flavors with a burst of creativity, craft donuts are far from your average Dunkin. 

These delightful craft donut shops are popping up all over the place in hipster towns near you, and Denver has no shortage. Check out some of the highlights below. 

  • Glazed and Confuzed:  A Denver original, this stoner-themed shop goes by the motto: “Not Your Daddy’s Doughnuts!” Highlights include gluten-free, vegan and even a doughnut made with CBD.
  • Habit Donut Dispensary:  Coined as the ‘cheeky bakery on Platte,’ Habit has made quite the name for themselves in Denver’s doughnut scene with their “boozy injections” and CBD cocktails. Alongside their premium chef-driven doughnuts, they also sell alcohol, cannabis and cigarettes. 
  • Personal Opinion:  To be totally honest, we were disappointed with Voodoo in Portland and don’t quite think it lives up the the hype. But if you’re into quirky flavor combinations, you might love this famed chain.

Other honorable mentions include:  OMG Donuts, The Donut House, and City Donuts

16. Have a boozy brunch

Are you a Bloody Mary person or a Mimosa fiend? 

Or perhaps you’re both… hey, me too!

Luckily for all boozy-brunch lovers, Denver has a plenty of options for getting your morning buzz on.

  • Linger  (LoHi): globally-inspired cuisine, bottomless brunch and rooftop seating
  • Snooze AM Eatery  (various locations): American breakfast classics with a twist, bloodies, bubbles and coffee cocktails, plus sustainability and community outreach efforts
  • Root Down  (LoHi): trendy farm-to-table fare with bottomless mimosas
  • Pig & Sprout  (LoDo): casual brunch for carnivores and vegetarians alike, plus mimosa flights and brunch-inspired cocktails
  • Old Major  (LoHi): contemporary farmhouse cuisine, bottomless mimosas and outdoor seating
  • Second Home Kitchen + Bar  (Cherry Creek): “Pajama brunch” on Sundays with bottomless mimosas and a DIY bloody bar
  • Stowaway Kitchen  (RiNo): eclectic global cuisine, specialty coffee and brunchy cocktails

Need a break from the booze?

  • Denver Biscuit Company  (various locations + food truck): real southern biscuit creations on steroids (well not exactly, but you should see the size of these things!)
  • Rosenberg’s Bagels & Delicatessen  (Five Points, Stapleton): authentic New York City bagels in a classic deli setting

Free & Cheap Things to do in Denver

If you’re traveling on a budget, this section is for you! We’ve rounded up some of the best free and cheap things to do in Denver to help you stretch that dough.

17. Marvel at Denver’s iconic Union Station

Inside Union Station Denver Colorado

Before you’re like,  “Why would I want to visit a train station?!”  hear us out…

We had the same thoughts, but I’ll be the first to tell you that:

  • a) the architecture and decor in this place is crazy beautiful, and
  • b) there are lots of great restaurants and cafes around the premises

Nicknamed “Denver’s Living Room”, Union Station underwent a major remodel in 2012, and today looks like something out of a movie. Think  historic charm with a trendy modern twist.

With black leather couches and handsome chandeliers, you might feel like you’ve stepped back in time were it not for the strong AC (a welcomed relief on a sweltering summer day) and the trendy onsite cafes.

We saw people posted up on couches with their laptops and others on coffee dates with friends. So yeah, the train station certainly lives up to its nickname and could even be described as  charming … a word I wouldn’t typically associate with a US train station, that’s for sure.

Not only is Union Station a functioning public transit hub in the center of the hip Lower Downtown area (also known as LoDo), this century-old historic building plays host to a myriad of popular Denver eateries and even a luxury hotel. 

Even if you’re not passing through on a bus or train, this renovated landmark is well worth a visit. Grab a cocktail at the posh Cooper Lounge on the second level or a quick bite and a beer at the Terminal Bar while you admire the architecture. Browse the curated boutiques for souvenirs or satisfy your sweet tooth at Milkbox Creamery. 

Once you’ve taken everything in, find yourself a table at one of the many popular restaurants housed here. There’s something for everyone’s taste from trendy brunch to fine dining:

  • ACME Delicatessen & Pizzeria:  Artisanal deli-style sandwiches and fast-fired pizzas
  • Mercantile Dining & Provision:  Fine dining with high-end ingredients from a James Beard Award winning chef
  • Next Door American Eatery:  Spicy, salty, acidic & tasty food, plus drinks
  • Snooze AM Eatery:  A Denver institution and popular brunch spot – they don’t take reservations and the place closes in the afternoon so there  will  be a wait on weekends
  • Stoic & Genuine:  Sustainable seafood house, oyster and granita bar 
  • Terminal Bar:  Colorado craft beer, signature cocktails, wines and elevated bar food
  • Ulteria:  Tapas inspired by the Iberian peninsula countries of Spain and Portugal along with specialty gin cocktails
Tip:  If you’re visiting Denver around Christmas time, be sure to pop into Union Station to see the giant tree and all of the holiday decorations!

18. Rent bikes or scooters to explore the city

Denver Colorado bike path

Denver has a few different bike share and electric scooter operators available throughout the metro area.

Hop on a set of wheels and make your way through the popular Denver neighborhoods stopping for bites, sips and views along the way!

Important Note:  If you plan to bike in Denver, please read the  safety note at the bottom of this article !

19. Hunt for street art in the RiNo Art District

Street Art RiNo Denver Colorado

If we haven’t already made it clear, Denver locals love their abbreviations. Or shall we say,  they love their abbrevs…?

RiNo, or the River North neighborhood, was once an industrial area that was overlooked by many. But as the city’s real estate market boomed, unlikely areas started to be transformed into the latest hot spots. And RiNo is a perfect example.

This neighborhood had its emergence in the past decade and has since become a sought-after area full of trendy restaurants and taprooms. But it is perhaps best-known for its street art.

We once took a street art tour in London and ever since learning about street art culture (seriously fascinating stuff!), we can’t look at it the same. So now wherever we are in the world, we love wandering past murals and graffiti and discussing symbolism and what we see in each piece.

While in RiNo, keep your eyes peeled for creative renditions of rhinos (the animal!). You don’t have to stretch your imagination much to see why this was chosen as the neighborhood’s mascot.

Psst!  Denver Graffiti Tours  is currently suspending all tours until early 2021, but it sounds like an excellent way to dig deeper into the Denver street art scene if that interests you.

Street Art Denver Colorado

Street Art in RiNo

Honestly, we just wandered around the RiNo district with no direction, but here are some notable works to check out if you want to have a specific destination:

  • “Larimer Boy and Girl”  by Jeremy Burns: Walk one way and see the boy, face the other direction and see the girl, at 27th and Larimer
  • “Reverberations”  by Damon Soule and Justin Lovato: Geometric patterns that depict outer space on Larimer between 25th & 26th
  • 2936 Larimer St.:  A women with a head full of buildings painted on the garage door by artists David Choe, Flores, Kreig, and DSTRBO 
  • 2668 Walnut St.:  The entire building was painted by Vyal One in psychedelic orbs. 
Are you a huge art fan?  You’ll also love the Santa Fe District. See below for a cool monthly event hosted in this neighborhood.

First Friday Art Walk

While we’re on the subject of art, if you happen to be in Denver on the first Friday of the month (you lucky duck!), try to work the city’s monthly art walk into your itinerary. Head to the Santa Fe neighborhood, which is hailed as Denver’s Art District, to take part in the fun.

Wander the many galleries and studios and chat with artists who have their work displayed on the street and alleyways. Grab a bite at a food truck and absorb the lively atmosphere.

This event takes place year-round — rain or shine (just not during pandemics*).

*2020 Update:  All Art Walk festivities are currently being held virtually until further notice.  Get up to date info here .

20. Shop local at a Denver Farmers Market 

Denver Colorado farmers market

If you’re visiting Denver during the spring or summertime, you’ll likely run into one of the many farmers markets spread throughout the city. While you’re sure to find farm-fresh produce, baked goods and food trucks, these weekly events are not just about the food.

They each take on more of a street fair vibe in their own rights, drawing large local crowds with activities and entertainment. 

We loved wandering around the Farmer’s Market at Highlands Square  (pictured above) , but there are plenty more around the city. Check Denver’s official website for a weekly schedule of  farmers’ markets in the Denver metro area . 

21. Picnic in the park

Park in Denver Colorado

The city and county of Denver offer more than 200 outdoor parks totaling over 500 acres of green space for urban recreation. So pack a blanket, a book, a frisbee and a picnic and head to a patch of green space for some relaxation. 

Below are some of the most popular parks in Denver: 

Cheesman Park

This peaceful, grassy expanse, which is adjacent to the Botanic Gardens, was built on a former cemetery. The Pavilion is a historical landmark at the center, built in 1910. If you’re lucky, you can catch a free movie screening here on clear summer evenings. 

A mix of trees and wide open green space near Uptown and the Denver Zoo, this park plays hosts to a lot of recreational sports leagues and public events. Each summer from June to August, the park puts on a free Sunday concert series called City Park Jazz.

In 2020 they are live-streaming the events so you can watch from home!

Washington Park

In the center of one of Denver’s popular neighborhoods, you’ll find a vast expanse of flat green space dubbed “Wash Park” by locals. Encircled by a 2.6-mile bike-free loop, this park is great for running or picnicking.  (Pictured above)

On Google Maps Wash Park looks like it would be something like NYC’s Central Park. I mean, there’s a boathouse and a big lawn and a flower garden and everything. We went out of our way to get here, but honestly, we were left a bit disappointed. The pond was scummy, the flower garden was completely dead and shriveled (maybe it was just the wrong time of year?), and the boathouse was, well, definitely not like Central Park. 

Personal Opinion:  It’s not necessarily a destination park that you should go out of your way for. That said, if you’re looking for a wide open green space and running trails, this may be just what you’re looking for!

Confluence Park

As the name implies, this park is situated on the confluence of two rivers: South Platt River and Cherry Creek. There are some jogging paths, grassy hills, a riverside path, and even a small whitewater park. In early August when we visited, people were tubing and hanging out in the water, though it was really low and smelly.

Safety Note:  We’ve heard reports that bikes are often stolen in and around Confluence Park, so be cautious if you have a bike.

22. Learn the city’s history & secrets on a Free* Walking Tour

Walking Tour Denver Colorado

Often times when we arrive in a new city, we find the best way to get our bearings is to take a free walking tour. These tours give you a good orientation on the neighborhoods and give you the opportunity to learn some of the area’s history and little-known secrets. 

Plus, you get the chance to ask a friendly local questions — whether you’re curious about the best restaurants in town, the most lively nightlife, most worthwhile hikes, ask away! You can even ask about rumors you’ve heard like,  “Is it true that Denver has underground tunnels?”

Spoiler Alert: Yes, it’s true! One of the main purposes was to allow women to make their ways to the hotel rooms of wealthy men without being seen. But these tunnels are no longer accessible. Sorry to squash your Ninja-Turtle-meets-Indiana-Jones dreams… 

  • Do it yourself:  Tours run daily from May – October and begin at 10 a.m. The tour starts from the front steps of the Colorado state capitol building and covers roughly 1.7 miles, lasting 2 – 2.5 hours. 
  • Alternative:  Instead of meeting in person at the specified time, you can  download an audio tour  onto your phone for $10. Choose from three different itineraries and go at your own pace.
*2020 Update:  While the name is “FREE Walking Tour”, there is currently a fee for all guests as tour sizes are limited to just 10 people. The fee is $25 for adults and $17 for children, allowing the tour guides to earn livable wages even with reduced group sizes. In the past, you could just show up, but  reservations are required  for the time being. 

23. Cheer on the Rockies at Coors Field

Coors Field Denver Colorado

There’s nothing quite like experiencing a baseball game on a beautiful summer day, hot dog in hand, with the Rocky Mountains as your backdrop.

Be sure to check out the  Colorado Rockies schedule  to see if there is a home game during your visit to the mile high city. (Fingers crossed for 2021!) 

Budget tip:  The “rockpile” seating is the center field bleacher section at the far end of the stadium, known for being the cheapest seats in the park. You can score tickets for as little as $6! That’s precisely why this activity is on the “free and cheap” section of this list. It can be inexpensive, but it can also add up if you choose more expensive seats and load up on food and drinks.

As a bonus, the stadium is located in the Lower Downtown neighborhood just blocks from Union Station, so there’s plenty to explore before and after the game. Have a pre-game beer on the rooftop of next door Jackson’s sports bar or dance the night away with the live DJ afterwards. 

Fun Fact:  It is rumored that the Coors logo is stamped on every single brick of this stadium. It may just be rumor, but that would be one heck of a way to ensure no other brand can take over.

24. Explore the best parts of Downtown Denver

Downtown Denver is quite walkable if you have a plan. LoDo, or lower downtown district, has some micro-districts that should definitely be on your list to check out while in Denver.

We’d recommend walking this route (or in reverse), and stopping whenever something piques your interest:

  • Coors Field
  • Dairy Block
  • Union Station

16th Street Mall

Larimer square.

Insider Tip:  Come hungry (or thirsty!), as there are many great cafes, restaurants and bars along the way.

The Dairy Block

Dairy Block Denver Colorado

This historic block was once home to — you guessed it — a dairy factory. But today you’ll find locals and visitors alike, wandering through the pedestrian block, pausing for a wine tasting or to explore the indoor food market.

According to the official Dairy Block website, this is a “micro-district” (I didn’t know there was such a thing!) that is a  “celebration of artful and unexpected experiences” . In less flowery and more literal terms, this area is more or less a large alleyway that has been dolled up a bit and boasts a lively mix of inventive eateries, upscale boutiques, and a stylish hotel. 

Plus, there are sneaky art installations — some more obvious than others — scattered throughout the block. If you spot something that looks like a cog-and-wheel on one of the brick walls, turn the crank for a musical surprise. Each one plays a different tune!

Notable stops in the Dairy Block:

  • Huckleberry Roasters:  locally roasted coffee and pastries
  • Blanchard Family Wines:  tasting room
  • Seven Grand:  whiskey bar known for carrying 700+ whiskies

16th Street Mall Denver Colorado

This one-and-a-quarter mile long pedestrian promenade runs along 16th street in downtown Denver, beginning near Union Station.

The mall features plenty of outdoor cafes and notable restaurants (great for people watching!) and ends at Denver Pavilions, a shopping center and movie theater. The north end of the mall continues over 3 walking bridges and pathways connecting to the hip Lower Highlands (LoHi) neighborhood filled with restaurants and bars. 

Insider Tip:  If walking is a challenge, or you just want to get off your feet for a bit, you can hop-on and hop-off the free shuttles, dubbed “MallRide”, that run the length of the promenade stopping on every corner. At night the mall is lit up as horse-drawn carriages and pedi-cabs transport people along the walkway. 

Larimer Square Denver Colorado

Often touted as the most “charming square in Denver”, this pedestrian block is lined with cute cafes and cocktail bars we can see how it earned its accolades.

For the most beautiful ambience, we’d recommend wandering this block at dusk as the canopy of twinkling lights that drapes this square in a golden glow, cocooning it from the rest of bustling downtown. Here you’ll find everything from chic boutiques to chef-driven restaurants, cocktail bars and nightlife. 

Fun Fact:  Larimer Square was the first designated historic block in all of Denver and is known as the place where the city began. Its namesake, William Larimer Jr., was a Kansas state senator and very much conniving man who is credited with founding the city of Denver and developing much of the land in what is present day downtown.

Larimer Square Restaurants & Bars:

  • Osteria Marco:  Italian dining, handcrafted pizza, cured meats
  • Rioja:  imaginative Mediterranean cuisine by James Beard Award winning chefs
  • TAG:  “Continental Social Food”, eclectic dishes & cocktails
  • Tamayo:  Mexican cuisine & margs
  • Corridor 44:  Denver’s first and only champagne bar and restaurant
  • CRU Food & Wine Bar:  Wide variety of wines by the glass and “wine country cuisine”

Rainy Day Activities (aka indoors!)

While we were spoiled with great weather on our most recent trip to Denver, we’ve been there in the past with less than ideal conditions.

If you find yourself in Denver with less than perfect weather — think a rainy day or perhaps more likely, a SNOW storm! — we’ve got you covered with a handful of fun indoor activities.

While these indoor activities are perfect for a rainy day, they can also be nice to throw into your Denver itinerary even on a nice day. Sometimes you’ve just gotta get outta the sun!

25. Airbnb experience

Things to do in Denver | Airbnb Experiences

  • Learn something you’ve always thought would be cool…  like glass blowing!
  • Head out on an adventure with a local…  on an epic sunrise hike!
  • Or do something totally random…  like hanging out with llamas!

Airbnb Experiences is a great way to connect with locals in the place you’re visiting (basically anywhere in the world!) and create a unique memory that you’ll take with you.

While not all of these activities are indoors (actually many involve hiking or the great outdoors in some capacity!), Airbnb Experiences is a good place to start looking for some unique things to do that you wouldn’t typically think of…

Like pipe carving, or glass blowing, or tincture making.

26. Get fancy with afternoon tea

Some days you just gotta treat yo’self, know what I mean? What better place to rest those weary feet than the historic Brown Palace Hotel. 

Taking in guests since 1892, this hotel has hosted presidents (Dwight D. Eisenhower, for one), celebrities (the Beatles, Taylor Swift and the Rolling Stones, to name a few!) and royalty.

Enjoy a traditional afternoon tea in the atrium of the Brown Palace Hotel. Enjoy your tea with scones and Devonshire cream with the grand piano serenading you in the background.

Afternoon Tea:

  • Signature tea starts at $41
  • Closed Mondays and Tuesdays
  • Make reservations

And if you’re really in the mood for pampering, check out their onsite spa and make a day of it!

27. Get lost in a Book at Tattered Cover

Tattered Cover Bookstore Denver Colorado

The original Tattered Cover Bookstore opened in 1971 in Cherry Creek North. It has since become one of the premier independently owned bookstores in America and an institution in the historic LoDo neighborhood. 

The large store is furnished with plush couches and overstuffed chairs giving it a cozy feel, making it welcoming place to spend an hour or two quietly reading while sipping a coffee from the cafe. A perfect way to spend a day with less than perfect weather!

28. Learn how whiskey is made

Take a tour of Stranahan’s distillery to see how their  Rocky Mountain Single Malt Whiskey  is made. 

  • Tour:  $20 per person
  • Guided Tasting:  starting at $30 per person
  • Cocktail Making Class:  $60 per person
  • Book tours here

You can also just head to their nationally-acclaimed lounge and enjoy a handcrafted whiskey cocktail.

Good to know:  Stranahan’s is only open Friday – Sunday

29. Travel back to the 80’s

If you’re an eighties child or just have an obsession with Furbies, you’ll love wandering Fifty-Two 80’s, a unique twist on an antique/thrift shop where all items can be traced back to one decade (give or take). 

Depending on how old you and your travel companions are, visiting this shop could be a thrill (“Omg, this is the exact Care Bear I had growing up!”) or a bore (“Mom, what the heck is this totally lame video game that doesn’t even look real?!”). Answer: Pac-Man, obviously  *eye roll* .

30. Do an escape room

If you haven’t tried an escape room before, it can be a really fun activity with a group or even just as a couple. The gist is, you’ll be locked in a themed room with your travel partner(s) and with have one hour to solve a series of clues in order to find your way out. If you manage to escape before the hour is up, you win the game! 

Are you ready to put your thinking caps on?! Denver has a multitude of different escape room experiences to choose from, and here are just a few:

  • EscapeWorks  (Downtown)
  • Puzzah!  (Downtown)
  • Escapology  (Five Points)
  • Room 5280  (South Denver)
  • The Escapist  (South Denver)
  • Epic Escape Game  (City Park West)

31. Get your game on

board games and beer

There are few better ways to spend time indoors than with a good games. 

  • The Game Lounge:  With pub food, beer, board games and lawn games, all in an intimate space, this is the perfect rainy day escape!
  • Board Game Republic:  With pretty much every board game ever invented and a food and drink menu all in a wide-open space, this is a good space for spending the afternoon.
  • Punch Bowl Social:  Come for bowling, darts, shuffleboard, life-size Jenga, pool, old school arcade games and karaoke. Oh and food and drinks to sustain all the fun!
  • Topgolf:  This indoor/outdoor twist on golf makes it possible to play the sport come rain, shine, hail or blizzard.

32. Learn something new at one of Denver’s many museums

Though Denver may fly under the radar in terms of cultural hubs in the US, the Mile High City is filled with museums. From art to nature and science to history, there is a museum to cover plenty of interests here. 

Check out the exhibits at some of the most noteworthy museums below:

  • Molly Brown House Museum:  This 14-room Victorian mansion was once home to the Unsinkable Molly Brown. After her extraordinary journey on the Titanic, the beloved home was frozen in time to commemorate Molly as a historical figure. As a child, I was obsessed with the Titanic (is that weird?) and next time I visit Denver, this is on my list.
  • Denver Art Museum:  With themed exhibits across multiple architecturally remarkable buildings, the Denver Art Museum is not only the city’s biggest, but easily it’s most popular. 
  • Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art:  Named after Colorado’s most distinguished painter, Vance Kirkland, this museum covers every major design period since the 1870’s. The salon-style set up exhibits an impressive international decorative art collection. 
  • Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum:  Situated in airplane hangers of the former Lowry Air Force Base, this museum dedicated to the history of aviation and space travel is truly larger than life. 
  • Denver Museum of Nature & Science:  Families flock here for kid-friendly interactive exhibits from dinosaurs to outer space and the human body. However, the biggest draw is the blockbuster expeditions that will require purchasing tickets ahead of time and showcase world class collections from history. 
  • Museum of Contemporary Art Denver:  With an ever-rotating collection of modern art, you never know just what you’ll find when you visit the MCA Denver, but it’s always worth it. Be sure to check out their rooftop cafe for some of the best views in the city!

33. See live music

The music scene in the Mile High City is thriving and there are plenty of options to see live music on any given night of the week. Plan ahead and catch an array of different musical genres from local acts to big names. Or simply walk down the bar-lined streets and you’re sure to hear a live band playing somewhere.

Check out some of Denver’s best live music bars:

  • Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox:  this former brothel is now a restaurant that serves food, cocktails and live music
  • El Chapultepec:  a budget-friendly jazz bar
  • Herb’s Hideout:  no-frills watering hole in LoDo with food, music and dancing
  • The Bluebird Theater:  intimate and historic venue

For larger shows, check out the schedule at these favorite Denver venues: Fillmore Auditorium, Ogden Theatre, Mission Ballroom, and Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom.

2020 Note:  Most of these venues are currently closed. Check their website for up-to-date information.

While the city of Denver itself has seemingly endless things to do, one of the great things about its location is its proximity to so many adventures.

We’re sharing some of the best day trips from Denver including epic things to do in the great outdoors and cute nearby towns to check out if you have the time.

Be sure to check out our complete guide to day trips from Denver for more detailed information on each trip and plenty of other great ideas!

34. Hike a “Fourteener”

Hiking Mount Bierstadt Colorado

Coloradans proudly refer to the mountain peaks exceeding over 14,000 feet in elevation as “fourteeners” (14-ers). Interestingly, Colorado has more fourteeners than any other state in the U.S. which makes hiking one a bucket list item for many people visiting Denver. Whether you’re an advanced or novice hiker, Denver offers a vast amount of fourteeners that will give you the opportunity to experience the fresh mountain air. Since most of the hikes are within a short drive, you can easily tackle one on a day trip from Denver. While hiking an elevation of 14,000+ feet might seem daunting, just remember that Denver is already at high elevation, so you’re not going to be hiking the whole 14,000 feet. Many fourteeners only require 3,000 feet (or so) in elevation gain from the beginning of the hike to the summit. 

So we say: just do it!

Hiking Mount Bierstadt Colorado 2

Some notable 14-ers to hike near Denver include:

  • Mount Bierstadt: 7.5 miles out and back | 1 hour 45 minutes from Denver
  • Grays Peak: 8 miles round-trip | 2 hours from Denver
  • Torreys Peak: 8 miles round-trip | 2 hours from Denver 
  • Pikes Peak: ~14 miles round trip | 2 hours from Denver
  • Longs Peak: ~14 miles round trip | 1.5 hours from Denver

A word of caution: Be sure you do your due diligence in terms of thoroughly researching the hike you choose, packing the correct supplies and being mindful of how you’re feeling during the hike. Give yourself a few days in Denver to acclimate to higher altitude before attempting your first hike. 

Be sure to check out our day trips from Denver guide for tips on hiking a fourteener !

35. Explore Rocky Mountain National Park

visit to denver

Rocky Mountain National Park is a great day trip option as it’s just over an hour drive from Denver. Catering to true nature lovers, it takes you straight out of the city and into the heart of the wilderness. If you have time, you might consider an overnight trip, too. Getting into the park is a little tricky so make sure you plan ahead and secure a timed-entry permit if you’re traveling from May through October. If you’re planning to backpack, you’ll need an additional permit. 

While the regulations can seem a little frustrating, the permits work to regulate the traffic in and out of the park and, at the end of the day, it helps keep nature undisturbed and natural.

Whether you decide to go for the day or take on a backpacking adventure, you’ll be absolutely stunned by the scenery. We mean it! We outlined some of our favorite hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park and offer some helpful backpacking tips as well on our sister site.  

36. Drive Mount Evans Scenic Byway

The drive on Mount Evans Scenic Byway is a perfect day trip from Denver. Aside from taking pictures (and trust us, you’ll want to!), you don’t even have to leave your vehicle. The road is paved and aside from frequent twists and turns, it is a safe and peaceful drive offering stunning views of mountain vistas, turquoise lakes, and pine forests. We promise that you don’t want to miss it. 

Tip: Pack some Dramamine or ginger crews if you are prone to car sickness!

37. Day trip to Boulder

Dushanbe Tea house Boulder Colorado

Nature lovers will find countless hiking trails to suit their needs, and foodies will revel in the array of choices when it comes to local eateries. Definitely check out Pearl Street which is a pedestrian walkway through the center of downtown sprinkled with great shops, restaurants and street performers! 

For some nature, we highly recommend a visit to Chautauqua Park, which has a surplus of hikes in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, known as the Flat Irons. 

We also loved Dushanbe Tea house— an authentic tea house shipped piece by piece from Tajikistan and reassembled in Boulder near a peaceful creek. Adjacent to the tea house there is an excellent farmers market that takes place on Wednesday and Sundays.

38. Spend the afternoon in Golden

Float down the river in Golden Colorado

Golden is just a short drive from Denver making this the perfect day trip location! This charming mountain town is much more of a gem than golden—see what I did there? It has a cute Old Western vibe and offers plenty of local shops and eateries to keep you occupied for an afternoon. We highly recommend a float down the Clear Creek River (#4 on this list!) while visiting Golden. It is a perfect way to cool down in the summertime.And while we definitely preferred the beers served at the craft breweries in town, you can also take a free tour of the Coors Brewery in Golden. Either way, you won’t run out of beer options to try!

Of course we cannot leave out the hiking opportunities… Golden, like many of the mountain towns near Denver, has outstanding hiking. Hiking one of the Table Mountain trails will reward you with great views of Golden all the way to Denver.

39. Go whitewater rafting

Seeking an adrenaline rush? Why not try some whitewater rafting? 

There are many rafting opportunities throughout the state of Colorado, but if you’re looking for an excursion near Denver, Clear Creek is going to be the closest place to get your rapids on. 

Not only is Clear Creek just a quick hop away from Denver, there are also numerous rafting companies to choose from there to suit your needs and skill level. We personally recommend Clear Creek Rafting company as a reputable company that offers trips ranging from beginner level (suitable for children) to gnarly Class V rapids!

The best times for whitewater rafting in Clear Creek are from mid-May to mid-August! 

On a related note:  Find out what to pack, how to best prepare, and  what to wear white for water rafting . 

40. Explore Garden of the Gods

Hiking Garden of the Gods Colorado 2

Nature lovers, rock climbers and photographers will flock to this gorgeous set of 300-million-year-old rock formations seemingly in the middle of nowhere. The good news is, it’s really only about an hour south of Denver making Garden of the Gods a perfect day trip location. 

While there are a lot of hikes in the area, we highly recommend the Garden of the Gods Loop trail as it’s quick and easy—you’ll be able to fit all the highlights into a quick daytime visit.

The best part: Garden of the Gods is completely free!

41. Go Skiing near Denver

Skiing at Keystone Resort Colorado

We couldn’t very well leave skiing off this list, now could we?!

If you happen to be visiting Denver in the wintertime (jealous!), taking a day trip (or extended getaway) to one of the many nearby ski resorts is likely at the top of your list of things to do.

Here are some of the closest ski resorts to Denver as well as what they’re known for:

Note: all prices below are for the 2022/2023 season. Be aware that prices may vary depending on when you buy your ticket and the number of days you’ll spend skiing. Many of the mountains have a three day pass ‘discount.’ 

  • Distance from Denver: 64 miles, 1 hour, 15 minutes
  • Lift Ticket Cost: $59-99 on weekdays, $109 on weekends and holidays
  • SeasonPass: $619 for adults, (also available on the Ikon Pass)
  • Distance from Denver: 50 miles, 1 hour, 15 minutes
  • Lift Ticket Price: $149 for adults
  • SeasonPass: $719 for adults, (also available on the Ikon Pass)
  • Distance from Denver: 69 miles, 1 hour, 20 minutes
  • Lift Ticket Price: $143-$180
  • SeasonPass: $365 for adults, (also available on the Epic Pass & Summit Value Pass)
  • Distance from Denver: 66 miles, 1 hour, 20 minutes
  • Lift Ticket Price: Starting at $108 for adults when bought in multi-day packages; starting at $143 for single-day tickets
  • SeasonPass: $649 for adults, (also available on the Ikon Pass) 

These are just a few of the well-known resorts near Denver, but there are plenty more. Check out our  guide to Colorado ski resorts  for more detailed information to plan your ski trip near Denver.

Food Denver Colorado

Just like any major city, it’s impossible to make a truly complete list (especially as new places continue to pop up all the time!). Throughout the article we’ve mentioned many-a Denver staples as well as some new favorites, but here are just a handful of stand-out restaurants in Denver. 

This list is a combination of Amanda’s suggestions, places we tried and loved, as well as our Airbnb host’s local picks, and are all somewhat close to the city center:

  • Uncle :  tasty ramen, excellent tofu appetizer, and soft crab bao buns
  • Linger :  eclectic global cuisine, happy hour deals and rooftop seating
  • Cart Driver :  really good wood-fired pizza 
  • Sassafrass :  known for great brunch
  • Root Down :  trendy farm-to-table fare

We also list many more of the best restaurants in Denver by neighborhood in our guide to where to stay in Denver .

RiNo Denver Colorado

Denver is a large city, so figuring out exactly where to stay can be a bit overwhelming. Plus there are so many different neighborhoods to choose from!

When we first started planning our trip to Denver, we realized that Denverites (is that what you call them?!) really love their abbreviations. Just check out the neighborhood names below!

Denver Neighborhoods

  • LoDo = Lower Downtown
  • LoHi = Lower Highlands
  • RiNo = River North District
  • Cap Hill = Capital Hill
  • Cherry Creek
  • Wash Park = Washington Park

We put together an entire article outlining where to stay in Denver depending on your specific travel style and needs. In that article, we go over the highlights of each neighborhood and pros and cons for making each your base to explore the city. Plus we share our top hotel and Airbnb recommendations.

We also put together a giant guide to the best Airbnbs in Denver with top recommendations for each neighborhood, price point and even larger stays for families and group travel.

If you’re looking for some quick recommendations, here are our top recommended hotel and Airbnb stays for your first trip to Denver:

LoDo Denver Airbnb | Image source: Airbnb

Airbnb: Downtown Denver Loft  – This modern loft features a single bedroom, open floor plan and 18’ high ceilings. The enormous windows let in plenty of natural light and provide views of the surrounding LoDo neighborhood. Perfect for a solo traveler or couple who wants to be right in the heart of the action.

The Source Hotel Denver | Image source: Booking

The Source Hotel  – Built up around the original and ever-popular food hall, The Source Hotel offers guests an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, bar and rooftop restaurant. The original building, which is connected to the hotel, is a RiNo staple, featuring popular restaurants like Acorn, Smōk, and Safta.

LoHi Denver Airbnb | Image source: Airbnb

Airbnb: Sunny Cottage in LoHi  – This charming Airbnb Plus property has 2 bedrooms, a full kitchen and even a cozy fireplace. It is steps from the action in LoHi, but far enough from downtown where it’ll stay quiet in the evenings. Perfect for a couple or family wanting to explore the city.

Crawford Hotel Denver | Image source: The Crawford Hotel

The Crawford Hotel  – A luxurious stay in the heart of the action at Denver’s iconic Union Station. This hotel offers direct airport train access, courtesy Tesla transportation, free craft beer at the Terminal Bar and priority seating at Snooze AM Eatery (something that will come in handy on the weekend when the wait time can be over 2 hours!).

In our experience, Denver felt like most other US cities. While there are certainly pockets where you may want to use extra caution, most areas felt safe. That said, we do want to address an experience we had in Denver because it would have been helpful for us to know this ahead of time.

We were traveling to Colorado with mountain bikes on our van (locked to our bike rack). Sadly, on our last morning in the city we woke up to find they had been stolen (locks cut). After filing a police report and doing a bit of searching in online forums, we learned that  Denver is notorious for bike theft .

There’s even a Facebook Group dedicated to stolen bikes in the city, and from reading all sorts of other peoples’ accounts, we soon realized our experience wasn’t just a random bout of bad luck. It’s actually the norm. 

While this can happen anywhere (not just Denver), we’d encourage anyone traveling with bikes to practice extra caution. If you’re staying in an Airbnb, ask if you can bring the bikes inside. Or if you’re staying at a hotel, see if there is a special bike storage area or onsite cameras.

Planning a trip out west?

We have TONS of resources on travel in the US and how to make the most out of your trip. Check out our  Ultimate USA Travel Guide  for everything you need to know, or read some of our favorite articles below.

  • Best Day Trips from Denver
  • Best Airbnbs in Denver for Every Type of Traveler
  • Epic Things to Do in Colorado
  • Best Colorado Ski Resorts

Save this article for later on Pinterest!

Things to Do in Denver | Two Wandering Soles

We want to hear from you!

Have questions about planning your trip to Denver? Anything you think we missed? Let us know in the comments below and we’ll do our best to get back to you!

Comments (7) on “ 41 Seriously Fun Things to Do in Denver ”

This was very extensive and detailed! So much to do! Thank you so much from a fellow traveler!

I visited Denver last year and enjoyed it, but after reading this amazing article, I feel like I need to go back and do more. 🙂 There are so many hidden gems there.

YES, So many hidden gems!

Great post! I love the food and drink recommendations… I was supposed to head to Denver this summer but my trip was postponed 🙁 I’ll definitely revisit this post when I plan it again!

Hey Carley, sorry to hear about your trip. Hopefully you’ll get to go to Denver soon. Let us know when you do!

Denver is one of my favorite cities. My friends live there and I love visiting. I really need to do more hiking in the area though. Great food recommendations, I can’t wait to go back and try some more of these. I loved exploring the breweries last time I was there

Hey Emma! You’re right there are so many restaurants and breweries to check out in Denver! Such a big foodie scene!

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30 Best & Fun Things To Do In Denver (Colorado)

By: Author Jerric Chong

Posted on Published: October 16, 2019  - Last updated: October 15, 2023

Things To Do In Denver

Denver is full of exciting points of interest, must-see tourist attractions and some of the best vacation spots .

With so many places to see, you’ll want to have a good plan for where to go while you’re in this bustling city.

Here are the 30 best and fun things to do in Denver, Colorado.

Table of Contents

1. Denver Botanic Gardens

Denver Botanic Gardens

Sherry Little Fawn S / Shutterstock

The Denver Botanic Gardens is one of the must see locations for anyone who’s looking for a peaceful, relaxing walk.

This gorgeous oasis spans 24 acres and is covered in stunning sights, including numerous sculptures, pools, and different garden types.

For the coolest sculptures, check out the huge, spiky red-and-yellow piece entitled “Colorado” made by glass sculptor Dale Chihuly, or the Deborah Butterfield piece depicting a horse stripped bare.

For the most fascinating gardens, xeriscaped drought-resistant lands, the Mordecai Children’s Garden, and a Japenese garden are all great options.

And don’t forget the beautiful Monet Pool packed with pretty lilies!

You can also stop by the gift shop for some quaint little trinkets.

Address:  1007 York St, Denver, CO 80206, United States

2. Clyfford Still Museum

Clyfford Still Museum

Clyfford Still Museum

The Clyfford Still Museum is situated right next to the arguably much more popular Denver Art Museum, but it is just as worthy of stopping by while you’re in this Colorado city.

It houses a whopping 3,200 pieces created by Clyfford Still, who is world-renowned as an abstract expressionist artist.

Originally opened in 2011, the Clyfford Still Museum celebrates some of Still’s most loved works, beginning from his early sketches from the 1920s to his more well-known canvas masterpieces made back in the 1950s.

Witness the bright bursts of colors, supplemented with a variety of informational placards that keep things concise yet interesting.

This Colorado museum also gives you great insight into the way that an art style can slowly but surely evolve and change over time.

Unlike many more crowded museums, this one is intimate and feels very much like a unique, personal experience that you can enjoy without the masses.

It’s undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Denver!

Address:  1250 Bannock St, Denver, CO 80204, United States

3. Mount Evans Scenic Byway

Mount Evans Scenic Byway

Grossinger / Shutterstock

The Mount Evans Scenic Byway is a stunning spot for sightseeing that is located on Colorado Highway 5.

It’s a great way to take in some stunning views without exerting yourself in a hike if that’s not something you feel like doing.

The concept is simple: pay a simple car entrance fee and drive up from Echo Lake’s Highway 103 to the top of the Summit Lake road.

The road is only open at certain times of the year, but it’s one of the best places to visit in the area.

This is the tallest paved road that you’ll find not just in this city, but in all of America.

At the very peak of Mount Evans and its road, you’ll be a huge, impressive 14,264 feet over the level of the sea.

A number of useful stopping points allow you to step out and look out over the edge of the road to see views of the Rocky Mountains.

It’s certainly among the top things to do in Denver!

4. Denver Art Museum

Denver Art Museum

robert cicchetti / Shutterstock

The Denver Art Museum is among the top 10 art-related locations in Colorado.

It is the biggest of its kind within the city.

Located in the famed Golden Triangle Creative District, it hosts over 70,000 different gorgeous works of art in two lovely buildings, from all manner of artists, from all walks of life.

The museum showcases a good mix of permanent fixtures as well as sophisticated and fantastic temporary exhibitions that change with the seasons.

The building itself is made with eye-catching architecture that provides a wow factor from the get-go, and there’s something within for everyone, from art aficionados to those who just popped in.

There isn’t any specific exhibit that truly stands out, as so many of them are incredible and worth viewing.

You’ll see countless different pieces that will make you gasp in delight!

Whether or not you’re an art fan, this museum easily makes the list for what to do in Denver.

Address:  100 W 14th Ave Pkwy, Denver, CO 80204, United States

5. Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Federico Curcio / Shutterstock

If you’re looking for a place to enjoy some music and entertainment tonight, the Red Rocks Amphitheatre is among the greatest that you’ll find in Colorado.

It is famous for being exceedingly beautiful thanks to its natural amphitheater design, which benefits from the gorgeous red sandstone rocks that encircle it.

If you’re in Denver anytime from spring to fall, you’ll be able to witness some pretty interesting shows, from musical performances to film screenings.

Better yet, pretty much all seats in the entire amphitheater are good ones, and shows go on through all sorts of weather.

But even if you’re not big on live shows, Red Rocks Amphitheatre is still one of the things to see that you won’t want to miss, even if it’s purely for its aesthetic quality!

Address:  18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison, CO 80465, United States

Going on a road trip around Colorado? Check out our list of things to do in Colorado !

6. Coors Field

Coors Field

Kit Leong / Shutterstock

Baseball fans unite!

Coors Field is one of the most fun locations in Denver to take a trip to if you’re looking for a ballpark that’s suitable for the whole family.

Named after the beer that this city is so well-known for, this field is the home turf of the Colorado Rockies, a Major League Baseball team much-loved by many.

Coors Field is a stadium that covers 76 acres and more than enough space to seat 50,000 spectators.

If you’re lucky enough to sit in the right-field or first-base areas, you’ll have a gorgeous view ahead of you to accompany the game: the Rocky Mountains loom overhead.

But what about off-season?

Well, there are still plenty of activities to do that will keep all ages entertained.

Ground tours can be still be embarked on off-season, giving you a great glimpse into the world of baseball.

An interactive area allows you to take your chance at video batting cages and speed pitches.

Whether you’re here to see a game, sample some tasty snacks, or just explore, visiting Coors Field is one of the most awesome things to do in downtown Denver!

Address:  2001 Blake St, Denver, CO 80205, United States

7. Empower Field at Mile High

Empower Field

APN Photography / Shutterstock

The Empower Field is located within the well-known Mile High Stadium of Denver.

It’s the site of many amazing events in Super Bowl history, including the multiple wins and record-setting efforts of the local Broncos.

Football fans in this Colorado City are sure to love catching a game over the weekend – or on a weekday, too! – in this 76,000-seater stadium.

But this field isn’t just pure sports.

Believe it or not, public art displays can be found around the field for you to scrutinize.

Still, no one can deny that catching a home game on the Empower Field is among the top things to do in Denver.

You can also go on a tour of the stadium, including walking through the locker rooms, broadcast areas, entrance tunnel, and more.

Address:  1701 Bryant St, Denver, CO 80204, United States

8. Forney Museum of Transportation

Forney Museum of Transportation

Neal Wellons / flickr

The Forney Museum of Transportation is one of the more quirky Denver attractions in Colorado.

Originally, the museum’s extensive collection began with the private collection of Forney Industries founder J.D. Forney.

His wife and children presented him with a special antique car in 1961, and that kickstarted his love of collecting unusual, special, one-of-a-kind, and sometimes downright weird automobiles!

If it had wheels, he would consider it!

Now, the collection comprises of 600 different pieces, and it continues to expand in the spirit of Forney’s efforts.

The car of Amelia Earhart, a “Big Boy” locomotive, and even a banged-about Herbie the Love Bug are all noteworthy entries to this museum.

Hilariously, to add a little more life to their displays, mannequins with silly eyes are posed around and in these vehicles.

It’s a very strange museum indeed, but if you’re looking for what to do, it’s one that shouldn’t be missed!

Address:  4303 Brighton Blvd, Denver, CO 80216, United States

9. Larimer Square

Larimer Square

littlenySTOCK / Shutterstock

Known as one of the most beautiful places in the US , Larimer Square is full of sights, sounds, and stores that make it an absolute must-visit in downtown Denver.

It is from here that all of Denver slowly grew into the wonderful Colorado city that we know it as now.

Teeming with history, it slipped into a deteriorated state a good while ago and was slowly refurbished and brought back to life.

The square isn’t exactly the “plaza” type of square.

Instead, it is a street spanning just a block that contains a wide range of interesting shop lots, including clubs, boutiques, bars, restaurants, and more.

Delicious food and a delightful atmosphere await you!

Address: 1430 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80202, USA

10. Adams Mystery Playhouse

Adams Mystery Playhouse

Adams Mystery Playhouse

The Adams Mystery Playhouse is the only establishment of its kind in all of Colorado.

So, what is it exactly?

It is a mystery dinner theatre, which essentially provides a delicious buffet meal for you to enjoy while actors bestow their hilarious and delightful comedy on you.

And it’s all family-friendly, so it’s among the greatest things to do in Denver this weekend with kids!

Then, surprise! Something happens!

A murder mystery takes place right after dinner is done!

Help look for clues, have a few snacks, and watch more performances – then enjoy the culmination of the mysterious case.

The winning team that solves the case gets some great souvenirs.

If you’re looking for some fun while you’re in town, this is a fantastic option.

Address:  2406 Federal Blvd, Denver, CO 80211, United States

Exploring other areas of Colorado? Why not check out some of the things to do in Colorado Springs  & some of the things to do in Estes Park ?

11. Denver Zoo

Denver Zoo

Mia2you / Shutterstock

The Denver Zoo first opened in the 1890s, and since then, it has only gotten better.

Designed after a nature preserve in Kenya, it’s among the most fun tourist attractions in Colorado that will make you feel like you’re far away in the wilderness!

More than 4,000 animals call the Denver Zoo their home.

It takes up a whopping 8 acres and spans across City Park, with a wide range of different types of areas that showcase some awesome animals.

You can view mammals, reptiles, aquatic creatures, invertebrates, birds, and more!

The Denver Zoo also offers plenty of activities.

If you get there during the standard feeding times, you’ll get to listen to some fascinating lectures from staff members.

Special events involve giant Lego replicas of the animals that litter the compound, photo safaris, animatronic dinosaurs, and more!

Address:  2300 Steele St, Denver, CO 80205, United States

12. Tattered Cover Book Store

Tattered Cover Book Store

Epiglottis / Shutterstock

If you’re a book-lover figuring out what to do while you’re in Denver, the Tattered Cover Book Store is arguably among the most loved.

It is one of the most impressive independent bookstores in Denver today.

Since it opened in 1971, the bookstore has grown outside of Colorado to earn four locations, and for good reason!

This homey bookstore is full of things to see, with great books, warm coffee, and cozy little armchairs to sit in.

Staff is very knowledgeable, and sometimes authors drop by to host seminars.

Gorgeous stationery is also available for sale, alongside a huge variety of books that spawn across all the genres you can think of.

Whether you’re here to just browse, to pick up some books or gifts, or to rest in an armchair while reading for a few hours, this bookstore feels like a sophisticated library that anyone would love to spend an afternoon in.

Address:  2526 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80206, United States

13. Craft Beer Tour

Denver Craft Beer Tour

Master1305 / Shutterstock

Denver is pretty well-known for its beer.

That’s why you can’t miss out on a Craft Beer Tour if you’re in this Colorado city this week.

Head to downtown Denver to be taken through a two- or three-hour tour that teaches you just how all that renowned craft beer is made.

Many different types of these tours are held, but the most popular one brings you through four stops.

You’ll learn how brewing happens, take a trip to one of the initial brewpubs that started the Denver craft beer craze, get to drink in a special governer-founded brewery, and finally wind up in one of the state’s greatest bars.

Throughout this tour, which is one of the most fun things to do in Denver, you’ll find out about which beers have the most incredible tastes, receive a tasting glass as a souvenir, and learn historical facts and bits of trivia.

So if you want to sate your craving for good alcohol without going out tonight, this is a great way to do it!

14. Cheesman Park

Cheesman Park

jennifer_crowder_artist / Shutterstock

Cheesman Park is located in the central area of Denver, and it’s known for being pretty haunted.

In fact, it’s one of the most haunted spots not just in Colorado, but in all of the United States.

Spanning 80 acres, the park features landscaped grounds and looks perfectly serene, but don’t let that fool you when you visit today, tomorrow, or whenever!

Originally, this area of land was part of 320 acres used by the Colorado city as a cemetery.

Back then, it was known as Mount Prospect.

One end was reserved for the rich to be buried while the other was used for criminals and beggars, and people on either end of the spectrum were buried in between.

The cemetery eventually began deteriorating, and the city eventually got control over it and disposed of 5,000 bodies that had been unclaimed, often by cutting them up into tiny pieces.

No wonder this place has its scary reputation now!

It may not be the most conventional of Denver attractions, but it’s certainly worth a visit if you’re there to view the macabre and odd!

Address: 8th Ave & Franklin St, Denver, CO 80206, USA

15. American Museum of Western Art

American Museum of Western Art

Miguel Rodríguez / flickr

If you love history but don’t want to deal with overcrowded museums, the American Museum of Western Art is one of the best places to visit – so much so that you should drop in if you’re near Denver.

The building itself began its life in 1880, where it was used as a school for women known as the Brinker Collegiate Institute.

After that closed down, it was, surprisingly, turned into a brothel, which could be entered via a secret tunnel underground.

Eventually, William Foxley purchased the building, and he used a huge amount of money to turn it into the museum we know now.

The museum’s primary goal is promoting Western life, spanning from the early 1800s all the way to modern living.

A wide range of different collections provides insights into more than just Colorado, especially through the Anschutz Collection.

Tours are also available, through which you can get in-depth examinations of over 200 pieces.

Address:  1727 Tremont Pl, Denver, CO 80202, United States

Exploring other parts of Colorado? Why not check out some of the things to do in Breckenridge  & some of the things to do in Boulder ?

16. Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey

Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey

Infinite_Eye / Shutterstock

In need of a fun night in Denver, but you want to make it as unique an experience as possible?

You could visit a bar, but you could also be classy and get yourself a tour of the coolest places to visit in Denver – Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey.

If you would rather get your drinks sorted during the day, this operational distillery has you covered as well.

While the in-house bar itself has a rustic feel with its Western decor, the rest of the distillery (and the tasting room) retains that industrial feel with steel beams and corrugated metal.

No matter where you’re drinking your whiskey, however, one thing’s for certain – it’s some of the yummiest liquor in the city.

Don’t be surprised if you bump into people camping overnight for bottles of the distillery’s limited edition Snowflake!

Address:  200 S Kalamath St, Denver, CO 80223, United States

Planning another vacation? Don’t forget to check out some of the most beautiful places to visit in California !

17. Union Station

Denver Union Station

Jon Osumi / Shutterstock

There’s a lot of history to be found in Denver, thanks to it being the center of Colorado’s Gold Rush heyday.

Now, the century-old Union Station not only serves as a standing legacy to the city’s colorful past, but it also serves downtown Denver as a functioning public transit station!

In addition to that, Union Station is also a one-stop hub for entertainment and eateries.

If you have the time for it, one of the best things to do in Denver is to try having a night out at the station.

Head down over to the Union Stations Orient Express-style Cooper Lounge if you’re in the mood for snazzy cocktails, or catch happy hour at the Terminal Bar!

If you aren’t hungry yet, the renovated landmark has plenty of shops and boutiques you can look in.

Maybe you’ll find something in this entertainment center that’ll catch your eye!

Address:  Denver, CO 80202, United States

18. City Park

City Park

Darryl Brooks / Shutterstock

While hunting for tourist attractions around Denver, you may have heard of the City Park – and for good reason.

Located in the approximate LoDo side of Denver, this park sprawls across an incredible 330 acres and houses the Denver Zoo and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science in proximity to each other.

While Colorado as a whole is no slacker in the scenic views department, you’d be hard-pressed to find backdrops that this park can provide.

Whether you just want to marvel at the sight of the city’s skyline against the Rockies or enjoy the romantic silhouette the Spanish-style pavilion provides, there are some breathtaking views this park is ready to offer!

And when you’re done with being outdoors all day, you can just duck into the Museum for an air-conditioned learning experience.

It’s a win-win situation no matter which way you slice it!

Address: Colorado Blvd. and York St., Denver, CO 80205, USA

19. Denver Mint

Denver Mint

Henryk Sadura / Shutterstock

Should you still be wondering about other Denver attractions you can visit, then why not consider this chance to see a working coin mint in action?

A relic of Colorado’s mining heyday, the Denver branch of the national Mint was originally meant to take advantage of the Gold Rush and produce coinage for the U.S. Mint.

While it’s still an active mint pumping out 50 million coins daily, the facility also doubles as a museum.

Located near the Denver Art Museum, you can pop on by to learn about coin design, manufacturing, and Colorado’s rich mining legacy in great detail.

While the tours are free, they are often in high demand and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

So make sure to show up there first thing in the morning and give yourself at least 30 minutes to clear security!

Address:  320 W Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80204, United States

20. Denver Museum of Nature & Science

Denver Museum of Nature & Science

f11photo / Shutterstock

For a day full of fun, why not check out the Denver Museum of Nature & Science ?

This impressive facility is home to tons of scientific exhibits that are sure to delight anyone who has a love for the natural sciences.

It’s easy to find this museum too – there’s plenty of buses that have this museum as a dropping off point.

If you were already visiting the Denver Zoo earlier that day, this fantastic museum is just to the south!

And here’s a fun little thing – one of the top things to do in Denver is to find mythological creatures that really should not be in a museum about the physical world.

A tradition that was started by painter Kent Pendleton in the 1970s, the museum is now full of hidden gnomes and elves just waiting to be spotted by an eagle-eyed visitor!

Address:  2001 Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80205, United States

Looking for more thrills? Why not check out some of the things to do in Fort Collins  & some of the fun things to do in Durango, CO ?

21. Washington Park

Washington Park

Faina Gurevich / Shutterstock

Known for its beautiful landscape and forests, Colorado remains one of the most worthy sightseeing destinations in the nation.

Denver itself is home to Washington Park – one of the city’s most treasured outdoor regions.

Why not take a break from the humdrum of city life and treat yourself to its soul-soothing aesthetics?

If you need some points of interest to keep you oriented in this park, why not try hopping on a paddleboat or a rented bike to explore Smith Lake with?

Just make your way down to the historical boathouse next to it to get started.

The park’s second lake, Grasmere Lake, has a sprawling playground should you decide to bring your families along.

For green-thumbed enthusiasts, Washington Park is also home to the Mount Vernon Garden – a green haven that welcomes any tired citizens with loving arms.

Here you can wander along meandering paths as you take in the richness of the plant life, and when you’re tired, simply relax on one of the garden’s many benches.

Address: S. Downing St. & E. Louisiana Ave, Denver, CO 80209, USA

22. The Room of Lost Things

The Room Of Lost Things

The Room Of Lost Things

With such a unique name, you would hope that The Room Of Lost Things would live up to the expectations it has set for itself.

And thankfully, it does.

Located in the Sante Fe Arts Districts, this shop is themed on the macabre and the strange.

If oddities are your thing, then you need to put visiting this shop on your list of things to do in Denver today.

Check out the mummified Prairie dogs lining the shelves, or buy a fossil to bring home as a souvenir.

If you’re struggling to identify what it is that’s caught your attention, the employees and artists within are more than happy to help you out.

Address:  987 Santa Fe Dr, Denver, CO 80204, United States

23. Molly Brown House Museum

Molly Brown House Museum

Kirstie Warner / flickr

The name “ Molly Brown House Museum ” may not seem fantastical enough to make it to your list of “What To See in Denver”, but to bypass this simple museum would be a mistake.

Margaret Brown was an activist and a philanthropist who boarded the ill-fated Titanic.

And contrary to most expectations, Brown actually survived the sinking of the ship to tell the tale, earning her the nickname of “Unsinkable Molly Brown.”

But there’s more to her tale than just surviving the Titanic – and this museum is here to show you just what you’ve been missing.

Built in the late 1800s, the museum itself is a historical building called the House of Lions – named so for its decorative lion statues.

Why not pop on over to explore what life was like in Victorian Colorado, or check out a guided tour of Molly Brown’s life – and her efforts in the suffrage movements of the time!

Address:  1340 Pennsylvania St, Denver, CO 80203, United States

24. Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art

Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art

Jose A Feliciano / Shutterstock

Art aficionados ahoy – Denver is host to one of Colorado’s many art museums, making it a must see destination if you want to complete that national art tour.

If you’re just an average person who appreciates art, then please understand museum-trawling can be one of the best things to do in Denver.

Why not give it a shot?

Located in Denver, the Kirkland Museum of Fine and Decorative Art is still relatively unknown, despite its recently elevated profile.

Which is a shame, since it stands out from other museums nearby by its salon-style organization of its collection.

And what a collection it is!

If you’re not interested in international art collection (that contains pieces from all the major design periods since 1870), then perhaps this will whet your artistic appetite.

You can take a look at Vance Kirkland’s original three-room studio, and see where the state’s most distinguished painter worked!

Address:  1201 Bannock St, Denver, CO 80204, United States

25. Denver Center for the Performing Arts

Denver Center for the Performing Arts

photo.ua / Shutterstock

Are you in Denver for a fun weekend trip?

Then why not reserve a night on your schedule to do cool things – like visiting all eight theaters handled by the nation’s largest nonprofit theater organization?

Whether you’re interested in musicals, cabaret, or innovative plays, the Denver Center for the Performing Arts probably has a program for you.

If you would rather have an intimate experience with the stage and its performers, look towards the cabaret-style Garner Galleria Theatre with its 200 seats.

Or would you perhaps rather some flashy, Broadway-style musical?

If so, look no further than Buell Theater.

With room to seat 2,800 people, the largest theater in the DCPA’s arsenal is host to bigger productions you can use to wow your friends into being Broadway fans!

No matter your preferences or age, there’s always something for you to enjoy at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts!

Address:  1101 13th St, Denver, CO 80204, United States

26. Children’s Museum of Denver

Children’s Museum of Denver

Children’s Museum of Denver

Museums are one of the coolest tourist attractions for a reason, but they’re not normally attractive to small children.

Where’s the fun in just staring at exhibits?

You need to have activities of some kind to keep them entertained.

So if you have little ones in town on your visit to Colorado, why not drop by Children’s Museum of Denver instead?

Full of interactive activities that are sure to delight the little minds and hands, this museum’s features will surely be the highlight of the trip for your children.

If the climbing walls, electricity demos, hands-on engineering stations, and the interactive art studio won’t capture their fancy, then check out their website.

Perhaps one of their other periodic workshops might be of further interest to them!

Address:  2121 Children’s Museum Dr, Denver, CO 80211, United States

27. Colorado State Capitol

Colorado State Capitol

While Denver is well-known as the mile-high city, reality falls a little short of that claim.

If you really want to stand a mile above sea level, you’ll have to make your way to the Colorado State Capitol .

And if you’re already somewhere near Denver, why not put in a little more leg work to nab that fun claim?

Not only is it the heart of the state’s government, one of the Colorado State Capitol’s steps should put you exactly one mile above sea level – though the step differs depending on who you ask.

This gorgeous building has not one, but three different granite steps that have been officially identified as the exact elevation that lives up to Denver’s mile-high claim.

That aside, the Capitol is one of the best places to visit if you’re interested in Denver’s history.

You can book a free tour of the historical building’s interior, or admire the architecture of granite and gold – a beautiful handover of the state’s 1890s Gold Rush era.

Address:  200 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80203, United States

28. Denver Public Library

Denver Public Library

Jim Lambert / Shutterstock

If you are a self-professed bookworm of any kind, then a visit to the Denver Public Library is a must do.

Just head on over to downtown Denver, and you’ll find the city’s central library!

Or you could, alternatively, visit any of its 23 branches depending on what’s near you.

Established in 2003, this library is one you can lose yourself in.

Not only you can learn about Colorado in there, you can also dive into its archive of over 2 million items.

There’s just something in there for everyone.

Books? Of course.

Movies and DVDs? Tons galore.

Reference materials for the desperate student? They’ve got your back.

Historical photographs for the visiting researcher? All at your fingertips!

But what about your children?

Not to fret, there’s a kiddies area filled with all sorts of activities and materials for your little ones to discover and enjoy too.

And thanks to the library’s full-service lending department, you can take your time to learn about just anything you want!

Address (Central Branch):  10 W 14th Ave Pkwy, Denver, CO 80204, United States

29. Denver Firefighters Museum

Denver Firefighters Museum

Craig Talbert / flickr

To make the most of your trip to Colorado, why not check out downtown Denver?

There are all sorts of things to see and do here – and if you happen to wander into Tremont Place, you might find Denver’s history just waiting to be explored.

Nestled within the building of the city’s very first proper firehouse is Denver Firefighters Museum – a museum dedicated to the Denver Fire Department, first established in the 1880s.

But why so much hubbub over some firefighters?

If you don’t find 150 years of firefighting techniques and equipment a fascinating subject in and of itself, then maybe learning about how the state’s infamous wildfires are dealt with may interest you.

Thanks to the region’s dry climate, the Department is no stranger to dealing with conflagrations.

Did they have those in the past? How did they deal with it then?

It’s time to find out!

Address:  1326 Tremont Pl, Denver, CO 80204, United States

30. Colorado Symphony

Colorado Symphony

Kent Kanouse / flickr

If you’re bumbling around Denver at night with a partner in tow, why not skip the bars and get yourself some culture at the Boettcher Concert Hall?

Built in Denver in 1978, the first (and only) 360-degree concert hall in the country is a sight to behold in and of itself.

With the hall’s unique arrangement for its 2,700 seats, you will never be more than 85 feet away from the stage – no matter where you’re located in its five seating areas!

If this fascinating architecture isn’t enough to put this on your Denver must-visit list, then what about listening to some professional symphony orchestra?

With Andrew Litton as its music director, the Colorado Symphony presents all sorts of year-round performances and events.

For those of you who would rather get your hands dirty, the Symphony also hosts all sorts of community outreach programs too.

Why not listen to the orchestra, and then learn about their equipment afterwards?

Address:  1000 14th St #15, Denver, CO 80202, United States

Start Planning Your Trip To Denver

There are countless Denver attractions that make great places to go while you’re here for your holiday.

So what are you waiting for?

Plan a trip and hopefully, this list of the top fun things to do in Denver will help you find lots of cool things and stuff to do as you enjoy the best of Denver!

The World Was Here First

The Ultimate 3 to 4 Days in Denver Itinerary

Last Updated on January 4, 2024

by Duncan McHenry

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

visit to denver

One of the most populous cities in the Southwestern United States and among the most famous symbols of America’s Western frontier, planning a Denver itinerary is a must on any traveler’s route when they’re visiting the Rocky Mountain state of Colorado.

Since the state capital has such a dynamic cultural landscape, and there’s so much to explore even outside of the urban core, planning for 3 to 4 days in Denver with the city as a home base is an ideal way to plan things.

Your itinerary might consist of several days experiencing all the city has to offer within a few square miles, exploring such neighborhoods as the Capitol Hill and Cheesman Park areas, or you could just as easily plan to drive outside the city for day trips to attractions like Rocky Mountain National Park , the Mt. Evans Wilderness area, and the ski slopes of Summit County.  

If you’re planning a trip to the Centennial State and are looking to spend 3 to 4 days in the Colorado capital, the itinerary below will give you some ideas and a general sense of how you might structure your visit.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Denver?  

When considering how many days to spend in Denver, you might want to look at how much time you have for your Colorado itinerary overall and decide what your priorities are.

If you want as much time as possible feeling like you’ve escaped the “big city” pressures of everyday life, then a major population center like Denver may not be the best choice.

With that said, Denver is obviously a convenient place to rest your head after landing at Denver International Airport ( choosing Boulder instead of Denver is another option) —your most likely entry point when not driving into the state—so it’s easy to spend time up in the mountains and return to the city in the evening after a short trip each day, if desired.

Downtown Denver

Another thing to keep in mind when outlining your itinerary is that it might be convenient to plan for two days in the city and two days venturing somewhere by car within roughly a two to three-hour drive radius.

That way, assuming you’re seeing Denver in 4 days, you can spend two of your days really getting acquainted with Denver proper before doing a short “trip within a trip,” which might take you to a classic Colorado mountain town like Steamboat Springs, Breckenridge , or Estes Park.

But even if you’re only planning to experience Denver in 3 days, the convenient highway layout surrounding the city (assuming you avoid traffic) and many transportation options will leave you feeling like you did your visit justice with 3 days.  

If you happen to only have 2 days in Denver, plan to spend that within the city itself. This is a good amount of time to be able to see the main highlights in the Colorado capital and is sure to give you a good taste for the city.

Getting To & Around Denver

If you haven’t flown into Denver International Airport, there’s a good chance you’ll be coming to Denver via either Interstate 70 (the main east-to-west highway corridor) or Interstate 25 (the main highway running north to south).

Once you’re in the city, Denver is an easy city to navigate by car (you can rent a car on Rentalcars.com ), on foot, or by utilizing public transportation.

It’s worth considering that the city’s traffic grid wasn’t originally designed to handle quite the level of stress that it sees nowadays, with Denver having gained a reputation as a “transplant city” thanks to the high influx of new residents coming from surrounding states and both the East and West coasts of the US.

This means it’s a good idea to plan on your local drive time happening outside the peak hours of morning and late-afternoon rush hour traffic on weekdays, and avoid the I-70 corridor to and from the mountains on Fridays and Sundays after about 2 p.m. (the ski-season crowds can be especially thick).

If the specific itinerary you’ve planned doesn’t include leaving the city much, then you could easily spend 3 days in Denver (or even 4) without renting or owning a car.

The city’s “Regional Transportation District” (RTD) buses run like clockwork all around the city, its satellite towns, and its suburbs, and rideshare services Uber and Lyft have been a mainstay here now for the better part of a decade.

Getting from the airport to downtown can be your most important point of logistics, but once you’ve reached your chosen lodgings, you have a lot of options for getting around in Denver.  

Union Station in Denver

3 to 4-Day Denver Itinerary

With its abundance of sunny days, proximity to the Rocky Mountains, and thriving network of recreation and athletic goods shops like Wilderness Exchange and REI, the Colorado capital enjoys a well-deserved reputation as an active city with close ties to the outdoors and there are countless things to do in Denver.

This itinerary includes a mixture of outdoor-oriented activities and fun things to do indoors around the city itself, since you’ll have plenty of chances for both.

Day 1 – Hip Neighborhoods, Outdoor Activities and Museums

Explore the highlands neighborhood  .

The part of northwest Denver consisting of the Highlands, Sunnyside and River North Art District (RiNo) neighborhoods have a welcoming mix of classic brick and stone architecture and newer businesses and restaurants.

Tennyson Street is a local’s favorite strip where art galleries, street art and small boutique shops line the block, and weekends bring in the nightlife crowds thanks to live music acts playing in bars like Local 46. You could also opt to visit Denver Central Market.

There are some great breakfast and brunch places too (try Cozy Cottage for a great eggs benedict), making a stop through this part of the city a great way to kick off your first day in town.  

Mountain Biking at Buffalo Creek

If the weather is good and you’re up for a drive of roughly an hour and a half from Denver, the Buffalo Creek Recreation Area is a favorite of local mountain bikers that’s located near Pine, Colorado.

The big draw here is that, along with being so close to Denver, Buffalo Creek has some of the Front Range’s best smooth singletrack trails.

Highly detailed trail maps and reviews are available online for most of the routes, and those looking to ride who haven’t brought their own bikes will find plenty of rental opportunities in and around the Denver area.

This can be a great outdoor activity if worked into a day on your itinerary with clear skies and relatively dry conditions (the trails can get very muddy at times).

Visit the Denver Art Museum 

When you’ve had a chance to regroup after your first day’s activities, consider getting a dose of downtown by visiting the Denver Art Museum and its many collections showcasing art from all around the world.

The museum itself is a brilliant example of modern architecture, and exhibits have focused on Latin American art, empowered feminine fashion, and American painters in France, just to name a few.

After you’re done browsing, be sure to stop in any of the museum’s dining areas—including a restaurant, café, and outdoor terrace—for a meal or dessert and coffee.  

Denver Art Museum

Day 2 – Explore Denver’s Parks, Craft Beer Scene & Art Districts

Morning walk in cheesman park.

For a more urban outdoor experience that will be a refreshing start to a day on this Denver itinerary, take a walk around the sprawling Cheesman Park.

This park connects to the Denver Botanic Gardens, which is also worth a stop while you’re in the neighborhood, and next to City Park and Washington Park is as close to a Central Park-style greenspace as anything in Denver.

In the summertime, keep an eye out for live concerts in the amphitheater area. You can even sip a cup of coffee or a cocktail and enjoy the music from afar at one of the cafes and bars that line the adjacent city blocks.  

Denver Botanic Gardens

Tour the Craft Beer Scene

At this point, Denver’s burgeoning craft beer scene and the local sentiment of “throw a stone in any direction and you’ll hit a craft brewery” is embedded to the point of becoming cliché.

All the same, Denver really is a craft beer aficionado’s paradise, so no Denver itinerary would be complete without mention of a few hours spent exploring some of the city’s top establishments like Denver Beer Co., Ratio, Prost, Wynkoop, and Great Divide, to name just a handful.

If you’re really lucky, you may even find yourself in Denver when the city plays host to one of its major annual beer festivals, such as the Mile High Beer Festival or the Great American Beer Festival.

If you want to learn more about the breweries and visit a number of popular spots, consider booking this craft beer tour.

Visit Local Art Districts  

For a dose of nightlife on this evening of your day spent in the city, take a tour around one or a couple of Denver’s art and retail districts like Larimer Square, RiNo (a local’s nicknaming of “River North”), and the famed 16th Street Shopping Mall.

Larimer Square has a historic feel with unique shops housed in Victorian-style buildings, while RiNo is one of Denver’s trendier areas with a great mixture of contemporary art galleries, food halls, concert venues, and cocktail bars.

For anyone looking to get their shopping fix, the 16th Street Mall and Cherry Creek areas are not far from each other and together feature the city’s best concentrations of high-end shopping and dining establishments.

Those travelling with kids may find that it’s a good idea to head to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science instead during this time. Another alternative is to explore the LoDo (lower downtown) District for another urban area. This is an excellent way to end a quick 2 days or weekend in Denver.

16th Street Mall

Day 3 – Explore the Rocky Mountains  

Rei flagship.

On at least one of your days in Denver, be sure to plan for some Rocky Mountain sightseeing and hiking.

If you haven’t already stopped in REI to gear up for mountain biking, this is another opportunity to see Denver’s “Flagship” REI store. This massive retail storefront is among the largest of its kind in the nation (rivaled by a sister Flagship REI in Seattle) and stands not only as a gear shop but as a full-on shrine to outdoor recreation.

You’ll see climbers roped in and trying out shoes on a towering climbing wall, and expert staff members are always on hand to answer questions and swap stories. There’s even a Starbucks on-site if you need to grab some caffeine before heading up into the mountains.    

Day Trip to Rocky Mountain National Park 

Rocky Mountain National Park, and its basecamp town of Estes Park, is less than two hours away from Denver by car. Just a few minutes inside of the Park’s main Beaver Meadows entrance station, you’ll find yourself looking out across far-ranging views of the glacial Moraine Park and the Continental Divide.

The highest mountain in view, Long’s Peak, keeps at least some snow at its heights of over 14,000 feet all year round, and you always have a chance at seeing wild animals such as elk, moose, and bighorn sheep, among many others.

Trailheads are in good supply at the Fall River area (Lawn Lake is a favorite if you can endure the steep, switch-backed first mile or so), near Moraine Park and Glacier Gorge, and all the way over on RMNP’s Grand Lakeside. Traversing the Divide via Trail Ridge Road is a must if you’re here when weather permits.

Moraine Park in Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado

Dinner at a Local Mainstay 

Now that you’re back in Denver after another full day of activities, take the chance to go out for dinner at one of the best local restaurants in the city like Blackbelly, Tavernetta, Fruition, or El Five, to name just a few.

One could drive themselves nuts trying to sample all of the best restaurants in Denver, so a good strategy might be to settle on a style of cuisine you’re in the mood for and go from there.

Do you want authentic Vietnamese food? That’ll narrow things down to at least a more manageable dozen or so options… But good luck, if the best tacos are what you’re after, as the list of great possibilities, is likely to number in the triple digits considering all of the great Latin American restaurants sprinkled around the greater Denver area.  

If you want an insider’s guide to the Denver food scene, consider booking this downtown food tour.

Day 4 – More Day Trips

Day trip to summit county or mt. evans .

If happen to be visiting Denver during winter in the ski season months of roughly December through March, then you’ll want to consider making the drive up the I-70 West corridor to the powdery slopes of Summit County.

Big-ticket mountains owned by the Vail Resorts group such as Keystone, Breckenridge or Vail are a great option, but you can also consider smaller-time resorts such as Loveland and Eldora when looking to economize.

If your time in Denver falls in the other two-thirds of the year when skiing is off the menu, consider making the relatively short drive to the Mt. Evans Wilderness Area.

This is worth a day trip even if you’re not much of a hiker, as the Mount Evans Scenic Byway is the highest paved road in North America and affords some of the most spectacular views you’ll ever see of the Colorado high country. Bring your camera and keep an eye out for mountain goats.  

Summit Lake on the Mount Evans Byway

Red Rocks Evening Show (seasonally dependent) 

You’ll want to check the Red Rocks Amphitheatre events calendar when planning for this one, but if the timing is right, you’ll be able to see a big-ticket musical act at arguably the best outdoor concert venue in America.

Natural crimson rock formations loom all around, and rows of seating climb up to expansive views looking out to Denver’s skyscrapers in the east. Famous musical acts the likes of The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, and Daft Punk have played here over the years, and some of the biggest names on the charts always make the annual lineup.

Also keep in mind that even if you’re here outside of the main concert season in the colder months of the year, you can still access the interior venue space and explore any of the surrounding hiking trails.

Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Where to Stay in Denver

Westin Denver Downton – This hotel is an excellent option in Downtown Denver if you’re after a great, high-end hotel option. Situated within easy reach of all that the city has to offer, they have countless large and clean rooms available along with numerous other amenities.

Holiday Inn Express Downtown Denver – If you’re after a great, predictable option located in downtown Denver, then this hotel is a solid choice. There are a myriad of clean and comfortable rooms available and a breakfast spread is included in the nightly rate.

Private Rental – If you want to experience Denver from a local’s perspective, then a private vacation rental — like this centrally located farmhouse — is a fantastic choice for you. There are tons of properties to choose from in the city that are sure to suit your needs.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Denver hotels

Denver City Hall in winter

This Denver itinerary is just one example of how you might structure a trip to the Mile High City. Be sure to consider whether you have 3 or 4 days in Denver, how much time (if any) you’d like to spend up in the mountains, and how you’ll be getting around.

With these things in mind and some good seasonal planning, you’ll be sure to make the best of your visit to Colorado’s state capital.

Are you planning a trip to Denver? Have any questions? Let us know in the comments!

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About Duncan McHenry

Duncan is a writer for The World Was Here First. He lives in Colorado and also works as a fly fishing guide and instructor when not editing or writing. He has spent time in Costa Rica and has made numerous trips exploring the Western states of the Rocky Mountains.

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13 Reasons Why You Should Visit Denver

Denver Skyline

Whether it’s beautiful city parks, incredible craft breweries, or the call of the Rocky Mountains, here are 13 reasons why Denver is a must-visit.

Enjoy the beautiful parks.

The city of Denver maintains a number of parks throughout downtown and surrounding areas that offer urban dwellers a respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. Rent a bicycle and hop on the Cherry Creek Trail that cuts right through the heart of downtown. Or visit Confluence Park and take in the South Platte River. The expansive City Park is home to several playgrounds, picnic areas, and sporting fields, as well as the Denver Zoo and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science . With no shortage of parks throughout the city, a little patch of green is never far away.

Join the craft beer mania

The Mile High City loves its craft beer . In fact, according to a report by Datafiniti, Colorado has 348 breweries, the second highest number of any state, and many of those breweries happen to be in Denver. Every fall, the city plays host to The Great American Beer Festival , where 800 breweries and several thousand beers are on display at the largest beer festival in the country.

Denver has an incredible art scene. The Denver Art Museum and The Clyfford Still Museum are just a few of the art attractions worth visiting. The Santa Fe and RiNo Arts Districts offer many contemporary art galleries and artist studios worth visiting. First Friday Art Walks happen the first Friday of every month and allow visitors to enter many of the galleries throughout the evening. There are also food trucks, live music, and other fun activities throughout the community to keep visitors entertained.

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Denver Art Museum

The newly renovated Union Station

The century-old Union Station is much more than just a transportation hub. From the outside, you’ll take in the views of one of Denver’s most important historic landmarks constructed in the turn-of-the-century Beaux-Arts architectural style. Once inside, Union Station is nothing but state-of-the-art luxury, with everything from 10 chef-owned bars and restaurants to upscale shopping, and the luxury Crawford Hotel .

Denver Union Station

Wine and dine in Larimer Square

Larimer Square is a block right out of Denver’s history; it’s the oldest commercial block in the city and first historic district. Now, Larimer Square is the shopping and dining center, with several chef-driven restaurants that make all the top lists of best places to eat and drink year after year. The Victorian buildings have been refurbished to lend a delightful charm of string lights crisscrossing the street, adding to the vibrant atmosphere all year long.

Larimer Square at Twilight

Take a stroll down the 16th Street Mall

This pedestrian mall stretches several city blocks and features a wide variety of shops and eateries, including more than 42 outdoor cafés. Take the free MallRide shuttle up and down the mall to the DenverPavillions, with plenty more shops and a large movie theater, or opt for a horse-drawn carriage ride or pedicab. After dark, the mall lights up with nearly a million lights in 200 trees that line the walkway.

See a show at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts

For the theater aficionado, the Denver Center for the Performing Arts is sure to have something to love. The Denver Center for the Performing Arts complex is a four-block site with 10 theater spaces. Not only does the complex host its own theater company, as well as the Colorado Ballet, Symphony, and Opera, but it also plays host to a number of national tours of Broadway productions.

See the Rockies and watch the Rockies at Coors Field

Denver loves its sports’ teams. And there’s no better place to watch a game than to see the Colorado Rockies play baseball at Coors Field . Not only does Coors Field have a reputation as a home-run-friendly ballpark, but the stadium was designed to give the fans a view of the stunning Rocky Mountains while they take in the game. Other highlights include a microbrewery and Rio on the Rocks , a full-service restaurant and bar where you can reserve a spot for the entire game.

Coors Field

Tune into the Denver music scene

Denver boasts an incredibly passionate and adventurous music scene worth checking out. There’s a large number of venues, from small bars and jazz clubs to concert halls to Red Rocks Amphitheatre , frequently rated one of the best outdoor music venues in the country.

Smell the flowers at Denver Botanic Gardens

It’s not surprising that the Denver Botanic Gardens is rated one of the top five in the nation. Not only do the gardens offer year-round programming and special events, but the two locations also have everything from visiting art exhibits to live concerts and even wine festivals. The Denver Botanic Gardens is so much more than a place to smell the flowers.

Flower at the Denver Botanic Gardens

With the legalization of marijuana in the state of Colorado, Denver has become a popular spot for weed tourism. The dispensaries in Denver are a dime a dozen , and the options for consumption range from the smokeable to the edible to the drinkable varieties—there’s something for everyone. You’ll also find that the staff in most dispensaries are knowledgeable and helpful if you are looking to try something for the first time.

Soak in the Western history

There are plenty of opportunities to learn about the West right here in the Mile High City. Check out The History Colorado Center for hands-on exhibits that feel like riding right into the past. Visit The Molly Brown House for a guided tour and learn about Denver’s own Titanic heroine. For a piece of culinary history, have a meal at Denver’s original steakhouse, the Buckhorn Exchange , open since 1863, and try a frontier delicacy such as alligator tail, buffalo sausage, or Rocky Mountain Oysters.

The mountains are calling

No trip to Denver is complete without a journey into the surrounding beauty of the Colorado mountains. And you can take a road trip into the breathtaking Rocky Mountains and be home before dinner.

View from Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park

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Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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Vice President Kamala Harris visiting Denver on Tuesday

V ice President Kamala Harris will visit Denver on Tuesday as part of a four-state trip following President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address.

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Harris will highlight the administration’s “historic investments in supporting small businesses, advancing economic opportunity, and building a strong economy for all Americans,” Denver7 reported Friday. 

Information about when she will arrive or where she will be speaking was not immediately available.

Harris last visited Denver in June to discuss the Biden administration’s work on the climate crisis and spoke to students at Northfield High School about their work to fight climate change.

She also addressed climate change during a March 2023 visit to the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities .

Stay up-to-date with Colorado Politics by signing up for our weekly newsletter, The Spot.

©2024 MediaNews Group, Inc. Visit at denverpost.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

DENVER, COLORADO - JUNE 16: Vice President Kamala Harris speaks to the crowd during a visit at Northfield High School in Denver, Colo., on Friday, June 16, 2023. Harris spoke to students and community members, delivered remarks about climate change, and expressed the importance of students in leadership for the future of the U.S. Before Harris, Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, Gov. Jared Polis, and other politicians spoke to about 200 people.

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Denver property owners are being asked to rent to migrants.

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Property owners in Denver are being asked to rent their places out to migrants as the Colorado city shuts down four public-run shelters.

The Mile High City’s migrant services issued an email this week to property owners in the area seeking assistance in housing the city’s “newcomers” to get them out of shelters and into more stable housing.

“We put out a feeler to all the landlords we have connections with,” Jon Ewing from Denver Human Services told KDVR. “Basically said, listen, we’re going to have some newcomers who are going to need housing.”

The department’s email gauged the rental owners’ interest in opening their listings to the city’s migrants, but at a budget.

“We’ve got kind of a rent cap — $2,000,” Ewing added.

The City of Denver are asking property owners to rent their spaces to migrants who have been living around the city.

The emails come a week after Denver closed down four different shelters to save $60 million in what they labeled as “consolidation.”

“Denver today announced the consolidation of newcomer shelter operations from seven hotels to three by early April as part of the city’s strategy to move newcomers from shelter to stability,” the Denver Newcomer and Migrant Support website reads.

Denver was expected to pay nearly $180 million on the migrant crisis this year, but the savings announcement cut it down to $120 million, according to the Colorado Sun.

Jon Ewing from Denver Human Services said the rent cap was $2,000.

Venezuelans make up the vast majority of the over 40,000 migrants that have arrived in the Mile High City since 2023, according to the outlet.

Most migrants are bussed from the border to Denver, but approximately 40 to 60 percent get on another bus and head to other US cities.

“Many people, as you know, arrive in Denver never having intended to come to Denver,” Denver Mayor Mike Johnston said. They just got put on the bus and this was their first stop.”

Venezuelans make up the vast majority of the over 40,000 migrants that have arrived in the Mile High City since 2023, according to the outlet.

“We’re noticing that more folks are now aware of the volume of migrants that Denver has welcomed and that the availability of jobs and housing that had been present six months ago is not as present today.”

The migrants living in the four hotels set to close in the coming weeks will be moved to another shelter or more stable housing according to the consolidation plans, which were first announced on Feb. 28.

As part of the plans, individuals living in the shelters are given a stay limit of 14 days, 42 days for families with children.

In February, several far-left New York City Council members pushed to scrap Mayor Eric Adams’ 60-day cap on migrants living in shelters in the Big Apple.

In July, Adams imposed the limit on stays at city-run shelters, saying it was needed because the surge of migrants crossing the southern border and coming to New York had left little space.

Denver’s new migrant policies come after the city was faced with 5,000 people in shelters and nearly 200 daily arrivals in the Colorado area between December and January.

“We’re at below 1,800 right now, which is the first time that number’s been that low since September,” Ewing said.

Ewing said the migrants will eventually pay rent for themselves once they are authorized to work after attending clinics that help them get legal work permits.

Ewing said the migrants will eventually pay rent for themselves once they are authorized to work after attending clinics that help them get legal work permits.

“1,300 people right now, over the last two weeks or so, that we’ve been able to help get their work permits,” Ewing told FOX 31 Denver. “That’s a huge step.”

Last month, a Massachusetts couple volunteered the extra space in their home to host a migrant family, and were surprised that a family of four arrived at their doorstep an hour later.

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The City of Denver are asking property owners to rent their spaces to migrants who have been living around the city.

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Charles Barkley has some strong words for the Denver Nuggets after White House visit cancellation

United States President Joe Biden rescheduled their initial visit due to a scheduling conflict

Charles Barkley has some strong words for the Denver Nuggets after White House visit cancellation

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C harles Barkley recently made public that he did not agree with the Denver Nugget's decision to skip the customary White House championship reception to meet the president, even when Barkley himself did not attend the White House back in 1992 when George Bush invited the so-called Olympic "Dream Team".

President Joe Biden rescheduled their initial visit due to a scheduling conflict

The Denver Nuggets were to meet President Joe Biden back on January 18th when their claim to the championship was still somewhat fresh, however, the administration had to postpone the event due to a scheduling conflict.

The new date for the event is March 18th , however, the Denver Nuggets are locked in and focused on becoming the Western Conference's top seed , especially when they will be playing against the Minnesota Timberwolves, who are ranked No.1 .

About this, former Phoenix Suns Charles Barkley mentioned it was a privilege to be invited to the Presidential venue " Whether you like the president or not... it's an honor and a privilege to go to the White House and you should always go. "

Barkley added "Are they flying Southwest or something?" Barkley asked of the Nuggets. "Come on, man. I actually have a problem with this whole thing that's happened in sports the last few years, not just now. It's an honor and a privilege to go to the White House. It shouldn't matter who's in the White House. It's an honor and a privilege to go to the White House. You should always go. But these guys act like they're flying Southwes t." He claimed.

Some outlets claim that it is hard for Barkley to criticize a team's decision on meeting the president after he has been outspoken about not wanting to meet Donald Trupm and even said that he'd punch some of the former president's die-hard supporters.

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Charles Barkley disagrees with Denver Nuggets skipping White House visit

"Whether you like the president or not… it’s an honor and a privilege to go to the White House and you should always go."

Charles Barkley addresses Denver Nuggets canceled White House visit

The Denver Nuggets are canceling their trip to the White House after a scheduling conflict, but Charles Barkley doesn’t agree with the decision.

After winning their first NBA championship in franchise history last season, the Nuggets were scheduled to make their customary visit to the White House in late January. According to TNT’s NBA insider Chris Haynes, the Biden administration moved the trip to March 18 because of a scheduling conflict.

With that date now approaching, Haynes reports the Nuggets have canceled the visit with President Joe Biden to focus on being the top seed in the Western Conference. The Nuggets are scheduled to play current No. 1 seed, the Minnesota Timberwolves on March 19. But after hearing the Nuggets reason for canceling their visit with Biden in Washington, D.C., Charles Barkley let out a chuckle Thursday night on Inside the NBA .

Charles Barkley addresses the Denver Nuggets’ White House trip being canceled due to a scheduling conflict pic.twitter.com/eRxh7LaJ3s — Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) March 8, 2024

“So you’re not buying the…” Ernie Johnson began to ask, insinuating that Barkley was not buying the Nuggets reasoning for canceling their White House visit.

“You always go to the White House,” Barkley said. “Whether you like the president or not…it’s an honor and a privilege to go to the White House and you should always go.”

It’s hard to imagine Barkley would have went to the White House with Donald Trump in office considering he recently threatened to punch some of the former president’s supporters . Interestingly, Barkley didn’t travel to D.C. in 1992 when then-president George Bush invited Olympic athletes to the White House to celebrate the Summer Games. To be clear, the Nuggets have said they’re canceling their White House visit for basketball reasons, not political differences, which Johnson reminded Barkley during the segment.

The Golden State Warriors went to the White House last year after winning the 2022 NBA championship and the Milwaukee Bucks visited Biden the year prior. Milwaukee became the first NBA team to visit the White House in five years, breaking a streak of no-shows caused by tensions between professional athletes and Trump.

Denver is not the first team to cancel a visit to the White House with Biden in office, however, the Georgia Bulldogs didn’t travel to D.C. after either of their national championship wins.

[ Inside the NBA ]

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About Brandon Contes

Brandon Contes is a staff writer for Awful Announcing and The Comeback. He previously helped carve the sports vertical for Mediaite and spent more than three years with Barrett Sports Media. Send tips/comments/complaints to [email protected]

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Jordan Spieth impresses with on-air prediction of Scottie Scheffler’s chip-in eagle

"I’m assuming that was live?"

A Joe Biden photo op at the border? Here's what mayors and governors say they really want.

On the same day President Joe Biden announced he's headed to the southern border this week, the New York City Fire Department discovered 40 West African migrants cramped into a small Queens basement behind a furniture store sleeping in dangerous conditions.

It was the latest troubling scene from a migrant humanitarian crisis that has forced New York City to provide housing and other care for 180,000 asylum seekers who have arrived since the spring of 2022.

Mayor Eric Adams, an outspoken Democratic critic of Biden's handling of the border crisis, said his administration has worked to find safe shelter for the migrants and prevent tent cities from being erected like elsewhere in the country.

Adams has long insisted the greater focus needs to be "the source of this."

"We're going to do our job," Adams said Tuesday. "But we should be asking the national government: Why is this happening to Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, Houston, Washington?"

Prep for the polls: See who is running for president and compare where they stand on key issues in our Voter Guide

Biden heads to Brownsville, Texas on Thursday − his second trip to the U.S.-Mexico border of his presidency − in the most public display yet of his new get-tough strategy on immigration. It will produce a striking split screen with former President Donald Trump, the frontrunner to win the Republication nomination, who is set to visit Eagle Pass, Texas, 325 miles way on the Rio Grande River.

Yet beyond the theater of dual appearances, Democratic mayors of major U.S. cities overwhelmed by the influx of migrants say they want the trip to finally lead to action − whether that's legislatively or unilaterally.

In New York City, for example, Adams has sought ways to expedite the permit process for migrants to work legally and asked the federal government to better coordinate the resettlement of migrants in cities like his.

"I'm really hoping that when the president goes down to the border on Thursday, he will see what more support, possibly through executive action, can occur so that we don't have people making desperate decisions," said Anne Williams-Isom, New York City's deputy mayor of Health and Human Services.

Republican governors push back at Biden over border

Biden has embraced tougher rhetoric on the border. Ahead of the 2024 election, he's shifted politically from defense to offense on an issue that has historically hurt Democrats. Biden has sought authority to "shut down" the border when it becomes overwhelmed and acknowledged for the first time that the border is not secure .

During his trip to Brownsville, Biden is expected to keep his foot on the gas: blaming congressional Republicans for inaction after they killed bipartisan legislation this month − at Trump's urging − that would have created some of the most aggressive border restrictions in years.

Biden promised to remind Americans "every day between now and November" after the border bill died in the Senate that "the only reason the border is not secure is Donald Trump and his MAGA Republican friends."

Denver, among other cities that have grappled with a massive influx of migrants, announced a reduction in parks and motor vehicle services this month to offset government costs required to take accommodate migrants.

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, a Democrat, said the failure of the bipartisan border bill in Congress forced the unfortunate cuts − the first of more budget reductions to come.

Johnston told USA TODAY he hopes Biden's border visit "will inspire him to keep pushing House Republicans for the resources we need to bring relief and order to the border, provide critical support for cities like ours, and faster work authorization for migrants so they can support themselves.”

The migrant crisis has also consumed statehouses across the country. During meetings last Friday at the White House between Biden and more than 40 governors across both parties, the border dominated discussion. Biden told members of the National Governors Association to "show a little spine" by urging their members of Congress in their state to support its page.

But Republican governors pushed back.

At the end of a closed-door meeting with governors, Biden called on Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte, a Republican, who had his hand raised during a question-and-answer session. Gianforte presented the president with an envelope with a 2021 letter inside signed by Republican governors endorsing a 10-point plan to "resolve the (border) crisis."

The plan includes several conservative-backed proposals such as ending "catch and release" and expanding deportation beyond Biden's current policies.

"Sir, with all due respect, 27 governors sent you this 10-point plan two and a half years ago," Gianforte said, recounting his message to Biden. "Do your job. Secure the border."

Biden took the envelope and responded, "I'll read this," according to Gianforte. The president then read aloud one of the suggestions. "He was dismissive of it," Gianforte said, recounting how Biden then moved into a long-winded answer that delved into several other topics.

Gianforte said the main message he took from the White House: It is Congress' fault for the situation at the border.

"Unfortunately, I think this may well be just a ceremonial visit to tick a box," Gianforte said of Biden's trip to Brownsville, "and another chance for him to try and blame Congress for his inability to do his job."

'Tired of hosting photo ops,' mayor in border state says

Biden's only other visit to the southern border during his presidency came in January 2023 to El Paso, Texas. The White House has declined to say whether Biden will be meeting with migrants or announcing any new policies during Thursday's trip. But Karine Jean-Pierre, Biden's press secretary, said "no executive action" can fully duplicate the bipartisan border bill.

Biden will discuss "the urgent need" to pass the border legislation and "reiterate his calls for congressional Republicans to stop playing politics," Jean-Pierre said.

Trump has pushed for mass deportations of undocumented immigrations border and promised a return to his hardline immigration policies, warning that immigrants are "poisoning the blood" of the nation, echoing rhetoric used by Adolf Hitler.

The border bill that Republicans blocked at Trump's behest sought to establish a new “border emergency authority,” allowing the president to temporarily prohibit individuals from seeking asylum when daily crossings exceed a daily average of 4,000 in any one-week period.

Among other provisions, the bill would also fund 100 new inspection machines to detect fentanyl at the border, 1,500 Border Patrol Agents and customs officers and 4.300 new asylum officers to speed up the review of asylum claims.

Biden is now exploring executive action under Section 212(f) of the 1952 Immigration and Nationality Act to achieve similar restrictions on asylum-seekers trying to enter the U.S. illegally. But the White House has not made a decision or even determined whether Biden has the legal authority to restrict asylum-seekers.

Mesa, Arizona, Mayor John Giles, a Republican, was among the 139 mayors who last November signed a letter urging Congress to support Biden's push for additional border funding. Giles said the bipartisan border bill that Republican members of Congress killed in February "would have had a significant impact in improving the situation − and now we'll see the situation get worse instead of better.”

Giles told USA TODAY he appreciates Biden and Trump visiting the border and “keeping the issue alive.” However, he said he’s disappointed that the migration surge is being exploited politically rather than treating it like a problem to be solved.

“I think those of us in border states are tired of hosting photo ops," Giles said. "It’s getting insulting because people are again weaponizing the issue and using it for their own political gain rather than solving the problem. And so it’s disappointing and it's very aggravating to see the border used as a backdrop for political purposes."

No one in the White House or Congress has figured out how to address the pace and swell of modern migration, as people arrive at the U.S. border in record numbers.

Biden has called on Mexico and its regional partners to stem the flow of migrants north. Biden has created new legal pathways to encourage migrants not to cross the border unlawfully. And he’s funneled resources to struggling nations to address the root causes of why people leave.

Trump has proposed more barriers at the border, from razor wire to fences, and mass deportations. Republicans in Congress have proposed sharply restricting access to the U.S. asylum system.

But the flows northward continue at a pace that has been mind-rattling for many Americans. A once-impenetrable jungle connecting North and South America has become a human highway. The Darien Gap between Colombia and Panama is now being trod through by half a million people annually – nearly all of them headed for the U.S. border.

Thurman Bartie, mayor of Port Arthur, Texas, in Southeast Texas said he believes Biden's visit to the border isn't just a photo opportunity.

"I actually believe that he is not just doing it for the photo op, but to maybe gain some knowledge as to what can be done because it’s a humongous, huge problem,” Bartie said, adding that he hopes members of Congress come up with a workable solution that “reaches across party ideologies.”

"We got human lives involved here,” Bartie said. "So I would hope that the Biden administration really does all they can to positively address the situation.”

Lauren Villagran from USA TODAY contributed to this report

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About VISIT DENVER

To bring conventions and leisure visitors to Denver for the economic benefit of the City, the community and our partners. At VISIT DENVER, we believe that travel makes the world a smaller and more connected place. It brings people together and fosters interaction among diverse cultures. The Mile High City embraces and celebrates people of all races, ethnicities, abilities, gender identities and sexual orientation. See VISIT DENVER's Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion ​.

Organization

In 1908, Denver hosted the Democratic National Convention. Recognizing the economic benefit that came from this meeting, some farsighted businessmen created a new agency that would come to be called VISIT DENVER.

VISIT DENVER is a private, nonprofit trade association that is responsible for marketing metro Denver as a convention and leisure destination. The Bureau is contracted by the City & County of Denver to act as the official marketing agency for Denver. It is governed by a board of directors and employs a staff of more than 60 professionals.

Our Company values are the set of guiding principles and fundamental beliefs that allow our team members to function together and work toward a common goal:

  • Customer Service: Deliver exceptional service by putting our customers first, anticipating their needs and exceeding their expectations.
  • Integrity: All actions reflect ethical beliefs and behavior.
  • Excellence: Our hard work reflects dedication to excellence in all that we do.
  • Creativity: We constantly seek to enhance and grow the business by challenging the status quo.
  • Teamwork: Internally, we work together as a team through mutual trust and respect. Externally, team success in the community allows us to deliver the Denver experience.

VISIT DENVER is funded from both private (membership, advertising, and sponsorship) and public sources (voter-approved lodging tax). In 2019, the Bureau had a budget of $38.8 million, which was derived from 3.75 percent of the lodger's tax in the City and County of Denver, from advertising and private fundraising and from the membership fees the Bureau collects from its nearly 1,300 business members.

Impact of Tourism 

In 2022, 19.9 million overnight visitors spent $8 billion in Denver. Travel-generated spending contributed $1.7 billion in state and local tax revenue. Direct visitor spending benefits hotels, retailers, restaurants, attractions, transportation services and other businesses, and supports jobs for 71,320 people in metro Denver. (Sources: 2022 Longwoods International, 2022 Dean Runyan) 

The Bureau uses a sophisticated, integrated marketing approach to sell Denver as a travel destination, which includes direct sales, advertising, tourism and convention industry trade shows, digital promotions, public relations, social media and more. VISIT DENVER maintains the City’s official tourism website (VISITDENVER.com), Official Visitors Guide to Denver & Colorado and Official Tourist Information Centers.

History of Tourism in Denver & Beyond 

"The story of tourism in Denver is also the history of our city and our people."

- John Hickenlooper Mayor, City & County of Denver, 2003-2011

Read about 100 years of  Mile High Tourism  online or purchase the book from the  Tattered Cover Book Store .

Partnerships 

For more information on how to become a partner of VISIT DENVER and promote your business to visitors, please visit the  partnership section . For information on employment at VISIT DENVER, please visit the  career center .

Strategic Partnerships

City of Denver Colorado Tourism Office Colorado Convention Center Denver Arts & Venues Denver International Airport Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce Colorado Hotel & Lodging Association/Metro Denver Lodging Council Colorado Association of Destination Marketing Organizations Tourism Industry of Colorado VISIT DENVER Partner Organizations

VISIT DENVER is an accredited Destination Marketing Organization from Destinations International (DI). Click to learn more  about DI .

VISIT DENVER Foundation

Awards & accolades, tourism hall of fame, convention stats, facts & figures, history of denver tourism, board of directors, visitor impact, privacy policy.

IMAGES

  1. Top 10 Places to Visit on a Trip to Denver, Colorado ⋆ Yorkshire Wonders

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  2. Denver Tourist Attractions

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  3. 20 Best Things to Do in Denver Including Outdoor Activities

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  4. 15 Best Things to Do in Downtown Denver

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  5. 15 Best Things to Do in Denver, Colorado, in 2023

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  6. 11 Useful Things to Know Before You Visit Denver, Colorado

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COMMENTS

  1. 17 Best Things to Do in Denver, Colorado

    2 hours to Half Day. TIME TO SPEND. U.S. News Insider Tip: Visit Skyline Park (located at 15th and Arapahoe streets) in the summer for draft beers at Skyline Beer Garden and the winter for outdoor ...

  2. Things to Do in Denver, Colorado

    When you wake up in Denver, adventure awaits. Explore the city's greatest spots. Get local Denver tips on attractions, activities, scenic sightseeing, biking and tours, golf and other destinations. Whether you're a local, here for the weekend or more than a week, discover the best things to do in Denver during your trip.

  3. Official Visitors Guide

    Complete the form below to request a FREE Denver & Colorado Official Visitors Guide — your best resource for navigating The Mile High City. Get maps, photos, event listings and details on the best hotels, restaurants, must-see attractions and more! Note: Please allow up to two weeks for delivery.

  4. 62 Best Things to Do in Denver in 2024 (By a Local)

    A peaceful and green escape from the city, the 23-acre Denver Botanic Gardens is a great thing to do outdoors, with family, or on a weekend. Clara walking in the Denver Botanic Gardens. Google Maps. (720) 865-3500. 9 am - 8 pm Tue-Wed, Fri-Mon; 9 am - 2 pm Thu.

  5. Must See Attractions In Denver| VISIT DENVER

    Parks & Outdoor Fun Confluence Park. Denver was founded at Confluence Park as a gold mining camp in 1858.Today, the river park is the heart of Denver's bike trail network, and is surrounded by attractions.Ride the Platte River Trolley to the Downtown Aquarium to see stingrays and sharks and The Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus, with dozens of interactive "playscapes" for younger ...

  6. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Denver

    Your visit and support aids in all these efforts- Thank you. Home to 4,100 animals, representing more than 600 species, Denver Zoo is committed to species conservation by bringing science education to life and providing extraordinary experiences that foster human and animal connections.

  7. 16 things to know before going to Denver

    9. Drink the local brew. With over 150 craft breweries in the Denver metro area, local beer is pretty much the go-to drink, often sipped and savored like wine. So, if you enjoy beer, join the craft crowd. And if you must drink a mass-produced brew, make it a Coors. It'll sting locals a little less. 10.

  8. 11 best things to do in Denver

    For many, it's reason enough for a trip to Denver. Concerts are held all summer long. Detour: If a Red Rocks concert isn't in the cards, the venue and its surrounding 816 acres are free to visit during the day, including several hiking trails that wind through the red rock landscape. The amphitheater also hosts other events like early ...

  9. 1 Day Denver Itinerary

    1 to 2 hours. TIME TO SPEND. In 1858, a group of settlers struck gold at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. Their discovery soon spread back to the East Coast, prompting people to pick up and move ...

  10. 41 Seriously Fun Things to Do in Denver

    21. Picnic in the park. The city and county of Denver offer more than 200 outdoor parks totaling over 500 acres of green space for urban recreation. So pack a blanket, a book, a frisbee and a picnic and head to a patch of green space for some relaxation.

  11. 18 Fun Things to Do in Denver, Colorado

    Want to visit Denver's birthplace? Then you'll want to carve out time to spend in Confluence Park, a beautiful urban oasis that played a pivotal role in Denver's history. Set at the confluence of Cherry Creek and the South Platte River, this is where a glittering discovery sparked the Colorado Gold Rush of 1858 - and where the vibrant ...

  12. The Perfect Weekend in Denver Itinerary for First-Timers

    Top Hotels Denver: Brown Palace Hotel & Spa - Denver's first, and most historic, luxury hotel. The Crawford Hotel - brand new hotel located in Denver's iconic Union Station. Le Meridien - a reliable Marriott option. Hostel Fish - modern, centrally located hostel in an old brothel house. The United States is an extremely large ...

  13. One Day in Denver, CO: Itinerary & Where to Go in 24 Hours

    Where to stay with 24 hours in Denver. For most travelers, the best areas to stay in Denver on a time crunch are the Central Business District, the Golden Triangle, and Lower Downtown (LoDo). These neighborhoods are home to most of the city's top hotels, with accommodations to suit all travel styles.

  14. 13 Denver Travel Tips & Things to Know (By a Local)

    Visit top museums near Capitol Hill and the Denver Botanic Gardens in Cheesman Park. Explore boutique shops in Washington Park and the Denver Zoo in City Park. Outside the city, consider seeing a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheater. Take a drive up the Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway, one of the best road trips in Colorado.

  15. 30 Best & Fun Things To Do In Denver (Colorado)

    That aside, the Capitol is one of the best places to visit if you're interested in Denver's history. You can book a free tour of the historical building's interior, or admire the architecture of granite and gold - a beautiful handover of the state's 1890s Gold Rush era. Address: 200 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80203, United States. 28.

  16. Visiting Denver: 15+ TOP Travel Tips (Know Before You Go)

    1 Visiting Denver: These Are Our Top Denver Travel Tips for a Perfect Visit. 1.1 Altitude Sickness is a Real Thing. 1.2 Denverites Love to Drink. 1.3 Denver is NOT in the Mountains. 1.4 Top 10 Things to Do in Denver + Day Trip Ideas. 1.5 Outdoor Recreation is Key. 1.6 Homelessness Downtown is an Unfortunate Problem.

  17. Denver Colorado Vacations & Conventions

    The Mile High City. Urban sophistication meets outdoor adventure in Denver. Get acquainted with The Mile High City, including history, transportation and neighborhood guides. Welcome to Denver where 300 days of sunshine, a thriving cultural scene, diverse neighborhoods and natural beauty combine for the world's most spectacular playground.

  18. The Ultimate 3 to 4 Days in Denver Itinerary

    Denver City Hall. This Denver itinerary is just one example of how you might structure a trip to the Mile High City. Be sure to consider whether you have 3 or 4 days in Denver, how much time (if any) you'd like to spend up in the mountains, and how you'll be getting around. With these things in mind and some good seasonal planning, you'll ...

  19. Visit Denver

    Website. Named among the "World's 100 Greatest Places" by Time Magazine and ranked by AFAR in 2023's "America's Best Cities" to live in and visit, Denver is a vibrant, outdoor city filled with urban sophistication and showcases the best in chef-driven dining, a thriving cultural scene, world-class attractions and exhilarating Rocky ...

  20. 13 Reasons Why You Should Visit Denver

    Enjoy the beautiful parks. The city of Denver maintains a number of parks throughout downtown and surrounding areas that offer urban dwellers a respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. Rent a bicycle and hop on the Cherry Creek Trail that cuts right through the heart of downtown. Or visit Confluence Park and take in the South Platte River.

  21. VP Kamala Harris announces visit to Denver

    DENVER — U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris is coming to Colorado. The vice president's office said Friday that Harris will visit Denver on Tuesday. Harris plans to highlight the Biden-Harris ...

  22. Report: Nuggets Skipping White House Visit to Focus ...

    Chris Haynes of TNT Sports reported during Thursday's Inside the NBA that the Denver Nuggets will skip their scheduled trip to the White House on March 18 and instead will focus on a matchup with ...

  23. Vice President Kamala Harris visiting Denver on Tuesday

    DENVER, COLORADO - JUNE 16: Vice President Kamala Harris speaks to the crowd during a visit at Northfield High School in Denver, Colo., on Friday, June 16, 2023. Harris spoke to students and ...

  24. Denver asking property owners to rent space to migrants

    Property owners in Denver are being asked to rent their places out to migrants as the Colorado city shuts down four public-run shelters. The Mile High City's migrant services issued an email ...

  25. Itinerary: 3 Days in Denver

    Denver in 3 Days. Denver is a vibrant, active city with 300 days of sunshine and brilliant blue skies and breathtaking. It's located at the base of the majestic Rocky Mountains, 5,280 feet (1,609 meters) above sea level — exactly one mile high. Get ready to shop, take in the sights and see the best of Denver with our three-day itinerary.

  26. Charles Barkley has some strong words for the Denver Nuggets ...

    Charles Barkley has some strong words for the Denver Nuggets after White House visit cancellation. United States President Joe Biden rescheduled their initial visit due to a scheduling conflict.

  27. Charles Barkley questions Denver Nuggets skipping White House

    Denver is not the first team to cancel a visit to the White House with Biden in office, however, the Georgia Bulldogs didn't travel to D.C. after either of their national championship wins ...

  28. Governors and mayors want Biden's border visit to bring real change

    Denver, among other cities that have grappled with a massive influx of migrants, announced a reduction in parks and motor vehicle services this month to offset government costs required to take ...

  29. About Visit Denver

    VISIT DENVER is a private, nonprofit trade association that is responsible for marketing metro Denver as a convention and leisure destination. The Bureau is contracted by the City & County of Denver to act as the official marketing agency for Denver. It is governed by a board of directors and employs a staff of more than 60 professionals.

  30. Jerry Jeudy Trade: Denver Broncos Sending WR to Cleveland Browns for

    The Denver Broncos have agreed to trade wide receiver Jerry Jeudy to the Cleveland Browns for multiple draft picks, per multiple reports. The Browns are getting a fifth-round pick and a sixth ...