The Definitive List of Things to Do in Denver
With 300 days of sunshine, over 70 local breweries, an incredible culinary scene and the Rocky Mountains nearby, it’s easy to see why Denver Colorado has become one of the top tourist destination in the U.S.
Take in a Broncos game, sip high tea in a historic hotel, view world-class street art or bike across downtown. You’ll never run out of things to do in Denver.
Table of Contents
Tours and Attractions
Taste Delicious Dishes on Denver’s Favorite Food Tour
Duration: 3 hours
There’s no better way to see a city than to taste your way through it! This is hands-down one of the best things to do in Denver.
These daily Denver food tours feature tastings at five award-winning, locally-owned restaurants with curated tastings and fun stories about Denver’s history, architecture and street art.
An experienced local foodie guide will introduce you to Denver’s exploding culinary scene, and you’ll visit historic city landmarks like Coors Field, McGregor Square, the Oxford Hotel and Union Station along the way. From hidden tunnels to bordellos, learn just how wild the west was back in the day.
You’ll leave full and with a better understanding of how Denver locals eat, drink and live in the Mile High City.
Visit the City’s Oldest Hotel
Located just steps from Union Station in the heart of LoDo, the Oxford Hotel is the oldest hotel in Denver Colorado constructed in 1891 and certainly worth a visit for its stunning and historic lobby and adjoined bar.
The architect, Frank Edbrooke, later designed its sister hotel, the Brown Palace.
See the stunning art displayed on its lobby walls and grab a drink in the Cruise Room, a historic prohibition-era bar with lots of fun history.
Learn more about the hotel’s history and book a room here.
Sip Craft Cocktails and Paired Bites on the Cocktails + Tastes Tour
Duration: 2 hours
Denver Cocktails Tour
From a light and crisp spritz to a smooth and serious Butter Pecan Old Fashioned, there’s something for everyone on this boozy Denver cocktail tour.
Visit three of the best cocktail bars and restaurants in the city and sample four cocktails paired with small plates at each stop.
You’ll start at the iconic Union Station, heading next to the city’s oldest hotel. You’ll end on the Dairy Block, one of Denver’s newest, coolest micro-districts. At each stop, you’ll sample a craft cocktail and paired bite, learn about Denver’s growing food and cocktail scenes and mix and mingle with fellow foodies.
Your experienced local guide will share fun cocktail history and stories about Denver’s prohibition days as well as our recent culinary renaissance, putting Denver on the map for foodies and drink enthusiasts across the country
Cycle Across Denver with Mile High Bike Tours
Duration: 2.5 hours
Cyclists will love this 10-mile bike ride, which encompasses all of Denver’s best tourist attractions and provides for great sightseeing. You’ll see Denver’s most important and relevant tourist sites including historic and public buildings, architectural masterpieces, professional sports stadiums, scores of public art installations, parks and outdoor venues.
Learn more and book your bike tour with Mile High Bike Tours here.
Tour Coors Field
Constructed in 1995, Coors Field is home to the Colorado Rockies baseball team and a landmark of Denver’s downtown.
In an effort to have it blend in with the neighborhood’s surrounding architecture, it was built with just over 1.5 million red bricks and offers stunning views of the Rockies for those guests seated in the upper levels.
Tours cost just $10 and offer a behind-the-scenes look into the Colorado Rockies complete with the opportunity to go down onto the field.
If you visit the press box, look for the hole in the ceiling where a fly ball was hit during a home games.
Check out the tour schedule and reserve a Colorado Rockies ticket here.
Learn About Denver History on a Free Walking Tour
Duration: 2-2.5 hours
Set out on a free walking tour, winding through the heart of downtown Denver Colorado as you visit top sights and landmarks like the capitol building and Union Station and discover the stories and history behind them. Along the way, enjoy plenty of time to chat with your guide, ask questions, take pictures, and learn more about the Mile High City, past and present.
Learn more about this free walking tour here.
Drink and Learn About Wine on the Denver Wine Walk
Duration: 2.5 hours
Denver Wine Walk
Sip, savor and walk through the heart of downtown on this walking Denver wine tour featuring wines from some of the top urban wineries and wine bars in the Mile High City.
From flights to bites, you’ll sample delicious wines carefully paired with food tastings at each of the three local restaurants you’ll visit.
We’ll start with two locally-made wines and warm up with delicious French onion soup at a European bistro run by an award-winning local chef. From there, we’ll walk just a few blocks through Union Station where we’ll enjoy two more wines paired with small plates at one of Denver’s newest wine bars run by a James Beard award-winning restaurant group. Our third and final stop will take us to the city’s newest micro-district, the Dairy Block, complete with colorful street art and beautiful lights strung above Denver’s coolest alley. There we’ll visit a tasting room for a final wine flight paired with locally-made chocolates.
Accompanied by an experienced Denver wine tour guide, you’ll walk the historic downtown streets, learn about the city’s vibrant food and wine scenes, and visit sites like the 16th Street Mall, Union Station and the Dairy Block. You’ll also enjoy special discounts on bottles and wine clubs and a list of many other great local restaurants to visit.
Take a Selfie on the Dairy Block
Dairy Block in Downtown Denver
Just a few blocks from Union Station is arguably one of the most photographable spots in the Mile High City: the Dairy Block. This Denver micro-district includes a back alley tricked out with street art and top food and drink spots in addition to the Maven Hotel and the Denver Milk Market.
Attend drag queen bingo at the Milk Market or stop in for a wine and chocolate flight at Blanchard Family Wines. Between restaurants and shops, there is always something happening on this block.
Tour the Dairy Block on a local food tour.
Explore Denver by Scooter
Duration: 2 hours
Looking for a small-group guided tour around Denver on mopeds? Scootours will take you around to learn a bit about the history, architecture, and surprising characters of the city of Denver Colorado. Guests ride their own mopeds, and rentals are included in tour pricing.
Learn about Scootours and scooter rentals here.
See Colorful Murals and Taste Your Way Through RiNo
Duration: 3 hours
RiNo Arts District Food Tour
On this three-hour walking food tour, taste some of the best dishes the RiNo Arts District has to offer while exploring a cool, industrial neighborhood.
You’ll meet your experienced local guide at Il Posto, an upscale locally-owned Italian restaurant on Larimer, one of the busiest and most colorful streets in RiNo. Over the next three hours, you’ll visit five award-winning local restaurants to taste delicious dishes with the option to add alcoholic drink pairings.
You’ll taste fresh housemade burrata, Mexican street tacos, Japanese fried chicken, dessert empanadas from a family-owned shop and more.* Upgrade your ticket and you’ll enjoy three alcoholic drinks paired with your tour tastings.
Art aficionados will love this tour. In between tour stops, your local foodie guide will share interesting stories about Denver’s growing culinary scene as well as the colorful murals that cover the streets and alleys of the RiNo Arts District.
See Colorful Murals and Taste Your Way Through RiNo
Denver Capitol Building
As the Capitol of Colorado, Denver is the center of state legislation.
The State Capitol building welcomes 300,000 visitors every year and offers free tours on Mondays through Fridays to learn about the building, the General Assembly and Colorado’s unique history.
This is a fun free thing to do in Denver Colorado, but demand is high, so we recommend arriving at least 20 minutes before your tour to ensure you get a spot. Groups of 10 or more can make a reservation.
If you visit the State Capitol building, be sure to pause on the 13th step and look for the small brass medallion, which will tell you that you’re standing at exactly one mile above sea level.
Don’t be fooled by the gold marker on the 15th step or the bronze on the 18th step. These were elevation markers put in in the past when measurements were not as precise.
Learn more about the State Capitol and their free tour here.
Tour the Denver Mint
Denver Mint
Learn the rich history of the United States Mint and see how billions of coins are produced each year on a free tour of the Denver Mint.
There are just four mints in the country, so this is a unique and free thing to do in Denver. Tours last approximately 45 minutes, and there are six per day starting at 8 a.m. Even though this is a free tour, they often sell out, so we recommend going early to get in line and reserve your spot.
Learn more and see the Denver Mint tour schedule here.
Visit the Iconic Union Station
Union Station Denver
Considered to be “Denver’s living room,” visiting the iconic Union Station is an absolutely must of all of the things to do in Denver. Located in the heart of LoDo or “lower downtown,” Union Station was constructed in 1881 and has a rich history.
It was renovated in 2014 and now offers free wifi, a number of bars and restaurants, a florist and even shuffleboard tables. It’s free to play, and you can check out the shuffleboard pucks at Terminal Bar inside Union Station.
The Great Hall inside Union Station is the perfect spot to sit for a drink, read a book and people watch. And if you’re headed in and out of Denver, be sure to check out the trains to the airport, running all throughout the day from the back platform for just $10.50 per ticket.
Learn more about Union Station’s many eateries and bars as well as the daily train schedule here.
Tour a Whiskey Distillery
Stranahan’s started as a venture between two neighbors who shared a love for whiskey and the Colorado outdoors.
Together they developed their own recipe for distinctly smooth American single malt whiskey and brought it to the market.
Today you can learn about their distillery and process on one of their tours.
Learn more and see the tour calendar here
Visit the New McGregor Square
In the heart of LoDo sandwiched between Union Station and Coors Field, McGregor Square is a new development spanning an entire block, which includes The Rally Hotel, McGregor Square Residences, McGregor Square Offices, a number of great new restaurants, retail outlets, and an expansive food-hall, all circling a 17,000 square foot plaza complete with a stadium-sized LED screen.
Grab a beer from the beer wall inside Mile Post Zero, taste wagyu beef croughnut sliders at The Original, sip a cocktail at Rally Bar or catch a game at Tom’s Watch Bar. There is something for every foodie and sports fan on McGregor Square.
Visiting McGregor Square is always recommended, but we this is one of our favorite things to do in Denver on Colorado Rockies home games.
Visit the Iconic Union Station
Denver Botanic Gardens
Tucked away from Cheesman Park, the Denver Botanic Gardens are a beautiful way to spend a quiet and relaxing afternoon in Denver.
The gardens feature indoor greenhouses and expansive outdoor gardens like the Japanese garden.
This is a very family-friendly thing to do in Denver. In the summer, be sure to check out their website for special exhibits, live concerts and events.
Take A Street Art Tour
This two-hour walking tour of the RiNo Art District explores the story behind Denver’s best murals and the artists who created them. Guides also provide interesting insights into the neighborhoods of Denver and how they’ve changed.
Learn more and book a tour here.
Visit a Marijuana Dispensary
One aspect that’s unique to the state of Colorado is our legalized cannabis. If you’re curious, check out any of our local dispensaries.
Staff members are usually knowledgeable and helpful if you’re interested in partaking.
You just need to be over 21 with a valid ID, and many marijuana dispensaries require you to pay cash.
Locate dispensaries and compare them here.
Visit the Denver Museum of Nature and Science
View of City Park from Denver Museum of Nature and Science
Located right inside City Park, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science offers a number of fixed and rotating exhibits for the whole family. Kids will love the Discovery Zone, an entire wing of the Denver Museum of Nature and Science dedicated to engaging and interactive exhibits for children.
Check their website to see upcoming free days, and be sure to visit the fourth floor desk for one of the best views of downtown Denver!
Learn more about the Denver Museum of Nature and Science and buy tickets here.
Visit the Denver Zoo
The Denver Zoo is a great place to visit for an outdoor urban adventure.
Nestled right in the center of City Park, the Denver Zoo houses zebras, elephants, rhinos and more. You can visit year-round, but definitely make a point to attend Zoo Lights, which runs every November – January and is a highlight for Denver Zoo members and fans.
Learn more about Denver Zoo hours and how to get your tickets here.
Shop, Eat and Explore the Stanley Marketplace
Brunch at Annette inside the Stanley Marketplace
The Stanley Marketplace is a community of 50+ independently owned Colorado businesses collectively offering a place for you to eat, drink, shop, exercise, play, work, and more.
Located in Aurora (east of downtown Denver), the Stanley Marketplace is a hangout spot for locals and a great place to gather for meetings and to bring families with kids. Head to Rosenberg’s for a bagel, or grab a beer at the Stanley Beer Hall. Annette is a very popular and well-regarded restaurant great for brunch or dinner.
Parents will want to check out the massive playground just at the edge of the Stanley Marketplace.
Learn more and check out all of their businesses here.
Visit the Denver Aquarium
This aquarium is accessible from Denver’s downtown and houses more than 500 species of animals.
Spend the afternoon browsing their many underwater exhibits and then grab a bite to eat at the Dive Lounge on the first floor.
Learn more about the aquarium and tickets here.
Visit the Molly Brown House Museum
The “Unsinkable Molly Brown” was a socialite and philanthropist who survived the sinking of the Titanic in 1912.
Her home in the prestigious Capitol Hill neighborhood has been preserved by Historic Denver and remains a landmark of the city.
Today you can tour the Molly Brown House Museum and learn more about Molly Brown’s extraordinary life.
Learn more about Molly Brown House Museum tour times and ticket prices here.
Visit the International Church of Cannabis
Cannabis fans can’t visit Denver Colorado without making a stop at the International Church of Cannabis. The church is home to some breathtakingly colorful artwork, and it’s open to the public Friday-Sundays in the afternoons. This is certainly one of the most unique things to do in Denver.
Plan a visit or learn more about membership here.
Take the Kids to the Children’s Museum
The Children’s Museum Denver Marisco Campus is a fun, engaging and educational stop for any families with children in Denver. Exhibits are all hands on and age appropriate with everything from arts and crafts to constructions and bubbles.
Reservations are free to make and required for the the Children’s Museum, and tickets cost $13 – $15 per guest based on age (children 1 and under are free).
Food + Drink
Drink at a Prohibition-Style Bar
Cruise Room inside Oxford Hotel
Located inside the historic Oxford Hotel is the Cruise Room, an iconic bar that opened the day Prohibition ended.
The bar is a replica of the bar on the RMS Queen Mary complete with art deco decor and pink lighting.
They offer craft cocktails and make a mean vesper martini.
Learn more about the Cruise Room here.
Grab a Pint at the City’s First Brewpub
Flight of Beers at Wynkoop Brewery
When Wynkoop Brewery opened its doors in 1988, downtown Denver had no ballpark, no farm-to-table restaurants, no valet parking. But its founders, including former Denver Mayor, Colorado governor and current state Senator John Hickenlooper, were committed to making great beer.
Thirty years later, it’s a Denver institution and must thing to do in Denver for beer lovers. And with Union Station just a block away, it’s easily accessible in the heart of LoDo.
Try a flight of beers, or if you’re adventurous, order the Rocky Mountain Stout, a beer brewed with Rocky Mountain Oysters.
Check out their menu and the list of current beer selections here.
Sip a Cocktail at an Underground Speakeasy
Located in an unassuming entryway to a family-style BBQ joint, the Green Russell is a fabulous speakeasy.
It’s situated in the historic Larimer Square and opens at 5 PM serving prohibition-style craft cocktails in a unique atmosphere.
Visit on Sundays and Mondays, and you’ll be treated to live music!
Learn more about the speakeasy and its location here.
Grab Lunch from a Food Truck
Civic Center EATS
Civic Center EATS runs weekly through the summer and offers Denver locals and visitors a chance to enjoy our city’s robust gourmet food truck scene all accompanied by shaded seating and live music.
If your visit to Denver falls between May and October, head over to Civic Center Park in downtown Denver for a midday treat.
Check out their Facebook page to see what trucks and treats will be offered.
Sip Coffee at the Denver Central Market
Denver Central Market
Located in the heart of RiNo or River North, the Denver Central Market is a central meeting spot for locals and visitors.
Inside you’ll have your pick of a number of local eateries including Crema Coffee, a great spot for a coffee, and Curio, one of Denver’s top craft cocktail bars.
Art aficionados will love the colorful murals and graffiti in the parking lot of the Denver Central Market and in its back alley (go straight out the back door closest to lunch boxxx).
Check out their website here to see current vendors and menus.
Try the Soup Dumplings at Cholon
Foodies across Denver will ask if you’ve tried the soup dumplings from Cholon. They’re that good!
This Asian fusion spot in the center of lower downtown offers a wide selection of bites and full plates.
The soup dumplings are comprised of french onion soup with sweet onion and gruyere encased in Asian dumplings. This appetizer is not to be missed.
See hours and the full menu here.
Brewery Hop in one of the City’s Hottest Neighborhoods
RiNo or River North is one of Denver’s hottest neighborhoods.
Home to breweries and street art galore, it’s a great walkable neighborhood and the perfect thing to do in Denver if you like beer and want to try a number of local breweries.
Denver has been called the Napa Valley of Beer, so there’s a lot to try.
We especially love 10 Barrel Brewing Company, which features 22 beers on tap everyday, Ratio Beerworks (a punk rock themed microbrewery), and OMF Brewing Company, a small taproom covered in a colorful mural.
Slurp Oysters at Jax Fish House
Happy Hour Oysters at Jax
This local seafood spot got its start in Boulder but now occupies a small space just down the street from Union Station.
They fly in their seafood daily and offer the best oysters (real oysters, not Rocky Mountain oysters) in the city.
Visit at happy hour, and the oysters are just $2 and pair beautifully with a crisp white wine or rose. If you stay for dinner, be sure to try their house-made key lime pie.
See their full menu, hours and location here.
Line Up for the City’s Best Ice Cream
Little Man Ice Cream
Located just across the river from the heart of downtown Denver is one of the city’s best ice cream spots.
Locals and visitors line up around the block to try Little Man Ice Cream, but you can skip the line if you plan it right.
The shop sells its delicious ice cream to a number of local shops downtown including Sweet Cooie’s in the Congress Park neighborhood.
We love the salted oreo flavor, but they’re all delicious!
Check out more about the favorite local creamery here.
Dine and Drink with a View at Avanti
Located in Denver’s hip LoHi neighborhood, this bi-level eatery is made up of shipping containers.
The spot features food stalls, and the vendors change often giving visitors the chance to try a number of great up-and-coming restaurants in a smaller, incubator-like space.
You’ll find great bars on both levels, and nothing beats the view from the second level terrace.
Check out the current culinary options and upcoming events here.
Sip a Champagne Cocktail at Corridor 44
Denver’s only champagne cocktail lounge is a must visit for bubbly lovers.
The atmosphere is vibrant and upscale with a full dinner menu and delicious champagne concoctions.
Visit during happy hour and champagne cocktails are just $4.
And if you’re wondering why it’s called Corridor 44, head down the long hallway to the private room and restrooms in the back. It’s exactly 44 feet from front to back.
Learn more and check out their menu here.
Eat French Cuisine at Bistro Vendome
Tucked away off Larimer Square, this quaint French restaurant was opened by a James Beard award-winning chef.
They feature traditional French cuisine on their menu, and the setting is romantic with an outdoor patio and cozy interior.
Learn more and see their full menu here.
Enjoy a Farm-to-Table Dinner at One of the City’s Top Restaurants
Located inside Union Station is one of the top restaurants in Denver, Mercantile Dining and Provisions.
They source ingredients from their farm just south of the city and feature farm-fresh sheep milk cheese in their market and on their menu.
Be sure to make reservations early. Fridays and Saturday nights can book up a few weeks in advance.
Taste Modern Israeli Cuisine at Safta
Hummus from Safta
Paying homage to the food and drink of Israel, this new spot inside The Source Hotel + Market is the spot for wood fired pita bread baked steps from the table, delicious toubeleh or baba ganoush.
Run by the famed chef Alon Shaya, originally from New Orleans, this is the best new spot for Middle Eastern fare in Denver.
Grab Brunch at Snooze AM Eatery
Eggs Benedict at Snooze
This popular local breakfast and brunch spot offers a delicious menu featuring pancakes, benedicts and more.
There are several locations across Denver including inside Union Station, and we recommend arriving early as most run on a wait nearly every day.
Learn more and check out their menu here.
Enjoy High Tea at the Brown Palace
This historic hotel on 17th and Broadway has a stunning lobby with high tea offered in the afternoons from 12-4 p.m.
A live pianists plays throughout the afternoon, and you’ll be treated to top notch service and beautiful spreads of freshly brewed herbal teas, scones and finger sandwiches.
You can even splurge for the champagne add on and make it a bubbly afternoon!
Between the gorgeous decor, the history nature of the hotel and the high-quality tea service, this is one of our top things to do in Denver.
Learn more and make a reservation here.
Christmas Tea at the Brown Palace
Taste Homemade Biscuits at Denver Biscuit Co.
Another popular breakfast spot, Denver Biscuit Co. offers delicious, house-made biscuits with toppings like pimiento cheese and honey.
Our favorite location of theirs is on Colfax, the longest road in America, as it doubles as a pizzeria by day and bar by night.
See their menu and locations here.
Take in the View at an Upscale Rooftop Hotel Bar
Located on the 20th floor of the new Le Meridien Hotel downtown, 54thirty is a chic rooftop bar with beautiful views of the city, especially at night.
Grab a cocktail or glass of wine, and enjoy the upscale and intimate setting.
Read more about the rooftop spot here. Or check out our other favorite rooftop bars in Denver here.
Sip a Craft Cocktail at Death & Co.
Like its New York flagship, but with a completely new and unique menu, Death & Co Denver offers an incredible cocktail menu in a sleek and sexy space inside the lobby of the Ramble Hotel, a boutique hotel in the heart of RiNo.
Browse the enormous menu, or ask of the very knowledgeable bartenders for advice when ordering. All of the cocktails are interesting and beautifully crafted.
Learn more about Death & CO and see their menus here.
Want to learn how to make their cocktails at home? Death & CO literally wrote the book on it (well several). Shop their selection here.
Order a Steak Flight at Urban Farmer
Just down the street from Union Station, located inside the historic Oxford Hotel, you’ll find Urban Farmer, known for incredible steaks locally and responsibly sourced ingredients.
Their cocktails are stellar, especially the Butter Pecan Old Fashioned, which guests taste on this Denver cocktails tour.
If you visit for dinner, be sure to order the New York Steak Tasting for $90. This includes a flight of steaks done three ways: grass-fed, grain-finished and dry aged.
Check out the full menu here.
Try a Gourmet Hotdog at Biker Jim’s
Award-winning hot dogs from Biker Jim’s Gourmet Dogs
In the heart of the ballpark neighborhood, you’ll find one of the top 10 hotdogs spots in the country.
Biker Jim’s got its start as a humble hotdog cart on a busy street in Denver but has since been featured in national publications and TV shows.
We recommend the Elk cheddar jalapeno dog with classic toppings.
Join this daily food tour to learn more about this delicious local spot and to try their signature gourmet dogs!
Grab a Bagel at Rosenberg’s
The Standard from Rosenberg’s
This popular bagel spot and Jewish deli is serving up deliciously authentic NYC-style bagels (untoasted of course) with all the usual toppings.
Head over for a great start to the day, but be sure to arrive early.
There’s often a pretty decent line to place your order.
Read more about Denver’s popular bagel spot, Rosenberg’s here.
Day Trips from Denver
Visit Red Rocks
Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison, CO
Just 10 miles outside Denver, this open-air amphitheater has been built into the mountainside with huge vertical rocks jutting out from around the stage.
The space has held concerts for over 100 years and been host to bands like The Beatles, U2, Radio Head and the Grateful Dead.
There are shows offered at the Red Rocks Amphitheater throughout the year and a number of great hiking trails around the area.
Visit during the day, and you can even hop right up onto the stage and stand in the spot that legends like Jimi Hendrix performed.
Visit the Coors Brewery in Golden
Beer drinkers will have this as a top thing to do in Denver as it’s the largest brewery in the state.
Located at the foot of the Rockies in Golden, CO, the Coors Brewery has been brewing since 1873.
They offer free tours but require you to get a ticket in advance on the bus to the brewery.
Tours end with a healthy sample! Learn more about the tour schedule here.
Hiking Trips At Chautauqua Trailhead In Boulder, CO
Chautauqua Trailhead in Boulder, CO
Denver is considered an “outdoor adventure city,” so don’t miss out on the many activities available in the mountains and foothills nearby.
There are hikes for every fitness and experience level as well as trail options all year round if you’re brave enough to hike in snow.
We recommend hiking the flat irons at Chautauqua Trailhead in Boulder for an easy introductory hike to the foothills.
Learn more about those trails here and other day hike options here.
Drive Super Cars through the Foothills
Car enthusiasts will love this rally style tour through the foothills.
Choose from their fleet of premier luxury vehicles and tackle the many switchbacks and straights aways their routes provide.
Routes range from 15 to 105 miles long with instructors and staff photographers in a lead vehicle to maximize the experience.
Ski or Snow Board in the Rocky Mountains
Keystone Ski Resort
The Rocky Mountains are known for world-class skiing and snowboarding over the winter months. The closest major ski resorts to Denver include Winter Park (1.5 hours), Keystone (1.25 hours), Breckenridge (1.5 hours) and Vail (1.75 hours). If you’re game for a slightly longer drive, Crested Butte and Aspen are both spots to check out for skiing and snow boarding.
No visit to Denver is complete without at least a day trip to the Rocky Mountains. Even if winter sports aren’t your thing, finding a great hike or even just going for a beautiful drive into the Rocky Mountains is worth the afternoon. Be aware that traffic from Denver to the mountains can be challenging on Fridays-Sundays as locals are excited to escape the mountains as well.
Drive the Mount Evans Scenic Byway
The Mount Evans Scenic Byway, located just 60 miles west of Denver, is the highest paved road in North America. A day trip to the top is a journey that climbs 9,000 feet, from the high plains of Denver through five climate zones to the 14,264-foot summit of Mount Evans, one of 54 peaks in Colorado that exceeds 14,000 feet and above (the famous “fourteeners”).
This gorgeous drive will give you a stunning view of the Rocky Mountains and is a must for visitors looking to get out into the mountains and take in the sights.
Sports & Recreation
See a Broncos Game
Head over to Empower Field at Mile High just west of downtown Denver to take in a Broncos game or one of the many other local events hosted there.
Our Broncos have won three Super Bowls, and seeing a game is a fun and exciting way to spend a day in Denver.
See the upcoming schedule of games and events here.
Go to a Rockies Game
Coors Field
The beloved local baseball team in Denver is the Colorado Rockies. They play home games downtown in Denver’s ballpark neighborhood at Coors Field.
Known for being a picturesque stadium, there are no bad seats at Coors Field. Grab a Blue Moon (first created at the nearby Sandlot Brewery) and a gourmet hotdog from Biker Jims Gourmet Dogs and take in a game.
In addition to Rockies games, Coors Field also hosts events and concerts in the off season.
Check out the upcoming schedule of games and events here.
See a Nuggets Game
Basketball fans should head over to the Ball Arena to catch a Denver Nuggets game while they’re in town.
Named after Denver’s mining history and the Gold Rush of the 1850s, the Nuggets are Denver’s NBA team.
Learn more and check out their schedule here.
See an Avalanche Game
If you’re a hockey fan, head over to see the Colorado Avalanche play, Denver’s local hockey team.
They compete in the National Hockey League as a member of the Central Division in the Western Conference, and play their home games at Ball Arena.
Check out the full schedule of games and buy tickets here.
Bike the Cherry Creek Trail
Set down off the main road, this pedestrian and cyclist trail parallels the cherry creek.
On a sunny day, bike the trail to get a view of downtown without the traffic.
The trail walls are also dotted with street murals done by local Denver artists.
Relax at Washington Park
Washington Park, or “Wash Park” to locals, includes 155 acre of beautiful grounds including two lakes. Two flower gardens, one of which is a replica of George Washington’s gardens at Mount Vernon, lay inside the park, which also has tennis courts, playgrounds and lots of green space for picnics. The neighborhood of Washington Park surrounding the park is also known for great restaurants like Restaurant Olivia.
Shopping In Denver
Shop Along the 16th Street Mall
This mile-long, pedestrian-friendly mall is packed with shopping, restaurants and attractions.
There are 42 outdoor cafés along the mall, making it the perfect place to grab a bite to eat or have a drink.
Hop on any of the free Mall Ride buses that stop at each block along 16th street and come every 2-3 minutes. Buses run from the Capitol all the way to Union Station, so they’re a good way to zip around downtown and an easy way to access the 16th street mall and historic Larimer Square.
Learn more about the 16th Street Mall here.
Browse, Eat and Drink on Larimer Square
This historic block features a number of boutiques and great restaurants.
Many of the buildings date back to the mid 1800s when the city was founded.
Pop into the Kettle Arcade and take a look up to see a mural featuring some notable characters in Denver history like William Larimer and Soapy Smith.
Head to Rioja in the Larimer Square for delicious tapas or grab a champagne cocktail at Corridor 44.
Learn more about Larimer Square’s history here.
Browse the Book Selection at the Tattered Cover
This large, independent bookstore located in the heart of Denver’s downtown is a great way to pass the afternoon.
Grab a comfy chair and relax with a good book or a coffee from their coffee shop.
The bookstore regularly hosts speaker series and features a number of local Colorado authors.
Learn more about the Tattered Cover here.
Boutique Shop on Tennyson Street
This stretch of shopping in the Highlands neighborhood is a great spot to check out local boutiques and get out of the more touristy shopping areas of Denver.
The neighborhood itself is historic and got its start back in 1863.
Learn about local boutiques and eateries in the neighborhood here.
Arts and Culture
See a Standup Comedy Show
Situated on the corner of Larimer Square downtown, ComedyWorks is a premier comedy club featuring stand-up comics from all over the world.
This underground club is beloved in the comedy world and has hosted comics like Jerry Seinfeld, Ellen DeGeneres, Richard Lewis and Jay Leno.
Check out their calendar for nightly shows and reserve tickets online here.
Experience Meow Wolf
Convergence Station, Meow Wolf Denver
Meow Wolf’s third exhibition is open in Denver. Convergence Station is an unforgettable immersive art experience that will take you on a journey of discovery into a surreal, science-fictional environment.
Of all of the things to do in Denver, this is definitely one of the most interesting and unique. Don’t miss this on your next trip to the Mile High City!
Learn more and purchase tickets here.
Visit the Clyfford Still Museum
A little lesser known than the Denver Art Museum is the Clyfford Still museum. Head here for one of the only chances to see the works of the great American painter on display.
He was part of the first generation of Abstract Expressionists but retreated from the art world during his life and ceased to show his work.
Now you can view his moving pieces of modern art in the Clyfford Still Museum, the only museum in the country dedicated solely to his work.
This is one of our top things to do in Denver for art buffs and museum goers.
Learn more about the current exhibits, hours and admission prices here.
Gallery Hop on Santa Fe
This fun and quirky arts district is just south of downtown and has the largest concentration of art galleries in the city. Definitely a different vibe from the traditional Denver Art Museum, art lovers can hop from space to space to see the local art on display.
Every first Friday of the month, the street is packed with visitors, and a free shuttle will help you get from gallery to gallery.
Learn more about the Santa Fe Arts District and First Friday Art Walks here.
Catch an Improv Comedy Show
If you like comedy and want to go off script, attending an improv show at Rise Comedy should top your list of things to do in Denver.
This little theater offers nightly shows and improv classes for those wanting to learn the art of “yes and.”
Grab a beer or cocktail from their bar and head into the theater for some laughs!
See upcoming shows and buy tickets here.
Explore the Denver Art Museum
Art lovers should check out the Denver Art Museum and its collection of more than 70,000 pieces of art.
Their collections feature everything from Pre-Columbian art to Western American art with visiting exhibitions on display all throughout the year.
Learn about the current exhibits and upcoming events here.
See a Cabaret Show
Nestled at the base of Denver’s historic Daniel and Fisher Clock Tower, the Clocktower Cabaret offers a variety of live performances from comedy to burlesque.
The theater setting is intimate and vintage, and the offer a full bar and small bites.
The theater is conveniently located off the 16th street mall in downtown Denver and easily accessible from the free mallride buses.
See the upcoming show schedule here.
Go Back in Time at the History Colorado Center
If you’re a history buff, be sure to check out the History Colorado Center dedicated specifically to our state’s rich and unique history.
You’ll learn about the gold rush and how early homesteaders took up residence in the Centennial State.
The museum features permanent and traveling exhibits. Learn more here.
Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art
The Museum of Contemporary Art in Denver explores culture of our time through rotating exhibitions and public education.
It features regional, national and international artists with exhibitions promoting creative experimentation with art and ideas.
Learn more about the MCA here.
Catch a Show at the Bluebird Theater
Bluebird Theater
This live music venue down east Colfax near City Park was originally constructed in 1913 and has served as a movie theater in the past.
Now it’s home to live shows and a great place to see a concert.
Check out their full schedule with upcoming performances here.
See a Performance of the Colorado Symphony
Music lovers will want to head to Boettcher Concert Hall at the Denver Performing Arts Complex downtown to catch a show with the Colorado Symphony, Denver’s professional orchestra of 80 full-time musicians.
See events and tickets for one of their 150 concerts performed annually here.
Listen to Live Jazz at Nocturne
This dimly-lit bilevel jazz and supper club features nightly live experiences complete with three-course dinners and paired wines.
Grab a drink at the bar and opt to be seated on the main floor (close to the stage and better for guests wanting to sit quietly through performances) or upstairs (best for guests wanting to chat with their dinner companions).
Learn more about current menus and performances here.
