Top 10 Things to Do in Downtown Denver

Hang with the Locals at Union Station

Guests touring with Delicious Denver Food Tours

Originally built in 1880, this iconic city landmark sits in the center of LoDo or “lower downtown.” Although the interior went through a full overhaul in 2014, the station has maintained some of its historic touches like the original benches that sit in the back, which date back to 1914, and the carved Columbine flowers (the state flower of Colorado), which line the arches overhead.

Visitors can eat or drink in the station with lots of great restaurant options from James Beard award-winning Denver chefs.

You can also pass an afternoon playing shuffleboard for free. Just check out the pucks at Terminal Bar.

Shop 16th Street Downtown

Stretching through the heart of downtown Denver, the newly re-developed 16th Street is a lively, pedestrian-friendly promenade perfect for an afternoon of shopping and people-watching. Lined with boutiques, restaurants and local shops, it’s also a hub for vibrant street performers and artists who bring the area to life.

The street is closed to regular traffic, making it an easy and enjoyable place to explore on foot. Need a break from walking? Hop on the free MallRide shuttle, which runs the full length of 16th Street from the State Capitol to Union Station. You can jump on and off as often as you like.

Want a taste of the area beyond the shops? Join a local food expert for a guided tour that includes delicious stops along this iconic Denver street.

Take a Food Tour

Downtown Denver Food Tour with Delicious Denver Food Tours

Denver has firmly secured its spot on the national food map—Zagat recently ranked it the 4th Hottest Food City in America. If you’re looking to experience the city’s culinary highlights without spending days researching and planning, a guided food tour is the perfect solution.

On this three-hour walking tour, you’ll sample five delicious tastings from local restaurants while exploring downtown Denver’s rich history. Along the way, you’ll stop at iconic landmarks like Coors Field, McGregor Square, the always vibrant Dairy Block and the beautifully restored Union Station.

Bring your appetite—this tour is as filling as it is flavorful.

Visit the Big Blue Bear

“I See What You Mean” at the Denver Convention Center

Peering into Denver’s Convention Center downtown is our world-famous big blue bear. Standing at 40-feet tall, this sculpture is called “I See What You Mean” and is a playful icon for convention-goers inside as well as visitors out on the street.

Designed by local artist Lawrence Argent, the big blue bear is meant to bring a glimpse of the mountains into the heart of downtown and remind people of our unique proximity to the Rockies.

Fun fact: the bear was originally meant to be sandstone in color, but a printout came back mistakenly blue, and the artist liked the look better.

Of our top 10 things to do in downtown Denver, this should definitely make your list!

Stand on the Mile Marker at the Capitol

Famously known as the Mile High City, you’ll see references to our elevation all across Denver. The city sits close to 5,280 feet above sea level, and there are plenty of opportunities to stand exactly on the mile marker.

One of those is at the Capitol at the southern edge of Denver’s downtown. The steps leading into this historic building mark the elevation, allowing you to stand exactly one mile high in the heart of the Mile High City. This is a great photo-op for visitors.

In addition to the Capitol steps, there are plenty of other mile markers across downtown Denver, including one entire row inside Coors Field where baseball fans can sit at exactly one mile high while taking in a game.

Drink a Local Craft Beer

Beer Flight at Great Divide Brewing

Colorado boasts the second-highest number of breweries in the U.S., and nowhere is that more evident than in downtown Denver. With hundreds of local breweries and taprooms—plus the legendary Coors headquarters just up the road in Golden—this is truly a beer lover’s paradise.

For a taste of brewing history, head to Wynkoop Brewery, Denver’s original brewpub founded in 1988 by none other than future Colorado governor John Hickenlooper. It’s conveniently located right across from Union Station and offers a cozy spot to sample the city’s beer roots.

Pro tip: go for a flight of tasters so you can explore a variety of local craft brews in one sitting. Or better yet, buy tickets to the Downtown Denver Food Tour, and you’ll get a taste of this Denver institution paired with their most popular beer.

Catch a Game at Coors Field

Smack in the middle of downtown Denver, Coors Field is home to the Colorado Rockies and one of the most iconic ballparks in Major League Baseball. Built in 1995 from over 1.5 million red bricks, the stadium blends old-school charm with modern energy—and boasts the largest outfield in the league.

Thanks to Denver’s mile-high elevation, baseballs tend to fly farther here than they do at sea level. To keep things fair, the outfield was intentionally expanded, making home runs a little harder to come by (but no less thrilling to watch).

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just in it for the peanuts and Cracker Jack, Coors Field offers a quintessential Denver experience—and with Rockpile tickets starting at just $4, it’s one of the best deals in town.

Bike the Cherry Creek Trail

Winding along the western edge of downtown, the Cherry Creek Trail offers a scenic and car-free way to explore Denver. This sunken waterway—one of the city’s original geographic features—is the reason our downtown streets run diagonally instead of following a traditional grid.

Tucked below street level, the paved trail runs along both sides of the creek and is popular with walkers, runners, and cyclists alike. You’ll find access points every few blocks along Speer Boulevard, making it easy to hop on and off as you go.

Don’t have a bike? No problem. Lyft and Lime offer an easy way to rent a ride and cruise through downtown with creekside views.

Stroll through Historic Larimer Square

Larimer Square in Denver, CO

Don’t let the name fool you—Larimer Square isn’t a traditional plaza but rather a single, charming block in the heart of downtown Denver. Located on Larimer Street between 14th and 15th, it’s the city’s oldest block and a must-see for history buffs and design lovers alike. Look up and you’ll spot the signature string lights that give the street its warm, inviting glow.

The preserved 19th-century buildings date back to the 1800s and house a mix of top-tier restaurants, locally owned boutiques, and quirky shops you won’t find anywhere else. It’s a perfect spot to grab a bite, hunt for unique finds, or simply soak in the ambiance of Denver’s original main street.

Of all the things to do in downtown Denver, a stroll down Larimer Square should be high on your list.

Take in a Work of Art at the Denver Art Museum

Located just a short walk from downtown, the Denver Art Museum (DAM) is one of the crown jewels of the city’s cultural scene. Known for its bold architecture and world-class collections, the museum is home to everything from classic Western American art to contemporary installations, Indigenous works, photography, fashion, and rotating global exhibits.

Even the buildings themselves are worth a visit—the striking angular design of the Hamilton Building is a work of art in its own right. Inside, galleries are thoughtfully curated and often interactive, making the experience accessible whether you’re an art aficionado or just looking for a quiet place to wander and be inspired.

With free admission for kids under 18 and regularly changing exhibitions, the DAM is a perfect stop for families, solo travelers, and anyone looking to explore Denver’s creative side.