There’s no shortage of things to do in downtown Denver, but these ten are among the best. Start your visit at historic Union Station, then enjoy shopping along 16th Street. Those seeking a cultural experience should explore the Denver Art Museum, while sports fans must go to a baseball game at Coors Field. To sample several award-winning restaurants, book a Downtown Denver Food Tour.
We’re longtime residents and owners of a local tour company, so you’ve come to the right place for planning advice. If you’re short on time or don’t have a car, good news: Denver has a compact downtown so it’s easy to experience several key sites. Whether you’re a visitor or call the city home, here are our top activity recommendations for 2026.
Take a Downtown Denver Food Tour
Downtown Denver │ Book A Tour │ Price: $$$ │ Our Top Pick
Sample coal-fired pizza and housemade limoncello with Delicious Denver Food Tours
With national recognition and Michelin-awarded restaurants, Denver is officially a top food destination. If you’re looking to experience the city’s culinary highlights without spending days researching and planning, a Downtown Food Tour is the perfect solution.
Bring your appetite — this three-hour walking tour is as filling as it is flavorful. You’ll sample five delicious tastings from local restaurants, including spicy pork green chili, carnitas fry bread tacos and slices of coal-fired pizza. Alcoholic drink pairings are optional, but come highly recommended.
Along the way, groups explore the city’s rich history. Follow your guide to iconic landmarks like Coors Field, McGregor Square, the always vibrant Dairy Block and the beautifully restored Union Station.
Stand on the Mile Marker at the Capitol
200 E Colfax Ave │ Colorado State Capitol Website │ Price: $ │ 5,280 Feet
The golden dome makes this landmark unmistakable (photo: State of Colorado website)
Famously known as the Mile High City, you’ll see references to our elevation all across Denver. One of those is at the Colorado State Capitol building at the southern edge of downtown.
The eastern staircase leading into this historic building marks the elevation, allowing you to stand exactly one mile high on the thirteenth step. This is a great photo op for visitors.
There are plenty of other mile markers across downtown Denver, including one entire row inside Coors Field where baseball fans can sit at 5,280 feet while taking in a game.
Catch a Game at Coors Field
2001 Blake St │ Colorado Rockies Website │ Price: $$ │ Summer Favorite
There’s no better place to watch the sunset than Coors Field (photo: Colorado Rockies Facebook)
Smack in the middle of downtown, Coors Field is home to the Colorado Rockies and one of the most iconic major league ballparks. Built in 1995 from over 1.5 million red bricks, the stadium blends old-school charm with modern energy. It also boasts the largest outfield in the league.
Thanks to the city’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, this is a quintessential Denver experience. Plus, no other nearby attractions compare to its value — Rockpile tickets start at just a few bucks.
Shop Along 16th Street
Downtown Denver │ 16th Street Website │ Price: $$ │ Pedestrian Promenade
16th Street recently underwent a major renovation (photo: Visit Denver website)
Stretching through the heart of downtown, the newly redeveloped 16th Street is perfect for an afternoon of shopping and people-watching. This lively, pedestrian-friendly promenade is lined with entertaining attractions, local restaurants and a range of 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 FreeRide shuttle, which runs the full length of 16th Street from Union Station to Civic Center Park. You can jump on and off as often as you like.
Want a taste of the area beyond the shops? Join our guided 16th Street Food Tour and enjoy samples from four delicious stops. Tastings include baked empanadas, hoisin duck bao, hearty bison chili and more.
Visit the Big Blue Bear
750 14th St │ Big Blue Bear Website │ Price: $ │ Public Art Icon
Big Blue Bear peers into the convention center (photo: Colorado Convention Center website)
Peering into downtown’s Colorado Convention Center is our world-famous Big Blue Bear. This playful forty-foot sculpture is officially titled “I See What You Mean.” It’s a delight for both attendees of the venue’s trade shows and corporate events, as well as passersby 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 ten things to do in downtown Denver, this should definitely make your list!
Hang with the Locals at Union Station
1701 Wynkoop St │ Union Station Website │ Price: $ │ Historic Landmark
Locals and visitors gather in the Great Hall (photo: Union Station Facebook)
Built in 1880, this iconic city landmark sits in the center of lower downtown. Although the interior recently went through a full overhaul, the station has maintained some of its historic touches. These include the original benches along the north wall, which date back to 1914, and the archways featuring carved Columbines, the state flower of Colorado.
Stop in to chat with the locals and play shuffleboard for free. With lots of great restaurants from award-winning chefs, visitors will also find plenty to eat and drink in the station.
Ultreia makes one of our favorite bites: pastel de nata, a traditional Portuguese egg custard tart. To sample their flaky, caramelized goodness, join our daily Downtown Denver Food Tour!
Bike the Cherry Creek Trail
Downtown Denver │ Cherry Creek Trail Website │ Price: $ │ Urban Greenbelt
Cherry blossoms bloom along this path in the summer (photo: Visit Denver website)
Winding along the western edge of downtown, the Cherry Creek Trail offers a scenic and car-free way to explore the city. 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 set of wheels? No problem. In 2026, the city partner with Veo on a shared e-bike program. Use the service’s app to locate an available ride nearby. Local shops like Trek Bicycle also offer rentals, allowing you to cruise through downtown with creekside views.
Sip Craft Beer at Wynkoop Brewing Co.
1634 18th St │ Wynkoop Brewing Co. Website │ Price: $$ │ Original Brewpub
Sample the brewery’s best with a flight (photo: Wynkoop Brewing Co. Facebook)
Colorado ranks fifth for the state with the most breweries, 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 Company, the state’s original brewpub. It was founded in 1988 by none other than future Colorado senator John Hickenlooper. It’s conveniently located right across from Union Station and offers a fun atmosphere with billiard tables, shuffleboard and classic darts.
Pro tip: Go for a flight of tasters so you can sample a variety of local craft brews in one sitting. Or better yet, book our Downtown Denver Food Tour for a taste of this local institution. In addition to other bites, guests are served beef sliders with crispy onions, bier cheese soup and its signature amber ale.
View Exhibits at the Denver Art Museum
100 W 14th Ave Pkwy │ Denver Art Museum Website │ Price: $$ │ World-Famous Works
The futuristic exterior of the museum (photo: Denver Art Museum website)
Located just a short walk from downtown, the Denver Art Museum (DAM) is a crown jewel of the city’s cultural scene. Known for its bold architecture and world-class collections, the museum is home to everything from Indigenous and Western American works to contemporary installations featuring photography, fashion and more.
Even the buildings themselves are impressive — the striking angular design of the Hamilton Building is a work of art in its own right. Inside, the galleries are thoughtfully curated and often interactive, making the experience accessible to all ages and interest levels.
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.
Stroll through Historic Larimer Square
1430 Larimer St │ Larimer Square Website │ Price: $ │ Oldest City Block
Colorado flags decorate Larimer Square (photo: Visit Denver website)
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. Located on Larimer Street between 14th and 15th streets, the city’s oldest block is 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 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 enjoy happy hour deals, hunt for unique finds or simply soak in the ambiance.
Of all the things to do in downtown Denver, a stroll down Larimer Square should be high on your list. If you’d like some company and a delicious lunch, consider our 16th Street Food Tour. Our local guides will share all the details about the city’s most historical street and more.
Sample five award-winning local restaurants on our Downtown Denver Food Tour! Tickets cost $80 per guest ($112 with drink pairings), and bookings are offered daily from 1–4 p.m.