10 Best Things to Do in Denver

Stepping into the historic Larimer Square neighborhood is a journey back in time to the original pioneer camp set up by a group of Native American and settlers in 1858. After they struck gold at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, word spread and east-coasters flocked to the west.

The energy of the square is palpable, with bustling crowds and pretty string lights strewn almost everywhere. The frenzy of people is almost enough to get that natural kick-start you need in the morning, though the square is lined with cafés if you still need your caffeine hit. Local hotspot Snooze gets a special mention for their variety of pancakes.

Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater in Colorado is one to tick off your list if you're an outdoor enthusiast. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery, immersed in its iconic red and orange hues, on the many hiking trails the park has to offer. For a short hike, venture down the Trading Post Trail, which takes you through 1.4 miles of cinnamon-dusted buttes. Make sure to stop by the visitor center to get information on the different trails and the park’s history.

Also worth visiting is the amphitheater. The theater is geologically formed by the red rocks, giving it impressive acoustics. Look out for any concerts or events during your trip.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Denver at Coors Field, the celebrated home of the Colorado Rockies. Situated in the bustling heart of the LoDo district, this iconic baseball stadium offers not just thrilling games, but also an awe-inspiring view of the mountains, best appreciated from The Rooftop deck.

Coors Field isn't just about baseball and breathtaking views. It also serves up a local delicacy you wouldn't want to miss, Denver’s best Rocky Mountain oysters. This unique dish of fried bull testicles might sound adventurous, but it is a beloved part of local culinary tradition.

Denver Botanic Gardens truly are a sight to behold. With 50 gardens, it’s easy to lose track of time while meandering through the vast greenery. There are a variety of environments, from East Asian inspired gardens to showcases of Colorado's climate. You can also enjoy art sculptures dispersed throughout the gardens.

The gardens are enjoyable in any season, so be sure to keep this on your list year-round. Before visiting the gardens, check out if any festivals or events are on as this is another way to really enjoy the grounds.

One can never say no to a little retail therapy, especially if it comes in the form of charming streets filled with amazing boutiques and food in Denver’s LoDo district. Shops around here mostly sell vintage and unusual goodies, which makes it all the more charming.

Old South Gaylord Street sees old houses turned into unique boutiques that sell everything from wine to art. Old South Gaylord Street and the equally interesting Cherry Creek both are located near the neighborhood of LoDo, which is the city’s oldest area. It’s definitely worth finding accommodations around here.

Union Station is a 2 for 1 package, serving both as a bustling shopping and dining center as well as a functional public transit station. On top of that, it boasts a rich history, which is elaborated in an hour-long tour hosted by the Crawford Hotel located inside the station. Union Station merges the history of Denver with the contemporary craft phenomenon that is currently happening in the city.

Mercantile Dining & Provision and Stoic & Genuine are loved by tourists and locals for their world-class dining. It has also been said that the best way to experience the station is by sitting back and people-watching on one of the couches or chairs dotted around the station.

The Denver Art Museum holds art and artifacts from pre-Colombian to present times. Come here to immerse yourself in culture and history, while sheltering yourself from that Colorado heat. The museum shop is also worth a visit for those who love unique souvenirs.

The Denver Art Museum is found in the neighborhood of Capitol Hill, which is a lovely area to walk around aimlessly. Have a look around The Hamilton Building, which is an architectural attraction in itself. Nearby is the museum of abstract expressionist Clyfford Still and The Art Hotel, which also has its own impressive art collection. 

Choosing a park to sunbathe in can prove difficult when there’s as much choice as there is in Denver. Often described as a city known for its sunny disposition, a picnic seems like the right idea.

Washington Park, just by downtown Denver, contains 2 lakes and 2 flower gardens, one of which is a replica of George Washington’s gardens at Mount Vernon. For a more unique park, pop over to the urban Confluence Park, where you can also hop on the Denver Trolley for a 30-minute scenic ride along South Platte River. The gorgeous tree-lined Cheesman Park has a pavilion, flower gardens, and views of the mountains.

Denver’s beer scene is no secret and we can see this in the quantity and quality of its breweries. The beer craze in Denver can perhaps be linked back to either beer giants Coors or the Rocky Mountain Brewery. In recent years, the microbrew scene has exploded and continues to do so. There’s even a Denver Beer Trail, if you dare to try it. Beer aficionados are guaranteed to get their money’s worth.

For a good and adventurous brew experience, check out Breckenridge Brewery, located just 10 miles south of Denver beside the Platte River. They offer unique brews such as Agave Wheat, Juice Drop Pale Ale, or Nitro Irish Stout.

The Denver Performing Arts Complex is right in the middle of the city’s art and culture hub, making it a great place to visit after dinner. It contains several impressive venues specifically designed to bring out the best of any show. The Ellie Caulkins Opera House and the Boettcher Concert Hall are must-visits at the Denver Performing Arts Complex.

With a busy schedule packed with an ever-evolving selection of musicals, performance artists, comedians, and concerts, there’s no shortage of great entertainment on display. Plus, the nearby streets are lined with great bars if you’re looking for more late-night fun after a show.