Denver is the capital city of Colorado and a popular destination for travelers. Here are some things to do and see in Denver:
Visit the Denver Art Museum: The Denver Art Museum is one of the largest art museums in the United States, with a collection of over 70,000 works of art from around the world.
Explore the Denver Botanic Gardens: The Denver Botanic Gardens is a 24-acre oasis in the heart of the city, with over 50 gardens showcasing plants from around the world.
Check out the Colorado State Capitol: The Colorado State Capitol building is a neoclassical building that houses the Colorado General Assembly and the offices of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor. Visitors can take free tours of the building and climb to the top of the dome for stunning views of the city.
Visit the Denver Zoo: The Denver Zoo is home to over 4,000 animals from around the world, including tigers, elephants, and bears.
Stroll through the 16th Street Mall: The 16th Street Mall is a pedestrian-only shopping and dining district in downtown Denver, with over 300 stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
Catch a game at Coors Field: Coors Field is home to the Colorado Rockies baseball team, and offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains.
Explore the Denver Museum of Nature & Science: The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is a hands-on museum with exhibits on dinosaurs, space, and Colorado’s natural history.
Take a brewery tour: Denver is known for its craft beer scene, with over 100 breweries in the metro area. Take a brewery tour to learn about the brewing process and sample some of the city’s best brews.
These are just a few examples of the many things to do and see in Denver. With its vibrant arts and culture scene, outdoor activities, and excellent dining and nightlife, Denver has something for everyone.
Places to Visit in Denver
Denver is a vibrant city with plenty of attractions and things to do. Here are some of the top places to visit in Denver:
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre: This iconic venue is surrounded by stunning natural rock formations, and is a popular spot for concerts, hiking, and outdoor activities.
Denver Art Museum: The museum is home to an extensive collection of art from around the world, and includes works by artists such as Vincent Van Gogh, Claude Monet, and Salvador Dali.
16th Street Mall: This pedestrian-only shopping and dining district features over 300 stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues, and is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.
Denver Botanic Gardens: The gardens feature over 50 different gardens and collections, including a Japanese garden, a tropical conservatory, and a water garden.
Colorado State Capitol: Visitors can tour the state capitol building and climb to the top of the dome for panoramic views of the city.
Denver Zoo: Home to over 4,000 animals, the zoo is a popular destination for families and animal lovers.
Union Station: This historic train station has been restored and transformed into a bustling hub of dining, shopping, and entertainment.
Denver Museum of Nature and Science: The museum features exhibits on dinosaurs, space, and Colorado’s natural history, and is a great place to learn about science and history.
Coors Field: Home to the Colorado Rockies baseball team, Coors Field offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains and is a great place to catch a game.
Larimer Square: This charming historic district is home to boutique shops, restaurants, and nightlife, and is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.
These are just a few of the many places to visit in Denver. With its vibrant culture, beautiful scenery, and excellent dining and nightlife, Denver is a great destination for travelers of all ages and interests.
Best Time To Visit Denver
The best time to visit Denver is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to May) and fall (September to October) when the temperatures are mild, the crowds are thinner, and the scenery is stunning with colorful foliage or blooming flowers. Additionally, the summer months from June to August offer warm weather and a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and festivals. However, summer is also the peak tourist season, so prices for hotels and flights are higher and popular attractions can be crowded. The winter months from December to February can be cold and snowy, but Denver is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding in the nearby mountains. The city also has festive holiday events and activities during this time. Ultimately, the best time to visit Denver depends on your interests and preferences, but any time of the year can be enjoyable with the right planning.
Things to Do in Denver
Denver, the capital city of Colorado, is a vibrant and exciting destination with plenty of things to do for visitors of all ages and interests. Here are some of the top things to do in Denver:
Visit the Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre: This iconic venue is surrounded by stunning natural rock formations, and is a popular spot for concerts, hiking, and outdoor activities.
Explore the Denver Art Museum: The museum is home to an extensive collection of art from around the world, including works by Vincent Van Gogh, Claude Monet, and Salvador Dali.
Take a stroll along the 16th Street Mall: This pedestrian-only shopping and dining district features over 300 stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
Enjoy the beauty of the Denver Botanic Gardens: The gardens feature over 50 different gardens and collections, including a Japanese garden, a tropical conservatory, and a water garden.
Tour the Colorado State Capitol: Visitors can tour the state capitol building and climb to the top of the dome for panoramic views of the city.
Visit the Denver Zoo: Home to over 4,000 animals, the zoo is a popular destination for families and animal lovers.
Check out the Union Station: This historic train station has been restored and transformed into a bustling hub of dining, shopping, and entertainment.
Learn at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science: The museum features exhibits on dinosaurs, space, and Colorado’s natural history, and is a great place to learn about science and history.
Catch a game at Coors Field: Home to the Colorado Rockies baseball team, Coors Field offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains and is a great place to catch a game.
Enjoy the nightlife at Larimer Square: This charming historic district is home to boutique shops, restaurants, and nightlife, and is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.
Visit the Denver Center for the Performing Arts: This theater complex hosts a variety of performances, including plays, musicals, and concerts.
Explore the city’s craft breweries: Denver is home to many renowned craft breweries, offering tours and tastings for beer enthusiasts.
These are just a few of the many things to do in Denver. With its lively culture, beautiful scenery, and excellent dining and nightlife, Denver is a great destination for travelers of all kinds.
How to get around in Denver
Denver has a variety of transportation options for visitors to get around the city. Here are some of the most popular options:
Public transportation: Denver has an extensive public transportation system, including buses and light rail trains, operated by the Regional Transportation District (RTD). The RTD offers a variety of ticket options, including daily, weekly, and monthly passes, as well as a mobile ticketing app.
Bike share: Denver has a bike-share program called B-Cycle, which allows visitors to rent bikes for short trips around the city. There are over 88 bike stations located throughout the city.
Car rental: There are many car rental companies located in Denver, and renting a car can be a good option for visitors who want to explore the city and surrounding areas at their own pace.
Ride-sharing services: Popular ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are widely available in Denver, and can be a convenient option for short trips around the city.
Walking: Denver is a very walkable city, especially in the downtown area. Visitors can explore many of the city’s attractions on foot, including the 16th Street Mall, Union Station, and the Colorado State Capitol.
Ultimately, the best transportation option will depend on your individual needs and preferences. With so many transportation options available, visitors to Denver can easily get around the city and explore all that it has to offer.
Where to eat in Denver
Denver is a food lover’s paradise, with a diverse range of dining options to suit all tastes and budgets. Here are some of the best places to eat in Denver:
Mercantile Dining & Provision: This award-winning restaurant in Union Station features modern American cuisine made with local and seasonal ingredients.
Euclid Hall Bar & Kitchen: This gastropub in LoDo is known for its creative takes on classic pub fare, as well as its extensive beer selection.
Acorn: Located in The Source, this farm-to-table restaurant features inventive small plates and a lively atmosphere.
Denver Central Market: This food hall in RiNo offers a wide range of local and artisanal foods, including fresh seafood, craft coffee, and baked goods.
Snooze: This popular brunch spot has several locations throughout the city and is known for its creative twists on classic breakfast dishes.
Denver Biscuit Co.: This casual restaurant specializes in Southern-style biscuits, served with a variety of savory and sweet toppings.
Rioja: This Mediterranean-inspired restaurant in Larimer Square features seasonal dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.
Sam’s No. 3: This classic diner serves up hearty breakfast, lunch, and dinner dishes, including Denver’s famous green chili.
Vesta: This upscale eatery in LoDo is known for its creative small plates and extensive wine list.
Biker Jim’s Gourmet Dogs: This local institution serves up unique and delicious hot dogs made with exotic meats, such as elk, reindeer, and rattlesnake.
These are just a few of the many great places to eat in Denver. With its vibrant food scene and diverse range of dining options, visitors are sure to find something to satisfy their cravings in the Mile High City.
Famous street stalls in Denver
Denver has a thriving food truck and street food scene, with many local vendors offering a wide range of delicious and unique dishes. Here are some of the most popular street stalls in Denver:
Biker Jim’s Gourmet Dogs: This popular food truck serves up unique and delicious hot dogs made with exotic meats, such as elk, rattlesnake, and wild boar.
Quiero Arepas: This food truck specializes in Venezuelan-style arepas, a type of corn cake stuffed with a variety of delicious fillings.
Ba-Nom-a-Nom: This vegan food truck offers a unique twist on frozen desserts, serving up dairy-free, gluten-free soft-serve made with fresh fruit.
The Ethiopian Food Truck: This colorful food truck offers traditional Ethiopian dishes, such as injera bread, spicy stews, and lentil dishes.
Wong Way Veg: This vegan food truck offers a variety of creative and delicious plant-based dishes, such as buffalo cauliflower tacos and jackfruit sliders.
Adobo Food Truck: This Filipino-inspired food truck offers a variety of tasty and authentic dishes, such as lumpia, adobo chicken, and pancit noodles.
Street Frites: This food truck offers a unique twist on classic French fries, with a variety of creative toppings such as kimchi, pulled pork, and truffle oil.
Meatball: This food truck offers a variety of meatball-based dishes, such as meatball subs, meatball sliders, and meatball bowls.
These are just a few of the many great street stalls and food trucks in Denver. With its diverse and thriving food scene, visitors are sure to find something delicious to try on the streets of the Mile High City.
Where to stay in Denver
Luxury accommodation
Denver offers a range of luxury accommodations for visitors seeking a high-end experience. Here are some of the best luxury hotels in Denver:
The Ritz-Carlton, Denver: This upscale hotel is located in the heart of downtown Denver and features elegant rooms and suites, a full-service spa, and a fine dining restaurant.
Four Seasons Hotel Denver: This five-star hotel is located in the popular LoDo neighborhood and features luxurious rooms and suites, a rooftop pool, and a full-service spa.
The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa: This historic hotel is located in the heart of downtown Denver and features elegant rooms and suites, a full-service spa, and several dining options.
The Crawford Hotel: Located in Union Station, this boutique hotel features unique and stylish rooms and suites, as well as access to a wide range of dining and shopping options.
The Jacquard Hotel & Rooftop: This modern hotel is located in the Cherry Creek neighborhood and features stylish rooms and suites, a rooftop pool, and several dining options.
Halcyon, a hotel in Cherry Creek: This stylish hotel is located in the trendy Cherry Creek neighborhood and features chic rooms and suites, a rooftop pool, and a full-service spa.
Kimpton Hotel Born: This boutique hotel is located in Union Station and features modern rooms and suites, a rooftop patio, and a fine dining restaurant.
These luxury accommodations offer a range of amenities and services, including fine dining, spa treatments, and convenient access to Denver’s top attractions.
Where to stay in Denver
Budget accommodation
Denver has a variety of affordable accommodation options for visitors looking to save on their travels. Here are some of the best budget accommodations in Denver:
Hostel Fish: This popular hostel is located in the trendy LoDo neighborhood and offers dorm rooms and private rooms at a budget-friendly price. The hostel also features a shared kitchen and lounge area.
11th Avenue Hostel: This cozy hostel is located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood and offers dorm rooms and private rooms at an affordable rate. The hostel also features a shared kitchen and lounge area.
The Curtis Denver – a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel: This funky hotel is located in downtown Denver and offers comfortable rooms at a budget-friendly price. The hotel also features a retro-themed restaurant and lounge.
Hampton Inn & Suites Denver-Speer Boulevard: This budget-friendly hotel is located just outside of downtown Denver and offers comfortable rooms and suites at an affordable rate. The hotel also features a fitness center and free breakfast.
Days Inn by Wyndham Denver Downtown: This budget-friendly hotel is located in the heart of downtown Denver and offers comfortable rooms at an affordable rate. The hotel also features a fitness center and free breakfast.
Motel 6 Denver – Lakewood: This budget-friendly hotel is located just outside of Denver and offers comfortable rooms at an affordable rate. The hotel also features an outdoor pool and is pet-friendly.
These budget-friendly accommodations offer comfortable and convenient options for visitors looking to save on their travels to Denver.
Travel Tips Denver
Here are some travel tips for visitors to Denver:
Be prepared for the weather: Denver’s weather can be unpredictable, with temperature changes and sudden thunderstorms common during the summer months. Be sure to pack clothing that can be layered, and bring a rain jacket or umbrella.
Explore the city on foot: Denver is a pedestrian-friendly city with many interesting neighborhoods, parks, and trails. Walking is a great way to explore the city and get some exercise at the same time.
Use public transportation: Denver has a comprehensive public transportation system, including buses and light rail, that can take you to many parts of the city. Consider purchasing a daily or weekly pass to save money on fares.
Visit the mountains: Denver is located at the base of the Rocky Mountains and is a great starting point for exploring the many outdoor recreation opportunities in the area. Consider taking a day trip or weekend getaway to nearby mountain towns like Boulder, Golden, or Breckenridge.
Try the local cuisine: Denver has a vibrant food scene with many restaurants specializing in locally-sourced ingredients and regional cuisine. Don’t miss out on trying some of the city’s signature dishes, like green chili or a Rocky Mountain oyster.
Be aware of the altitude: Denver’s altitude of over 5,000 feet can cause altitude sickness for some visitors, especially if they are not used to the altitude. Stay hydrated, take it easy for the first few days, and consider bringing medication to alleviate symptoms if necessary.
Plan ahead for popular attractions: Some of Denver’s popular attractions, like the Denver Zoo and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, can have long lines during peak season. Consider purchasing tickets in advance or arriving early to avoid the crowds.
By following these tips, visitors to Denver can make the most of their trip and enjoy all that the city has to offer.