From exploring the Rocky Mountains to having fun with the leisure, eating places, museums, and parks of downtown, listed here are the very best issues to do in Denver Colorado!
When you’re ever on the lookout for an unimaginable combo of wilderness and outside actions with tradition, leisure, historical past, and nightlife, Denver CO is the right.
Positioned within the west of the USA on the border of the majestic Rocky Mountain Vary, there are many alternatives for mountaineering, snowboarding, snowboarding, and driving alongside scenic Alpine roads.
You need to use Denver as a base for exploring Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park or visiting one of many space’s ski lodges.
However Denver is such a enjoyable metropolis full of sights that you just don’t even have to go away downtown to have an epic time.
There are historic landmarks and fascinating museums for historical past lovers. There are dwell music venues and artwork reveals for music and artwork lovers.
Searching for concepts on the best way to see all of it in Denver? Learn our 3 Days in Denver Itinerary!
The meals scene is prime notch and there are some good gardens and theme parks for households and anybody on the lookout for a enjoyable day exterior.
It doesn’t matter what your pursuits are, Denver has one thing in retailer for you.
The Greatest Issues to Do in Denver, Colorado
There are such a lot of issues to do in Denver, from nature to tradition to leisure and extra.
Nicknamed “The Mile Excessive Metropolis”, as a result of its elevation is precisely one mile above sea degree, USA locals and worldwide vacationers alike flock to Denver CO.
Most of the finest sights within the Mile Excessive Metropolis price cash, although the costs are utterly price it. Take into account shopping for the Denver CityPASS, which incorporates entry to plenty of prime sights at discounted charges.
The Denver CityPASS contains the Botanic Gardens, the Historical past Colorado Middle, and among the finest Denver museums, simply to call a couple of. When you plan on visiting a couple of of those, it’s price getting the go to avoid wasting a bit of cash!
So let’s get into the listing of the very best issues to do in Denver Colorado!
1) Discover the Crimson Rocks Park and Amphitheatre
Some of the well-known landmarks within the Mile Excessive Metropolis is the Crimson Rocks Park and Amphitheatre. It’s an open air amphitheater constructed right into a rock face made from pink sandstone that’s tens of millions of years previous.
Not solely is it a captivating sight to see, it’s a historic venue that serves many functions. The Crimson Rocks Amphitheatre is an iconic venue for concert events and occasions. It additionally has a Customer Middle, a Buying and selling Submit, and the Colorado Music Corridor of Fame.
There are even two mountaineering trails within the Crimson Rocks park which surrounds the venue. Positioned only a 10-minute drive west of Denver, it’s a straightforward journey. When you don’t have a automotive, there’s a shuttle that runs between downtown Denver and Crimson Rocks.
Go to the Crimson Rocks Park and Amphitheater web site to test what reveals are taking part in and get extra info.
- Hours: Opens one hour earlier than dawn and one hour after sundown (precise instances fluctuate relying on season and efficiency dates)
- Deal with: 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison
- Price: Free, until you’re attending a efficiency
2) Catch A Present On the Denver Middle for the Performing Arts
One other one of many prime issues to do in Denver is attend a present at this nonprofit group within the coronary heart of Denver Colorado.
The Denver Middle for the Performing Arts is at all times internet hosting a wide range of reveals resembling common Broadway musicals, locally-written performs, comedy reveals, opera performances and extra.
There are a number of theaters inside the advanced, and there’s even one other place to catch performances in Denver: the Denver Performing Arts Advanced. The Colorado Symphony usually performs right here at Boettcher Live performance Corridor, when you’re a fan of classical music.
Verify the web sites for every place to discover a present you’ll like to attend.
Denver Middle for the Performing Arts:
Denver Performing Arts Advanced:
3) Admire the Structure in Larimer Sq.
Whereas exploring the downtown space of the Mile Excessive Metropolis, take a look at Larimer Sq..
Established within the late 1800s, this historic block is the oldest within the metropolis. A pioneer named Normal William Larimer was the inspiration for the identify, and these days it’s a cultural and creative hub of Denver.
Stuffed with historic nineteenth century buildings and adorned with hanging lights and flags, it is without doubt one of the metropolis’s coziest spots. Simply wandering round right here is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Denver.
There are many eating and leisure venues in Larimer Sq., in addition to within the close by sixteenth Avenue Mall. So when you’re on the lookout for an evening out, head to the very spot the place Denver was based and admire the historic buildings paired with new and trendy venues.
4) Discover the Denver Artwork Museum
Positioned close to Capitol Hill, the Denver Artwork Museum is without doubt one of the prime Denver vacationer sights.
The Mile Excessive Metropolis has numerous artwork museums, however that is the preferred one.
Full with shows of recent and modern artwork in addition to style, furnishings, design, and extra, there’s a lot to see right here. It’s particularly identified for its indigenous artwork collections.
Try the particular reveals and think about supporting a neighborhood artist by shopping for a few of their work on the present store.
Additionally think about visiting the Kirkland Museum of Effective and Ornamental Artwork, or the Denver Museum of Modern Artwork. When you’re an actual artwork fan, Denver has no scarcity of choices!
A go to to the museum is included along with your Denver CityPASS, which can prevent a bit of cash.
- Hours: 10am – 5pm day by day, shut 9pm on Tuesdays
- Deal with: 100 W 14th Ave Pkwy
- Price: $18 adults, $10 college students/seniors/navy, FREE for youth beneath 18
- Web site: https://www.denverartmuseum.org/en
5) Try Union Station
Visiting the historic landmark that’s Union Station is one other among the finest issues to do in Denver. Union Station was a major practice station in downtown Denver, however has been transformed into an leisure, cultural, and social hub of the town.
There are retailers, bars, eating places, video games, occasions, dwell music, produce markets, and extra right here. Terminal Bar is without doubt one of the space’s most well-known spots! There are additionally 4 beehives on the roof of the constructing, courtesy of the Denver’s city beekeeping program.
Nevertheless, it’s nonetheless the middle of the Mile Excessive Metropolis and many public transport passes via right here.
This can be a excellent place to seize a drink after a protracted day of sightseeing, or to satisfy up with folks because it’s a central location in Denver.
6) Drive the Mount Evans Scenic Byway
When you’re questioning what to see in Denver, and you like alpine landscapes and dramatic pure surroundings, the Mount Evans Scenic Byway is a should.
This 28 mile lengthy drive up Mount Evans winds and curves via the peaks of the Colorado rockies. Lease a automotive when you don’t have one already, and luxuriate in spending the day up within the mountains.
A spotlight of the route is Echo Lake Park. This stunning lake surrounded by forests and mountains has a picnic space, barbecues, and campgrounds. You may’t swim within the lake, sadly, however you possibly can go fishing.
Close by is the Idaho Springs Reservoir if you wish to go for a swim.
The Mount Evans Scenic Byway is a fast and straightforward day journey from Denver, particularly when you aren’t into mountaineering however nonetheless need unimaginable mountain views.
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7) Go to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science
One other among the finest issues to do in Denver, particularly for households with younger children, is to go to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.
Included along with your Denver CityPASS, the museum is dwelling to quite a few charming reveals concerning the pure world.
This museum is bound to amaze folks of all ages, which additionally boasts an IMAX theatre, a planetarium, and many lessons and occasions.
The intention of the museum is to teach Denver residents, guests, and other people of all ages and cultures concerning the pure world.
When you’re an enormous fan of museums, the pure world, and studying new issues, think about heading to the Denver Zoo or the Wings Over the Rockies Air and Area Museum. These spots along with the Nature and Science Museum are among the finest issues to do in Denver.
- Hours: 9am – 5pm day by day, shut 9pm on Fridays
- Deal with: 2001 Colorado Blvd
- Price: $19.95 grownup, $14.95 ages 18 and beneath, children beneath 3 are FREE (costs could also be cheaper throughout off-peak instances, and particular exhibitions price additional)
- Web site: https://www.dmns.org
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8) See a Efficiency at a Reside Music Venue
The Crimson Rocks Amphitheatre would be the most well-known live performance venue in Denver, however there are many different locations within the metropolis the place you possibly can see a dwell efficiency.
As a result of Denver is such an up and coming metropolis within the USA, and it has a tremendous artwork and leisure scene, there are continually bands, musicians, comedians, and extra coming via the Mile Excessive Metropolis.
Among the finest dwell music venues in Denver embrace:
- Mission Ballroom
- Larimer Lounge
- Summit Music Corridor
- Ogden Theatre
- Paramount Theatre
- Bluebird Theatre
And there are such a lot of extra! Stepping into the dwell music scene is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Denver. Whether or not you e book a live performance months prematurely or simply see what’s taking part in when you arrive, you might be positive to search out one thing worthwhile happening.
9) Catch a Sports activities Sport
When you’re an enormous sports activities fan, you possibly can’t miss a neighborhood Denver recreation. Even when you’re not into sports activities, think about becoming a member of within the contagious enthusiasm of the American sports activities scene only for one evening.
Denver has numerous professional sports activities groups, and many die-hard native followers.
Probably the greatest issues to do in Denver is seeing a baseball recreation at Coors Subject. Residence of the Colorado Rockies baseball staff, Coors Subject provides spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains within the distance.
The Denver Nuggets basketball staff can be a neighborhood favourite. Their video games on the Pepsi Middle, which has been just lately renamed to the Ball Enviornment, pull in large crowds and many power.
Or watch a Denver Broncos soccer recreation or a Denver Pioneers ice hockey recreation.
Actual sports activities lovers can even go to the Colorado Sports activities Corridor of Fame Museum, a real gem of the Mile Excessive Metropolis.
10) Benefit from the Greenery at Denver Botanic Gardens
Strolling round all 24 acres of the Denver Botanic Gardens is unquestionably among the finest issues to do in Denver.
Full with a public amphitheater, conventional Japanese backyard, and themed gardens stuffed with numerous vegetation, there’s tons to see right here.
The Denver Botanic Gardens additionally generally host occasions, exhibitions, public artwork shows and artwork installations, so test the web site to see what’s on whenever you’re visiting Denver.
There may be additionally a botanic backyard location at Chatfield Farms in Littleton, which has a butterfly farm and a historic ranch.
- Hours: 9am – 4pm day by day
- Deal with: 1007 York Streek
- Price: $15 adults, $11 college students and children beneath 15
11) Hike St Mary’s Glacier
This is without doubt one of the finest outside Denver actions.
St Mary’s Glacier is a snowfield with a beautiful lake that you may swim in throughout the summer season. However even within the winter when the lake is frozen over, the peaks of the Colorado Rocky Mountains stand tall within the distance and the realm is gorgeous.
Positioned about 1 hour west of downtown Denver close to Idaho Springs, it is a fast and straightforward day journey from the town when you’re trying to spend a while in nature.
When you don’t have a automotive, you possibly can e book a guided tour to St. Mary’s Glacier that features a go to to geothermal swimming pools.
This can be a nice possibility when you’re a solo traveler trying to meet folks, or when you simply need to sit again and have another person cowl your transport.
12) Be taught About Denver’s Historical past on the Historical past Colorado Middle
This fascinating museum showcases totally different time durations within the historical past of Denver Colorado.
There are particular reveals, artifacts, artworks and shows that dive deep into particular matters as nicely. You may be taught rather a lot right here, and when you’re taken with historical past it’s among the finest Denver sights.
Historical past Colorado is a neighborhood group that additionally has different museums along with the Historical past Colorado Middle. Try the Middle for Colorado Ladies’s Historical past or the Forney Museum of Transportation. There are different museums and historic websites scattered across the state as nicely.
However when you don’t have time to enterprise to all of the historic Denver sights, at the least go to the Historical past Colorado Middle to get an summary!
- Hours: 10am – 5pm day by day (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas)
- Deal with: 1200 N Broadway
- Price: $14 adults, $12 seniors, $10 college students, $8 children 5-15, FREE children beneath 5
- Tip: Ebook your ticket on the web site prematurely for a $1 low cost in your ticket
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13) Spend Some Time within the Native Parks
When you don’t have time to go to the mountains, there are many alternatives to get some recent air and train within the metropolis. Metropolis Park and Washington Park are two of the very best locations to go to in Denver.
Metropolis Park is a busy space of downtown Denver that is filled with enjoyable issues to do. Not solely is it dwelling to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, the realm additionally hosts the Denver Zoo, tennis courts, children playgrounds, picnic areas, and extra.
Metropolis Park is most identified for its massive inexperienced area with two lakes and loads of area for chilling out within the sunshine (ideally in summer season when the climate is heat!).
It’s an iconic spot within the Mile Excessive Metropolis, so come have a picnic, play a spherical of tennis or basketball, take a look at the museums, or simply chill out and watch the world go by.
Washington Park is one other stunning inexperienced area in Denver. It’s a bit extra residential and fewer crowded than Metropolis Park. There are many strolling or biking trails, in addition to a lake for kayaking and some sports activities fields.
14) Take a Free Tour of the Colorado State Capitol
Some of the charming landmarks within the metropolis heart of Denver is the Colorado State Capitol.
This neoclassical-style constructing is topped with a golden dome, and is possibly essentially the most spectacular constructing in Denver CO.
For anybody taken with studying concerning the Colorado Normal Meeting, the structure, or the historical past of the constructing, think about becoming a member of one of many free excursions on weekdays. You may truly enter the Home and Senate chambers with a information to be taught concerning the legislative course of.
It’s also possible to embark on a climb to the dome, which sits at precisely one mile above sea degree (therefore the town nickname, Mile Excessive Metropolis).
Free excursions of the capitol are stuffed on a primary come, first serve foundation, and the excursions are capped at 20 folks.
15) Experience a Curler Coaster at Elitch Gardens Theme Park
Spending an thrilling day at this theme park is one other among the finest issues to do in Denver.
With over 50 totally different rides, together with curler coasters, a heart-stopping Tower of Doom, and a water park, there are such a lot of enjoyable issues to do right here for folks of all ages.
Or head to the Remark Tower for panoramic views over the town and the encompassing Rocky Mountains.
Elitch Gardens is definitely one of many oldest amusement parks within the USA, and it is without doubt one of the finest Denver sights.
The park is briefly closed however reopens on April 30. I like to recommend reserving a skip-the-line ticket on-line prematurely to keep away from ready in a protracted line whenever you arrive.
- Hours: Opening hours are continually altering relying on season and day of the week. Go to the web site for an entire listing of hours.
- Deal with: 2000 Elitch Circle
- Price: $45 when you e book on-line, $65 when you purchase tickets on the park
16) Eat And Drink To Your Coronary heart’s Content material in Downtown Denver
Probably the greatest issues to do in downtown Denver Colorado is consuming! Yep, simply consuming. And consuming! There are such a lot of wonderful locations to eat and drink within the Mile Excessive Metropolis that you must attempt at the least a couple of totally different eating places, bars, breweries, or cafes.
All you must do is discover downtown Denver close to locations like Union Station, sixteenth Avenue Mall, or Larimer Sq.. These areas are full of so many wonderful cafes, fashionable bars, espresso retailers, worldwide eateries, ice cream retailers, quick meals locations, and good eating places.
Here’s a fast listing of the highest locations to eat and drink whenever you go to Denver:
- Misfit Snack Bar for its distinctive, rotating menu
- Little Man Ice Cream for wonderful home made ice cream flavors
- Pony Up for artful cocktails
- Hearth on the Mountain for a few of Denver’s finest hen wings
- Dimestore Delibar for killer sandwiches
- El 5 for tapas, fancy wines, and a Mediterranean vibe
- Allegro or Thump Espresso for scrumptious espresso
- Cherry Creek Grill for traditional American delicacies
- Blue Moon Brewery for all kinds of native beers
- The Patio at Sloans for a scenic, lakeside outside eating expertise
- Pizzeria Locale for Denver’s finest pizza (3 places across the metropolis)
- ChoLon for upscale Southeast Asian delicacies
And that’s simply scratching the floor! When you’re an actual foodie, you’ll be in heaven whenever you go to Denver CO.
17) Go Mountaineering in Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park
Stuffed with glassy lakes, dramatic alpine landscapes, and dense forests, Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park is without doubt one of the finest locations to go to in Denver CO.
Those that love outside adventures ought to positively do among the hikes within the nationwide park.
There are trails that cater to all health ranges, so whether or not you’re a seasoned wilderness and health skilled otherwise you simply desire a good and straightforward stroll, there are many choices.
Alberta Falls and Bear Lake trails are brief and straightforward. Longs Peak is the longest and hardest hike, advisable for knowledgeable hikers solely. Twin Sisters, Black Lake, and Fern Lake are average hikes appropriate for many common folks.
Different enjoyable issues to do within the park embrace birdwatching, mountain biking, tenting, kayaking, and extra. Or think about reserving an epic zip lining tour from Denver!
Go to the official web site for details about visiting the nationwide park resembling climate updates, campsites, path particulars, and extra.
18) Go to the Denver Firefighters Museum
This museum is without doubt one of the most original issues to see in Denver.
The intention of the Denver Firefighters Museum is to share and protect the historical past of the town’s fireplace division. There are particular reveals in addition to pictures, paperwork, and analysis on show.
The hearth firm in Colorado started round 1866-1869, and has performed an vital function within the wellbeing of Denver over time. This museum is designed to entertain and educate, in addition to promote fireplace security.
- Hours: 10am – 4pm, Tuesday – Saturday
- Deal with: 1326 Tremont Place
- Price: $9 grownup, $8 senior/navy/firefighters, $7 children
19) Benefit from the View from Lookout Mountain
One of many best outside adventures to have close to Denver is heading as much as Lookout Mountain.
Positioned within the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, this mountain peak is ideal for panoramic views and for spending a day exterior in nature.
You may conquer some mountaineering trails, go mountain biking, go to the “Buffalo Invoice” Museum and Grave, or go to the Nature Middle to be taught concerning the native wildlife.
Whether or not you may have children who want a day of leisure, otherwise you simply need to get out of the town and luxuriate in a improbable view, this is without doubt one of the most enjoyable issues to do in Denver.
The mountain is barely a 30 minute drive west of Denver CO.
20) Drink and Dine on the Supply Market Corridor
Probably the greatest issues to do in Denver for meals lovers is head to the Supply Market Corridor.
This rustic ironworks constructing from the 1800s has been transformed into an artisan meals corridor that has a classy but enjoyable and energetic vibe.
It’s situated in Denver’s River North Arts District, generally referred to as RiNo. There are all types of scrumptious issues right here, from espresso, cocktails, and breweries to bakeries, cheese retailers, and eating places.
You should purchase recent produce or meats from the butcher. Or you possibly can style small plates from totally different distributors, or sit down and luxuriate in an actual meal. All the pieces is top of the range and you might be really spoiled by way of choices.
- Deal with: 3350 Brighton Boulevard
- Hours: 7am – 11pm weekdays, 8am – 11pm weekends
21) Go to the Molly Brown Home Museum
One of many extra distinctive museums to see within the Mile Excessive Metropolis is the Molly Brown Home Museum.
The constructing itself is particular as a result of it belonged to Margaret “Molly” Brown, a Titanic survivor. Not solely that, however the Historic Denver Group and Denver residents helped save the constructing from demolition within the 1970.
The museum itself celebrates historical past, activism, philanthropy, and schooling. It showcases the facility of neighborhood and the preservation of historic buildings. It’s a stunning place to discover, and the museum employees are extraordinarily knowledgable and enthusiastic about schooling.
For a guided tour via the Molly Brown Museum, simply add $2 on to your admission ticket worth.
- Deal with: 1340 Pennsylvania Avenue
- Hours: 10am – 4pm Tuesday – Sunday, closed on most holidays
- Price: $16 adults, $14 seniors/college students/navy, $12 ages 6-18 (costs are cheaper for Colorado residents
The place to Keep in Denver, Colorado
Now that you realize what to do in Denver Colorado, let’s dive into the place to remain.
Whether or not you need to keep proper in downtown Denver, otherwise you want a comfy mattress and breakfast exterior the primary metropolis heart, there are some nice lodging choices within the Mile Excessive Metropolis.
Greatest Hostel in Denver: Ember Hostel
The highest rated hostel in Denver is Ember Hostel, which has over 1,000 optimistic traveler critiques and. 9.5 out of 10 rating on Hostelworld!
A dorm mattress right here prices $55 per evening, which isn’t that low-cost so far as hostels go. However that is nonetheless cheaper than most motels within the space, and also you’ll get an excellent cool and social expertise staying right here.
This retro hostel inside a historic mansion is situated strolling distance to all the very best Denver sights. It has a jacuzzi, a fireplace pit, patio space, laundry service, free on-site parking, free Wifi, free espresso and tea, and personal bunks with curtains and cabinets.
When you’re making an attempt to go to Denver Colorado on a price range, that is the very best hostel to remain in.
Greatest Mid-Vary Lodge in Denver: Off Broadway B&B
Simply off South Broadway Avenue, this mid-range mattress and breakfast is a comfy and peaceable place to remain. It’s not proper in Downtown Denver, however the bus cease is a half block away so you possibly can simply get to the very best sights.
The quieter neighborhood is sweet for individuals who need to keep out of the hustle and bustle as nicely. A room right here prices round $160, so it’s an honest worth and it’s close to different Denver sights.
Greatest Luxurious Lodge in Denver: The Ritz-Carlton
Undoubtedly probably the most excessive finish motels within the Mile Excessive Metropolis is the Ritz-Carlton. Not solely does this lodge have every thing you may attainable want by way of facilities, it’s centrally situated and pets are allowed.
Additionally it is thought of among the finest motels in Denver for artwork aficionados. Which means the artwork and design within the constructing is upscale and spectacular for actual artwork lovers.
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