Often known as the Mile Excessive Metropolis, Denver is the capital of Colorado and probably the most thrilling cities to go to within the US. Surrounded by mountains, Denver is the right base for many who love a bit of out of doors journey.
I can’t even try to depend the variety of occasions I’ve visited Denver. Denver’s location roughly in the midst of the nation makes it the right cease throughout a street journey, and as you’ll see on this listing, it’s a worthwhile vacation spot by itself.
It’s one in every of my favourite cities within the US, and never just for mountaineering or snowboarding within the mountains, but additionally for its neighborhoods, museums, and music venues. On this information, we’ll check out 15 must-see Denver sights and issues to do that can assist you plan the right journey to town.
This publish was up to date to incorporate new Denver sights and actions for 2023.
15 Finest Issues to Do in Denver
Whilst you could also be tempted to move straight for the Rocky Mountains, there are many issues to do in Denver to warrant sticking round for some time.
Dwelling to some world-class museums, lovely parks, all 4 main sports activities groups, and maybe the most effective music venue within the nation, Denver has so much to supply vacationers of all ages and pursuits.
If you happen to plan to see 3-5 of the Denver vacationer sights on this listing, you might need to contemplate the Denver Metropolis Move, which provides you 40% off the worth of standard admission. Be taught extra right here.
1. Go to the Colorado State Capitol
Kicking off my listing of the most effective Denver sights is the Colorado State Capitol. This neoclassical constructing was constructed again within the Eighteen Nineties and is residence to the Colorado Common Meeting in addition to the governor’s workplace.
If the constructing appears a bit acquainted, that’s as a result of it was constructed to resemble the US Capitol in Washington, DC. It was comprised of white granite and topped with a golden dome to commemorate the Colorado Gold Rush.
One of many coolest issues about visiting the capitol is which you can stand at precisely one mile above sea degree.
There are literally three totally different markers on the steps, with the one on the thirteenth step being the newest and most correct. Snap a photograph right here to indicate you correctly visited the Mile Excessive Metropolis.
Whilst you’re right here, you would possibly as properly go in and take a look. The primary time I visited, I solely regarded round outdoors, lacking the beautiful inside. Don’t do the identical.
Inside, you’ll see lovely stained glass home windows that depict scenes from the historical past of Colorado. Remember to climb up the steep 99 steps to succeed in Mr. Brown’s Attic, the place you’ll get pleasure from a 360-degree panoramic view of downtown and the Rocky Mountains.
The Colorado State Capitol is free to go to and so they even run free excursions. These begin on the hour from 10 AM-3 PM Monday to Friday, and so they suggest arriving at the very least 20 minutes upfront.
It’s positively probably the most fashionable issues to do in downtown Denver. You will discover the capitol constructing on the map and get instructions right here.
Deal with: 200 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO, 80203, USA
2. See the Denver Artwork Museum
A fast stroll from the State Capitol will convey you to the unbelievable Denver Artwork Museum. Take your time moving into, because the buildings that home the museum are a murals in their very own proper!
Italian modernist architect Gio Ponti designed the museum’s North Constructing, which considerably resembles a fort.
Years later, the Hamilton Constructing was designed by architect Daniel Libeskind, who was “impressed by the sunshine and geology of the Rockies.” This world-class artwork museum is certainly among the finest locations to go to in Denver.
When you’re finished admiring the structure, it’s time to move inside and discover the museum’s huge assortment.
Right here you’ll discover an abundance of Native American artwork amongst some 70,000 totally different artistic endeavors. Exhibitions are at all times altering, so remember to test their calendar to see what’s occurring. It is a must-do in Denver for any artwork lover.
The Denver Artwork Museum is open Monday-Thursday and Saturday-Sunday from 10-5. On Fridays, the museum stays open till 8. Tickets price $13 for adults and children 18 and beneath go to totally free. You will discover the museum on the map right here.
Deal with: 100 W 14th Ave Pkwy, Denver, CO, 80204, USA
3. Go to Crimson Rocks (among the finest locations to go to close to Denver)
Of all the wonderful Denver sights, my private favourite has received to be Crimson Rocks. It is a should see in Denver for positive!
Crimson Rocks as a Music Venue
This metropolis park and outside amphitheater is a good place to hike, bike, and see dwell music. Actually, Crimson Rocks always tops lists of the most effective live performance venue in the complete United States.
I’ve seen a variety of concert events in a variety of locations, but it surely’s actually robust to beat Crimson Rocks. I imply, the stage right here is about between two large sandstone rock formations!
Not solely is it stunningly lovely, however this pure amphitheater has some completely unbelievable acoustics. I’ve been there a number of occasions already and it’s at all times a good time.
There are various nice acts that come to this legendary venue. In addition they frequently host yoga lessons and even film nights, so there’s at all times one thing cool occurring at Crimson Rocks.
Mountaineering and Biking round Crimson Rocks
Even on a non-event day, it’s properly well worth the journey from downtown Denver to go to Crimson Rocks.
The park is residence to a number of totally different mountaineering and biking trails as properly. It’s positively among the finest locations to go to close to Denver if you wish to get some train together with breathtaking mountain views. Whilst you’re right here, you too can take a look at the Colorado Music Corridor of Fame.
Crimson Rocks is definitely situated within the small city of Morrison and is a few 30-minute drive from downtown Denver. It opens one hour earlier than dawn and closes one hour earlier than sundown on non-event days.
When there’s a present, the park closes at round 2PM. Better of all, admission and parking are each free! You will get instructions to Crimson Rocks right here.
Deal with: Crimson Rocks Amphitheater, 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison, CO, 80465, USA
Excursions from Denver to Crimson Rocks
One other nice method to expertise Crimson Rocks is by becoming a member of this extremely rated half-day tour.
Meet up together with your information and head out to Crimson Rocks. You’ll drive alongside the historic Lariat Loop, and as much as Bear Creek Canyon the place you will get a better view of the Rockies.
Epic viewpoints, stops for a beer or espresso, details about Denver, and all of the enjoyable issues to do are included on this journey. Click on right here to be taught extra about this Denver exercise.
Assume you need to spend longer within the metropolis? Take a look at our Information to Residing in Denver, Colorado.
4. Wander sixteenth Road Mall
Taking a stroll alongside the pedestrian-only sixteenth Road Mall is among the hottest issues to do in downtown Denver. This tree-lined road is stuffed with outlets, cafes, eating places, and bars, so you’ll be able to simply spend a number of leisurely hours right here.
It’s additionally a terrific place to simply plop down on a bench, loosen up, and revel in some unbelievable people-watching. You’re positive to see some road performers right here, in addition to a few of Denver’s most, shall we embrace “fascinating” characters.
Whereas a lot of my pals who dwell in Denver might decry this space as being a vacationer entice, I at all times get pleasure from taking a lap round it after I’m on the town.
It’s simply good being in a serious US metropolis that has a pedestrian-friendly space the place folks congregate and revel in a while open air. Plus, it’s straightforward to discover a good Blissful Hour deal right here!
The sixteenth Road Mall could be very simply walkable, however there’s additionally a free shuttle bus that stops on each nook if you happen to really feel like giving your toes a relaxation. You will get instructions to the sixteenth Road Mall on the map right here.
Deal with: sixteenth St Mall, Denver, CO, 80265, USA
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5. Go to the Botanic Gardens
Nature lovers will need to be certain so as to add the Botanic Gardens to their listing of locations to go to in Denver. This large park occupies 23 acres proper within the coronary heart of Denver, making a inexperienced oasis in the midst of a booming metropolis.
Comprised of over 45 totally different gardens, there’s an entire lot to see right here. In whole, there are properly over 30,000 totally different crops! That is positively one of many prime Denver sights and a spot you received’t need to miss when visiting town.
A number of the highlights of the park embrace the peaceable Japanese Backyard, the tropical conservatory, and the Rock Alpine Backyard.
There’s a lot to see and do right here which you can simply spend a complete day exploring the gardens and the higher Cheesman Park the place they’re situated.
Tickets for the principle York Road space of the gardens price $15 for adults, $9.50 for seniors/army, and $9 for college students and youngsters. This is among the greatest locations to go to in Denver, and it’s included within the Metropolis Move, which you should purchase on-line right here.
There are literally a number of days all year long when it’s completely free, so remember to test the calendar. It’s open every single day from 9-5, and you’ll find instructions by checking the map right here.
Deal with: 1007 York St, Denver, CO, 80206, USA
6. Go to the Sporting Venues
Do you know that Denver is one in every of solely two US cities the place groups in all 4 main sports activities play downtown?
Denver and my hometown of Detroit are the one locations the place you’ll be able to see basketball, soccer, hockey, and baseball all proper downtown.
Denver is residence to the Broncos (NFL), Rockies (MLB), Nuggets (NBA), and Avalanche (NHL). The Broncos play at Mile Excessive, with eight regular-season video games between September and January.
Individuals actually go loopy for his or her soccer staff right here, so it’s a really thrilling environment to be part of.
Each the Nuggets and the Avs play their residence video games on the Ball Area. The common season for each sports activities lasts from October to April, so there are many possibilities to catch a sport throughout the fall and winter.
Watching a hockey or basketball sport is among the greatest issues to do in Denver within the winter.
When hockey and basketball are wrapping up, baseball is simply getting began.
The Rockies play at Coors Discipline and have residence video games fairly often within the spring and summer season months. Whichever staff you see, trying out a sport is certainly one of many prime issues to do in downtown Denver.
7. Discover Union Station
The historic Union Station dates again to 1914, when it was rebuilt after a fireplace destroyed it in 1894.
It might appear a bit odd to have a prepare station on the listing of the most effective Denver sights, however hear me out. Just some years in the past, a large redevelopment plan started at Union Station. The higher ranges have been reworked into the posh Crawford Resort, and several other boutique outlets, eating places, and bars moved in as properly. Outdated ticket counters grew to become the Terminal Bar, and the Nice Corridor reworked into “Denver’s lounge.”
Along with all of the eating, purchasing, and leisure choices on supply at Union Station, it’s as soon as once more a totally functioning transportation hub.
Catching the A-Line right here from the airport is an inexpensive and environmentally acutely aware method to journey out and in of town. You may as well catch Amtrak trains right here, together with the well-known California Zephyr line that travels to San Francisco.
Union Station is situated within the LoDo (Decrease Downtown) space of Denver. If you find yourself passing by in your method to or from the airport, remember to spend somewhat additional time right here.
Seize a drink and a chew, do a little bit of window purchasing, or simply sit on the sofa and revel in some nice folks watching. You will discover Union Station on the map right here.
Deal with: 1701 Wynkoop, Denver, CO, 80202, USA
There’s truly a enjoyable, brief, inexpensive strolling tour you’ll be able to be part of the place you’ll be taught the historical past of LoDo, plus get recommendations on the place to eat and drink from the educated information. Be taught extra right here.
8. Denver Museum of Nature and Science
Denver is residence to loads of glorious museums, and one in every of my favorites is certainly the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Their superb exhibitions on dinosaurs, gems, mummies, and black holes makes a visit right here among the finest issues to do in Denver for teenagers.
Along with all their fascinating exhibitions, the museum can be residence to an IMAX theatre and among the finest planetariums within the nation.
There’s even a T-Rex Cafe right here the place you’ll be able to seize a drink and a chew to eat. With a lot to see and do, you’ll be able to simply spend an entire day taking in all that this museum has to supply.
Remember to test their calendar of occasions, because the museum usually has some fairly cool packages for each youngsters and adults.
For instance, they’re having a Renaissance Revelry occasion quickly for adults the place costumes are inspired and drinks/appetizers are included in your ticket. Now that seems like a enjoyable night time on the museum!
The museum is open from 9-5 every single day, and tickets price $19 for adults or $14 for kids for museum admission. Particular exhibitions, IMAX screenings, and particular showings within the planetarium all price between $5-7 additional.
Entrance to the museum is included within the Denver Metropolis Move. You will get instructions and discover it on the map right here.
Deal with: 2001 Colorado Blvd., Denver, CO, 80205, USA
9. Chill out within the Native Parks
If you happen to’re visiting the museum, you would possibly as properly stick round Metropolis Park for some time. That is the most important city park within the metropolis and a preferred place for locals and vacationers alike.
That’s not all, although. You’ll additionally discover soccer, baseball, and soccer fields, tennis courts, and a golf course right here. There are a few small lakes within the park and a boathouse the place you’ll be able to hire some cool animal-shaped paddle boats.
Through the summer season months, there’s a free live performance collection in Metropolis Park. Remember to test the schedule to see what’s taking part in if you happen to’re visiting in the summertime. You will discover Metropolis Park on the map right here.
One other nice alternative is Washington Park, which is situated simply south of downtown (test the map right here).
Health fanatics will love a go to to this massive inexperienced house because of the numerous mountaineering and biking trails right here. There are additionally a number of lakes right here for extra enjoyable on the water.
10. Go to the US Mint
The US Mint in Denver runs free excursions Monday-Thursday on a first-come, first-served foundation.
Have you ever ever questioned how cash are made? Properly, you are able to do simply that by visiting the US Mint. It was opened again in 1863 to show the findings of the Gold Rush into cash for the complete nation.
Their ticket window opens up at 7 AM and you’ll solely get tickets for a similar day. There are six excursions a day at 8, 9:30, 11, 12:30, 2, and three:30. You will get instructions to the US Mint on the map right here.
On this hour-long guided tour of the US Mint, you’ll see how a bland-looking piece of steel will get reworked right into a shiny new coin.
Every coin that’s made right here is stamped with a “D” for Denver. They’ll produce as much as 50 million cash a day right here! A go to right here is certainly probably the most distinctive Denver vacationer sights.
Deal with: 320 W. Colfax Ave., Denver, CO, 80204, USA
11. Go to the Elitch Gardens Theme Park
One of the vital enjoyable locations to go to in Denver is Elitch Gardens. It’s truly two superior parks rolled into one, with a theme park on one facet and a water park on the opposite.
Enjoyable reality – Elitch Gardens is the one downtown theme park in the US!
It’s probably the most fashionable Denver sights and a terrific place to spend the day. With curler coasters, water slides, drive-in motion pictures, free concert events, and superb fireworks shows, there’s lots to see and do right here.
Elitch Gardens is open from mid-April to early November. The theme park opening hours fluctuate relying on the time of 12 months and the day of the week, so remember to test earlier than planning your journey there.
As for the water park, it’s open from 10:30-6 from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day. You will discover Elitch Gardens on the map and get instructions right here.
Deal with: 2000 Elitch Cir, Denver, CO, 80204, USA
12. Go to the Historical past Colorado Heart
If you happen to’re involved in studying extra concerning the state of Colorado, then remember to add a visit to the Historical past Colorado Heart to your listing of issues to do in downtown Denver.
It’s situated within the Golden Triangle Museum District, the place you’ll discover lots of the greatest Denver sights.
The Historical past Colorado Heart is a far cry from the uninteresting museums of the previous. This contemporary historical past museum is stuffed with interactive, high-tech displays which are enjoyable and informative for all ages.
Along with the good displays inside, the constructing itself is sort of spectacular. It was comprised of all kinds of native in addition to recycled supplies, and it’s a stupendous constructing in and out.
The museum is open every single day from 10-5, with tickets costing $14 for adults, $12 for seniors, and $10/$8 for college students/kids. This must-see place in Denver is included within the Metropolis Move. You will discover the museum on the map and get instructions right here.
Deal with: 1200 Broadway, Denver, CO, 80203, USA
13. Larimer Sq. (a prime Denver Attraction for vacationers)
Larimer Sq. is among the coolest locations to go to in Denver, so remember to add it to your listing.
The town of Denver has come a good distance since its humble beginnings as a pioneer camp throughout the Gold Rush. It was based in 1858 by William Larimer, who named the brand new metropolis’s predominant road after himself.
For a few years, Larimer Road thrived as a bustling business hub. That was till the flip of the century, when it grew to become run down and crammed with liquor shops, flophouses, and pawn outlets.
Fortunately, restoration efforts started within the mid-’60s to attempt to save this piece of Denver’s historical past.
The 1400 block of Larimer Road was saved from the wrecking ball and buildings got a critical facelift. Half a century later, it’s the best-preserved space of Nineteenth-century buildings in all of Denver.
It’s often called Larimer Sq. today, and it’s as soon as once more a thriving space of downtown Denver. Right here you’ll discover unbiased outlets, eating places run by well-known cooks, and a few full of life bars. Get instructions to Larimer Sq. on the map right here.
Deal with: 1430 Larimer St, Denver, CO, 80202, USA
14. Denver Heart for the Performing Arts
Just some blocks from Larimer Sq., you’ll discover the Denver Heart for the Performing Arts. Dwelling to a number of totally different venues, there’s at all times one thing fascinating occurring right here.
There are various totally different theatres within the DCPA. The biggest is the Buell Theatre (2,839 capability), which hosts Broadway musicals and performs. Upcoming reveals right here embrace Broadway staples corresponding to Cats, Depraved, and Hire.
A lot smaller is the Garner Galleria Theatre, which is a cabaret-style venue that solely seats simply over 200 folks. This venue often options comedic musicals or improv comedy, so that you’re assured some laughs whenever you e book a present right here.
After all, there are many choices for wining and eating across the DCPA as properly. Go forward and make an evening of it by having dinner and drinks right here earlier than the present.
Simply remember to e book your tickets upfront for these tremendous fashionable reveals! You will discover the DCPA on the map right here.
Deal with: 1101 thirteenth St., Denver, CO, 80204, USA
15. Go to the Breweries: A Should-Do in Denver!
Beer lovers are in for a deal with when visiting Denver. Dwelling to breweries massive and small, there’s no scarcity of tasty brews to pattern right here within the Mile Excessive Metropolis — visiting is a must-do in Denver!
Craft Beer Breweries
If you happen to favor a robust IPA or a milky stout to mass-produced lagers, you’ll be able to decide to go on a micro-brewery tour as a substitute — of which, there are lots of in Denver.
This Decrease Downtown Denver brewery tour is among the hottest within the metropolis! You’ll go to 4 of the most effective craft breweries whereas sampling 10 beers. Plus, you’ll be taught concerning the brewing course of out of your skilled beer information and obtain a memento glass on the finish.
The tour contains ten or extra beneficiant tastings of various beers. Having finished this Denver microbrewery tour myself, I can say with confidence that you just positively get your cash’s value! Be taught extra right here.
On this 4-hour tour, you’ll go to 3 totally different breweries on the base of the Rocky Mountains. The tour is named Brews and Views for a purpose! Be taught extra right here.
Coors Brewery
Though it’s not technically within the metropolis, the Coors Brewery stays one of many prime Denver sights. Situated in close by Golden, that is the world’s largest single-site brewery. They’ll brew as much as 22 million barrels of beer right here in a single 12 months!
Excursions of the Coors Brewery can be found year-round for $10 per particular person. They final half-hour, supplying you with a fast have a look at the malting, brewing, and packaging course of for one of many world’s most well-known beers.
After the tour, you’ll be able to in fact pattern a few of the product. You will discover the brewery on the map right here.
Deal with: Coors Brewery, 1221 Ford St, Golden, CO, 80401, USA
Bonus! Day Journeys
I had so as to add extra must-sees in Denver to this listing. Whereas there’s so much occurring within the metropolis itself, if in case you have the time, I like to recommend getting outdoors of town and exploring Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park.
A good way to do that so that you don’t must kind out transportation and to have a educated information with you is to be part of a enjoyable day journey. There are two predominant choices:
8 Hour Day Journey From Denver
The drive to the Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park is simply as superb because the park itself — benefit from the canyons, the Flatirons, and the charming city of Estes Park.
When you’re within the Nationwide Park, you’ll expertise the beautiful view of Lengthy’s Peak, the park’s highest mountain, and admire the glacial-carved valleys, crammed with aspen and pine bushes.
Plus, the information will take you to the most effective spots for wildlife viewing, images, strolling, brief hikes, or simply chilling out.
This highly-rated, small-group tour contains information, transportation, lunch and park entrance charges, and naturally, a few of the most spectacular viewpoints and areas within the park. Be taught extra about this must-do in Denver Colorado right here.
4 Hour Day Journey From Denver
If you happen to don’t really feel like spending an entire day away from the opposite sights in Denver, you are able to do a half-day journey to see the Rocky Mountains, versus visiting the Nationwide Park.
On this journey, you’ll drive the Lariat Loop, go to Crimson Rocks, Evergreen (for a beer/espresso), a lookout level, and Buffalo Invoice’s Grave, earlier than returning to Denver.
FAQs about Denver Points of interest
Listed here are solutions to some continuously requested questions on what to do in Denver, Colorado.
Due to its elevation, Denver is known for being the Mile Excessive Metropolis. Situated on the foot of the Entrance Vary, Denver is the gateway to the Rocky Mountains. So far as Denver sights go, it’s well-known for artwork museums, sports activities arenas, craft breweries, and live performance venues corresponding to Crimson Rocks.
After all! There are many enjoyable issues to do in Denver. You may go mountaineering, take a look at a museum, go to breweries, go to a live performance, or see a sport of one in every of Denver’s 4 main sports activities groups.
Sure, downtown Denver is certainly value visiting. Though you might solely be passing by in your method to a mountaineering or snowboarding journey within the mountains, a cease downtown will provide you with the prospect to get pleasure from nice eating places, hip breweries, and enjoyable Denver sights just like the sixteenth Road Mall.
Though you could possibly see so much in solely sooner or later, three days will provide you with the best period of time to have a pleasant mixture of tradition, nature, and first-rate foods and drinks whereas visiting Denver.
Completely Denver is a walkable metropolis. High Denver sights, such because the sixteenth Road Mall and Larimer Sq., are greatest skilled on foot.
Downtown Denver is 23 miles from the airport. It’s straightforward to get there, because of the A-Line commuter prepare that connects the airport to downtown.
Prepared for All the Points of interest in Denver?
As you’ll be able to see, there’s so much occurring in Denver! There are such a lot of glorious Denver sights that this listing might have simply been for much longer. I’ve been going to town each few years for the final decade and I at all times uncover one thing new.
A go to to Denver is the right introduction to the state of Colorado.
After a number of days of taking in a few of the sights within the metropolis, you’ll be able to get on the market and discover the remainder of this lovely, mountainous state. Simply an hour and a half drive from town, you’ll find your self within the awe-inspiring Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park.
So a lot of my pals have moved to Denver in the previous few years, and I can positively see why.
With a thriving music scene and numerous choices for outside adventures, I see the enchantment! I for one am enthusiastic about getting again to town once more quickly, and I like to recommend you add it to your journey bucket listing.
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