Referred to 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 individuals who love a bit of outside journey.
I can’t even try to rely 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 record, it’s a worthwhile vacation spot by itself.
It’s one among my favourite cities within the US, and never just for mountain climbing 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 points of interest and issues to do that will help you plan the right journey to the town.
This submit was up to date to incorporate new Denver points of interest and actions for 2023.
15 Greatest Issues to Do in Denver
Whilst you could also be tempted to go straight for the Rocky Mountains, there are many issues to do in Denver to warrant sticking round for some time.
Residence to some world-class museums, lovely parks, all 4 main sports activities groups, and maybe the very best music venue within the nation, Denver has quite a bit to supply vacationers of all ages and pursuits.
In the event you plan to see 3-5 of the Denver vacationer points of interest on this record, chances are you’ll wish to think about the Denver CityPASS, which provides you 40% off the worth of normal admission. Be taught extra right here.
1. Go to the Colorado State Capitol
Kicking off my record of the very best Denver points of interest is the Colorado State Capitol. This neoclassical constructing was constructed again within the Nineties and is residence to the Colorado Common Meeting in addition to the governor’s workplace.
If the constructing seems a bit acquainted, that’s as a result of it was constructed to resemble the US Capitol in Washington, DC. It was constructed from white granite and topped with a golden dome to commemorate the Colorado Gold Rush.
One of many coolest issues about visiting the capitol is you could stand at precisely one mile above sea degree.
There are literally three completely different markers on the steps, with the one on the thirteenth step being the latest 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 nicely go in and take a look. The primary time I visited, I solely regarded round outdoors, lacking the attractive inside. Don’t do the identical.
Inside, you’ll see lovely stained glass home windows that depict scenes from the historical past of Colorado. Make sure to climb up the steep 99 steps to achieve Mr. Brown’s Attic, the place you’ll take pleasure in 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 no less than 20 minutes upfront.
It’s undoubtedly probably the most common 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 deliver you to the implausible Denver Artwork Museum. Take your time getting in, 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 citadel.
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 best locations to go to in Denver.
When you’re performed admiring the structure, it’s time to go inside and discover the museum’s huge assortment.
Right here you’ll discover an abundance of Native American artwork amongst some 70,000 completely different artworks. Exhibitions are all the time altering, so you’ll want to examine their calendar to see what’s happening. This can be 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 value $13 for adults and youngsters 18 and underneath go to at no cost. You will discover the museum on the map right here.
Deal with: 100 W 14th Ave Pkwy, Denver, CO, 80204, USA
3. Go to Purple Rocks (among the best locations to go to close to Denver)
Of all the superb Denver points of interest, my private favourite has obtained to be Purple Rocks. This can be a should see in Denver for positive!
Purple Rocks as a Music Venue
This metropolis park and outside amphitheater is a superb place to hike, bike, and see dwell music. Actually, Purple Rocks consistently tops lists of the very best live performance venue in your entire United States.
I’ve seen lots of live shows in lots of locations, but it surely’s actually robust to beat Purple Rocks. I imply, the stage right here is ready between two huge sandstone rock formations!
Not solely is it stunningly lovely, however this pure amphitheater has some completely unimaginable acoustics. I’ve been there just a few occasions already and it’s all the time 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 all the time one thing cool happening at Purple Rocks.
Mountain climbing and Biking round Purple Rocks
Even on a non-event day, it’s nicely definitely worth the journey from downtown Denver to go to Purple Rocks.
The park is residence to a number of completely different mountain climbing and biking trails as nicely. It’s undoubtedly among the best 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 may also take a look at the Colorado Music Corridor of Fame.
Purple Rocks is definitely situated within the small city of Morrison and is a couple of 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 Purple Rocks right here.
Deal with: Purple Rocks Amphitheater, 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison, CO, 80465, USA
Excursions from Denver to Purple Rocks
One other nice approach to expertise Purple Rocks is by becoming a member of this extremely rated half-day tour.
Meet up along with your information and head out to Purple Rocks. You’ll drive alongside the historic Lariat Loop, and as much as Bear Creek Canyon the place you may 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 wish to spend longer within the metropolis? Take a look at our Information to Dwelling in Denver, Colorado.
4. Wander sixteenth Road Mall
Taking a stroll alongside the pedestrian-only sixteenth Road Mall is likely one of the hottest issues to do in downtown Denver. This tree-lined road is filled with retailers, cafes, eating places, and bars, so you possibly can simply spend just a few leisurely hours right here.
It’s additionally an ideal place to only plop down on a bench, calm down, and revel in some implausible people-watching. You’re positive to see some road performers right here, in addition to a few of Denver’s most, let’s consider “attention-grabbing” characters.
Whereas a lot of my pals who dwell in Denver could decry this space as being a vacationer entice, I all the time take pleasure in taking a lap round it once I’m on the town.
It’s simply good being in a significant US metropolis that has a pedestrian-friendly space the place folks congregate and revel in a while outside. Plus, it’s straightforward to discover a good Joyful 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 in the event you 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
On the lookout for extra USA metropolis guides?
5. Go to the Botanic Gardens
Nature lovers will wish to be sure so as to add the Botanic Gardens to their record of locations to go to in Denver. This huge 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 completely different gardens, there’s a complete lot to see right here. In complete, there are nicely over 30,000 completely different crops! That is undoubtedly one of many high Denver points of interest and a spot you received’t wish to miss when visiting the town.
A few 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 you could simply spend a complete day exploring the gardens and the better Cheesman Park the place they’re situated.
Tickets for the principle York Road space of the gardens value $15 for adults, $9.50 for seniors/navy, and $9 for college students and kids. This is likely one of the greatest locations to go to in Denver, and it’s included within the CityPASS, which you should buy on-line right here.
There are literally a number of days all year long when it’s completely free, so you’ll want to examine the calendar. It’s open daily from 9-5, and yow will discover 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 among 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 possibly can 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 workforce right here, so it’s a really thrilling ambiance to be part of.
Each the Nuggets and the Avs play their residence video games on the Ball Enviornment. The common season for each sports activities lasts from October to April, so there are many probabilities to catch a recreation in the course of the fall and winter.
Watching a hockey or basketball recreation is likely one of 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 time months. Whichever workforce you see, trying out a recreation is certainly one of many high 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 could appear a bit odd to have a prepare station on the record of the very best Denver points of interest, however hear me out. Just some years in the past, an enormous redevelopment plan started at Union Station. The higher ranges have been remodeled into the luxurious Crawford Resort, and several other boutique retailers, eating places, and bars moved in as nicely. Previous ticket counters turned the Terminal Bar, and the Nice Corridor remodeled into “Denver’s lounge.”
Along with all of the eating, purchasing, and leisure choices on provide at Union Station, it’s as soon as once more a completely functioning transportation hub.
Catching the A-Line right here from the airport is an inexpensive and environmentally aware approach to journey out and in of the 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 via in your approach to or from the airport, you’ll want to spend a bit additional time right here.
Seize a drink and a chunk, 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 really a enjoyable, brief, inexpensive strolling tour you possibly can be part of the place you’ll be taught the historical past of LoDo, plus get tips about 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 wonderful museums, and one among my favorites is certainly the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Their wonderful exhibitions on dinosaurs, gems, mummies, and black holes makes a visit right here among the best issues to do in Denver for teenagers.
Along with all their attention-grabbing exhibitions, the museum can be residence to an IMAX theatre and among the best planetariums within the nation.
There’s even a T-Rex Cafe right here the place you possibly can seize a drink and a chunk to eat. With a lot to see and do, you possibly can simply spend a complete day taking in all that this museum has to supply.
Make sure to examine their calendar of occasions, because the museum typically has some fairly cool packages for each children 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 appears like a enjoyable evening on the museum!
The museum is open from 9-5 daily, and tickets value $19 for adults or $14 for kids for museum admission. Particular exhibitions, IMAX screenings, and particular showings within the planetarium all value between $5-7 additional.
Entrance to the museum is included within the Denver CityPASS. You will get instructions and discover it on the map right here.
Deal with: 2001 Colorado Blvd., Denver, CO, 80205, USA
9. Calm down within the Native Parks
In the event you’re visiting the museum, you would possibly as nicely stick round Metropolis Park for some time. That is the biggest 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 possibly can hire some cool animal-shaped paddle boats.
Through the summer time months, there’s a free live performance collection in Metropolis Park. Make sure to examine the schedule to see what’s enjoying in the event you’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 (examine the map right here).
Health fans will love a go to to this massive inexperienced house because of the various mountain climbing and biking trails right here. There are additionally just a few 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 puzzled 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 your entire 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 metallic will get remodeled right into a shiny new coin.
Every coin that’s made right here is stamped with a “D” for Denver. They will produce as much as 50 million cash a day right here! A go to right here is certainly probably the most distinctive Denver vacationer points of interest.
Deal with: 320 W. Colfax Ave., Denver, CO, 80204, USA
11. Go to the Elitch Gardens Theme Park
Probably the most enjoyable locations to go to in Denver is Elitch Gardens. It’s really two superior parks rolled into one, with a theme park on one facet and a water park on the opposite.
Enjoyable truth – Elitch Gardens is the one downtown theme park in the US!
It’s probably the most common Denver points of interest and an ideal place to spend the day. With curler coasters, water slides, drive-in motion pictures, free live shows, and wonderful fireworks shows, there’s loads to see and do right here.
Elitch Gardens is open from mid-April to early November. The theme park opening hours range relying on the time of yr and the day of the week, so you’ll want to examine 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
In the event you’re concerned with studying extra in regards to the state of Colorado, then you’ll want to add a visit to the Historical past Colorado Heart to your record 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 points of interest.
The Historical past Colorado Heart is a far cry from the uninteresting museums of the previous. This contemporary historical past museum is filled with interactive, high-tech displays which are enjoyable and informative for all ages.
Along with the nice displays inside, the constructing itself is kind of spectacular. It was constructed from all kinds of native in addition to recycled supplies, and it’s a good looking constructing in and out.
The museum is open daily from 10-5, with tickets costing $14 for adults, $12 for seniors, and $10/$8 for college kids/kids. This must-see place in Denver is included within the CityPASS. 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 high Denver Attraction for vacationers)
Larimer Sq. is likely one of the coolest locations to go to in Denver, so you’ll want to add it to your record.
The town of Denver has come a good distance since its humble beginnings as a pioneer camp in the course of the Gold Rush. It was based in 1858 by William Larimer, who named the brand new metropolis’s essential road after himself.
For a few years, Larimer Road thrived as a bustling industrial hub. That was till the flip of the century, when it turned run down and full of liquor shops, flophouses, and pawn retailers.
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 generally known as Larimer Sq. as of late, and it’s as soon as once more a thriving space of downtown Denver. Right here you’ll discover unbiased retailers, 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. Residence to a number of completely different venues, there’s all the time one thing attention-grabbing happening right here.
There are various completely 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 akin 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 if you e-book a present right here.
After all, there are many choices for wining and eating across the DCPA as nicely. Go forward and make an evening of it by having dinner and drinks right here earlier than the present.
Simply you’ll want to e-book your tickets upfront for these tremendous common 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. Residence 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
In the event you choose a robust IPA or a milky stout to mass-produced lagers, you possibly can decide to go on a micro-brewery tour as a substitute — of which, there are various in Denver.
This Decrease Downtown Denver brewery tour is likely one of the hottest within the metropolis! You’ll go to 4 of the very best craft breweries whereas sampling 10 beers. Plus, you’ll be taught in regards to the brewing course of out of your skilled beer information and obtain a memento glass on the finish.
The tour consists of ten or extra beneficiant tastings of various beers. Having performed this Denver microbrewery tour myself, I can say with confidence that you simply undoubtedly get your cash’s value! Be taught extra right here.
On this 4-hour tour, you’ll go to 3 completely different breweries on the base of the Rocky Mountains. The tour known as Brews and Views for a cause! Be taught extra right here.
Coors Brewery
Though it’s not technically within the metropolis, the Coors Brewery stays one of many high Denver points of interest. Situated in close by Golden, that is the world’s largest single-site brewery. They will brew as much as 22 million barrels of beer right here in a single yr!
Excursions of the Coors Brewery can be found year-round for $10 per individual. They final half-hour, supplying you with a fast take a look at the malting, brewing, and packaging course of for one of many world’s most well-known beers.
After the tour, you possibly can after all pattern among 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 record. Whereas there’s quite a bit happening within the metropolis itself, when you have the time, I like to recommend getting outdoors of the town and exploring Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park.
A good way to do that so that you don’t need to type out transportation and to have a educated information with you is to be part of a enjoyable day journey. There are two essential choices:
8 Hour Day Journey From Denver
The drive to the Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park is simply as wonderful 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 attractive view of Lengthy’s Peak, the park’s highest mountain, and admire the glacial-carved valleys, full of aspen and pine bushes.
Plus, the information will take you to the very best spots for wildlife viewing, photographs, strolling, brief hikes, or simply chilling out.
This highly-rated, small-group tour consists of information, transportation, lunch and park entrance charges, and naturally, among 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
In the event you don’t really feel like spending a complete day away from the opposite points of interest 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 Purple 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 steadily 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 points of interest go, it’s well-known for artwork museums, sports activities arenas, craft breweries, and live performance venues akin to Purple Rocks.
After all! There are many enjoyable issues to do in Denver. You may go mountain climbing, take a look at a museum, go to breweries, go to a live performance, or see a recreation of one among Denver’s 4 main sports activities groups.
Sure, downtown Denver is certainly value visiting. Though chances are you’ll solely be passing via in your approach to a mountain climbing or snowboarding journey within the mountains, a cease downtown will provide you with the prospect to take pleasure in nice eating places, hip breweries, and enjoyable Denver points of interest just like the sixteenth Road Mall.
Though you may see quite a bit in solely at some point, 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 points of interest, 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 The entire Points of interest in Denver?
As you possibly can see, there’s quite a bit happening in Denver! There are such a lot of wonderful Denver points of interest that this record might have simply been for much longer. I’ve been going to the town each few years for the final decade and I all the time uncover one thing new.
A go to to Denver is the right introduction to the state of Colorado.
After just a few days of taking in among 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 the town, yow will discover your self within the awe-inspiring Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park.
So a lot of my pals have moved to Denver in the previous couple of years, and I can undoubtedly see why.
With a thriving music scene and numerous choices for outside adventures, I see the attraction! I for one am enthusiastic about getting again to the town once more quickly, and I like to recommend you add it to your journey bucket record.
Like This Article? Pin It!