Best Things to Do in Denver

Whether you’re exploring the city’s vibrant neighborhoods, visiting historical sites, or taking in the great outdoors, Denver is full of must-see attractions for both the adventurous wanderer and the cultural enthusiasts. Wondering where to start? Think of this guide as your cheat sheet to help you discover the best things to do in Denver.

Cultural Attractions

Denver’s cultural attractions not only showcase a mix of history and great works of art, but they help foster a sense of community amongst visitors and locals alike. Whether you’re taking in the city’s street art, exploring a trendy neighborhood, or visiting one of Denver’s many museums, there is plenty of beauty to explore around.

Visit the Denver Art Museum

The Denver Art Museum is known for its unique architectural design that is structured out of intricate geometric shapes all around the building, making it a draw for both lovers of art and design. The museum’s permanent collections exhibit an impressive and diverse array of works, with something to please even the toughest critic.

💡Did you know? The Denver Art Museum houses over 70,000 works of art, including a significant collection of Native American art, making it a cultural gem in the city.

Discover History at the History Colorado Center

Want to learn more about American history in the West? Located in the heart of Denver, the History Colorado Center is the perfect place to discover more about the state’s historic significance through interactive exhibits and displays.

Appreciate Street Art in RiNo District

The River North Art District (RiNo) is a cultural hub with art galleries, breweries, and restaurants—all in what was once an industrial area. With multiple murals and interactive art spaces, it's the perfect neighborhood for art lovers who want to take in exhibitions by Denver locals who are new to the scene and international artists.

Outdoor Activities

Whether you’re exploring one of Denver’s scenic national parks or taking in the beauty of the mountains, there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy.

Hike the Rocky Mountain Trails

The Rocky Mountain National Park is great for scenic hikes with hundreds of trails for you to choose from. The trails all range in difficulty allowing options for hikers of all levels to appreciate the rockies. Enjoy the fresh air while you take in scenic views of Colorado’s alpine lakes and breathtaking mountains.

Explore Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre

Take in the unique geological structures of the Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre. The park is the perfect day trip for those looking to hike scenic trails or simply take the day to appreciate the beauty of nature.

💡Did you know? Red Rocks Amphitheatre is famous for its natural acoustics and stunning scenery, making it a premier venue for concerts and events.

Entertainment-wise, the theatre is known for cool concerts, seasonal performances, and film screenings. You can even sign up for a yoga class!

Relax in the Denver Botanic Gardens

Explore vibrant flowers and plant collections at the Denver Botanic Gardens, close to downtown. This peaceful scenic hideaway is the perfect free spot to take a relaxing stroll down paths lined with some of nature’s finest flowers.

Denver's Vibrant Neighborhoods

Denver’s diverse and vibrant neighborhoods each have their own unique culture, charm, and historic significance. Here’s a breakdown of each neighborhood’s cultural and culinary highlights.

Stroll Through Downtown Denver

Home to the 16th Street Mall, a hub for pedestrian shopping, entertainment, and restaurants, downtown Denver is a great place to spend the day wandering. With something for everyone, the downtown area brings together the city’s lively atmosphere and culinary delights.

Discover Local Flavors in Union Station

Union Square’s rich history makes it a must-see attraction in Denver. With great local dining, craft beer, and restaurant options, the station’s unique blend of historic architecture with new, modern amenities makes it an ideal setting. Home to a bustling farmers' market on select days, it’s an ideal spot to sip, snack, and people-watch!

Explore the Historic LoDo District

LoDo (Lower Downtown), Denver’s oldest neighborhood, is known for both its historic buildings and vibrant nightlife. Want to learn more? Take one of many walking tours and discover LoDo’s architecture, restored warehouses, and their connection to Wild West history.

Be sure to explore the district’s restaurants for a delicious meal, or head out at night to cool spots like the Wynkoop Brewing Company, Colorado’s first brew pub. Housed inside a historic church is The Church Nightclub, known for light shows among its unique scenery. The perfect spot to dance the night away.

Culinary Scene

Denver’s culinary scene is rivalled only by the city’s passion for craft beer. Here are some food and drink options that are bound to please every palette.

Taste Craft Beers at Local Breweries

Want a taste of the action? Head downtown to discover your next favorite local brand or tour a brewery to learn more about what goes into crafting different types of delicious beer. Discover why Denver is regarded as the Napa Valley of Beer!

💡Did you know? Denver is known across America for its vibrant craft beer scene.

Dine at Top Restaurants in Denver

Denver is home to multiple hotspots that will make for a top-tier dining experience no matter the occasion. The city’s thriving culinary scene is known for its range of flavors, from traditional Western favorites to international staples.

Why not check out Michelin-starred Beckon for seasonal tasting menus or The Buckhorn Exchange, Denver’s oldest restaurant? If you need some more suggestions, you can check out our blog for more unique restaurants in Denver.

Enjoy Food Events and Festivals

Denver’s food and drink festivals tend to draw in crowds from across the country. The Great American Beer Festival draws in crowds from across the country, with awards for stand-out craft beer. Denver’s Food and Wine Festival is another opportunity to enjoy food and participate in fun activities.

Family-Friendly Activities

Denver offers a variety of enriching activities that both children and adults will enjoy. These top outings all range in budget, covering education, culture, and nature’s wonders. You can find new things to do in Denver for kids in our blog post!

Visit the Denver Zoo

The Denver Zoo is a fun, educational outing for adults and children alike. It is home to unique animals like snow leopards, Amur tigers, and Okapi, also known as the forest giraffe. Kids can participate in special activities and interactive experiences, as well as special animal feeding showcases.

💡Did you know? The Denver Zoo, founded in 1896, is home to over 4,000 animals representing 600 species.

Explore the Downtown Aquarium

The Downtown Aquarium is the perfect spot for family-friendly activities with unique attractions like Mermaid Shows. Enjoy a day of wonder taking in various educational exhibits with sharks, otters, and other aquatic creatures.

Feeling famished after all the action? Grab a table at the aquarium restaurant to enjoy a delicious meal while surrounded by swimming fish!

Enjoy a Day at City Park

Take in the beauty of scenic lakes, explore intricate playgrounds, or enjoy a picnic at City Park. Any of Denver’s parks make for a fun, active, and free outdoor activity during which you can enjoy the fresh air and connect with family.

Unique Markets and Festivals

Denver’s Markets and Festivals are a great chance to catch up on some shopping, explore local art, and discover the city’s community and culture.

Browse the Denver Union Station Market

Visit the local vendors at the Union Station square in Denver, a market well known for savory delights like honey, jams, freshly baked pastries, craft chocolate confections, and more. Don’t forget to enjoy a delicious snack from one of the market’s many food vendors.

Experience Local Culture at Denver Festivals

Experience the Denver Arts Festival to take in work from both local and international artists or snag a ticket to a screening at the annual Denver Film Festival. The city offers multiple free festivals throughout the year, including the Civic Center Eats food truck gathering where you can enjoy local culinary delights.

Shop at the Historic Larimer Square

Larimer Square is Denver’s oldest block and a unique way for you to experience historic architecture. With beautiful 19th-century buildings, the square is a must-see attraction for those who love shopping and dining in a charming neighborhood.

Natural Beauty

Known for breathtaking mountain views and scenic parks, Denver’s natural landscapes are a must-see attraction for those who enjoy the great outdoors. Wondering where to get started? Check out some of Denver’s gorgeous natural landscapes.

Enjoy Scenic Views of the Mountains

Both Inspiration Point and City Park’s Pavilion are accessible lookout points for stunning panoramic views of the mountains. These popular Denver spots can both be found within city limits and feature well-maintained paths, making them a convenient option for those looking to enjoy nature's scenery.

Experience Nature at the Denver Botanic Gardens

Experience nature’s beauty without leaving the heart of the city at Denver Botanic Gardens. With rotating, seasonal exhibits, the garden’s vibrant flowers and displays make for the perfect tranquil space to relax. The gardens offer themed areas like the Japanese Garden and Water Garden, as well as a tropical conservatory.

Walk Along the Cherry Creek Trail

The Cherry Creek Trail is a great way to experience Denver and the surrounding areas. At 40 miles long, the path cuts through multiple large parks. Whether you’re walking or biking, the path's scenic trails are a great way to enjoy nature.

Take in the Rocky Mountains

The Rocky Mountains form a breathtaking backdrop to the Mile High City, offering natural beauty and the possibility for a day of outdoor adventure. Stretching across Colorado, this iconic mountain range is famous for its towering peaks, lush forests, and its role as a habitat to wildlife.

After a short drive from Denver, visitors can explore popular destinations like Rocky Mountain National Park and Mount Evans, where they can hike, bike, ski, or simply take in the panoramic vistas. The Rockies also play a vital role in shaping Denver's climate and culture.

Day Trip to Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs and Denver City are close in location, both tied by their connection to the Rockies. While Denver, about 70 miles north of serves as the state's urban and cultural hub, Colorado Springs provides a more nature-focused escape, highlighted by Pikes Peak, also known as "America's Mountain," for famously inspiring the song America the Beautiful.

Historic Sites

Explore Denver’s historic sites to learn about Denver’s role in shaping regional and national history. These landmarks are great places to visit if you want to uncover more about the city’s past.

Tour the Molly Brown House Museum

Tour the Molly Brown House Museum to learn more about her story and to take in her beautifully preserved home. Exhibits like Victorian fashion, Denver’s History, and the Titanic connection highlight the historical and cultural significance of the era she lived in.

Learn at the Black American West Museum

Visit the Black American West Museum, a heritage center dedicated to highlighting the contributions of African Americans to the growth of the Western United States. The museum also offers educational programs and events to foster a greater awareness of this important history.

Visit the Historic Colorado State Capitol

Known for its architecture and familiar gold-plated dome, the historic Colorado State Capitol is a must-see Denver landmark. Want to learn more? Why not take a guided tour to learn more about the city’s history?

Plan Your Trip

Use this guide to help you prioritize your time, so you won’t miss out on any of Denver’s nature, historical landmarks, or attractions. We've also got you covered for the best times to visit as well as free things to do!

Find the Best Time to Visit Denver

Each season has something to offer in Denver. Summer is great for outdoor concerts, festivals, and—of course–exploring nature. Spring and Fall offer milder temperatures and fewer tourists while Winter is great for those who enjoy skiing down large mountains! If you need to get around, the RTD light rail system is a great bet for those looking to save their pennies!

Explore Free Things to Do in Denver

There are plenty of ways to explore Denver without breaking the bank. Aside from the city’s nature parks and trails, you can stay local to take in Denver’s culture and street art or visit a museum on one of their free days!

Discover Must-See Attractions in Denver

Be sure to explore the Denver Art Museum, the zoo, or the botanical gardens during your visit, as well as take in the stunning natural scenery of the Rocky Mountains from the lookout points found in multiple city parks.

Discover Denver's Endless Possibilities

Denver has unique experiences for everyone, including art lovers, history buffs, and outdoor adventure enthusiasts. We hope this guide on things to do helps you craft the perfect game plan for your visit to this historic city.

Want to top it all off with a truly unique experience? Why not check out one of our shows in Denver? Our performances marry acrobatics, technology, and artistry to showcase captivating visuals you won’t soon forget.

Whether you’re taking in arts and culture, enjoying the great outdoors, or simply staying at a hotel for a few days, a visit to Denver won’t disappoint.