Often known as the Mile Excessive Metropolis, Denver is the capital of Colorado and one of the vital thrilling cities to go to within the US. Surrounded by mountains, Denver is the proper base for many who love a bit of out of doors journey.

I can’t even try and rely the variety of instances I’ve visited Denver. Denver’s location roughly in the course of the nation makes it the proper cease throughout a highway journey, and as you’ll see on this listing, it’s a worthwhile vacation spot by itself.

It’s certainly one of my favourite cities within the US, and never just for mountain climbing or snowboarding within the mountains, but in addition 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 proper 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

When 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.

House to some world-class museums, stunning parks, all 4 main sports activities groups, and maybe one of the best music venue within the nation, Denver has rather a lot to supply vacationers of all ages and pursuits.

When you plan to see 3-5 of the Denver vacationer points of interest on this listing, it’s possible you’ll wish to contemplate the Denver Metropolis Move, which provides you 40% off the value of standard admission. Study extra right here. 

1. Go to the Colorado State Capitol

Kicking off my listing of one of the best Denver points of interest is the Colorado State Capitol. This neoclassical constructing was constructed again within the Eighteen Nineties and is dwelling 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 created 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 which you could stand at precisely one mile above sea stage.

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 point out you correctly visited the Mile Excessive Metropolis.

When you’re right here, you may as properly go in and take a look. The primary time I visited, I solely appeared round exterior, lacking the beautiful inside. Don’t do the identical.

Inside, you’ll see stunning stained glass home windows that depict scenes from the historical past of Colorado. Be sure you climb up the steep 99 steps to succeed in 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 they usually even run free excursions. These begin on the hour from 10 AM-3 PM Monday to Friday, they usually suggest arriving a minimum of 20 minutes upfront.

It’s positively one of the vital fashionable issues to do in downtown Denver. Yow 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 incredible 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 unquestionably among the finest locations to go to in Denver. 

When you’re carried out 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 all the time altering, so you should definitely test 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 free of charge. Yow 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 finest locations to go to close to Denver)

Of all the wonderful Denver points of interest, my private favourite has bought to be Purple Rocks. This can be a should see in Denver for certain!

Purple Rocks as a Music Venue

This metropolis park and out of doors amphitheater is a superb place to hike, bike, and see stay music. In truth, Purple Rocks continually tops lists of one of the best live performance venue in the whole United States.

I’ve seen a number of live shows in a number of locations, however it’s actually robust to beat Purple Rocks. I imply, the stage right here is about between two large sandstone rock formations!

Not solely is it stunningly stunning, however this pure amphitheater has some completely unimaginable acoustics. I’ve been there a number of instances already and it’s all the time a good time.

There are numerous nice acts that come to this legendary venue. Additionally they commonly host yoga courses 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 properly definitely worth the journey from downtown Denver to go to Purple Rocks.

The park is dwelling to a number of totally different mountain climbing 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. When you’re right here, you may as well take a look at the Colorado Music Corridor of Fame. 

Purple Rocks is definitely positioned 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 solution 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 will get a more in-depth 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 study 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 Avenue Mall

Taking a stroll alongside the pedestrian-only sixteenth Avenue Mall is likely one of the hottest issues to do in downtown Denver. This tree-lined road is stuffed with outlets, cafes, eating places, and bars, so you may simply spend a number of leisurely hours right here. 

It’s additionally an excellent place to simply plop down on a bench, loosen up, and luxuriate in some incredible people-watching. You’re certain to see some road performers right here, in addition to a few of Denver’s most, let’s consider “fascinating” characters. 

Whereas a lot of my mates who stay 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 luxuriate in a while outside. Plus, it’s straightforward to discover a good Completely satisfied Hour deal right here!

The sixteenth Avenue 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 Avenue 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 wish to make 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 course of a booming metropolis.

Comprised of over 45 totally different gardens, there’s a complete lot to see right here. In whole, there are properly over 30,000 totally different crops! That is positively one of many prime Denver points of interest and a spot you gained’t wish to miss when visiting the 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 could simply spend a whole day exploring the gardens and the higher Cheesman Park the place they’re positioned.

Tickets for the principle York Avenue space of the gardens value $15 for adults, $9.50 for seniors/navy, and $9 for college students and youngsters. This is likely one of the greatest locations to go to in Denver, and it’s included within the Metropolis Move, 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 should definitely test the calendar. It’s open every single day from 9-5, and you 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 certainly one 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 may see basketball, soccer, hockey, and baseball all proper downtown.

Denver is dwelling 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.

Folks actually go loopy for his or her soccer crew right here, so it’s a really thrilling environment to be part of.

Each the Nuggets and the Avs play their dwelling 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 throughout 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 dwelling video games fairly often within the spring and summer time months. Whichever crew you see, trying out a recreation is unquestionably 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 hearth destroyed it in 1894. 

It could appear a bit odd to have a practice station on the listing of one of the best Denver points of interest, however hear me out. Just some years in the past, a large redevelopment plan started at Union Station. The higher ranges had been remodeled into the luxurious Crawford Lodge, and a number of other boutique outlets, eating places, and bars moved in as properly. Outdated ticket counters turned the Terminal Bar, and the Nice Corridor remodeled into “Denver’s front room.” 

Along with all of the eating, buying, 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 reasonably priced and environmentally acutely aware solution to journey out and in of the town. You may also catch Amtrak trains right here, together with the well-known California Zephyr line that travels to San Francisco. 

Union Station is positioned within the LoDo (Decrease Downtown) space of Denver. If you find yourself passing by way of in your solution to or from the airport, you should definitely spend just a little further time right here. 

Seize a drink and a chew, do a little bit of window buying, or simply sit on the sofa and luxuriate in some nice folks watching. Yow will discover Union Station on the map right here.

Deal with: 1701 Wynkoop, Denver, CO, 80202, USA

There’s really a enjoyable, quick, reasonably priced strolling tour you may be part of the place you’ll study the historical past of LoDo, plus get recommendations on the place to eat and drink from the educated information. Study extra right here.

8. Denver Museum of Nature and Science

Denver is dwelling to loads of glorious museums, and certainly one of my favorites is unquestionably the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Their wonderful 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 dwelling to an IMAX theatre and among the finest planetariums within the nation.

There’s even a T-Rex Cafe right here the place you may seize a drink and a chew to eat. With a lot to see and do, you may simply spend a complete day taking in all that this museum has to supply. 

Be sure you test their calendar of occasions, because the museum typically has some fairly cool applications 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 feels like a enjoyable night time on the museum!

The museum is open from 9-5 every single day, 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 further.

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

When you’re visiting the museum, you may as properly 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 may hire some cool animal-shaped paddle boats.

In the course of the summer time months, there’s a free live performance collection in Metropolis Park. Be sure you test the schedule to see what’s enjoying in the event you’re visiting in the summertime. Yow will discover Metropolis Park on the map right here.

One other nice selection is Washington Park, which is positioned simply south of downtown (test the map right here).

Health fans will love a go to to this massive inexperienced area due to the numerous mountain climbing 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? Effectively, 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 whole 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’ll produce as much as 50 million cash a day right here! A go to right here is unquestionably one of the vital distinctive Denver vacationer points of interest. 

Deal with: 320 W. Colfax Ave., Denver, CO, 80204, USA

11. Go to the Elitch Gardens Theme Park

One of the 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 reality – Elitch Gardens is the one downtown theme park in the USA!

It’s one of the vital fashionable Denver points of interest and an excellent place to spend the day. With curler coasters, water slides, drive-in films, 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 12 months and the day of the week, so you should definitely 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. Yow 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

When you’re concerned with studying extra in regards to the state of Colorado, then you should definitely add a visit to the Historical past Colorado Heart to your listing of issues to do in downtown Denver. 

It’s positioned 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 boring museums of the previous. This contemporary historical past museum is stuffed with interactive, high-tech reveals which can be enjoyable and informative for all ages.

Along with the nice reveals inside, the constructing itself is kind of spectacular. It was created from all kinds of native in addition to recycled supplies, and it’s a good looking 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. Yow 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 likely one of the coolest locations to go to in Denver, so you should definitely 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 Avenue thrived as a bustling business hub. That was till the flip of the century, when it turned run down and stuffed 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 Avenue was saved from the wrecking ball and buildings got a severe facelift. Half a century later, it’s the best-preserved space of Nineteenth-century buildings in all of Denver.

It’s often known as Larimer Sq. lately, 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 vigorous 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. House to a number of totally different venues, there’s all the time one thing fascinating happening right here.

There are numerous totally different theatres within the DCPA. The biggest is the Buell Theatre (2,839 capability), which hosts Broadway musicals and performs. Upcoming exhibits right here embrace Broadway staples akin to Cats, Depraved, and Lease.

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 you should definitely e-book your tickets upfront for these tremendous fashionable exhibits! Yow 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. House 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

When you choose a powerful IPA or a milky stout to mass-produced lagers, you may decide to go on a micro-brewery tour as an alternative — 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 one of the best craft breweries whereas sampling 10 beers. Plus, you’ll study in regards to the brewing course of out of your professional beer information and obtain a memento glass on the finish.

The tour consists of ten or extra beneficiant tastings of various beers. Having carried out this Denver microbrewery tour myself, I can say with confidence that you just positively get your cash’s value! Study 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 known as Brews and Views for a purpose! Study extra right here. 

Coors Brewery

Though it’s not technically within the metropolis, the Coors Brewery stays one of many prime Denver points of interest. 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 individual. They final half-hour, providing 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 may after all pattern among the product. Yow 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 rather a lot happening within the metropolis itself, when you’ve got the time, I like to recommend getting exterior of the town and exploring Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park.

An effective way to do that so that you don’t need to 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 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 beautiful view of Lengthy’s Peak, the park’s highest mountain, and admire the glacial-carved valleys, stuffed with aspen and pine bushes.

Plus, the information will take you to one of the best spots for wildlife viewing, photographs, strolling, quick 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. Study extra about this must-do in Denver Colorado right here.

4 Hour Day Journey From Denver

When 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 Sights

Listed below are solutions to some steadily requested questions on what to do in Denver, Colorado.

Prepared for The entire Sights in Denver?

As you may see, there’s rather a lot happening in Denver! There are such a lot of glorious Denver points of interest that this listing 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 proper introduction to the state of Colorado.

After a number of 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 stunning, mountainous state. Simply an hour and a half drive from the town, you will discover your self within the awe-inspiring Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park.

So a lot of my mates have moved to Denver in the previous couple of years, and I can positively see why.

With a thriving music scene and numerous choices for out of doors 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 listing.

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