Things to Do in Denver
50 curated spots from Denver itineraries
Activities & Attractions
30 curated experiences
RiNo Street Art Walk
Stroll the River North Art District’s alleyways and side streets to photograph colorful murals and converted warehouse spaces.
1h 30m · Free
Denver Art Museum
Spend the morning exploring American Indian art, contemporary installations, and the striking angular Hamilton Building.
2h 30m · $18-20
Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre
Easy Visitor Center trail (1 mile, 45 min); views of formations, stage, no hiking required.
2h · $10/car entry
16th Street Mall & Skyline Views
Take a relaxed stroll or ride the free MallRide shuttle along 16th Street for shops, street performers, and downtown skyline views, especially near the Platte River side.
1h · Free
Boulder Farmers Market
Saturday market (8 AM-2 PM); browse local produce, crafts, cheeses; quiet perimeter stalls.
1h 30m · $10-20 spending
Cheesman Park Walk & Relax
Walk or sit in the large, grassy park just west of the gardens, with views back toward downtown and tree-lined paths.
1h · Free
Cherry Creek Shopping Stroll
Private stylist-led browse of luxury boutiques like Kyle Keppick Silversmiths for eclectic jewelry.
2h · $0 + purchases
Cherry Creek Trail (Downtown Section)
From Larimer Square, walk about 10 minutes toward Cherry Creek (down Speer Boulevard) and join the paved riverside path. Walk together in the direction of Confluence Park and back, enjoying the mix of water, bridges, and city skylines. It’s mostly flat and perfect for an easy ‘nature in the city’ experience; you’ll still feel close to downtown but get fresh air and greenery.
1h · Free
Cherry Creek Trail & Confluence Park
Walk or bike a scenic section of the Cherry Creek Trail (15 miles total, but explore 3–5 miles). Start near downtown and head toward Confluence Park, a hidden urban oasis. Stop at overlooks along the creek, take photos, and enjoy the contrast of urban nature. Paved, easy-to-moderate.
2h · Free
City Park Sunrise Walk
Stroll around Ferril Lake and photograph the Denver skyline with the Rocky Mountains behind it in soft morning light.
1h 30m · Free
Civic Center Park & State Capitol Exterior
Walk through the formal park, view the State Capitol dome, and stand on the ‘One Mile Above Sea Level’ step for photos.
45m · Free
Colorado State Capitol
Tour the free historic building with gilded dome, learn state history, and enjoy rooftop views (2-min walk from Art Museum).
1h · Free
Colorado State Capitol Tour
Join free 45-min guided tour of the gold-domed building, climb dome for city views; nearby Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception for religious site.
1h 30m · Free
Confluence Park
Relax at the free riverside beach, picnic, and immerse in nature; great photography with skyline views.
2h · Free
Confluence Park Riverside Walk
Walk along the South Platte River paths, watch kayakers in the chutes, and photograph the sunset light on downtown’s skyline.
1h · Free
Dairy Block Alley
Explore the pedestrian alley behind Milk Market with string lights, art installations, and small shops—great for casual browsing and photos.
45m · Free (shopping extra)
Day Trip to Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre
Drive about 30 minutes from Denver to walk the amphitheatre steps, visit the small museum, and take photos of the red rock formations and views back toward the city.
2h 30m · Free (parking free; gas/ rideshare extra)
Denver Botanic Gardens
Stroll paved paths through themed gardens, greenhouses, and water features with plenty of benches and photo-friendly corners.
2h · $15-20 per adult (approx.)
Denver Museum of Nature & Science (Quick Visit Option)
Pop into a couple of favorite exhibits or head up to the viewing deck for panoramic city and mountain views.
1h 30m · $20-25
Denver Union Station
Stroll through the Beaux-Arts Great Hall, grab a coffee, and photograph the blend of historic architecture with sleek, modern interiors.
45m · Free
Denver Union Station & Wynkoop Plaza
After lunch, walk 5–10 minutes to Union Station, a restored early-1900s train station with an impressive brick and stone exterior and an industrial-chic interior full of exposed beams, metal fixtures, and big windows. Spend time sitting in the Great Hall, grab a coffee or tea from one of the kiosks, then step outside to Wynkoop Plaza for people-watching. It’s a relaxed place to rest, take photos, and soak up the city before wrapping up your day by early evening.
1h 30m · Free (plus optional drinks $5-10)
Eldorado Canyon State Park
Gentle Riverside Trail (1.5 miles, flat); creek views, rock climbing overlooks.
2h · $10/car
Five Points Brewery District Exploration
Stroll through Denver's historic Five Points neighborhood, explore intimate craft breweries, and soak in the local atmosphere. Many breweries feature art galleries, live music, and weekly Denver-exclusive brews. Pick one or two to stop in for tastings (2–4 oz pours are affordable ways to sample multiple beers).
2h · $10-20 per person for tastings
Free Explore Time in RiNo
Pop into small galleries, breweries, or boutiques, or relax with a coffee while people-watching along Larimer Street.
2h · Free (purchases extra)
Garden of the Gods
Paved Perkins Central Garden Trail (1.5 miles, easy); towering red rocks, visitor center exhibits.
2h · Free
Golden Triangle Free Explore (Museums & Architecture)
Wander near the Denver Art Museum and Civic Center Park to admire the mix of modern and historic architecture; optionally pop into a museum if you feel up to it.
1h 30m · Free to walk; museum entry extra
History Colorado Center
Interactive exhibits on Colorado’s history, from native cultures to mining and modern Denver, in a contemporary building.
2h · $16-20
Larimer Square & Downtown Shopping Stroll
In the afternoon, wander Larimer Square’s historic block and nearby streets for indie boutiques, galleries, and easy street photography under the lights and brick facades.
2h · Free to stroll (shopping extra)
Larimer Square & LoDo Historic Walk
Start around 8:30–9:00 AM at Larimer Square, Denver’s oldest block, known for its brick warehouses, restored facades, and overhead string lights. From there, wander the surrounding LoDo streets (Market, Blake, Wynkoop) to see converted warehouses, ironwork, and mural-covered alleyways. Look for spots where old brick meets modern glass for great industrial-style photos.
1h 30m · Free
Larimer Square & Molly Brown House Museum
Stroll Larimer's Victorian architecture (free), then tour the nearby Molly Brown House historic site (20-30 min guided tour).
2h · $Free + $16/adultRestaurants & Food
20 local favorites
Denver Central Market
Indoor food hall with vendors for pizza, sandwiches, seafood, ice cream, and more — ideal for street market-style grazing.
1h 15m · $15-25 per person
Snooze, an A.M. Eatery (Union Station)
Lively but streamlined breakfast spot inside Union Station; try the pineapple upside-down pancakes or a lighter scramble if you’re adjusting to altitude.
1h · $18-28 per person
Milk Market
Modern food hall in the historic Dairy Block with tacos, salads, pasta, and sweets; everyone can choose what they like and eat together at shared seating.
1h · $15-25 per person
16th Street Food Trucks
Pick from rotating trucks for Denver dogs or gyros; eat while strolling.
45m · $7-10 per person
Adelitas Cocina y Cantina
Casual, modern Mexican restaurant with excellent tacos and margaritas in a simple, bright space.
1h 15m · $20-30 per person
Bubu (Larimer Square area)
Casual spot for fresh, build-your-own bowls with Asian and Latin flavors, located a short walk from Larimer Square.
1h · $15-22 per person
Call
Modern steakhouse with Colorado beef sandwiches and local salads.
1h · $25-40 per person
Cart-Driver RiNo
Small, lively spot known for wood-fired pizza, oysters, and Italian-inspired small plates.
1h 30m · $18-25 per person
Comida at Union Station
Mexican-inspired like chilaquiles; elegant yet casual in historic train hall.
1h · $18-28 per person
Crema Coffee House
Artful café in RiNo with strong espresso, pastries, and light breakfast plates.
1h · $10-18 per person
Crema Coffee House (RiNo)
Industrial-minimal coffee bar with strong espresso and simple breakfast options like toasts and burritos.
45m · $10-18 per person
DC/AM Cafe
Artisanal coffee, avocado toast, and fresh pastries in a chic cafe-bar; reserve private corner table.
1h · $45-65 per person
Denver Milk Market
Chef-driven food hall in the Dairy Block with tacos, pasta, sandwiches, and ice cream under one roof.
1h · $15-25 per person
Devil’s Food Bakery & Cookery
Charming neighborhood café with baked goods, coffee, and brunch plates on a walkable street near Washington Park.
1h · $15-25 per person
DiFranco’s
Small, minimalist Italian spot serving fresh pastas and seasonal dishes in an unfussy, counter-service setting.
1h · $20-30 per person
EDGE Restaurant & Bar
Elevated American cuisine with Colorado ingredients; reserve intimate fireside table.
2h · $175-250 per person
Federales Denver
Open-air Mexican spot with tacos, shareable plates, and a lively but relaxed patio vibe in the heart of RiNo.
1h 15m · $18-30 per person
Guard and Grace
Steakhouse with local beef; reserve private booth, try Colorado lamb chops.
1h 30m · $40-50 per person
House of Kabob Denver
Cozy, counter-service Middle Eastern spot with a no-frills, slightly industrial feel (simple interior, metal accents) about a 10–15 minute walk from Larimer Square and Union Station. Order clearly halal-friendly dishes such as chicken kabob plates, koobideh (ground beef) kabob, and falafel plates, typically served with rice, salad, and bread. Confirm halal meat with staff when you order, then enjoy a filling, flavorful lunch before your afternoon exploring.
1h · $18-30 per person
Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar (LoDo)
Casual but polished spot focusing on sustainable seafood and regional ingredients; share oysters or the crispy calamari and follow with a seasonal fish or sandwich.
1h 15m · $30-45 per person