15 Finest Issues to Do in Denver, Colorado, in 2023

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 many who love a bit of outside journey.

I can’t even try and depend the variety of occasions I’ve visited Denver. Denver’s location roughly in the course 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 in 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 put up was up to date to incorporate new Denver sights and actions for 2023. 

15 Finest 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.

Dwelling to some world-class museums, lovely parks, all 4 main sports activities groups, and maybe the perfect music venue within the nation, Denver has so much to supply vacationers of all ages and pursuits.

In the event you plan to see 3-5 of the Denver vacationer sights on this listing, chances are you’ll wish to think about the Denver City Pass, which supplies you 40% off the value of normal admission. Learn more here. 

1. Go to the Colorado State Capitol

Kicking off my listing of the perfect Denver sights is the Colorado State Capitol. This neoclassical constructing was constructed again within the Eighteen Nineties and is house to the Colorado Basic 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 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 you can 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 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 would possibly as properly go in and take a look. The primary time I visited, I solely seemed round exterior, 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. Make sure to 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 advocate arriving not less than 20 minutes upfront.

It’s undoubtedly probably the most common issues to do in downtown Denver. You’ll find the capitol constructing on the map and get instructions here.

Tackle: 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 implausible Denver Art Museum. Take your time entering 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 completely different artistic endeavors. Exhibitions are all the time altering, so you should definitely 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 value $13 for adults and youngsters 18 and below go to without spending a dime. You’ll find the museum on the map here.

Tackle: 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 superb Denver sights, my private favourite has bought to be Red Rocks. It is a should see in Denver for certain!

Purple Rocks as a Music Venue

This metropolis park and outside amphitheater is a good place to hike, bike, and see dwell music. The truth is, Purple Rocks consistently tops lists of the perfect live performance venue in all the United States.

I’ve seen plenty of concert events in plenty of locations, however it’s actually robust to beat Purple Rocks. I imply, the stage right here is ready 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 just a few occasions already and it’s all the time a good time.

There are numerous nice acts that come to this legendary venue. Additionally they usually host yoga lessons and even film nights, so there’s all the time one thing cool occurring at Purple Rocks.

Mountain climbing and Biking round Purple Rocks

Even on a non-event day, it’s properly well worth the journey from downtown Denver to go to Purple Rocks.

The park is house to a number of completely different mountaineering and biking trails as properly. It’s undoubtedly 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, it’s also possible to try the Colorado Music Hall 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 here. 

Tackle: 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 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 here to be taught extra about this Denver exercise.

Assume you wish to spend longer within the metropolis? Take a look at our Guide to Living in Denver, Colorado.

4. Wander sixteenth Avenue Mall

Taking a stroll alongside the pedestrian-only 16th Street 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’ll be able to simply spend just a few leisurely hours right here. 

It’s additionally an incredible place to only plop down on a bench, loosen up, and revel in some implausible people-watching. You’re certain to see some road performers right here, in addition to a few of Denver’s most, let’s assume “attention-grabbing” characters. 

Whereas a lot of my pals who dwell in Denver could decry this space as being a vacationer lure, I all the time take pleasure in taking a lap round it after I’m on the town.

It’s simply good being in a significant US metropolis that has a pedestrian-friendly space the place individuals congregate and revel in a while open air. Plus, it’s straightforward to discover a good Comfortable 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 if you happen to really feel like giving your toes a relaxation. You will get instructions to the sixteenth Avenue Mall on the map here.

Tackle: sixteenth St Mall, Denver, CO, 80265, USA

In search of extra USA metropolis guides?

5. Go to the Botanic Gardens

Nature lovers will wish 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 course of a booming metropolis.

Comprised of over 45 completely different gardens, there’s a complete lot to see right here. In whole, there are properly over 30,000 completely different crops! That is undoubtedly one of many high Denver sights and a spot you gained’t wish to miss when visiting town.

A few of the highlights of the park embody the peaceable Japanese Backyard, the tropical conservatory, and the Rock Alpine Backyard.

There’s a lot to see and do right here you can simply spend a complete day exploring the gardens and the better Cheesman Park the place they’re situated.

Tickets for the primary York Avenue space of the gardens value $15 for adults, $9.50 for seniors/army, and $9 for students and kids. This is likely one of the greatest locations to go to in Denver, and it’s included within the Metropolis Go, which you should purchase on-line 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 day by day from 9-5, and you will discover instructions by checking the map here.

Tackle: 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 house to the Broncos (NFL), Rockies (MLB), Nuggets (NBA), and Avalanche (NHL). The Broncos play at Mile High, with eight regular-season video games between September and January.

Individuals actually go loopy for his or her soccer group right here, so it’s a really thrilling ambiance to be part of.

Each the Nuggets and the Avs play their house video games on the Ball Arena. The common season for each sports activities lasts from October to April, so there are many probabilities to catch a sport throughout the fall and winter.

Watching a hockey or basketball sport 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 Field and have house video games fairly often within the spring and summer time months. Whichever group you see, testing a sport is unquestionably 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 hearth destroyed it in 1894. 

It might appear a bit odd to have a prepare station on the listing of the perfect Denver sights, however hear me out. Just some years in the past, a large redevelopment plan started at Union Station. The higher ranges had been reworked into the posh Crawford Resort, and a number of other boutique retailers, eating places, and bars moved in as properly. Previous ticket counters turned the Terminal Bar, and the Nice Corridor reworked 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 completely functioning transportation hub.

Catching the A-Line right here from the airport is an inexpensive and environmentally acutely aware approach to journey out and in of town. You too can 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 approach to or from the airport, you should definitely spend a bit additional time right here. 

Seize a drink and a chew, do a little bit of window buying, or simply sit on the sofa and revel in some nice individuals watching. You’ll find Union Station on the map here.

Tackle: 1701 Wynkoop, Denver, CO, 80202, USA

There’s truly a enjoyable, quick, inexpensive strolling tour you’ll be able to be a 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. Learn more here.

8. Denver Museum of Nature and Science

Denver is house to loads of wonderful museums, and one in every of my favorites is unquestionably 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 attention-grabbing exhibitions, the museum can also be house 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 a complete day taking in all that this museum has to supply. 

Make sure 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 appears like a enjoyable night time on the museum!

The museum is open from 9-5 day by 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 additional.

Entrance to the museum is included within the Denver City Pass. You will get instructions and discover it on the map here.

Tackle: 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 properly stick round City 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 time months, there’s a free live performance sequence in Metropolis Park. Make sure to test the schedule to see what’s enjoying if you happen to’re visiting in the summertime. You’ll find Metropolis Park on the map here.

One other nice alternative is Washington Park, which is situated simply south of downtown (test the map here).

Health lovers will love a go to to this huge inexperienced area because of the numerous mountaineering 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 all the nation. 

Their ticket window opens up at 7 AM and you may 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 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 unquestionably probably the most distinctive Denver vacationer sights. 

Tackle: 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 aspect and a water park on the opposite.

Enjoyable truth – Elitch Gardens is the one downtown theme park in the USA!

It’s probably the most common Denver sights and an incredible place to spend the day. With curler coasters, water slides, drive-in films, free concert events, and superb fireworks shows, there’s a lot to see and do right here. 

Elitch Gardens is open from mid-April to early November. The theme park opening hours differ 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. You’ll find Elitch Gardens on the map and get instructions here. 

Tackle: 2000 Elitch Cir, Denver, CO, 80204, USA

12. Go to the Historical past Colorado Heart

In the event you’re occupied with studying extra in regards to the state of Colorado, then you should definitely add a visit to the History Colorado Center to your listing of issues to do in downtown Denver. 

It’s situated within the Golden Triangle Museum District, the place you’ll discover most of the greatest Denver sights. 

The Historical past Colorado Heart is a far cry from the boring museums of the previous. This contemporary historical past museum is filled with interactive, high-tech displays which can be enjoyable and informative for all ages.

Along with the nice displays 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 lovely constructing in and out. 

The museum is open day by day 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 City Pass. You’ll find the museum on the map and get instructions here. 

Tackle: 1200 Broadway, Denver, CO, 80203, USA

13. Larimer Sq. (a high Denver Attraction for vacationers)

Larimer Square is likely one of the coolest locations to go to in Denver, so you should definitely add it to your listing.

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 important road after himself.

For a few years, Larimer Avenue thrived as a bustling industrial hub. That was till the flip of the century, when it turned run down and stuffed with 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 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 generally known as Larimer Sq. today, and it’s as soon as once more a thriving space of downtown Denver. Right here you’ll discover impartial retailers, eating places run by well-known cooks, and a few energetic bars. Get instructions to Larimer Sq. on the map here.

Tackle: 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 Center for the Performing Arts. Dwelling to a number of completely different venues, there’s all the time one thing attention-grabbing occurring right here.

There are numerous completely different theatres within the DCPA. The biggest is the Buell Theatre (2,839 capability), which hosts Broadway musicals and performs. Upcoming exhibits right here embody Broadway staples reminiscent of Cats, Depraved, and Hire.

A lot smaller is the Garner Galleria Theatre, which is a cabaret-style venue that solely seats simply over 200 individuals. This venue often options comedic musicals or improv comedy, so that you’re assured some laughs while you e book a present right here.

In fact, 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 common exhibits! You’ll find the DCPA on the map here.

Tackle: 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

In the event you choose a powerful 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 a lot of in Denver. 

This Decrease Downtown Denver brewery tour is likely one of the hottest within the metropolis! You’ll go to 4 of the perfect 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 carried out this Denver microbrewery tour myself, I can say with confidence that you simply undoubtedly get your cash’s value! Study extra here.

On this 4-hour tour, you’ll go to 3 completely different breweries on the base of the Rocky Mountains. The tour is known as Brews and Views for a cause! Study extra here. 

Coors Brewery

Though it’s not technically within the metropolis, the Coors Brewery stays one of many high 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 individual. 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 number of the product. You’ll find the brewery on the map here.

Tackle: 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, in case you have the time, I like to recommend getting exterior of town and exploring Rocky Mountain National Park.

An effective way to do that so that you don’t should kind out transportation and to have a educated information with you is to join a fun day trip. There are two important choices:

8 Hour Day Journey From Denver

The drive to the Rocky Mountain National 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, stuffed with aspen and pine bushes.

Plus, the information will take you to the perfect spots for wildlife viewing, images, strolling, quick hikes, or simply chilling out. 

This highly-rated, small-group tour consists of information, transportation, lunch and park entrance charges, and naturally, a number of the most spectacular viewpoints and places within the park. Study extra about this must-do in Denver Colorado here.

4 Hour Day Journey From Denver

In the event you don’t really feel like spending a complete 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 trip, 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 below are solutions to some continuously requested questions on what to do in Denver, Colorado.

Prepared for The entire 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 wonderful 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 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 a number 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 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 few years, and I can undoubtedly 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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