Contents
Denver | Introduction
Denver is the capital and largest city of Colorado, located at the eastern foothills of the Rocky Mountains in the American Midwest. Originally a settlement that flourished during the Gold Rush, Denver is now the gateway city to Rocky Mountain National Park and the American Southwest's Grand Circle. While many travelers start their road trips from Denver, the city itself is well worth a deeper exploration.
If you have a day or two, take the time to walk around this city that blends history and art. You may find its quirky, character-filled corners even more charming than expected.
Denver | Itinerary
One-Day City Tour
If you only have one day, spend it exploring downtown Denver. Start your morning at the Colorado State Capitol, then stop by the Denver Convention Center to see the iconic Big Blue Bear. If time permits, check out the museum at the University of Colorado. Then head to Union Station for lunch at one of the nearby restaurants. In the afternoon, stroll through the 16th Street Mall and historic Larimer Square. End the day with a local craft beer at a small bar.
To visit multiple museums or attractions in one go, consider getting a Denver City Pass—it’ll save you a good deal on admission fees.
Denver city pass
Two-Day Denver Itinerary
If you have two or more days in Denver, I recommend spreading the one-day plan over two days for a more relaxed experience, with room to add something new and fun.
- Day 1: Start your day at Meow Wolf. After that, head to the Union Station area, then explore the 16th Street Mall and Larimer Square. End the day with a visit to the Denver Convention Center to see the Big Blue Bear.
- Day 2: If you enjoy art and urban vibes, begin your morning at the State Capitol, then head to the Art District for lunch and street art. In the afternoon, drive to Red Rocks Park—if there's a concert, definitely stay for the night show (check schedule and tickets on the Red Rocks official site). If you prefer nature, start your morning at Garden of the Gods to witness the stunning red rock formations, and return to the city in the afternoon to wrap up with the Capitol and Convention Center.
Three or more days
If you're spending three days or more, consider exploring beyond the city with a road trip, such as a one-day or week-long visit to Rocky Mountain National Park. If you have even more time, take a grand adventure from Denver to the Grand Circle, or explore other national parks in Colorado.
Rocky Mountain National Park from Denver
Denver Car Rental
- Hotel search: Agoda
- Activities & tickets: KKday / Klook / TripAdvisor
- Travel credit cards (US only): My card picks + beginner tips
Denver | Where to Stay
If you're not driving and plan to stay a few days, downtown is the most convenient area—especially around Union Station or Larimer Square, where transportation and amenities are excellent. For a budget-friendly option, consider Capitol Hill, which is close to downtown and well-connected by public transit.
If you have a car, you'll have more flexibility. There are many hotels within a 15-minute drive west of downtown, with more affordable rates and easier parking—perfect for road trippers looking for value.
Find a stay in Denver:
Denver | City Attractions
Colorado State Capitol
The Colorado State Capitol is one of Denver’s most iconic landmarks. Built in 1894, it features Romanesque architectural design and houses a library and legislative chambers that are open for guided tours during business hours. The most eye-catching feature is its gold-leafed dome, symbolizing the city’s Gold Rush heritage.
Denver Convention Center | Big Blue Bear
Located in downtown, the Denver Convention Center is the main venue for many major events and exhibitions. It's also home to the city’s most beloved public artwork—the 40-foot-tall Big Blue Bear peeking through the glass windows. Created by artist Lawrence Argent, the sculpture is titled "I See What You Mean."
Larimer Square | 16th St Mall
Larimer Square, between 14th and 15th Streets in downtown Denver, is the city’s oldest block. The area is full of charming 19th-century red-brick buildings and has a distinct historic vibe. Packed with shops, restaurants, and bars, it's one of the city's most popular areas for shopping and leisure.
Just down the road is the 16th Street Mall, a pedestrian shopping street stretching about 1.25 miles all the way to Union Station. Great for walking and browsing.
Union Station
Originally built in 1881, this historic train station has been transformed into a trendy urban hangout filled with cafes, restaurants, and bars. It's often the first stop for visitors arriving via light rail.
Walking from Union Station toward Coors Field, you'll pass McGregor Square and Dairy Block, two newly developed areas combining retail, dining, and entertainment—well worth exploring.
Coors Field
If you’re visiting during baseball season, catch a Major League game at Coors Field, home of the Colorado Rockies. The vibrant atmosphere is a great way to experience the local culture.
River North (RiNo) Art District
The RiNo Art District, north of downtown, was once an industrial warehouse area but has transformed into an artsy hotspot. The streets are lined with murals and graffiti, turning the district into an open-air gallery. There are plenty of unique restaurants and bars here. Be sure to visit the Denver Central Market for drinks, oysters, ice cream, and beer tastings.
Meow Wolf Denver
Meow Wolf is one of the most popular immersive art experiences in the U.S. The Denver location is called Convergence Station, a space that combines storytelling, puzzle-solving, and interactive art installations—like walking through a real-life video game. Each city's Meow Wolf has a unique theme, so even if you've been to another one, the Denver experience will be fresh and different.
Meow Wolf Denver Tickets
It is recommended to buy tickets in advance, and it is best to buy tickets in the morning, according to some visitors reported that in the afternoon some of the mechanical equipment will be used by too many people and malfunction, of course, this part of the exhibition will be better as the exhibition becomes more mature.
The story has a main storyline and many subplots. If you have limited time, it is recommended to focus on the main storyline. Before our departure, we heard a strong recommendation from friends. They arranged a three-day trip to Denver, and because it was their first time there, they didn't complete the main storyline. They even spent an extra morning buying tickets to come back and finish it, which shows the allure of this interactive entertainment. We concentrated on tackling the main storyline and it took us about two and a half hours.
Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Located about 20 minutes by car from downtown, Red Rocks Amphitheatre is an open-air venue set within Red Rocks Park. Surrounded by massive red rock formations, this unique venue offers world-class acoustics and seats nearly 10,000. The natural structure formed by two large sandstone walls provides ideal sound quality for concerts.
You can check the concert schedule and book tickets on the Red Rock official website.
Denver | Nearby Attractions
Garden of The Gods
Garden of the Gods is located in Colorado Springs, only a half-hour drive from the city center. It is a spectacular natural park featuring numerous massive rock pillars. These pillars were formed by the accumulation of limestone over millions of years. The shapes of the pillars vary, each one more impressive than the last. In 1859, two surveyors from Denver discovered this place and, marveling at its breathtaking beauty, considered it to be a masterpiece of nature, thus naming it the Garden of the Gods.
If time permits, it is best to park the car at the visitor center and walk, because although there is a loop road for driving around, it is too popular and often congested. The park has numerous trails, making it convenient for visitors to explore and enjoy the natural beauty.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is about 90 minutes from Denver. On the way, you'll travel through forests and alpine tundra—it's one of the most visited national parks in the U.S. With over three days in Denver, this is a must. Each season offers something special: wildflowers in spring and summer, fall foliage in autumn, and snow-covered landscapes in winter.
Rocky Mountain National Park from Denver
Boulder
Located about a 30-minute drive northwest of Denver, the small town of Boulder was originally a college town. Surrounded by vast mountains and valleys, it is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and is famous for its beautiful natural scenery and healthy lifestyle. Boulder is ideal for a day trip from Denver or as a stop
Denver | Food & Bar
RiNo Art District | Work and Class
- Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Price: $$
Work and Class is reportedly a Latin American cuisine restaurant; however, after trying it, we believe it to be a fusion of New American and Latin American flavors. Regardless, this chef-driven restaurant is worth a visit, as the food is quite delicious, and the atmosphere, which promotes an "Everything for share" concept, is excellent. The restaurant is quite popular locally. We arrived just before opening and queued up outside; shortly after we entered, the place was fully packed. It happened to be Happy Hour, so we took the opportunity to order a variety of foods and drinks at a discounted price.
For the drinks, we initially ordered a Long Island Iced Tea and Work and Class Mule. Later, we added house cocktails, including Grapefruit Habanero Rosemary and Blueberry Pomegranate Thyme flavors, all of which were very good.
For the food, we ordered their Sunday special, Special Fried Chicken, Tempura Broccoli, Spicy Chicken Pot Pie, Chickpea Fries, and a 1/4lb of lamb. Every dish was incredibly tasty, with the signature fried chicken and chickpea fries being particularly impressive.
Larimer Square | TAMAYO
- Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Price: $$
TAMAYO in Larimer Square is Denver's best Mexican restaurant, with a great atmosphere, great service, and a signature dish, Mahi Mahi Tacos.
Milk Tea People
- Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Price: $
Located between Union Station and Larimer Square, Milk Tea People is a trendy matcha beverage shop with a great atmosphere. It's refreshing to come here for a cup of tea after a long day of shopping!
Epic Brewery
- Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Price: $$
Denver is actually a big craft beer city, and Epic Brewery in RiNo Art District is one of the representative beer bars in Denver. We came late, and the bar closed at 8:00pm, so we only had one flight, but we like the beer here. We were surprised to find out that the bar closes so early, so please come early.
Great Divide Brewing Co.
- Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Price: $$
One of the most highly recommended breweries by Denver locals, Great Divide Brewing Co. is a small store with a relaxed atmosphere in the afternoons, and some people even read a book while drinking, making it more of a library than a beer bar. We tried a few of the beers and found the flavors to be exceptional, so it's no wonder they're so popular.
☕ Enjoying my travel notes?
You can Buy me a coffee to support what I do 🙌
Further reading
- More ColoradoFurther reading
