state of Colorado, Denver is an incredible and fun US city to explore! With cool districts, centuries of history and world-class art, there’s a heap of the best things to do in Denver for any type of traveller!
Around a 30-minute stroll from Union Station, visiting the Colorado State Capital Building is one of the best things to do in Denver if you’re fond of history.
Fancying a longer visit outside of Denver? Check out the Indian Hot Springs.
As more and more people heard about these little nuggets, lots upped sticks and moved west to make their fortunes. Over the years, the little pioneer settlement thrived and eventually transformed into modern-day Larimer Square.
Not too far from the State Capital Building, the Denver Art Museum is one of the best things to do in Denver if you love art. Honestly, this place is iconic!
If that’s not your thing, hop over to the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception that’s a few minutes walk away. Here, you’ll be able to stroll through the centuries-old nave and stained-glass windows.
1.) Larimer Square
Oh, and don’t forget Little Man Ice Cream, which’s just across the South Platte River. Here, they serve up the best ice cream in all of Colorado. Their sundaes with hot fudge are everything!
Talking of RiNo, Denver Central Market is one of the best things to do in Denver if you love a cool spot to hang out for a few hours around lunchtime.
Perched within a repurposed warehouse, it’s home to a diverse mix of local and independent vendors that make Denver so great. Once inside, stop by Temper for their eclectic chocolate creations and grab a tipple at Curio Bar – they’re both so good.
Read more: Best places in Colorado to visit
Just be sure to arrive early (maybe 30-minutes before) to secure a spot on the tour.
Take a look, below, at the best things to do in Denver. Have a great time!
2.) Red Rocks Park
Larimer Square, once known as Auraria, was first developed way back in the 1800s. Apparently, it was used as a settler camp after gold was discovered at the base of the Rocky Mountains.
Around a 30-minute drive, south of Denver is Roxborough State Park – a place you can’t miss when visiting Colorado.
Just be sure to take some sunscreen, you can easily get burned when walking these trails as there is little shade.
Afterwards, you can continue your stroll through downtown Denver, via the 16th Street Mall. With shops, restaurants and bars lining the mile-long mall.
One of the most gorgeous spots in Denver, Red Rocks Park is absolutely stunning to visit.
It’s totally beautiful to see and well worth taking a tour inside to visit the historic observation deck.
10 Best Things To Do In Colorado
Just remember, this is only really doable in the summer months when the roads are clear and safe from snow.
3.) Denver Art Museum
Now, to get to Mount Evans you will need to drive down the Mount Evans Scenic Byway, which is actually just as gorgeous as Mount Evans. You see, it’s known as the “road into the sky” and you’ll see why as you’re going along.
With relatively easy trails to follow (like the Fountain Valley Trail), it’s one of Denver’s most accessible hiking spots for all the family. Not only that, it’s typically quite quiet and a totally beautiful area to see the region’s iconic red rocks.
Read more: Best places in Colorado to visit
4.) Colorado State Capital Building
With quirky street-art, a cool vibe and totally amazing eateries and stores, it’s the kind of place you can spend a late afternoon exploring.
After a day in the mountains, head on over to nearby Willy’s Wings. This totally informal and chilled spot has the best wings in all of Colorado, especially when dripping with their signature sauces.
Rising up over 14000+ feet (above sea level), it’s the kind of drive that makes you realise how dramatic and stunning Colorado is!
Best of all, Denver is the kind of city that you can easily tac onto a larger trip to explore all the epicness that is Colorado. This way, you’ll be able to spend some quality time in the great outdoors whilst also setting aside a fair few days to enjoy the buzz of the city.
Recently renovated, it is home to a heap of restaurants, and located right in the centre of the Lower Downtown neighbourhood, referred to as LoDo.
Plus, nearby, you’ve got the amazing Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) that houses some world-class art in their seasonal exhibits.
After taking a gander at Denver’s iconic station, be sure to pop into the Denver Milk Market for a yummy lunch. They serve up a heap of different dishes in a market setting that’s so cool.
5.) RiNo Arts District
After taking a gander at Denver’s iconic station, be sure to pop into the Denver Milk Market for a yummy lunch. They serve up a heap of different dishes in a market setting that’s so cool.
7.) Roxborough State Park
After taking a gander at Denver’s iconic station, be sure to pop into the Denver Milk Market for a yummy lunch. They serve up a heap of different dishes in a market setting that’s so cool.
9.) Union Station & LoDo
After taking a gander at Denver’s iconic station, be sure to pop into the Denver Milk Market for a yummy lunch. They serve up a heap of different dishes in a market setting that’s so cool.
Plus, they have the Geo-thermally heated caves and springs where you’ll be able to tally chill and unwind. Just remember, the caves are usually first-come-first-serve, so arrive early if you’re dead-set on entering the caves. They can fill up at peak times.