Being a seasoned traveler, adventurer, or backpacker, oftentimes, you will find yourself on the lookout for the best experiences. However, travelers would often go for thrilling escapes such as the ultralight flight in Costa Rica. Or, they would look for luxurious trips such as in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Not all the time that tourists would opt to visit a place that is all about tranquility. Such as Denver. Things to do in Denver are perfect for both looking for inner peace and thrills. The Mile High City is worth visiting.

Denver is the capital of Colorado state. It is a metropolis able to triumphantly keep its Old West heritage. For instance, you have Larimer Square, the city’s oldest block, featuring 19th-century buildings. There are also museums like the Denver Art Museum that houses a collection of indigenous works, among others. For thrill seekers, there are ski resorts in the nearby Rocky Mountains. Let’s take a closer look at the best things to do in Denver.

11 Best Things To Do In Denver

Without much ado, we present to you the rundown of the best things to do in Denver. Travel like a pro.

1. Witness Native And Western American Art At Denver Art Museum

Denver’s Old West heritage lives strong. Despite the city’s metropolitan transformation, it still retains much of its Old West legacy. Almost around every corner, you will find remnants of this era, with the past blending beautifully with the present. Denver tourists are advised to take some time exploring the city’s bygone days, such as stopping by the Denver Art Museum. It’s the first of the things to do in Denver on our list.

Let’s start with the museum’s architecture. It is stunning. Its architecture is the byproduct of the visions from Giò Ponti and Daniel Libeskind, Italian and Polish-American architects, respectively. The Denver Art Museum is best known for its collections of Native and Western American art. But even though it is generally known for artworks leaning toward the city’s Rocky Mountain roots, its galleries encompass the entire spectrum. Indulge. 

2. Have A Sumptuous Breakfast At Denver’s Union Station

Nothing beats having breakfast with the backdrop of Denver’s history before you, such as at Denver’s Union Station. This structure serves a dual purpose. First, it is a working public transit station. Second, it is a well-known hub for shopping and dining. 

Denver’s Union Station first opened to the general public in the 1880s, providing people with railroad service until the center of this building caught fire in 1894. It was redeveloped in 1914, and the architecture from this redevelopment is what’s seen today. 

Situated in Denver’s hip Lower Downtown neighborhood or LoDo, Denver’s Union Station offers several dining options and shops. Don’t forget to grab your breakfast meal at Snooze. The food here is fantastic.

3. Imbibe Denver’s Bohemian Lifestyle At Larimer Square

Aside from being anchored in its Old West past, Denver is also proud of its Bohemian lifestyle, and you can live this life right at Larimer Square. It is the most Bohemian block around town. An iconic and lively spot to gather, and meet the locals, Larimer Square is touted as the beating heart and creative soul of Denver’s downtown. 

Strolling down its street, you can shop at its chic boutique stores. Some of the most worthwhile and best things to do in Denver here at Larimer Square include shopping for fashion finds at Hailee Grace, enjoying a Parisian-style bistro dining at Bistro Vendome, indulging in prime steak cuts at Ocean Prime, and so much more. 

4. Jog Or Hike At Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre

More historical landmarks where the best things to do in Denver are will unfold. Aside from being a venue for shows, Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre is also where you can jog or  hoke. 

Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre is known for its rugged sandstone formations, making it a beloved venue for concerts of all kinds since it was inaugurated in 1941. And for the health buffs, this is also the perfect place to stay fit. Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre serves as one of the world’s most breathtaking gyms, is where runners tackle its seemingly endless staircases, and is also where hikers traverse the trails through its surrounding park’s 868-acre space. Sounds unique? It really is. 

If you are loving this “things to do in Denver” guide so far, we recommend that you check out more stories from our website. 

5. Explore The Natural Beauty Of The Rocky Mountains, Preserved For More Than A Century 

Denver, Colorado is also for every nature lover. The city is home to the Rocky Mountains where you can relish its dramatic wilderness, alpine lakes, and diverse wildlife. 

The Rocky Mountains span some 3,000 miles from British Columbia and Alberta in Canada, occupying parts of Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and down to New Mexico. Here, you can visit the Rocky Mountain National Park where you can witness a natural beauty preserved for over 100 years. 

There are so many things to do in Denver in this park. Here, you can go horseback riding, fishing, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing. Some of the fauna you can spot in the area include the elk, bighorn sheep, and moose.

The park also offers numerous hiking trails, and is also where you can drive along the scenic Trail Ridge Road, a 48-mile highway that reaches an altitude of around 12,000 feet.

6. Catch A Baseball Game, And Catch Some Beer, At Coors Field

No trip to Denver would be complete without stopping by Coors Field. Sounds familiar? Sure, for it is named after Denver’s famed beer. Denver is so popular for its wide range of beers. Coors Field can house more than 5,000 fans. While the chief reason for visiting Coors Field is to catch a baseball game, there is more to this stadium than it meets the way. 

If you are traveling with kids, you can drop by the Interactive Area, where you can test your skills in its video batting cages and its Speed Pitch area. If you did not bring your kids, you can head over to the Rooftop where you can sample some of Denver’s best local brews, and reel in some fantastic views of the field and Denver’s downtown. 

7. See Provocative Art At MCA Denver

Most museums across the globe would showcase the greatest artworks. However, none is perhaps like the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) Denver as it showcases provocative art. Art that spurs conversions. Art pieces here in this museum are comical, racy, creepy, and relentless. 

As a matter of fact, according to MCA Denver itself, their exhibits aim to create “understanding and dialogue about the art of our time.” MCA Denver also said its purpose is to be the city’s creative center of gravity, giving rise to connections and curiosity through contemporary art and culture. 

The museum, founded in 1996, features works displayed across its five galleries, as well as a shop, a rooftop café, and a library. Aside from imbuing its artistic displays, visitors and tourists may also unleash their inner philanthropists and support the museum. They can do so by donating cash gifts and gift pledges, or becoming a member which will also provide them with lots of perks. 

8. Head Over To Denver Zoo’s Recreated African Savanna 

Traveling with the whole family? Nothing could be better than treating your kids to an incredible zoo experience. Or even if you are traveling alone or with friends, visiting a famous zoo in your destination is a great choice. 

In Denver, there’s the Denver Zoo where things to do in Denver connecting with the wildlife are. Modeled after a Kenyan nature preserve, this zoo is home to over 4,000 animals, including tigers, kangaroos, orangutans, and black rhinos, among many others. 

And if you want to experience the African savanna without going out of the United States, Denver Zoo has Predator Ridge, a recreated African savanna where you can see lions, hyenas, and African roam. There’s also the Primate Panorama where you can watch monkeys swing from tree branches. Or, head over to  theTropical Discovery center to see green tree pythons, if you fancy snakes. There’s also a train and carousel that can take you around the zoo.

Must-Read: 21 Best Photography Spots In Colorado 

9. Hiking Adventures Near Denver

If you are looking for more thrills and things to do in Denver beyond the more relaxed city tours or museum visits, you can hit the hiking trails around Golden and Boulder, which are areas near Denver. 

Opting for this trip in your itinerary will treat you to the most stunning natural vistas, whether you prefer to take the loops on Lookout Mountain, or the rugged climbs in Eldorado Canyon State Park and around the stupendous sandstone formations called the Flatirons. 

In those places, you can also take a look at ponderosa pines and Indian paintbrush, and keep your eyes open to spot some mule deer and monarchs. 

10. Get To Taste The Best Beers In Denver

Denver has been synonymous to great-tasting beer. If it is not known for its outdoorsy personality that offers tranquility for tourists, the city is known for its penchant for and love of beer. Did you know there are over 400 breweries in Colorado, with more than 150 situated in Denver alone. Meaning to say, you can’t walk more than a few blocks without coming across a place that serves beer. 

Some of the best places for great-tasting beer in Denver include RiNo Beer Garden, Lowry Beer Garden, Tap Fourteen, Falling Rock Tap House, and so much more. 

11. Relax And Find Inner Peace At Washington Park

Situated south of central Denver, Washington Park is constantly earning the praise of Denver’s locals and tourists for its enjoyable atmosphere. This gigantic park takes pride in its jogging paths, two vast lakes, and two formal gardens. One of these gardens is actually a replica of George Washington’s Mount Vernon gardens. 

Locals call this place “Wash Park.” It has been a highly sought-after weekend hangout because of the many things to do in Denver here. You can either relax on the grass; or move around as you play tennis in the park’s tennis courts, ride a boat, or take swimming lessons. There you have it, the best things to do in Denver. But wait up, we have more coming your way. 

Can’t get enough of this “things to do in Denver” article? We give you more. 

You Won’t Enjoy The Best Things To Do In Denver Without The Proper Accommodation

Checking in a hotel that can provide for all your accommodation needs is important. Aside from preparing your travel itinerary, you should be able to also find the best hotel to stay at during your trip. What are the best hotels in Denver?

• The Rally Hotel
• Catbird
• Life House Lower Highlands 
• Clayton Members Club & Hotel 
• Hotel Teatro 
• The Art Hotel Denver, Curio Collection by Hilton
• Hotel Clio
• And so much more!

Oh, Hi There, Denver!

If you are still not yet living the traveler’s lifestyle, it’s about time that you should. What if you hear that traveling offers plenty of benefits for your health? You read that right. Traveling can calm your mind. It can also give you creativity and inspiration, help you in understanding yourself, and help you reduce your stress. Experience all these benefits from traveling by visiting one of the best cities in the United States and around the world, Denver. 

Denver is a captivating city that offers a plethora of remarkable experiences for every type of traveler. From its majestic outdoor attractions to its thriving cultural scene, Denver has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a thrilling adventure, a trip down memory lane, a gastronomic tour, or simply immersing into the local art and music scene, the things to do in Denver are endless. Visit Denver today.