Denver, the well-known cultural hub, is the capital of Colorado. It thrives with life and is a dream city for many. It is quite usual for a city as hyped as Denver to have a lot of things to do.
If you are planning a trip to Denver and are not sure about the best places to visit, then don’t worry; we have got your back!
A. Popular Things to Do in Denver
1. Museum
With a history of being a city of the Old East, Denver is undoubtedly famous for its museums – the 2 most famous ones being the Denver Museum of Nature and the Denver Art Museum.
1.1 Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Denver Museum of Nature and Science is one of the most eminent and oldest museums of nature and science in the US.
If you’re already planning a trip, let me tell you that the museum has a lot in stock. Talk about skeletons of dinosaurs or birds of America, or even about the scary Egyptian mummies – the Denver Museum of Nature has everything.
1.2 Denver Art Museum
Located amidst the Denver Civic Center, the Denver Art Museum is one of the largest museums on the West Coast.
If you’re a staunch admirer of art and haven’t yet visited the Denver Art Museum, you’re missing out on something fantastic from the never-ending list of Denver.
The museum stands tall with its Hamilton Building and Martin Building, epitomizing sheer perfection.
Starting right from Contemporary Art to African Art pieces to Indigenous art pieces of North America and even Photographs, the art museum in Denver is undoubtedly a treat to the eyes.
Even the building is such an embodiment of perfect architecture.
2. Denver Botanic Gardens
Are you tired of city life? Can you feel your soul craving for a piece of nature? Denver Colorado Botanic Gardens has got your back.
It is a 1.5-hour tour, but the experience is something that you’ll cherish for life! This 23-acre garden in the Cheesman Park neighborhood has a variety of theme-based gardens and a sunken amphitheater that hosts concerts only during the summers.
This garden changes its appearance every season, but there’s no such ‘best-season-to-visit’ in particular. The Denver Botanic Gardens is a must-visit if you’re in Denver.
3. Molly Brown House/Museum
Hmm… Titanic is an all-time favorite for most of us, and keeping that in mind, let’s talk about the people, shall we? We meant survivors!
Molly Brown(Margaret Tobin Brown), an American activist and philanthropist, was a survivor of the Titanic, and the house of Molly Brown (Molly Brown House) stands tall to date on Pennsylvania Street, Denmark.
The Molly Brown House Museum was restored after 1970 by some concerned citizens, and funds were raised.
The details with which the house museum has been built are mesmerizing. Talking about details, even the doorknobs are intricately detailed and designed. Even the designs on the house’s front windows are fascinating and an embodiment of sheer art!
For more details on the Molly Brown Museum, contact here.
4. Colorado State Capitol
The majestic, remarkable building of the Colorado State Capitol is at 200 East Colfax Avenue in the mile-high city and should not be missed at all costs.
The building is worth visiting with the enormous dome and the main entrance hall of 55 cm to the dome. The insides of the building look majestic, with the Rotunda interior artwork adding to its beauty.
Also, if you’re a sucker for history and administrative scenarios, you’ll love the Old Colorado Supreme Court Chambers and the Denver Colorado Senate Chamber in the Colorado State Capitol.
5. 16th Street Mall
A mall that is 1.25 miles long! Can’t believe it? Well, it’s true!! The 16th Street Mall in Denver is a 1.25-mile-long mall with over 270+ stores and free shuttle rides!
The 16th Street Mall has over 50+ restaurants and over 300+ locally-owned chain stores. You don’t even need to worry about transportation; it’s free!!
Also, do not forget about the street performances of singers, dancers, and even comedians and artists performing arts. Don’t be afraid of getting lost in the one-mile mall! There are friendly local ambassadors almost everywhere.
6. Mount Evans
Are you thinking about adding another thing to your bucket list? Include the highest peak in the front range of the Rocky Mountains. Mount Evans is truly a gem, a really intricate and marvelous piece of nature.
Mount Evans is so vastly enriched in aspects of flora and fauna that the scenery is a treat to the eyes.
Birds like white-tailed ptarmigan can be seen once in a blue moon – that too hidden (in the Rocky Mountains); birds like brown-capped rosy finches can be seen almost everywhere. The view from the top is worth it!!
7. Larimer Square
Larimer Square certainly can’t be missed! Again, a place for historical fanatics, Larimer Square, it is. Known as Denver’s most historic block.
Want to see how the nightlife is in Denver? Larimer Square is the place for you! Are you planning on shopping? Larimer Square is again the place to be. If you’ve signed up to experience the nightlife in downtown Denver, you’d have to visit this historic block!
Larimer Square in the mile-high city has covered almost everything you might want to do on a weekend, from amusement parks to unique boutiques in Victorian houses.
8. Denver Union Station
The Union Station at Denver is a lively downtown Denver neighborhood and is a great place for a Sunday outing. After Larimer Square, the Union Station is another historic landmark in Denver, which is famous mostly for chef-driven restaurants and cafes in historic Victorian-style houses and even luxury hotels.
Not only that, this downtown Denver neighborhood has so much to offer, starting from bookstores to stores selling beautiful handcrafted jewelry by local artisans. The Union Station is also a transit hub and hosts various summer events.
To know more about this downtown Denver neighborhood, see here.
9. Coors Field
Baseball fanatic? Then there’s something for you in stock; just two blocks down Union Station, Coors Field is a baseball park in Downtown Denver with an enormous capacity of over 50,000 people, including 63 luxury suites and 4500+ club seats.
Did you know Coors Field is located some 5200 ft. above sea level? Also, the guides here at Coors Field offer tours for a ‘behind-the-scenes’ look at the games.
The Colorado Rockies also have a generous number of restaurants that serve everything special, starting from Berrie Kabobs to biker Jim’s Gourmet Dogs. The field takes up a large piece of land and is the heart center of the city.
10. Empower Field
Empower Field at Mile High is an American football stadium in Denver at 5280ft. above sea level. The field is in the mile-high stadium and is the home field for Denver’s National Football League team, the Broncos!
The architecture, seats, and history this mile-high stadium of this stadium are to die for. The special sitting area and the writer’s area, with a capacity of holding over 300 writers, are something not all stadiums have.
11. City Park
Which city doesn’t have a park, right? But, with Denver, it’s way more special than you think.
The city park in eastern central Denver proudly covers an area of over 330 acres, comprising a museum, duck lakes, a boathouse, a zoo, and a golf course! This park has all the greens one can expect and even beautiful surroundings that leave you craving for more.
One of the best things about this park is the history behind its architecture and build-up. The city park still hints at its rich historical relations with its Spanish and Renaissance-themed architectural style.
As much fun as this park is for children, the adults love it even more with all the lakes and the boat rides. The Museum of Nature Science holds some significant pieces of history and nature in an integrated system.
The boat rides on the Feril and Duck lakes give you some truly spectacular views, which makes you doubt the park’s fame as a mere downtown neighborhood park.
Time and again, one must return to the park’s beauty and significant role in holding Denver’s heritage and culture.
Also, do not miss the Prismatic Fountain, dated back to the early 1900s renovated with LED lights.
12. Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre
This open amphitheater, made of rocks, will take your breath away. This tourist spot is 10 miles away from Denver but is totally worth a visit.
A really fun place to be, especially when you get to know a disc-shaped rock surrounds the whole outdoor stage.
The Red Rocks Amphitheatre has a humongous space for seating arrangements for the occasional music events. The tickets for the events, however, are to be booked early, and you should check for events if you plan on spending fun family time here!
B. Things to do in Denver when bored
If you’re staying in Denver for over a week, you might just get bored of all the hours of traveling and tours. Your heart might wish for a cone of ice cream or to sit in the park, reading a book! Maybe even visit a church or try some new food item?
Whatever your heart asks for, we’re there to help you.
1. International Church of Cannabis
Sick of all the beige tones everywhere? The International Church of Cannabis is the place for you. This church is all colorful with geometric figures of different colors and sizes.
With the striking color combinations, the high ceilings, and all the major rainbow vibes, this church on S Logan St. is totally worth a visit.
What you will find even more interesting is that this church has opened to promoting a completely new religion named ‘Elevationism’ and has started ‘BEYOND,’ a project where one has to meditate for nine long minutes and after that has to sit there for 25 minutes more, while their favorite classical songs play on loop!
2. Fifty-Two 80s
A pop culture fanatic? This antique shop in Denver is sure to blow off your mind. Fifty-Two 80s has been an antique shop on South Broadway Street for the last 15 years, solely devoted to pop culture and related items or merchandise.
From 80s clothes to toys, one can find almost any pop culture-related things here. You can find vintage Pepsi cans, Halloween masks, posters, puzzles, tickets, and cards here!
The owners say there are around 4500 craft items here, from the Sunday morning TV shows to the Jurassic Park cereal.
3. Buckhorn Exchange
Are you on a tour around Denver and haven’t heard about one of the top-rated restaurants here? You’re definitely missing out on something, then!
This is a dream restaurant for a non-vegetarian as it serves various meats, starting from Alligator Tail to Buffalo Sausage.
Known to be one of the oldest restaurants in Denver, the Buckhorn Exchange knows how to attract tourists! The variety of dishes served will certainly bring out the foodie in you.
Every Friday, two cowboys, all decked up in traditional dresses, can be seen performing arts and singing western prairie songs near the upstairs bar. The ambiance and the beer make the restaurant worth a visit.
Colossal heads of mountain animals such as deer and even rhinos hang on the wall, and the wall downstairs is beautifully pleasing with stuffed aesthetics of bears, lions, and even monkeys to go along with steaming food- it sounds like a perfect weekend place to explore.
4. Denver Zine Library
Does DIY publishing culture interest you? The Denver Zine Library in Denver is the perfect place to visit. Located on Curtis Street, the library has a collection of over 2000 zines and actively promotes self-publishing. The library is known to have over 15000 self-published magazines and is also open for donations.
Also, if you’re interested in knowing more about self-publishing, you can get the desired information from various magazines lined up on shelves and in stacks. However, you must mail the authority to denverzinelibrary@gmail.com and book an appointment beforehand.
5. Cheesman Park
Cheesman Park is a downtown area park in Denver primarily built on unclaimed graves. It might sound creepy, but if you’re planning a ghost tour, you must look at this one!
Back in the 1890s, this park was claimed to be haunted by the residents, and soon, the city’s authorities started working on transporting the cremated bodies to some other place. However, soon after, a rumor spread about the people hearing moaning and crying sounds and someone knocking on their doors at night, and the work was closed halfway.
However, with time, the place has gained more fame as a family park, with a calm yet lively atmosphere and kids running around, and is now a place of tourist interest.
6. Enchanted Hart Haus
Steve Hartbauer transformed a regular house into a masterpiece that will leave you gasping.
Starting right from the main entrance gate to the windows, the ceilings, the window sills, and even the lamps in the garden are all covered with different colored pieces of mosaic and tiles.
It’s a not-so-famous place, but worth a visit! The artist says he has worked on this for the past ten years and will work for ten more years (estimated time).
The theme of the mosaic artwork is based on the four elements of nature, and his art even includes glass bottle craft and sculptures. You can see the house from the street, but if you want a closer look, Steve will be more than happy to give you tours – no tickets, no bookings!
7. Cranmer Park Sundial
The Cranmer Park Sundial is near the Rocky Mountains. It is a Chinese Sundial that has undergone several restorations and is still a famous tourist spot.
Located on 1st Ave, Denver, this sundial was saved in its last hour, and today, it gives you a breathtaking view of the Rocky Mountains from the crest of the mountain on which it is located.
The polar chart gives you a vivid description of the sundial and how to measure time by seeing the gnomon’s shadow position. The summer and winter sides are marked on the sundial, and the ways of measurement are expected to be more advanced with the upcoming restoration.
If you’re in Denver, and Chinese culture has consistently attracted you, visiting the Cranmer Park Sundial is a must.
8. Denver Omelet Plaque
Fond of Denver Omelet? Can you imagine not having an omelet without cheese now? Well, Denver, again, got your back.
Denver Omelet Plaque is a downtown restaurant that has a wide variety of food and especially specializes in white fluffy omelets, just the way Denver people prefer having it! Denver Omelet Plaque is the place to be if you’re up for a good meal!
9. American Museum of Western Art
Well, here’s another one for you, and before you frown, let us tell you that this museum is a piece of art and one of the best places listed.
The ‘not-so-eminent’ American Museum of Western Art Anschutz Collection is right across from the very famous Brown Palace Hotel.
This museum displays various art pieces dating from the 1800s to the 2000s. The galleries have over 600+ paintings, drawings, and sculptures from over 180 artists, and every piece is unique in itself. Different tours are available, and each piece of craft will take your breath away.
Suppose you want to know more about American Art, explore different historical sides, or even explore the attractions in the early decades. In that case, you should tour the American Museum of Western Art.
Each painting and sculpture holds a unique history and has a story to tell to the rest of the world. A center of sheer excellence, art, and heritage!
It is one of Denver’s best-kept secrets on our bucket list. The American Museum of Western Art has a taste for modernity and tradition that deserves to be preserved.
Starting from Expressionism to Abstract Art, the museum is not only Denver’s best museum but one of the best in the world.
10. Craft Beer Tour
The Craft Beer Tour is a 2-hour-extensive tour that shows the process of making the famous craft beer!
The tour gives you extensive knowledge about various beer-making aspects, from brewing to the end product. Also, do not forget about the small historical facts in between.
If you’re in Denver, you already know that it is famous for its craft beer, and you shouldn’t miss out on this opportunity to tour the state brewery!
C. Things to do for kids
Of course, not all the places mentioned above are age-restricted, but here’s something more for the little ones! With kids, the things-to-do list has some places listed below that’ll leave your kids grinning from ear to ear!
1. Children’s Museum at Denver’s Marsico Campus
It’s a fun place for kids to be! It is a museum that is solely dedicated to the kids, and the staff here is really gentle and helpful. The best thing about this museum is that you can have your own sweet time exploring.
There are various activities for the kids here as well. Starting right from the vet’s office to the art studio, this museum provides your child with fun ways of learning!
2. Elitch Gardens Theme and Waterpark
For the past 130 years, Elitch Gardens Theme and Waterpark has been the only water park in downtown Denver and is a famous spot for a family day out!
The park is open from April to October and has over 53+ attractive rides, which include various thrilling slides and roller coasters. Do not miss the fun fests in October! So, if you’re planning a fun family day out with the kids in Denver, head to the Elitch Gardens Theme Water Park!
3. Downtown Aquarium
A majestic aquarium just a few walks away, the Downtown Aquarium is a fascinating place. It can be for casual dining or just for gaining knowledge about underwater creatures.
Let your kids have the time of their lives while they feed the stingrays or see a mermaid show! Just when you thought a perfect Disney experience didn’t exist, there is an Aquarium Express Electric Train ride the kids will love!
4. Denver Firefighter’s Museum
Another fun-filled center for a family day out. Parents can enjoy themselves while they watch their kids climbing up and down the stairs like real firefighters and even trying to put off the fake fire!
The museum also has a family gift shop and various toys and books! Tickets are to be purchased beforehand, and reservations are to be made for special events.
D. Other things to do based on what you love
Willing to discover more activities? We got your back! Apart from all these tours and places, Denver has so much more to offer, and you definitely cannot complete all the tours and places Denver is famous for!
If you’re a foodie, Denver is definitely a dream come true for you! You’ll run out of time, but you won’t be able to try all the food items from the restaurants and cafes in Larimer Square, a famous spot.
For music lovers, concerts will keep you busy all day, and you’re bound to love pop and jazz, even if you have never been a real admirer of the two!
Not only that, but Denver has all sorts of weird yet fun activities and exhibitions planned!
For instance, let’s say Denver Pancakes and Booze Art Show – a unique event! Yes, you read that right! Over 100+ artists exhibit their art here, the difference being it is on pancakes! Afterward, they even host shows and music concerts!
E. Things to do for families
If you’re up for a bit of fun and some murder mystery, Adams Mystery Playhouse is the place to be!
Even though the place looks like a regular restaurant, it isn’t! After you’re done with your dinner, a murder occurs, and you’re a witness! You know the characters now, and you’re expected to solve the case at hand!
In the end, souvenirs are handed over to the one group who solves the case!
If you have a sweet tooth, Hammond’s Candy Factory is the place for you! Here, you can get a firsthand experience of candy making and learn how they make the candies. You get a lot of free samples as well.
Conclusion
Denver, Colorado, is a thriving center of entertainment, art, and culture, with lots of street art lined up the walls! If you’re planning a trip to Denver, now’s the time to get at it! We can promise you you won’t be disappointed!
For more information regarding Denver, its transportation, tours, places, and festivals, and based on your interests, visit here.
