Denver Travel Guide: Things to Do, Best Time to Visit & Itinerary
Experience the Mile High City, where 300 days of sunshine illuminate a vibrant culinary scene, rich Wild West history, and the breathtaking backdrop of the Rocky Mountains.
Denver is a city that defies simple categorization. Resting precisely one mile above sea level where the Great Plains crash into the Rocky Mountains, it is a metropolis that marries the rugged spirit of the Old West with a hyper-modern, youthful energy. Here, Victorian brick buildings housing speakeasies stand in the shadow of glass skyscrapers, and hiking boots are acceptable footwear for almost any occasion.
With 300 days of annual sunshine, the city invites you outdoors regardless of the season. Whether you are catching a show at the acoustically perfect Red Rocks Amphitheatre, sipping a hazy IPA in the artsy RiNo district, or exploring the terrifyingly beautiful immersive art at Meow Wolf, Denver offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and raw natural beauty that is distinctly Coloradan.
Seasonal Weather Guide
Plan your perfect getaway with our detailed seasonal forecast.
The Mile High Magic
Denver’s history is rooted in the Gold Rush of 1858, but today’s treasure is its cultural evolution. The city has transformed from a cow town into a premier destination for arts and gastronomy. What makes Denver truly special is its accessibility; you can view world-class Impressionist art in the morning and be hiking a 14,000-foot peak by the afternoon. The locals are notoriously friendly, the beer culture is unrivaled in the nation, and the views of the Front Range provide a constant, breathtaking reminder of the wilderness just minutes away.
Culturally, the city is a patchwork of distinct neighborhoods. LoDo (Lower Downtown) offers history and nightlife, RiNo (River North) provides grit and graffiti, and Cherry Creek delivers high-end luxury. This diversity allows travelers to curate an experience that feels personal, whether that involves high-end dining or food trucks, opera or bluegrass.
Things to Do
Unforgettable experiences await you.
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre
Explore the world's only naturally-occurring, acoustically perfect amphitheatre formed by ancient red sandstone monoliths. Even without a concert, the hiking trails offer stunning views.
Meow Wolf Denver: Convergence Station
Immerse yourself in a psychedelic, 4-story interactive art installation that bends reality with secret passages and narrative mystery.
RiNo Art District Brewery Tour
Wander the colorful streets of River North (RiNo) to view spectacular murals while hopping between some of the city's best craft breweries.
Union Station & LoDo Walking Tour
Visit the beautifully restored 1914 train terminal and explore the surrounding Lower Downtown district, rich with Victorian architecture and history.
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The Icons You’ll Want to See
Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre - Just 15 miles west of Denver, this is an absolute must. Even if you don’t catch a concert, the hiking trails winding through giant ochre sandstone monoliths are free to the public. The Visitor Center includes a Performers Hall of Fame. (Free entry for hiking, concert prices vary).
Union Station - Located in the heart of LoDo, this 1914 Beaux-Arts masterpiece is the city’s living room. It functions as a transit hub, hotel, and dining hall. It is free to enter and relax in the Great Hall, though cocktails at the Terminal Bar run about $12-$15.
Denver Botanic Gardens - Located in the Cheesman Park neighborhood, this 24-acre oasis features internationally inspired gardens and a massive tropical conservatory. It is a stunning escape from the city noise. (Approx. $15 USD entry).
Larimer Square - The block where Denver was founded. Canopy lights drape over the street, illuminating Victorian buildings that now house the city’s best boutiques and chef-driven restaurants. It is the perfect spot for an evening stroll. (Free to walk, dining prices vary).
Essential Guide
Everything you need to know.
Must-Visit Spots
Local Cuisine
Where to Stay
Travel Tips
Insider Tips
Planning Your Visit
Getting to Denver is straightforward via Denver International Airport (DEN), though it is located about 25 miles from downtown. The most efficient way to reach the city center is the ‘University of Colorado A Line’ commuter train, which costs $10.50 and takes you directly to Union Station in 37 minutes. Renting a car is recommended if you plan to visit Red Rocks or the mountains, but if you are staying strictly downtown, the walkable grid and rideshare options are sufficient.
One critical thing to remember is the altitude. At 5,280 feet, the air is thinner and drier. Visitors often underestimate the effects. Hydrate significantly more than you think you need to, and go easy on the alcohol during your first 24 hours. Also, the sun is intense here; bring sunglasses and sunscreen, even in winter. Packing layers is also key, as temperatures can swing 30 degrees in a single day.
When to Visit
Choose the perfect time for your adventure.
Peak Season: Summer (June to August)
Pros
- All outdoor attractions are open
- Peak concert season at Red Rocks
- Vibrant farmers markets and street festivals
- Warm evenings for patio dining
Cons
- Highest hotel rates
- Afternoon thunderstorms can disrupt plans
- Crowds at major trailheads
- Downtown heat can be intense
Shoulder Season: Spring (April-May) & Fall (September-October)
Pros
- Beautiful foliage in the fall
- Lower accommodation costs
- Comfortable hiking temperatures
- Fewer tourists at major museums
Cons
- Unpredictable spring snowstorms
- Some mountain passes may close early/late
- Variable temperatures requiring heavy packing
- Variable park hours
Off-Peak: Winter (November to March)
Pros
- Lowest hotel rates downtown
- Cozy atmosphere in breweries
- Easy access to city museums
- Magical holiday lighting displays
Cons
- Freezing overnight temperatures
- Some outdoor excursions are limited
- Icy sidewalks and roads
- Shorter daylight hours
Denver is truly a four-season destination, but the ‘best’ time depends on what you seek. Summer brings the energy of street festivals and outdoor concerts, while fall offers the most reliable, pleasant weather and golden foliage. Winter has its own charm with lower prices and easy access to skiing, while spring is a wild card of blooming flowers and sudden snow. No matter when you arrive, the mountains will be waiting.
Sample Itineraries
The Mile High Weekend Essentials
A classic introduction to Denver focusing on downtown highlights, art, and the famous Red Rocks.
Day 1: Historic LoDo & Union Station
- Morning: Start your trip at the beautifully restored Union Station for coffee and breakfast at Snooze (approx. $40), then admire the Great Hall’s architecture before walking 0.5 mi to explore the indie shops at Dairy Block.
- Afternoon: Walk 0.3 mi to Coors Field for a tour ($15/person) or a game, then stroll down the 16th Street Mall to Larimer Square for happy hour and people watching.
- Evening: Enjoy a farm-to-table dinner at Rioja in Larimer Square (approx. $100), followed by a nightcap at the hidden speakeasy Williams & Graham (reservations essential).
Day 2: Art, Culture & The RiNo District
- Morning: Take a short Uber ride ($10) to the Denver Botanic Gardens (entry $15) to walk through 24 acres of stunning landscapes, spending about 2 hours enjoying the flora.
- Afternoon: Head north to the RiNo Art District to see the colorful street murals and grab lunch at Denver Central Market (approx. $35), a gourmet food hall with diverse options.
- Evening: Visit a few local breweries like Ratio Beerworks or Our Mutual Friend (pints approx. $7), then have dinner at Work & Class ($60) for Latin-fusion cuisine in a shipping container setting.
Day 3: Red Rocks & Farewell Views
- Morning: Rent a car or take the shuttle ($20-$50) 15 miles west to Red Rocks Amphitheatre to hike the Trading Post Trail (1.4 mi loop) and see the Music Hall of Fame.
- Afternoon: Return to the city and visit the Denver Art Museum ($18/person) to see their world-class Indigenous Art collection and the unique Hamilton Building architecture.
- Evening: Conclude your trip with a sunset dinner at El Five (approx. $120), offering tapas and one of the best skyline views of the city and mountains.
Adventure & Brews: The 4-Day Explorer
Designed for active travelers who want to experience Denver's outdoor culture, unique immersive art, and beer scene.
Day 1: Urban Acclimatization
- Morning: Grab breakfast burritos at Sam’s No. 3 ($30) before walking to Confluence Park to see where the city began and watching kayakers navigate the Platte River rapids.
- Afternoon: Rent a B-cycle ($15) and ride along the Cherry Creek Trail for 3 miles to the upscale Cherry Creek North district for window shopping and a light lunch.
- Evening: Head back downtown for dinner at The Buckhorn Exchange ($100), Denver’s oldest restaurant, to try buffalo or elk in a museum-like setting filled with taxidermy.
Day 2: Psychedelic Art & Broncos Territory
- Morning: Drive or take a rideshare ($10) to Meow Wolf: Convergence Station ($45/person) and spend 3-4 hours exploring the mind-bending, immersive art exhibits.
- Afternoon: Head nearby to Empower Field at Mile High to see the Broncos stadium (tours available), then grab a late lunch at Briar Common Brewery + Eatery ($45).
- Evening: Explore the Highlands neighborhood, grabbing ice cream at Little Man Ice Cream (look for the giant milk can) and enjoying the view of downtown from the plaza.
Day 3: Mountain Day Trip to Golden
- Morning: Drive 20 minutes west to Golden, CO; hike the North Table Mountain trail (3 mi) for sweeping mesa views, then walk through the charming western-style downtown.
- Afternoon: Take the free tour of the Coors Brewery (reservation required) or visit smaller craft spots like Golden City Brewery, followed by lunch at Woody’s Wood Fired Pizza ($40).
- Evening: Drive up Lookout Mountain Road to see Buffalo Bill’s Grave and catch a spectacular panoramic sunset over the plains before heading back to Denver.
Day 4: Museums & Markets
- Morning: Visit the Denver Museum of Nature & Science ($22/person) in City Park, specifically checking out the prehistoric journey exhibit and the stunning rooftop sky terrace.
- Afternoon: Walk across the park to the Denver Zoo ($20/person) or head to The Source Hotel & Market Hall for shopping and a modern lunch experience ($50).
- Evening: Wrap up with a casual dinner at Avanti F&B ($50), a collective eatery with a large deck offering great views of the city lights and locally crafted cocktails.
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