Denver City Guide – Experience The Best of Denver, Colorado
Denver is such a fun city to explore with so much to do and see! It is a great city to visit year round to enjoy local sports, hiking nearby trails, or just exploring the dynamic Mile High city!
This Denver City Guide will feature 5 Things to Know Before You Go to Denver, Where to Stay, Best Things To Do, and Where to Eat! Read below for more details!
Know Before You Go to Denver:
- Drink plenty of water before you go. The “Mile High City” can take a toll on your body and many people experience headaches when they arrive. Staying hydrated will help you overcome this!
- You’ll smell weed – everywhere. There is a dispensary on every corner.
- There are hundreds of different breweries to try. Make a list of your top breweries before you go so you don’t get overwhelmed!
- The city is filled with rentable bikes and scooters. It’s a fun way to explore downtown Denver!
- Consider buying a Denver CityPASS to save on popular attractions. Some of the attractions are included in my Denver City guide below, so it is definitely worth checking out!
Where to Stay in Denver:
- The Crawford: This swanky boutique hotel is located inside of the Union Station and is the definition of luxury. They even allow dogs!
- Sheraton Downtown: This hotel is in the prefect vicinity to the 16th Street Mall which means there is so much to do in walking distance. The hotel features a rooftop pool that is “heated” during the winter (luke warm, if you ask me).
Things To Do in Denver:
16th Street Mall:
Website: 16th Street Mall
Price: Free
Spend the day walking around the 16th Street Mall – a pedestrian-only street lined with shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
They have a Free Mall Ride that runs up and down the street and is never more than a 10 minute wait (hours vary but are typically 5:30AM to 1AM).
Union Station:
Website: Denver Union Station
Price: Free Entry
My Denver City Guide would not be complete without a mention of Union Station! Travel back in time when you step into this remodeled train station. It is still active today as a train hub but has now become so much more than just that.
There is a fabulous bar inside that offers tasty flights and local beers. There are some very trendy shops and restaurant in the station as well – including the most popular: Snooze, AM Eatery.
The Union Station is nicknamed “Denver’s Living Room” because you’ll find travelers and locals alike hanging out in the lobby.
Coors Brewery Tour:
This iconic brewery is based out of Denver (Golden, Colorado to be exact.. about 30 minutes away from Denver) and offers daily Brewery Tours!
The tours are $5 for local Colorado residents and $10 for all other guests and include 3 samples of beer. But heads up, this is only open for tours – you can’t go for drinks at the bar (I found this out the hard way).
Red Rocks Amphitheatre:
This stunning amphitheater is beautiful, especially at sunset! You can visit for free when there isn’t a concert and explore the ins and outs of the stadium that is tucked in between the red rocks. Let me tell you though, this is quite a hike (especially when you’re a mile high in the air).
You can also spend time on the trails (biking or hiking) to explore more of the beautiful mountains.
Denver Botanic Gardens
Website: Denver Botanic Gardens
Price: $15 per adult
The Denver Botanic Gardens is open year round and cover 24 acres featuring a variety of themed gardens, including the Japanese Garden, the South African Plaza, and the Romantic Gardens.
One of my favorite areas is The Bonsai Pavilion which is home to a collection of over 70 bonsai trees, some of which are over 100 years old.
If you’re visiting Denver in the summer, don’t miss the summer concert series at the Denver Botanic Gardens. They feature top-notch musicians and bands in a beautiful outdoor setting. Be sure to buy tickets in advance as they sell out quickly!
Colorado State Capital Building
Website: Colorado State Capital Building
Visiting the Colorado State Capitol building in Denver can be an interesting and educational experience. Here are some things to keep in mind when planning your visit:
- Take a Guided Tour: The best way to learn about the history and architecture of the Colorado State Capitol building is to take a guided tour. Tours are available daily and are led by knowledgeable guides who will provide insight into the building’s history and significance.
- Visit the Rotunda: The Rotunda is the heart of the State Capitol building and is home to a beautiful stained glass dome. Be sure to look up and admire the intricate designs and colors of the dome.
- See the Mile High Marker: The Colorado State Capitol building is located exactly one mile above sea level, and there is a marker on the 13th step of the west side of the building that indicates this. Be sure to take a picture with the marker to commemorate your visit.
- Visit the Governor’s Office: The Governor’s Office is located on the second floor of the State Capitol building and is open to the public during normal business hours. Be sure to stop by and see the office of Colorado’s top official.
- See the Chambers: The Colorado State Capitol building is home to both the House of Representatives and the Senate, and both chambers are open to the public. Be sure to take a look inside and see where laws are made.
- Visit the Colorado Supreme Court: The Colorado Supreme Court is located on the third floor of the State Capitol building and is open to the public during normal business hours. Be sure to take a look at the courtroom and learn about the state’s highest court.
- Explore the Grounds: The State Capitol building is surrounded by beautiful grounds that offer stunning views of the city and the mountains. Be sure to take a stroll around the building and admire the statues and monuments.
Free Walking Tour of Denver:
Website: Denver Free Walking Tour
Price: $2 registration fee (plus tip onsite)
The city of Denver offers a FREE Walking Tour daily May-October and on Saturdays and Sundays November-February. You’ll need to register in advance on the website linked above, which does charge a $2/per person fee. Tours start at the Capital and last for 2 hours!
Visit the Molly Brown House (survivor of Titanic):
Website: Molly Brown House
Price: $14-$16 per adult
Molly Brown became famous in 1912 after surviving the Titanic. You can visit her home to learn more about her life & experience as “The Unsinkable Molly Brown”. Furthermore, the house itself features stunning architecture from the 1880s and offers a glimpse into the past.
Tours are typically 1 hour long and take you through her house and the 1900s era. They’re closed on Mondays but offer tours all other days of the week.
Check out the Sporting Events:
Denver has a huge sporting scene with so many great events. Their stadiums and arenas are state of the art – you’ll love the full experience.
- Football – Denver Broncos
- Baseball – Rockies
- Basketball – Denver Nuggets
- Hockey – Colorado Avalanche
Denver Zoo
Website: Denver Zoo
Price: $24 per adult, $18 per kid
The Denver Zoo features a variety of exhibits, including the Predator Ridge, Tropical Discovery, and Primate Panorama.
The two best exhibits are the Giraffe Encounter and The Elephant Passage. The Giraffe Encounter is a popular exhibit where visitors can get up close and personal with these majestic animals. You can feed the giraffes and even get a kiss from them! The Elephant Passage is an innovative exhibit that allows visitors to see elephants up close and learn about their behavior and conservation efforts.
The Denver Zoo’s train takes visitors on a tour of the zoo, with stops at different exhibits. It’s a fun way to see the zoo and learn about the animals.
Visit Garden of The Gods
While Garden of The Gods isn’t technically in Denver, it is the best quick road trip to get out of the city. Garden of the Gods is completely free and offers beautiful views, great hikes, and more! Check out my full guide for Garden of The Gods here.
Where to Eat in Denver:
- Snooze, AM Eatery: I would be remiss to leave this off the list… it is the number one place to grab brunch in Denver. However, I must say that I find it slightly overrated. Don’t get me wrong – it’s good! But you can find less expensive options that don’t have a 2 hour long wait! (I know I’m really selling this place, lol) if you do go, try the pancakes!
- VooDoo Donuts: Open 24 hours… you have no excuse to skip out on these amazing donuts!
- Little Man Ice Cream: hand-made ice cream that is to die for. The wait can be long in the summer (and still worth it in the winter). Check out their menu!
- Williams and Graham: Fun speakeasy that is a soooo popular. The wait is usually 1-2 hours! There are fun places to enjoy around the area while you wait. When you finally walk in, you’ll immediately be immersed in a “speakeasy” vibe since you walk in through a book case!
- Wynkoop Brewing Company: This brewery is right across the street from the Union Station and offers options for everyone! The main floor features a restaurant and bar but upstairs you’ll find a pool hall with games and more bar space! On the first floor (basement) they have their brewery. They offer brewery tours Tuesday – Saturday at 3PM and 4PM.
- The Terminal: Another Union Station Restaurant! (I’m telling you if your’e staying at the Crawford, you have no reason to ever leave the Union Station). Check out the Terminal Bar and fall in love with another part of the station. We tried flights which was perfect to experiment with all of the local Charlotte Beer.
This is just a small taste of everything Denver has to offer! Whether you’re spending a weekend in the city or a month exploring all that Colorado has to offer, you’ll love every minute of it!
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