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Things to do in Denver

Things to do in  Denver

Welcome to Denver

Whether travelers are in search of challenging outdoor pursuits, striking mountain scenery, a lively cultural scene, or one of the best selections of craft breweries in the country, Denver, Colorado doesn’t disappoint. Nestled in the Front Range Urban Corridor along the eastern face of the southern Rocky Mountains, the Mile High City provides easy access to nearby Rocky Mountain National Park for wildlife spotting (native animals here include beavers, bighorn sheep, black bears, and moose) and more than 300 miles (482 kilometers) of hiking trails. Winter in the mountains brings endless opportunities for downhill or cross-country skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing within a few hours drive of Denver at world-class resorts such as Vail, Breckenridge, Telluride, and Aspen. If you're in need of a culture fix, downtown Denver’s bustling urban center is home to highlights such as the Denver Performing Arts Complex, the Denver Art Museum, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and the History Colorado Center. Sports fans will enjoy catching a Denver Broncos game at Mile High Stadium or the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. And don’t forget to leave time for tasting craft beers at one of Colorado’s many breweries—Coors in nearby Golden might be the most famous, but true hopheads plan their trip to coincide with the Great American Beer Festival in October, one of the biggest and best-known in the country.

Top 15 attractions in Denver

Garden of the Gods

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An urban park and designated national landmark in Colorado Springs, the Garden of the Gods encompasses 1,367 acres (553 hectares) of unique wilderness, Great Plains grassland, and juniper woodlands. Highlights include the red rock formations Balanced Rock, Gateway Rock, and the Three Graces, as well as petroglyphs from the original Native American occupants of the area, the Ute people.More

Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre

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Denver’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre is a music venue unlike any other—a sandstone stadium forged by the elements and blessed with natural acoustics. Many musicians have taken to this stage, and when shows are in town, Red Rocks can host over 9,500 concertgoers, all in for a treat beyond the music: stellar views of the natural Colorado landscape.More

Pikes Peak Highway

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As you wind your way up Pikes Peak Highway prepare for stunning views and historic establishments on the way to the iconic 14,115-foot (4302-meter) peak known as “America’s Mountain.” The drive is lined with scenic vista points, lakes, picnic areas, trails, and high-altitude plants and wildlife. You can stop at the Crystal Reservoir Gift Shop and Historic Glen Cove Inn on your way to the Summit House—the restaurant atop the peak.More

Lower Downtown Denver (LoDo)

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A lively district of restaurants, shops, and nightlife, Lower Downtown Denver (or LoDo) is a top destination for Denver culture. In addition to its vibrant scene, though, LoDo is also home to some of the city’s best-preserved historic architecture and more Victorian–era buildings than anywhere else in the United States.More

Larimer Square

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Larimer Square is the oldest part of Denver, with Victorian-era buildings now home to many of the city’s best restaurants, bars, and boutiques. The foundation of Colorado’s capital, the 2-block district is popular with locals and tourists alike, strolling beneath strings of lights and state flags.More

Lookout Mountain

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It’s just a short drive from downtown Denver, but Lookout Mountain feels like another world. Once used as a lookout for the Native American Ute tribe that called the area home, the 7,300-foot (2,225-meter) mountain has miles of hiking and mountain biking trails throughout, from easy walking paths to strenuous switchbacks. From the summit, you can see the Denver skyline 12 miles (19 kilometers) away.More

Colorado State Capitol Building

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The Colorado State Capitol, built a mile above sea level with a bell-shaped gold dome, is a striking feature in Denver’s skyline. The historic structure is made from Colorado rose onyx, a rare marble that’s entire known stores were used on the building. On your way in, look for the step that marks the capitol’s “mile high” point.More

Molly Brown House Museum

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Visitors may know Margaret “Molly” Brown in association with theRMS Titanic, but there was much more to her life than the ill-fated voyage for which she became famous. An activist, suffragist, and philanthropist, Brown’s spirit lives on through educational tours, exhibits, and programming inside her restored historic Denver home.More

Denver Art Museum (DAM)

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One of the largest museums between Chicago and California, Denver Art Museum showcases a wide range of art in its 70,000-piece collection. From Native American art to ultramodern contemporary pieces, interactive exhibits to works sparking profound cultural reflection, DAM (as locals call it) is a destination for art lovers of all ages.More

Denver 16th Street Mall

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The Denver 16th Street Mall in Denver, Colorado, is a tree-lined pedestrian corridor filled with outdoor cafés, restaurants, and shops. Along the popular downtown promenade, visitors can enjoy performances from local street performers or take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage while searching for the perfect craft beer or dining spot.More

Denver Civic Center Park

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Denver Civic Center Park was created more than 100 years ago as the civic heart for the city of Denver. The urban green space is the site of the Colorado State Capitol, and arching footpaths across the park offer a chance to stroll among the gardens and marvel at the surrounding architecture, including the Denver City and County Building, the Denver Art Museum and the Denver Central Library. The park is also home to the Greek Theater and the historic Carnegie Library.Recent revitalization efforts have turned Civic Center Park into a hub for local events including outdoor movies and Civic Center EATS, an annual, summer-long tradition in which local, gourmet food trucks convene at the park every Tuesday and Thursday during lunchtime.More

Denver Center for the Performing Arts

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Spanning four city blocks and offering more than 10,000 total seats, this massive cultural complex anchors downtown Denver’s Theater District and diverse performing arts scene. From show-stopping musicals and storybook ballets to comedy cabaret and cutting-edge drama, it’s where Denver goes to be entertained.More

Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave

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The Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave commemorate the legendary cowboy at his resting place atop Lookout Mountain overlooking Golden, Colorado. William “Buffalo Bill” Cody was buried on the mountain in 1917 and the original museum at the site was opened a few years later. The museum’s Buffalo Bill artifacts and exhibits have been attracting Wild West enthusiasts ever since.More

Denver Mint

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The Denver Mint is one of a handful of facilities that produces US currency, and one of only two (along with the Philadelphia Mint) that offers tours to the public. Visitors can tour the massive Renaissance-style 1904 mint building to glimpse the coin-making process, explore exhibits on the history of money, or purchase authentic currency and commemorative coins in the gift shop.More

Denver Firefighters Museum

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Located in a historic fire station in downtown Denver, the Denver Firefighters Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the day-to-day lives of firefighters. Visitors will learn what it takes to become a firefighter and about the history of Denver’s courageous firefighters through hands-on activities and interactive exhibits. Adults and children alike are drawn to the museum’s large collection of vintage fire trucks.More

Trip ideas

How to Spend 3 Days in Denver

How to Spend 3 Days in Denver

Front Range Adventures from Denver

Front Range Adventures from Denver

Top activities in Denver

Foothills Explorer Tour From Denver

Foothills Explorer Tour From Denver

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Twilight Ghost Tour
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Twilight Ghost Tour

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HK$217.23
BEYOND Light Show & Meditation

BEYOND Light Show & Meditation

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Half Day Rocky Mountain Escape

Half Day Rocky Mountain Escape

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Shared Half-Day Mountain Tour in Red Rocks Evergreen and Echo Lake
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Visit Red Rocks Park, Continental Divide & Breckenridge
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Rocky Mountain Zipline Adventure

Rocky Mountain Zipline Adventure

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Small-Group Tour of the Rocky Mountain National Park from Denver
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RiNo Arts District Food Tour

RiNo Arts District Food Tour

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Private Rocky Mountain National Park from Denver and Boulder
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Operators have paid Viator more to have their experiences featured here

Recent reviews from experiences in Denver

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Don’t Miss This
Mike_S, Apr 2023
1.5 Hour LoDo Walking Tour in Denver
After the tiur, he answered questions about other things to do, and recommended places to eat.
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Highlight of trip to Denver
April_G, Mar 2023
Discover Rocky Mountain National Park from Denver or Boulder
We got to walk on a frozen lake, eat lunch at Estes Park, witness wildlife, and hike to a frozen waterfall!
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One of the best things to do in Denver!
Monika_B, Mar 2023
BEYOND Light Show & Meditation
One of my favourite things to do in Denver!
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Great Tour!!
Desiree_W, Feb 2023
Foothills Explorer Tour From Denver
It’s worth doing it because you get to see different towns within the area and they all offer different things.
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Interesting
Ronda_N, Jan 2023
Gotham Private Haunted Driving Ghost Tour in Denver, CO
It was a great way to safely explore Denver on a chilly winter's night.
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Great half day tour
Taryn_b, Jan 2023
Foothills Explorer Tour From Denver
We didn't rent a car while in Denver so it was a great way to see an area we wouldn't have otherwise.
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Outstanding Tour & Guide
Linda_K, Nov 2022
Downtown Denver History & Highlights - Small Group Walking Tour
Great tour to see a lot of sights and hear about the history of Denver.
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Great Adventure!
Myra_Z, Nov 2022
Hiking Adventure in Rocky Mountain National Park from Denver
She gave some great insights about the area during our drive and recommendations in things to do.
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Wonderful time and very informative
Michelle_S, Oct 2022
Downtown Denver Food Tour
We've lived in Colorado springs for 20 plus years, countless trips to Denver for all types of events and we learned a ton on this tour.
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I’d recommend this trip.
Mary_B, Oct 2022
Half Day Rocky Mountain Escape
Only had a short time in the Denver area so this was a great opportunity to see a bit of the Rocky Mountains.
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Outstanding outdoor outing
Jen_S, Apr 2023
Small Group Tour of Pikes Peak and the Garden of the Gods from Denver
He also made sure to explain the importance of being hydrated and what to do if we had any issues, which was vital to me since I am from Florida and the altitude is not anything I have ever encountered.
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Great Experience and Information
Dan_L, Mar 2023
Half Day Rocky Mountain Escape
Gentry was also a wealth of knowledge when it came to recommendations for restaurants and other activities in Denver and the surrounding area.
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Great Way to Spend Half a Day
Rachelle_N, Mar 2023
Denver and Foothills Mountain Small-Group Tour
Quick trip to Denver for spring break.
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Great snow day!
Tiffiney_C, Jan 2023
Shared Half-Day Mountain Tour in Red Rocks Evergreen and Echo Lake
A wonderful to see snow and nature if you are not a skier or snowboarder.
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Jam packed. Learned so much.
AM_P, Jan 2023
Downtown Denver History & Highlights - Small Group Walking Tour
Anne gave us so many suggestions about what to see and do.
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Awesome short trip!
Daniel_A, Jan 2023
Foothills Explorer Tour From Denver
Wasn’t able to do a full day tour so this worked out perfect and gave us a chance to see the nature around Denver while on a short city trip.
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Excellent customer service
Jennifer_G, Oct 2022
Discover Rocky Mountain National Park from Denver or Boulder
I wanted to make sure I wasn’t doubling up on my site seeing and didn’t know what to do with my luggage.
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October 2022
Kelly_C, Oct 2022
Twilight Ghost Tour
We enjoyed getting to see some of the historic homes/businesses in Denver and hearing some of the history behind them.
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Loved it
Aleksandra_O, Sep 2022
Small Group Tour of Pikes Peak and the Garden of the Gods from Denver
It's a great option to see nearby sites when visiting Denver!
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Fantastic!
Brianna_S, Sep 2022
Downtown Denver Food Tour
It’s a unique way to see a new city.
We perform checks on reviews

All about Denver

When to visit

To dodge Denver’s summer crowds, visit in the spring or fall shoulder season (April–May and September–October), both of which see lower rates and still-warm weather. Deal-seekers and winter-sports enthusiasts should choose to visit in winter, when it’s easier to snag a deal and the nearby ski resorts are open.

Currency
US Dollar ($)
Time Zone
MDT (UTC -7)
Country Code
+1
Language(s)
English

People Also Ask

What is Denver known for?

Parts of the Mile-High City, situated at the base of the Rocky Mountains, are at exactly 5,280 feet (1,609 meters). Denver’s population has exploded in recent years. It is known for outdoor adventures, a strong craft beer scene, and vibrant arts and culture sectors.

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How can I spend 3 days in Denver?

Start in LoDo (Lower Downtown), Denver’s oldest neighborhood where you’ll find Union Station, ​​Museum of Contemporary Art Denver, and Larimer Square—the city's oldest block known for chef-driven restaurants and nightlife. Catch a show at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, wander 16th Street Mall, and expand your mind at Meow Wolf.

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What part of Denver should I visit?

Book accommodations in LoDo (Lower Downtown) if possible. You’ll be near Union Station, countless restaurants and bars, and Larimer Square and McGregor Square. RiNo, or River North (aka Five Points), boasts nightlife, vibrant street art, and Denver Central Market. Chill LoHi (Lower Highlands) offers views of Denver’s skyline.

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Where is the best view in Denver?

Head to the roof of the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, aka the Anschutz Family Sky Terrace. From here, you’ll catch views of the downtown skyline, the capitol dome, and—on clear days— Mt. Evans and Longs Peak in the distance.

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What should I not miss near Denver?

Make the drive up Mount Evans on the highest paved road on the continent—14,260 feet (4,346 meters). At the top, see Colorado's Front Range. For a different kind of Rocky Mountain view, catch a show at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, one of the most famous outdoor US venues.

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What is there to do in Denver in the winter?

Many Denverites hit the slopes—Colorado has 28 ski resorts. In the city, grab tea at historic Brown Palace or tour the Coors Brewery. Scope out Denver Art Museum or Denver Union Station, dip into Indian Hot Springs, or ice-skate at Skyline Park. The city’s bars, restaurants, and music venues attract crowds year-round.

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Denver information

Number of Attractions

30

Number of Tours

264

Number of Reviews

15,927

Currency

USD
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