Denver is the capital of Colorado, one of the best places to experience nature in the US. If you are on a roadtrip and somehow want to make it through the country instead of only passing the coast, Colorado therefore is a great place to stop by and Denver could be your top pick for a short stay. The locals are extremely welcoming and with its strategic position to many interesting sights, Denver is the ideal trip destination. Get yourself equipped with our overview on the best things to do in Denver to make the most out of your vacation!
1. Denver Union Station
If you arrive in Denver by train, you will already see the impressing building of the Denver Union Station. A perfect place to get some food after a long journey since the restaurants around the area cover a wide range of culinary desires. Especially in the evening the Union Station becomes a hub for nightlife and you should definitely visit in case you wouldn’t arrive there by train!
2. Golden Triangle
This evolving art district covers everything a cultural nerd needs, from the best museums you could ask for to artistically designed streets and buildings. In the museums you can even see Native American art which most people outside of the US have not experienced yet. The best way to explore this area is by foot and if you have a few hours of time, this is one of the best things to do in Denver!
3. Denver Art Museum
One of the largest museums in the region, the Denver Art Museum deserves a special highlight in our list and lies right inside the Golden Triangle. First of all, the building itself is really good to look at but more importantly the exhibits inside give you a very broad overview of North American history with a particular focus on Native Americans.
4. Try Denver Beer
The area around Denver produces more craft beer than most other areas in the US. For this reason, a free guide was developed that should lead visitors through the brewery culture of Denver. With this “Denver Beer Trail”, you are set to discover 20 breweries in town and get to taste some of the best beer in the country. However, it is better to eat something beforehand because 20 breweries just means a lot of beer!
5. Larimer Square
It is often stated that this place is “where Denver began”, with the first saloons and shops having opened in this part of the city. If you want to get a feeling for the local vibes, this is one of the best things to do in Denver! Larimer Square still has a very historical atmosphere and is a major hub for Denver’s nightlife with bars and nightclubs inviting the locals and visitors to have a good time.
6. Red Rocks Park
The Red Rocks Park lies in the north of Denver and features mostly red sandstones. The great thing about this place is that it contains an Amphitheater with events and concerts regularly taking place. For this purpose it is certainly one of the most special locations and one of the best things to do in Denver, especially during the summer time when every one likes to go out and have some cold drinks between the rocks.
7. Rocky Mountain National Park
You might already have waited for it – what would be a trip to the capital of Colorado without seeing the Rocky Mountains? Denver is often called the gate to the Rockies which are only a 1,5 hour drive away from the city – so it is a great idea for a day trip and one of the best things to do in Denver (or around it). Of course you cannot explore the whole park in its full dimensions in a day but hiking through the beautiful landscapes can still be an enriching experience even if you can just see a small portion of it!
