Back to ExplorePlan a trip
Denver, United States

Destination Guide

Denver

United States

Best things to do in Denver

38 curated attractions in Denver, United States. Handpicked for every kind of traveler.

Best time

June - August

Average temp

10°C/50°F

Budget

Mid-range

Safety

Take care

About Denver

Denver, famously a mile high, is defined by its elevation and proximity to the Rocky Mountains. This altitude fuels an outdoor culture that attracts those who dream of hiking, skiing, and, of course, craft beer after a long day on the trails. The city features a mix of urban amenities and natural beauty that keeps it interesting. Union Station buzzes with life as a transport hub and dining spot, while the arts scene thrives at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. The state capitol, with its dome shimmering in the sunshine, is a prime selfie spot for those who just have to prove they stood on 5,280 feet of earth. People come for the outdoor activities, but they often stay for the breweries and the surprisingly good food scene.

Who it's for

Perfect for those who enjoy the combination of city life and outdoor adventures. If you prefer the beach over the mountains, or if crowds and altitude make you uneasy, this may not be your cup of tea. Families will find plenty to do, while those seeking a quieter experience might want to look elsewhere.

Getting around

Public transport: Good

  • The downtown area is walkable and most attractions are within a thirty-minute stroll.
  • Public transport, including light rail and buses, is reliable and covers much of the city.
  • Denver International Airport is about a thirty-minute drive from downtown, so plan accordingly.
  • Union Station is a central point for both transport and dining.
Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum

Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum

Science & natural history museums
Denver Botanic Gardens

Denver Botanic Gardens

Botanical gardens
Cherry Creek Shopping Center

Cherry Creek Shopping Center

Malls & department stores
Sports Authority Field at Mile High

Sports Authority Field at Mile High

Stadiums & sports venues
Denver Public Library

Denver Public Library

Historic libraries & universities
Denver Art Museum

Denver Art Museum

Art museums & galleries
Union Station Neighborhood

Union Station Neighborhood

Streets & neighbourhoods
Denver Firefighters Museum

Denver Firefighters Museum

Specialty & quirky museums
Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave

Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave

History museums
Denver's City Park

Denver's City Park

City parks
Civic Center Park

Civic Center Park

City parks
Denver's Tivoli Brewing Company

Denver's Tivoli Brewing Company

Breweries, distilleries & food makers
Colorado State Capitol

Colorado State Capitol

Modern architecture & skyscrapers
Molly Brown House Museum

Molly Brown House Museum

Historic houses & mansions
16th Street Mall

16th Street Mall

Shopping streets & districts
Denver Museum of Nature & Science

Denver Museum of Nature & Science

Science & natural history museums
Larimer Square

Larimer Square

Streets & neighbourhoods
Denver Tivoli

Denver Tivoli

Breweries, distilleries & food makers
Colorado Convention Center

Colorado Convention Center

Modern architecture & skyscrapers
Denver Union Station

Denver Union Station

Modern architecture & skyscrapers
Denver Aquarium

Denver Aquarium

Aquariums
Chaffee Park

Chaffee Park

Natural Wonders
Cheesman Park

Cheesman Park

Urban Attractions
Coors Field

Coors Field

Stadiums & sports venues
SU Spur

SU Spur

Nature
Denver Zoo

Denver Zoo

Zoos
Dairy Block

Dairy Block

Urban Attractions
Commons Park

Commons Park

Nature
Daniels Park

Daniels Park

Nature
McGregor Square

McGregor Square

Entertainment
Lovett Pavilion

Lovett Pavilion

Arts and Entertainment Venues
Colorado Railroad Museum

Colorado Railroad Museum

Specialty & quirky museums
Bluebird Theater

Bluebird Theater

Entertainment
Denver Center for the Performing Arts

Denver Center for the Performing Arts

Theatres & opera houses
Denver Pavillions

Denver Pavillions

Shopping and Markets
Sunny Lawson Park

Sunny Lawson Park

Sports and Recreation Venues
Denver Mint

Denver Mint

Specialty & quirky museums
Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park

Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park

Theme parks

Where to eat in Denver

The places worth planning a meal around.

In-N-Out Burger

In-N-Out Burger

American

★ 4.5 · 2,772 reviews

Van Leeuwen

Van Leeuwen

Ice Cream, Vegan Desserts · $5–$15

★ 4.6 · 473 reviews

Molotov Kitchen and Cocktails

Molotov Kitchen and Cocktails

American, Fusion · $$

★ 4.6 · 400 reviews

Vivid Minds Cafe

Vivid Minds Cafe

Modern American · $$

★ 4.7 · 216 reviews

Moodswing

Moodswing

American Fusion · $20–$40

★ 4.7 · 165 reviews

Travel Tools

Check visa for United StatesEstimate costs for DenverCompare Denver with another cityPacking list for Denver

AI Travel Planner

Planning a trip to Denver?

Get a personalized itinerary built around your travel personality — with optimized routes, hidden gems, and insider tips.

Take the quiz — it's free →