The 20 things to do in Denver

Are you tempted by the large areas of Colorado? Don't miss visiting his capital Denver!

By visiting Denver, the capital of Colorado, you will discover a cosmopolitan and modern city nestled on the edge of the Rockies, in spectacular landscapes. Nicknamed " Mile High City "it peaks at the precise altitude of 1609 meters, 1 mile.

Founded during the gold rush, it gradually developed to become a dynamic city among the most attractive in the country. It is an ideal base for a road trip in Colorado, but also has many attractions not to be missed. Here is the list of the best things to do in Denver to make your stay unforgettable!

1. Visit the Triangle d’Or neighbourhood

The Golden Triangle District , or Triangle d’Or, welcomes many institutions of the city, like its famous Capitol . But it is above all a creative place where most of the museums in the city are located that we will show you below.

This cultural sector also houses numerous art galleries, design boutiques, cafés and trendy restaurants. Add to this the proximity to the 16th Street and Civic Center Park , where squirrels are freely gloved. And you certainly get one of the must-see areas to visit in Denver!

2. Spread in 16th Street Mall

As its name suggests, 16th Street Mall is both a street and a shopping centre. It is the main shopping artery of the city, where the majority of shops are concentrated.

If everything happens outside, the street is exclusively dedicated to shops of all kinds. 16th Street Mall is long, but free shuttles make roundtrips all day, allowing you to go shopping effortlessly. They connect Union Station and Civic Center , near the Capitol.

3. Go to Union Station

Denver train station is located in the so-called LoDo district, which is Lower Downtown . Directed by 1875 She's still active. But if we visit her, it is not necessarily to take the train! First of all, you will admire its beautiful façade before entering the interior.

This station hall does not look like any other and is undoubtedly one of the things to do in Denver. It has been completely redesigned to create a cozy space where residents and travellers love to relax. Chic cafés and restaurants are set around a central area. An ideal place to sit comfortably with a book and a good coffee!

4. Admire street art in Rino and Five Points neighborhoods

RiNo is the nickname River North Art District . This neighborhood and its neighbor Five Points are the spearheads of the movement street-art Denver. By walking around the streets, you will only have to turn or lift your head to admire the works of the artists. Some rooms are monumental, while others are quietly based in the urban environment.

Don’t miss the many art galleries in the area, one of the best things to do in Denver in terms of cultural visit. Not far. Black American West Museum retraces the history of African-Americans at the time of pioneers.

5. Shopping at Rockmount Ranch Wear and Tattered Cover Book Store

To immerse yourself completely in the U.S. atmosphere, push the door Rockmount Ranch Wear . This Western clothing brand is an institution not only in Denver but throughout the country. She dressed many stars like Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Presley or Chuck Norris!

More than a shop, this Western Museum is a must-see in Denver. Why don't you bring a little memory? And to keep another trace of your stay in Denver, visit one of the independent bookstores Tattered Cover . Numerous niches are planned to book on site. You won’t have to find a beautiful original book to slide into your library!

6. Get out on Larimer Square

This little street end downtown houses a good quantity of local designer boutiques. Installed in rehabilitated brick buildings, these clusters allow local artists and artisans to present their works.

Larimer Square is also ideal to go out with its nightclubs and dozens of restaurants. Don't miss Rioja and The Capital Grille , two of the best restaurants to do in Denver!

7. Have a tea at Brown Palace

The Brown Palace is an iconic establishment and one of Denver’s must-sees. Dating 1892 , this hotel is built from Colorado red granite and Arizona sandstones, in an Italian Renaissance style. Today, it is possible to set up every evening in the magnificent lounge of the hotel to enjoy a tea.

The Brown Palace also offers guided tours where you will learn its history and crispy anecdotes, particularly related to the Beatles' stay in 1964.

8. The Denver Art Museum

The building that houses the Denver Art Museum is itself a true work of art. Its original design and the giant sculptures of the court will not leave you indifferent.

The museum houses a collection of 70,000 works distributed according to their geographical origins. Do not miss the area on Amerindian art, which gathers objects from almost all known tribes of North America!

9. History Colorado Center Museum

To understand the installation of the first inhabitants and the development of the settlement in Colorado, this museum is a must-do . Interesting and interactive, it is suitable for both small and large. No less 15 exhibitions spread over 4 levels relate the history of the state, through objects, stories and even participatory workshops.

10. Kirkland Museum

Among the museums to visit in Denver, the Kirkland Museum Don't miss. It highlights the art and design of the last 50 years. Three exhibitions explore the different currents of decorative art, Colorado artists and paintings Vance Kirkland .

11. Forney Museum of Transportation

This original and unique museum of its kind raises the history of means of transport with more 600 pieces of collections . The exhibition includes all kinds of gear, from steam locomotive to buggies, to aircraft. It is one of the best attractions to do in Denver with your family!

12. Visit the big blue bear

For an original photo shoot, go see the big blue bear looking through the window of the Convention Center . Intitulée I See What You Mean » (I see what you mean), artist Lawrence Argent’s work is close to 13 meters high .

It has become an icon of the city for both the inhabitants and the travellers. Originally intended to be black, it is an impression error during the test phase that convinced the artist to give it this blue color.

13. Mount the steps of the Capitole

This magnificent building, built in the late 1890s, houses the office of the Governor of State of Colorado. It is famous for its imposing golden dome, visible from many parts of the city.

In 1908, it was covered with a golden layer to commemorate the gold rush in the region. By climbing the steps of the building, you will observe on the 13th the mark “ Mile High " This is where the altitude of the city is measured!

14. Make the central market and Milk

These two markets give a particularly friendly atmosphere and allow the local population to be rubbed. Producers from the region come to sell fresh and seasonal fruit and vegetables. Some stands even offer local gastronomic specialities or drinks.

It is possible to install on-site in particularly friendly relaxation areas. Aunt Milk Market , the atmosphere is even more focused on exchange and creativity. All the trendy young people find themselves in these places, from artists to musicians. Young fashion chefs prepare creative cuisine, following inspirations from all over the world.

15. Walking in the botanical garden

This huge green space covers 24 hectares In the heart of Denver. It is a perfect place to escape the bustle of the city, while discovering plant species from all over the planet. You will discover all the gardens by yourself or during a guided tour.

They follow different themes: romantic, alpine or Japanese, for example. Temporary artistic collections and exhibitions are also part of this visit among the best to do in Denver.

16. Taste local beer by following the Denver Beer Trail

Initiative implemented by the city, the Denver Beer Trail discover some of the 100 breweries in Denver. You will find on the city's website a map of pubs and breweries opening their doors.

By visiting them, you will learn all the secrets of making a good beer. Guided tours in the city also exist, with tasting at each stage!

17. Go to Coors Field stadium

If you have the opportunity, don’t miss going to bear them Colorado Rockies in their ancestor Coors Field . You will feel the fan's fervour as soon as you enter the stadium, and can participate in the songs throughout the game.

On the roof, a bar is accessible during the games. It offers exceptional views of the stadium and unveils an incredible atmosphere. If you don’t visit Denver during a game period, guided tours suggest you discover the backdrop of the stadium.

18. Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Let's get out of town and run to 25 kilometres west , to discover THE essential thing to do in Denver. This natural amphitheatre is dug into the rock. The geological training offers perfect acoustics and hosts many concerts each year.

In the distance, we see the buildings in the city centre, which forms a striking contrast between nature and modernity. From the amphitheatre, go on the trails Red Rock or Trading Post , through spectacular landscapes of red cliffs.

19. Rocky Mountain National Park

Offer yourself a real experience away from civilization, visiting the natural park of Rocky Mountains . With 72 summits more than 3,500 meters , it is one of the flowers of the mountain range of the Rocky Mountains. It offers some of the most beautiful landscapes in the United States, only 2 hours road Denver.

The scenic road Trail Ridge Road the crossing over 80 kilometers and offers magnificent views for those who do not want to walk. Otherwise, hiking trails are accessible in the summer, and you may be able to cross the local wildlife. Bears, pumas, coyotes, castors and mooses are often at the rendezvous!

20. Colorado National Monument

The Colorado National Monument you will ask 4 hours road from Denver but will reward you with exceptional landscapes. It offers a perfect step on the Moab road and other national parks in the region.

Beautiful hikes await you, with different levels of difficulty, suitable for the whole family. You will be marvelled by the canyons that tear the earth and the fabulous colors ochre at sunset.

How to get to Denver?

By plane

Denver Airport is located northeast of the city. It is one of the largest airports in the country and hosts direct flights from Paris, which take place in 10 a.m. . You can then join the city centre in 40 minutes by car or taxi, and about 50 minutes by public transport. Do not hesitate to go on a Compare flights to find the best rates.

By train

Denver is located in a mountainous and isolated region in the centre of the United States. The distances to reach it by train are therefore long, and sometimes non-existent links. Count 11 a.m. since Salt Lake City For example!

By car

Denver can mark a beautiful stage in a road trip from coast to coast to coast of the United States. The road I-70 rallie Kansas City to Denver 9 a.m. . From Salt Lake City, you will follow the I-80 until Fort Collins then the I-25 to reach Denver 8 a.m. . From Albuquerque south, count 7 a.m. on the same road I-25 .

By bus

The bus network is very developed in the United States and makes it possible to rally any point in the country. The durations of the journeys are the same as those indicated for car transport.

Where to stay in Denver?

Denver is one of the largest cities in the United States and offers numerous accommodation options. First try to determine which area of Denver you want to stay according to your wishes. Gold Triangle for museums, street art to RiNo , outputs to Larimer Square : to you to choose!

The hotels exist in all price ranges, and you will only have to use one Compare hotels to find the nest casing where to put your suitcases. For more independence, opt for housing Airbnb . Some industrial apartments have been tastefully renovated and promise you a stay in Denver of the most comfortable!