THINGS TO DO

Botanical Gardens: Each season presents different fauna, but the best time to go is in the winter for the Blossom of Lights where the gardens are holiday themed or in the spring when everything is blooming. 

Check out a Sporting Event: The Rockies Stadium has an awesome rooftop and boasts the only baseball stadium to have an in-house brewery. The Championship winning Avs and Nuggets reside in Ball Arena, and the Broncos stadium is a stunning venue. 

Day trip to Golden: A twenty minute drive away, go on a mountain drive to Lookout Mountain. Then, head into Golden to experience their quaint downtown and check out the Coors Brewery. Little tip, you get three 10 ounce beers at the end of the tour. We also recommend hitting up The Golden Mill, an eatery with multiple restaurants and a huge patio space right on the creek.

Dairy Block, Stapleton Marketplace, and The Source are all awesome spaces to hang out, eat, drink, and browse shops. 

First Fridays: In the Sante Fe art district on the first Friday of every month (year around) you can wander through open art galleries and pick up some yummy food. Many galleries have free wine and beer!

Hang out in a park: Denver has over 200 parks – so grab some friends, some booze (just no glass), snacks, and games. Washington Park, Sloan’s Lake, Cheeseman, and City Park are our favorites!

Hiking: Colorado is known for being absolutely beautiful. Check out our hiking sections below for a variety of places to explore.

Hit up a dispensary: Even if you don’t partake, it’s super interesting to check out. Native Roots, Lightshade and Kush Club are large, well stocked stores.

Larimer Square: Throughout the year this street has various dining events and an insane Chalk Art Festival, but on any given night you’ll want to wander around, eat, and look up the beautiful lights. Pop into Garage Store Vintage to vintage shop and grab a cocktail. 

RiNo Street Art: Short for River North, this area of Denver is filled with breweries and street art that’s redone every year. Wander around and explore! 

Union Station: Stop by for a drink or to grab something to eat. Cooper Lounge up top gives speakeasy vibes and Mercantile is an amazing spot for dinner. It’s always decorated during the holidays! 

White Water Rafting: Such a thrill and a fun group experience. Clear Creek Rafting is top notch or head further south to the Royal Gorge.

Visit Red Rocks: Arguably one of the best concert venues in the world. Catch a concert, comedy show, or even go for a workout. Open all day – just make sure you go in the morning if there’s a concert scheduled for that night.

 

PLACES TO EAT

Breakfast/Brunch

Bacon House Social: Get the millionaire bacon.  Great brunch spot. 

Denver Biscuit Company: Huge cinnamon rolls, massive biscuits, full stomachs all around. Get the Franklin.

Historians:  Go rooftop or inside, but either way the service is always phenomenal. The Spanish Hangover works wonders, and bottomless mimosas or bloodies are cheap.

Tamayo: Mexican with a twist. Get bottomless brunch for only 30 bucks. This means you can switch between margaritas or different flavored mimosas, and try every single small-plate on the menu until you can’t. 

Onefold: Quaint little breakfast cafe that’s worth the wait. 

Sassafras: Southern style meals. Get their bloody mary tasters, and try their jalapeno biscuits. 

Sam’s No 3: Diner style breakfast food. Featured on the Food Network so you know it’s good – they normally have a line wrapped around the block, so get there early!

Lunch

Civic Center Park Food Trucks:  In the warmer months, check out this park Tuesday through Thursday for an awesome rotation of food trucks.

Cherry Cricket: Award winning burgers and a humongous selection of beers. 

Denver Central Market: This cute place is perfect to work, go for a date, or grab a quick bite to eat. They have ice cream, sea food, a bar and more.

Denver Milk Market: If you’re indecisive, this is a great place to start. This food hall has tons of options for sit down restaurants and a great place to wander. 

Mod Market:The healthiest fast food you’ll find. Check it out in the airport too!

Olive and Finch: The perfect place to pick up a quick, healthy sandwich or salad. 

Range: The wood-fired pizzas are delicious. Or, for a lighter meal get the Warm Brussel Sprout Salad. 

Dinner

Ace Eat Serve: Grab a bite or delicious Asian cuisine then grab your ping pong paddle – that’s right, it’s in a ping pong hall. 

Avanti: A collective eatery and bar, it was hard to decide which section to put this awesome establishment in. With beautiful views of the Denver skyline and a variety of places to eat, it works for everyone. 

Avelina: go with a group and try the chef’s taster menu. 6 courses that won’t disappoint. 

Bao Brewhouse: Super cool vibe, with street style Chinese food. 

Brider: If you’re looking for something healthy but fast, this place is for you. The chicken and flank steak are both phenomenal.

Butcher’s Bistro: An in house butcher and phenomenal dishes. One of our favorite spots.

Cho77: Upscale Vietnamese street food. Honestly, everything from their duck legs to bowls are amazing. 

Corridor 44: Champagne bar and swanky food. We loved the flights of champagne. 

El Five: Great views and even better tapas. They fill up quick so make reservations far in advance. 

Gaetanos: Previously housed by mobsters, this authentic Italian place will take you back in time. They also have a fire Bloody Mary bar at brunch!

Happy Camper: The perfect instagrammable spot with great pizza and fun cocktails. Make reservations far in advance. 

Ian’s Pizza: Insane speciality pizzas. Get the Mac n’ Cheese one. 

Little Man Ice Cream: Ice cream counts as dinner, right? The line may be long but it moves fast. Flavors rotate, this place is popular for a reason!

Machete: The spiciest margarita’s and great Mexican food. A little pricey, but never disappoints.

Senor Bear:  Latin inspired shareable plates and fantastic drinks.

Stueben’s: Ever popular since Food Network visited, their herb roasted chicken, mac and cheese, and pot roast are perfect comfort foods.

Tacos Tequila and Whiskey: Definitely get the cast-iron skillet filled with queso at this a la carte taco joint. Top off your meal with a heavy-handed  margarita. 

Uchi: One of our favorite sushi spots. Make sure you go during happy hour for phenomenal half off deals. 

Postino: Stop by on a Monday or Tuesday to get a bottle of wine and bruschetta board for only 20 dollars. It will be busy, so stop by Recess next door will you wait. 

Sushi Den: They fly their fish in fresh daily to make sure you’re getting the absolutely best selections. If the wait is too long, check out Izakaya next store – it’s owned by the same people. Don’t miss out on sake flights either!

Post Brewing Co: Some of the best fried chicken you can find west of the Mississippi. They also have their own speciality beers they brew in house. 

Uncle: Dressed up, gourmet Ramen.

Wolf’s Tailor: a Michelin star restuarant with an amazing tasting menu and cocktail pairing to boot. 

Options for diet restrictions

City O’ City: The best vegetarian wings you’ll ever find. Seriously. Lots of gluten free options, too.

Corner Beet: Smoothie bowls, juices, and oodles of veggie options. 

Just Be Kitchen:  A 100% grain, gluten, and refined sugar menu. Their menu changes every season and is so delicious! 

Root Down: One of Denver’s favorites, with options to go gluten free or vegan. They only use the best ingredients.

Sweet Action Ice Cream: Tons of rotating vegan ice cream options! Head to their website to see what flavors they have today.

PLACES TO DRINK

Breweries

River North: The locals call it RiNo, but head north of downtown for a variety of breweries and street art. Stem Ciders, First Draught, Epic, Ratio, 10 Barrel and more are all recommended. 

Denver Beer Co: Fall favorites are the Graham Cracker Porter and Pumpkin Beer.

Bars

The Denver bar scene is pretty relaxed. There’s only a few clubs, and it’s totally acceptable not to get very dressed up when you go out. 

Peaks Lounge: Go here for the views of the city and mountains from the 27th floor.

54 Thirty: Another bar with sweeping views and fun cocktails. 

LoDo – Typically more rowdy and filled with 20 somethings. Especially busy after Rockies games and on weekends. 

1UP: Arcade games galore and mystery drinks. 

Front Porch: Check their online calendar to see if your name lands on a night, and you’ll drink for free! Wednesdays are also flip night to test your luck. 

Gaslamp: You have to try a red bull slushy. 

Herbs: Live music and cheap tall boys. 

Larimer Beer Hall: Just as it sounds, and a good time.

Mile High: A bar to end your night at that only sells hard spirits. Liquor lovers rejoice.

Retro Room: Drink for free on Wednesdays from 9 to 10 p.m., no cover, and you absolutely have to try the pickle shots. 

Tap Fourteen: A perfect downtown Denver rooftop bar. In the summer they’ll have corn hole and it’s a great place, day or night. Don’t forget to stop on your way up to Hayters, the downstairs bar, for beer bong and a dance floor. 

The Refinery: Check out their famous flower shot.

View House: An awesome place to day drink! They’ve got an upstairs as well as turf outside with rotating games. 


Highlands/LoHi- More low key with a variety of places to choose from: speakeasies, dive bars,  and even the fancier side. 

Forest Room Five: This eclectic bar is like a fairy tale with cool  outside seating.

Lady Jane: Super vibey with a variety of speciality drinks. The bartenders know what they’re doing here!

Recess: Super trendy outdoor environment. Also, great food. 

Occidental: A little more on the divey side, but cheap drinks, a patio, and arcade games. 

Williams and Graham: Modeled after a speakeasy, you’ll be super impressed as they open the secret entrance. 


Broadway- A strip of pubs, dives, and bars with a more chill vibe but still tons of fun and can get rowdy later on. 

Canopy: Super posh and well-decorated – a fun place to hang out. 

Don’s Club Tavern: Their tagline is “Denver’s best dive bar” and we’d have to agree. Don’t forget to checkout their quirky vending machine. 

Irish Rover: Your typical Irish bar with a rooftop.

Punch Bowl: Filled with arcade games and a bowling alley, and the best place to get a giant, you guessed it, punch bowl. You’ll need multiple people. 

Stoney’s: your typical sports bar. Tons of space, and great bar food too. 


RiNo– Mostly breweries, but also a ton of bars with food trucks outside. A little less mainstream than the LoDo area. 

Death & Co: Super posh spot to grab a drink. They don’t take reservations so put your name in and hang out at Los Chingones while you wait. 

Finn’s Manor: Delicious punches rotating in the inside bar, and always filled with food trucks outside.

Lustre Pearl: A casual place to hang out or whirl a hula hoop. On weekends they’ve got big screens up for games. 

Matchbox: Great beer/shot specials. 

Meadowlark: A super intimate space where you can dance in the dark – if you’re into that. Sometimes a cover for DJs that are playing, and it’s a crapshoot if they’re great or not. 

Welton Room: Really dramatic drinks (think smoke + dry ice) and a good time. 

Coffee Shops


Amethyst: They make all of their ‘milks’ in house: cashew, almond, you name it. 

Crema: Great coffee. Period. 

Teatulia Tea Bar: The tea lattes are to die for. Great baked goodies too. 


Happy Hour

Adelitas Cocina y Cantina: Dollar tacos and four dollar margaritas on Taco Tuesday. 

Brother’s Bar: Every day boasts a different deal whether it be wings, pitchers, or burgers, but everyday from 3-7 get half off drinks. 

Historian’s: We already mentioned their food, but happy hour might beat that. Monday through Friday, 11 AM to 7 PM – dollar tacos, 3 dollar wells, four dollar glasses of wine, and more. 

Linger: A great rooftop vibe, with 5 dollar specialty cocktails and 4 dollar craft beers. 4 – 6:30. 

Ocean Prime: From 3:30 to 6, enjoy dollar oysters, 10 dollar sushi, and 10 dollar specialty cocktails…you don’t want to miss these!

Ophelia’s: More relaxed than their weekend vibes, come in Monday through Friday, 4-6, where everything is under 7 bucks. 

 

PLACES TO STAY

The Warwick Hotel has a rooftop pool if you’re looking for a place to hang out on hot summer days in the city.

Other hotels that are centrally located in the downtown area with reasonably walking or Uber/Lyft distances include the Curtis, the Magnolia, Sheraton Denver, Hyatt Place, and the Four Seasons. The Maven at the Dairy Block is also super chic and a great location. 

The Hyatt Regency has the terrific Peaks Lounge bar where you can soak in all the views. 

Airbnb, is, as always, a good option. Look for locations in the LoDo, Highlands, RiNo, or LoHi area to stay in the middle of the action!

TRANSPORTATION

As mentioned in the Boulder section, if you want to get between Boulder and Denver, the Flat Iron Flyer runs frequently. For under 5 USD, you can get a one way ticket! It takes about an hour to get there. 

Uber and Lyft are available. 

For 9 USD for 24 hours, you can get unlimited access to the cities bikes. You’ll see stands scattered around.

To get from the airport, Denver has the RTD A-Line. It takes you straight from the terminals to Union Station for 9 USD in about 45 minutes. 

Denver does have other RTD lines, but they’re more for commuting than tourism. However, you can get cheap day passes if it works for you and check out their train and bus routes here!

HIKES & MORE

St. Mary’s Glacier: Easy. Takes you up to a lake. You can also ski up top year around!
Isabelle Glacier: Easy. Insane lake with jarring mountains.
Fourth of July Trail: Moderate. Beautiful spring wildflowers and water features.
Chief Mountain: Moderate. 360 degree views.
Emerald Lake: In RMNP. Only 3 miles but views, lakes, and beautiful terrain.
Carpenter Peak: Moderate. Tons of different terrain and beautiful mountain views.
Raccoon Trail: Moderate. Great hike to see the Aspens turn.
Independence Mountain: Moderate. Close to Denver but expansive views.
Shrine Ridge Trail: Moderate. Takes you along a ridge line for great views. 
Royal Arch Trail: Moderate. You get to go through an awesome arch formation.
Mohawk Lake Trail: Moderate. Features four beautiful lakes. 
Grey’s and Torrey’s Peaks: Difficult. Two 14ers you can tackle in one day. 
Sky Pond: Difficult. In RMNP, surrounds you with dangerous looking mountains.
Snikatu: Difficult. A windy 13er with views of Breck and Keystone.
Pack Four: Difficult. Four 14ers to conquer in one day. Extremely hard but absoultely beautiful!

We recommend using the app All Trails  to find hikes based on difficulty, distance, are dog friendly, and that are near you!

Rocky Mountain National Park: Only a couple of hours from Denver, this National Park has numerous trails of all difficulties to explore. Estes Park, the small town outside of RMNP is a great place to stay, eat, and shop.

Great Sand Dunes National Park: This park looks like something you would see on Mars. Make sure you hike all the way up the crest of the dunes and see into the miles of sand at the base of the mountains. Bring a snowboard or sand board or rent one before driving into the park! 

Mesa Verde: You can take a walking tour of these ancient Puebloan dwellings that are built into the cliffs. 

Black Canyon of the Gunnison: Huge black walls that plummet into a gorge. Awe-inspiring place to stargaze.