Denver: what's actually worth it
Denver’s spirit was forged when gold rushers traded pickaxes for poker chips at the Baldwin Saloon in 1859, a moment that birthed both its boisterous reputation and its enduring love affair with recreation. Today, the city breathes with a relaxed, sun-drenched confidence where mountain air meets urban grit, feeling less like a metropolis and more like a massive front porch overlooking the Rockies. It is now a vibrant, walkable hub for craft beer enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike, perfectly balancing historic charm with modern energy under the vast Colorado sky.
Top things to do in Denver
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre
Park · ★ 4.9 (64,705 reviews)
Hikeable & bikeable red-stone cliffs, plus a gift shop, grill & amphitheater hosting big-name acts.
Check tours & tickets →Denver Zoo
Zoo · ★ 4.6 (31,970 reviews)
Sprawling facility with animal exhibits, shows & demonstrations, plus venues for eating & shopping.
Check tours & tickets →Denver Botanic Gardens
Botanical Garden · ★ 4.8 (18,587 reviews)
Horticultural library at Denver Botanic Gardens including rare books, seed catalogs & other items.
Check tours & tickets →Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Museum · ★ 4.7 (18,445 reviews)
Movie theater chain known for presenting 3D films on a giant screen, including blockbusters.
Check tours & tickets →Denver Art Museum
Art museum · ★ 4.7 (16,363 reviews)
2 buildings (the second designed by architect Daniel Libeskind) highlighting Western & regional art.
Check tours & tickets →Meow Wolf Denver's Convergence Station
Art Gallery · ★ 4.5 (18,290 reviews)
Surreal, walk-through art experience with many interactive rooms, bizarre sculptures & a story arc.
Check tours & tickets →Lookout Mountain Park
Park · ★ 4.8 (8,190 reviews)
Park boasting wooded foothills, scenic road, picnic shelter & Buffalo Bill burial site & museum.
Check tours & tickets →Downtown Aquarium
Aquarium · ★ 4.3 (23,034 reviews)
Sprawling complex with a state-of-the-art aquarium housing 500+ species, plus a restaurant & lounge.
Check tours & tickets →Larimer Square
Historical Landmark · ★ 4.5 (9,976 reviews)
Historic district at the spot where Denver was founded, with independent shops, bars & restaurants.
Check tours & tickets →Where to eat
Sam's No. 3
Breakfast Restaurant · ★ 4.6 (10,665 reviews)
Circa-1927 kitschy diner dishing up big helpings of comfort food from breakfast through dinner.
Website →Corinne Denver
Restaurant · ★ 4.8 (6,319 reviews)
Upscale American eatery and bar with a warm, relaxed vibe at the stylish Le Méridien hotel.
Website →Atomic Cowboy home of Denver Biscuit Co & Fat Sully's NY Pizza
Restaurant · ★ 4.6 (8,235 reviews)
Biscuit-based breakfast & sandwich shop set up inside the warehouse-like Atomic Cowboy bar.
Website →Aquarium Restaurant
Seafood Restaurant · ★ 4.7 (6,432 reviews)
Large seafood & steak restaurant decorated by a huge fish tank filled with tropical sea creatures.
Website →The Denver Central Market
Market · ★ 4.7 (6,073 reviews)
Meat & fish counters plus a greengrocer, bakery, pizzeria & much more in an airy marketplace.
Website →The Cherry Cricket
Hamburger Restaurant · ★ 4.5 (6,584 reviews)
Long-running hub with build-your-own burgers among other American staples & a large beer selection.
Website →Guard and Grace
Steak House · ★ 4.7 (4,523 reviews)
Modern steakhouse serving chops, small plates & fine wines in an airy space with a raw bar & patio.
Website →City O' City
Vegetarian Restaurant · ★ 4.5 (6,318 reviews)
Bohemian hangout dishing up high-concept vegetarian fare to meat & plant eaters alike.
Website →Tours worth booking ahead
The Denver Central Market
Market · ★ 4.7 (6,073 reviews)
Meat & fish counters plus a greengrocer, bakery, pizzeria & much more in an airy marketplace.
Check tours & tickets →Get outside
Lookout Mountain Park
Park · ★ 4.8 (8,190 reviews)
Park boasting wooded foothills, scenic road, picnic shelter & Buffalo Bill burial site & museum.
Website →Cherry Creek State Park
State Park · ★ 4.6 (9,717 reviews)
Large park around a reservoir with camping, water sports & many other outdoor leisure activities.
Website →Chautauqua Park
Park · ★ 4.8 (5,456 reviews)
National Historic Landmark at the base of Flatirons for hiking, lodging, dining, films & more.
Website →Sloan's Lake Park
Park · ★ 4.6 (6,462 reviews)
Denver's 2nd largest park, with jogging paths & grassy spots around a boating-friendly lake.
Website →Eldorado Canyon State Park
State Park · ★ 4.8 (4,127 reviews)
Park known for rock-climbing & outdoor activities, thanks to sandstone cliffs & natural attractions.
Website →After dark
Tom's Watch Bar - Coors Field
Sports Bar · ★ 4.9 (8,783 reviews)
Sports matches on multiple TV screens, classic bar food & freshly brewed beer in a lively venue.
Website →54thirty Rooftop
Bar · ★ 4.7 (3,603 reviews)
On the 20th-floor roof of Le Méridien hotel, this open-air lounge offers panoramas & fire pits.
Website →Dazzle Denver
Bar · ★ 4.6 (1,714 reviews)
Eclectic eats & cocktails fuel jazz fans who visit this supper club for the nightly live acts.
Website →Tap Fourteen - Rooftop Beer Garden
Bar & Grill · ★ 4.4 (1,843 reviews)
Convivial hangout featuring an array of local beers & spirits, plus a rooftop patio with city views.
Website →More guides
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