A complete guide to Denver, Colorado, covering the vibrant arts districts, craft beer scene, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Rocky Mountain day trips, and the unique Mile High culture that combines outdoorsy adventure with urban sophistication.
Denver's most vibrant neighborhood for street art, galleries, breweries, and restaurants. The Crush Walls festival adds new murals every September, but art covers buildings year-round. Ratio Beerworks, Our Mutual Friend, and Epic Brewing anchor the brewery scene. The Source Hotel and Market Hall has artisan food vendors. Walking the alley murals between Larimer and Walnut Streets is a highlight.
Walk the mural-covered alleys
Visit craft breweries on Larimer Street
Visit the Denver Art Museum
A world-class museum with a striking angular building by Daniel Libeskind. Strong collections in Western American art, Indigenous art, and textile art. The Frederic C. Hamilton Building is an architectural landmark. Free for Colorado residents on the first Saturday of each month. General admission USD 15. The adjacent Clyfford Still Museum (USD 10) houses the complete works of the abstract expressionist.
Walk through Union Station
Denver's beautifully restored 1914 train station is now a hub of restaurants, bars, and boutique shops. The Great Hall has a living room atmosphere with sofas and table games. Terminal Bar and the Cooper Lounge are popular evening spots. The Crawford Hotel occupies the upper floors. Even if you are not catching a train, it is worth visiting for the atmosphere and dining options.
Explore the LoDo (Lower Downtown) neighborhood
Denver's oldest neighborhood, with Victorian brick warehouses converted into restaurants, galleries, and loft apartments. Larimer Square (the city's first block) has upscale dining and string lights creating a romantic atmosphere. Coors Field (Colorado Rockies baseball) anchors the area. The 16th Street Mall, a pedestrian-friendly boulevard, runs through LoDo with free shuttle buses.
Music and Nature
See a show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre
A naturally formed amphitheater carved into 300-million-year-old red sandstone, 30 minutes west of Denver. Universally considered one of the best concert venues in the world. The acoustics, setting, and views of the city below are extraordinary. Concerts run April through October. When no events are scheduled, the venue is free to visit and has hiking trails (Ship Rock Trail). Check the calendar and book early as shows sell out.
Check the concert calendar and book tickets
Hike the trails when no shows are scheduled
Hike in the Rocky Mountain foothills
Red Rocks Park (free, open daily) and Mount Falcon (20 minutes west) have excellent trails with mountain views. The Mount Sanitas Trail in nearby Boulder (1 hour from Denver) is a popular local hike. For a full Rocky Mountain experience, Rocky Mountain National Park is 90 minutes northwest with trails ranging from easy lakeside walks to challenging alpine scrambles. Park entry USD 30.
Visit City Park and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science
Denver's largest park has a lake, gardens, and views of the skyline with the Rockies behind it. The Denver Museum of Nature and Science (USD 20) has excellent dinosaur, space, and gems exhibits plus an IMAX theater and planetarium. City Park is also home to the Denver Zoo (USD 22). The park's east side offers the classic Denver skyline-meets-mountains photograph.
Craft Beer and Food
Tour Denver's craft brewery scene
Denver has over 100 craft breweries within city limits. The RiNo district has the highest concentration, with Great Divide, Ratio Beerworks, and Our Mutual Friend within walking distance. The Coors Brewery in Golden (30 minutes, free tour) is the world's largest single-site brewery. A self-guided brewery crawl in RiNo or the Sunnyside neighborhood covers 4-5 breweries in an afternoon.
Do a brewery crawl in RiNo
Tour the Coors Brewery in Golden (free)
Eat green chile and Southwestern food
Denver's food scene leans Southwestern and Mexican-influenced. Green chile (pork or chicken in roasted green chile sauce) smothers burritos, eggs, and burgers. Santiago's and Sam's No. 3 are local favorites for breakfast burritos. The Denver omelette (ham, pepper, onion, cheese) originated here. Guard and Grace and Mercantile Dining represent the upscale dining scene.
Try a smothered green chile burrito
Eat a Denver omelette
Visit the Denver Central Market
A food hall in RiNo with a curated selection of local vendors including a butcher, bakery, pasta maker, and multiple prepared food counters. Curio Bar (craft cocktails), Izzio Artisan Bakery, and Culture Meat serve standout items. The communal tables and open layout make it a social gathering spot. Open daily for breakfast through dinner.
Day Trips
Day trip to Boulder
A vibrant college town 45 minutes northwest, with the Flatirons rock formations as its backdrop. Pearl Street Mall (a pedestrian shopping and dining district) is the heart of town. The Flatirons Trail (2.5 miles round trip) offers a moderate hike with stunning views. Chautauqua Park is the trailhead. Boulder has its own excellent restaurant and brewery scene. Frequent bus service from Denver.
Walk Pearl Street Mall
Hike the Flatirons
Day trip to Rocky Mountain National Park
90 minutes from Denver, with Trail Ridge Road (the highest continuous paved road in the US at 12,183 feet) open June through October. Bear Lake, Emerald Lake, and Alberta Falls are popular hikes. Elk and mule deer sightings are common. Timed entry reservations are required from May through October (recreation.gov). Bring layers as temperatures at elevation can be 15-20 degrees cooler than Denver.
Ski or snowboard in the Rockies
World-class ski resorts are 60-120 minutes from Denver. Arapahoe Basin (closest), Loveland, and Breckenridge are popular day-trip options. The I-70 corridor to the ski areas is heavily trafficked on weekend mornings, so leave before 6 AM or after 10 AM. Season runs November through April, with some resorts extending into May-June. Day passes cost USD 150-250 at major resorts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do I need in Denver?
Three to four days covers the main neighborhoods, brewery scene, a day trip to Red Rocks or Rocky Mountain National Park, and the food scene. Two days works for the city highlights but misses the mountain excursions that define the Denver experience. Add days for skiing, Boulder, or extended hiking.
What about altitude sickness in Denver?
Denver sits at 5,280 feet (1,609 meters, hence the Mile High City nickname). Most visitors experience only mild effects: slight breathlessness, faster dehydration, and stronger effects from alcohol. Drink extra water, take it easy the first day, and limit alcohol initially. If heading to the mountains (10,000+ feet), the effects are more pronounced and altitude sickness medication may be helpful.
When is the best time to visit Denver?
Denver averages 300 days of sunshine. June through September offers warm weather (25-33°C) and ideal hiking and outdoor conditions. October brings fall foliage in the mountains. Winter (November-March) is ski season with cold but usually sunny days (0-10°C). Denver's dry air makes even cold temperatures feel more comfortable than in humid climates.
Do I need a car in Denver?
For the city itself, the light rail, buses, and ride-sharing cover most areas. The free 16th Street Mall shuttle, B-cycle bike share, and walkable neighborhoods like RiNo and LoDo make a car unnecessary downtown. For day trips (Red Rocks, Rocky Mountain NP, ski resorts, Boulder), a car is strongly recommended as public transit options are limited.