Denver

NOTE: Given current regional and national guidelines, certain businesses mentioned in this article are operating on different schedules and at limited capacity. We’ve indicated in the text which of our favorite restaurants, bars and museums are temporarily closed right now, but it’s always best to check ahead since venues may be operating a little differently. Denver perfectly combines epic sports, tasty eats, high-class art and the great outdoors (with a couple dozen dispensaries and breweries thrown in) into one amazing city. To make the most of your time in the Mile High City, peruse our list of the very best things to do in Denver right now. From unique museums and craft-booze crawls, to top-notch restaurants and outdoor adventures, Denver offers a little something for everyone (with no shortage of awesome things to do). And don't just think Colorado ski resorts are the only reason to fly into Denver: This erstwhile mining settlement is also one of the country's best bachelor party destinations and a bona fide cultural hub. So make a reservation at one of the best hotels in Denver and start planning your trip! Done something on this list and loved it? Share it with the hashtag #TimeOutDoList and tag @TimeOutEverywhere. Find out more about how Time Out selects the very best things to do all over the world.

Denver locals have the work-hard-play-hard lifestyle nailed – and it's that philosophy which shines through in the explosion of restaurants, things to do, cafes and food hall collectives. Plus, the ongoing revitalization of downtown’s perimeter neighborhoods like Lower Highland (LoHi) and River North (RiNo) continues to attract ambitious new culinary projects, which in turn pushes longtime pioneers to strengthen their commitments to patrons. The result is a city chock-full of restaurants that work tirelessly to perfect the seasonal and farm-to-table ethos that Colorado is known for. It makes for a culinary scene that’s delightfully playful, for both visionary chefs and exploratory diners. From nationally recognized fine-dining staples to sexy rooftop it-crowd destinations to mega-trendy shipping containers-turned-marketplace-foodie stalls and hip brunch spots, eating out here has never been more delicious. Here's our pick of the best restaurants in Denver.

From cowboys to climbers and skiers to stoners, Denverites are nothing if not naturally casual. But that doesn’t mean the city doesn’t rise to the occasion when it comes to world-class accommodation. Visitors hitting town for a dose of mountain culture, to linger over an espresso in our trendy coffee shops or dive into the booming food scene (which includes some of the best ramen in America), have plenty of places to lay their heads. These 13 hotels—all in proximity to the best things to do in Denver—go to show that, when it comes to hospitality, the Mile High City is ready for its close-up. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

If you’re not brunching in Denver, you’re doing the city wrong. In the past few years, the lingering weekend meal has been elevated to an art form in the Mile High City. With the recent residential and dining boom in Lower Highland (LoHi) and the revitalization of the River North (RiNo) warehouse-turned-art district, it’s no surprise that the brunch scene and options for things to do on that buzzy side of the city has followed in a big way. But the cool thing about Denver is that the longtime stalwarts in the quieter city ’hoods continue to thrive, even amid the sea of see-and-be-seen brunch spots across town. What the places on this list have in common is that they know what they do well—and they’re committed to their craft, whether it’s trendy small plates on a gritty-turned-glam block, a lavish champagne spread in a historic hotel or beignets and Bloody’s with mismatched napkins. So decide what you crave, then check out these Denver restaurants to get your brunch game on.

As the hub of a state rife with fun things to do, restaurants, natural beauty, Wild West lore, cultural pride and booming technology, Denver lies at a crossroads of historic preservation, inspired creativity and innovation—and its museums reflect the pulse of the region. Landmarks like the Denver Art Museum and Denver Museum of Nature & Science anchor to-do lists for locals and tourists alike, while more niche institutions like the Molly Brown House and Wings Over the Rockies serve as pillars of Colorado’s vibrant identity. Check out the best of the best at these 10 must-see museums.

As this former cowtown becomes a hot commodity, prices are soaring in the Mile High City. But there are still a few bargains to be found for travelers keen on exploring the best things to do in Denver and the city’s booming dining scene: charming inns with curious histories, business hotels that aim to break the generic mold and even a groundbreaking hostel or two. Can’t quite fork out for the luxury of the very best hotels in Denver? These budget-friendly options in and around the city ensure you’re sleep well when in town.