The 25 best things to do in Denver

Along with the architecture of internationally renowned visionaries Giò Ponti and Daniel Libeskind, the Denver Art Museum (DAM) is perhaps best known for its holdings in Native and Western American art. Though the DAM might lean heavily on its Rocky Mountain roots, its collections cover the entire spectrum. Seek out, for instance, Monet’s Waterloo Bridge and Sandy Skoglund’s startling large-scale installation Fox Games, which depicts a fantastical dining room. The Denver Art Museum also now encompasses the Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Arts, which adds to its renowned collection of decorative arts, with a specific focus on Colorado artists.

Time Out tip: Check out the Art Hotel Denver, which is just steps from the Denver Art Museum, and has its own range of professionally displayed works on-site. Even when you’re no longer technically inside the museum, the arts experience doesn’t end. 

Address: 100 W 14th Ave Pkwy, Denver, CO 80204

Price: $19–$30 (Ages 18 and under are free)

With dozens of horticulturally distinct collections set indoors and out on 20-plus acres, the Denver Botanic Gardens is an oasis in what is, after all, the high desert. Here you can peruse thousands of plant species from across the globe, from cacti to rainforest orchids. It’s also a cultural and educational center, regularly hosting art exhibits, plant shows and gardening classes. As you explore, take a breather and check out glass wizard Dale Chihuly’s Colorado, which graces the pond in the Ellipse Garden.

Time Out tip: The Denver Botanic Gardens hosts a dreamy summer concert series each year at the UMB Bank Amphitheater in the heart of the gardens, with big-name artists like Grace Potter and Soccer Mommy. For those who seek a more relaxed outdoor music experience at the gardens, their “2026 Evenings al Fresco” series features soft serenades from local musicians performing throughout the Gardens on various weekday evenings throughout the summer. 

Address: 1007 York St, Denver, CO 80206

Price: $11.75–$16 (Ages 2 and under are free)

The ever-so-dramatic sweep and totally inspiring aura of these rugged sandstone formations have made Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre a beloved venue for concerts of all stripes since its inauguration in 1941. In 1983, a still-on-the-rise Irish band happened to film a performance at what you might call nature’s own music hall—and the rest, as U2 fans know, is rock history. Of course, it also serves as one of the world’s most breathtaking gyms, where runners get super-sweaty tackling the seemingly endless staircases, and hikers hit the dog-friendly trails through the surrounding 868-acre park. 

Time Out tip: Don’t miss each summer season’s “Yoga on the Rocks” series, which takes place on Saturday mornings with the backdrop of the surrounding natural beauty and Denver skyline in the distance. It’s an unforgettable spiritual experience to see the sunrise paired with wellness and movement at this one-of-a-kind community-focused occurrence.

Address: 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison, CO 80465

The Platt Park stretch of South Broadway (SoBo) has long been known as Antique Row for its wealth of dealers in everything from folk art to furniture. The eclectic shopping experience only gets funkier as you head north into the Baker District. Check out shops like Goldmine Vintage or La Lovely Vintage for fun and unique finds. 

Time Out tip: Don’t miss experiencing Denver’s premier indie festival, the Underground Music Showcase (UMS), which takes place each summer at various venues throughout RiNo over three days, hosting more than 200 local and national music acts. 

Address: South of downtown Denver, near the intersection of Interstate 25 and Broadway.

Founded in 1996, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) moved into its permanent and larger home (27,000 square feet) in 2007. With works displayed across five galleries, a shop, a library, and a rooftop cafe, the space is as pretty as a picture (although we can’t guarantee that all the pictures will be pretty). Comical, creepy, racy, relentless… Whatever else they may be, exhibitions at the MCA are always provocative.

Time Out tip: Don’t miss an entertaining range of regularly hosted on-site events at MCA Denver’s Holiday Theater, including musical acts and comedy shows. 

Address: 1485 Delgany St, Denver, CO 80202

Price: $11–$14 (Ages 18 and under are free)

After a historic redevelopment, LoDo’s turn-of-the-century terminal, Denver Union Station, is once again a destination for architecture buffs, scenesters, foodies and rail riders. Absorb the Beaux Arts aura of the majestic, barrel-vaulted Great Hall while sipping local craft beers in the retro-toned Terminal Bar or cocktails on the mezzanine of the glamorous Cooper Lounge. Visit Mercantile, which opened in 2014 and is helmed by James Beard-award-winning chef Alex Seidel, for American cuisine and modern takes on classic comfort food dishes. There’s also Olive and Finch, a casual, counter-service spot that serves scratch-made bites in a trendy setting. And Snooze an A.M. Eatery prepares brunch with a kick—offering legendary menu items such as “pancake flights,” burritos the size of your head and ample gluten-free options for those with dietary restrictions.

Time Out tip: Plan a staycation at the revamped historic Crawford Hotel, which is located inside Union Station and has been a part of Denver’s history for more than a century. This swanky spot balances sophistication and a laid-back welcoming Denver attitude; it’s a great place to stay within Union Station itself, and it boasts easy access to many of the Mile High City’s best attractions in LoDo.

Address: 1701 Wynkoop St, Denver, CO 80202

This diverse epicurean food hall known as The Source was a former 1880s brick foundry building that has since been revived and transformed into a standing Denver landmark of the RiNo Arts District. The food and drink vendors here serve top-notch bites, and it’s hard to pick just one favorite spot to eat. That said, an order of brisket nachos at Smok and a croissant churro with dulce de leche from Reunion Bread Co. are among the absolute musts.

Time Out tip: Since this destination also houses a boutique hotel in addition to the diverse market hall, those who seek a “night out on the town” needn’t go far to enjoy the many flavors of Denver before retiring practically right upstairs. 

Address: 3350 Brighton Blvd, Denver, CO 80216

The revitalization of the 16th Street Pedestrian Mall transformed the entire area from Market Street to Broadway into a pedestrian-only vein connecting all of downtown from Denver Union Station at one end, to Civic Center Park and the Colorado State Capitol at the other. Stroll along the wide sidewalks which feature ample outdoor patio seating spaces and a new tree canopy, and step into one of the dozens of top-notch restaurants dotting the pedestrian corridor. You can even keep going, as this path technically continues for pedestrians farther past Union Station over a set of three car-free bridges connecting downtown to the trendy Lower Highlands neighborhood, which boasts an abundance of additional locally owned restaurants and shops.

Time Out tip: For those who aren’t keen on walking or face mobility challenges, there are free “hop on/off” shuttles dubbed the 16th Street Free Ride that travel up and down the street every five minutes and stop on every corner.  

Address: Spanning 16th Street from Union Station on Wewatta Street to Broadway.

As (more-or-less) casual day trips go, you can’t beat hitting the trails around Golden and Boulder. Whether you choose one of the easygoing loops on Lookout Mountain or rugged climbs in Eldorado Canyon State Park (great for autumn leaf peeping) and around the striking sandstone formations known as the Flatirons, you’ll be treated to stellar natural vistas. While you wander amid ponderosa pines and Indian paintbrush, keep your eyes peeled for mule deer and monarchs (never mind rattlesnakes and black bears). Also, hiking around the grounds of the legendary Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre is free—and stunningly beautiful—and you can always get inside the venue itself without paying a fee, as long as there’s not already an event going on inside. 

Time Out tip: Visiting in wintertime and can’t make it into the mountains for a ski or snowboard sesh? Ruby Hill Rail Yard is within the boundaries ofDenver as the only urban snowsports terrain park in the United States. It’s typically open from late January through the end of March (pending weather conditions), set up by volunteers from Winter Park and maintained by volunteers of Denver Parks & Recreation throughout the season.

The stomping ground of the Denver Broncos, Empower Field at Mile High made history when it hosted Barack Obama’s acceptance speech during the Democratic National Convention in 2008. Tailgate on the south side, stomp your feet to create “mile-high thunder” and join a chorus of 76,000 yelling “in-com-plete!” to show your support for the Broncos. On a guided tour, learn a bevy of stats while visiting the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame Museum and getting a player’s-eye view of the end zone—something even non-fans get a kick out of.

Time Out tip: Even if it’s not football season, this spot is still open and hosting stadium-size concerts in the warmer months—so make sure to be on the lookout for your favorite artists coming to town and taking over the field for an enormous and epic show.

Address: 1701 Bryant St, Denver, CO 80204

Denver is known for its 300-plus days of sunshine, which means summertime is perfect for getting some fresh air with a cold drink in hand at one of the many local rooftop bars. Check out Rare Bird in Denver’s Cherry Creek neighborhood, atop Halcyon, a hotel in Cherry Creek. This spot serves contemporary American Fare, cute cocktails, wine and beer. Across town at Populus, the first carbon-positive hotel in the U.S., the rooftop perch Stellar Jay offers views of downtown Denver and the capitol building, all the way out to the mountains and beyond. It almost feels like you’re cozied into a rooftop “nest,” complete with a bird’s-eye view of the city—with tasty cuisine and cocktails in hand. For those seeking something more alternative and edgy, visit Rook, a brand-new rooftop bar and Social Clubhouse located atop the Catbird Hotel in RiNo. And in downtown Denver, 54thirty is downtown Denver’s highest open-air bar (named for its elevation of 5,430 feet) serving a menu of bites and beverages that changes seasonally, paired with a spectacular view. 

Time Out tip: Don’t miss out on ordering the pizza at Rare Bird—it’s cooked fresh in an oven right on the rooftop and is known as some of the best in town.

Follow the Denver Beer Trail and check out the lineup of awesome locally owned and operated craft brew spots. Check out one of Denver Beer Company’s locations, each of which hosts fun, engaging community events and offers a variety of regular and rotating options. In LoDo, Wynkoop Brewing Co. is right across from Denver Union Station; stop in and grab a pint of their signature Rocky Mountain Oyster Stout, which is made with real, freshly roasted Rocky Mountain Oysters (just Google it). In RiNo, visit Great Divide Brewing Company, which serves an awesome selection of barrel-aged options alongside traditional brews. The intimate taproom in Rino, Our Mutual Friend, feels like sitting in a friend’s garage. For water views of Sloan’s Lake, visit Joyride Brewing Company, where you can hang out on their 2,400 square foot upstairs rooftop patio in Edgewater.

Time Out tip: If you want to support local and enjoy a brew like a true Denverite, visit the businesses of the Colorado Brewers Guild—a nonprofit trade association made up of more than 400 members that champions a mission to promote, protect, and educate the public about independent Coloradan craft breweries.

At the Oakwell Beer Spa, you can soak away your worries and sample a wide variety of Colorado’s craft brews all in one place. Check out the website for a complete list of what’s on offer—ranging from beer bath hydrotherapy to sauna sessions, and a cozy on-site taproom featuring a new Colorado based brewery each month. The Beer Spa caters to singles, couples and groups for an exceptionally unique self-care experience.

Time Out tip: Don’t miss the “Zero Gravity Massage Experience” while you’re there, which can be added on to any of the spa’s existing packages, and is open to walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis for a special way to unwind and release tension (right into thin air).

Address: 3004 N Downing St, Denver, CO 80205

Price: Varies depending on treatment

Located between 38th and 46th Avenues, northwest of downtown Denver, the Tennyson Street Cultural District is a collection of small businesses that includes artsy shops, one-of-a-kind restaurants and art galleries in a neighborhood with a diverse heritage. Feel like a Denver local as you explore this walkable area overflowing with culture and plenty of spots to pop in for a bite, or to browse a range of locally made and sourced goodies. 

Time Out tip: Just off the main drag of Tennyson, make sure to stop into what might be the absolute cutest locally owned boutique shop in Denver, Flouwer Co., selling a range of artisanal goods—including a selection of all natural, plant-based, floral infused foods like crackers and cocktail garnishes among other goodies.

Address: Spanning Tennyson Street between 38th and 46 Avenues

The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is a kid (and adult) friendly museum jam-packed with dinosaur fossils, mummies and IMAX 3-D flicks. Naturally, children go gaga, but plenty of the exhibits and planetarium appeal to all ages—think Dead Sea Scrolls, Russian folk carvings or black holes. If you’re making a day of it, skip the on-site cafe in favor of a lakeside picnic in nearby City Park, also home to the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance.

Time Out tip: The museum is constantly rotating through and rolling out new temporary exhibits which means there will always be something new to explore. 

Address: 2001 Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80205

Price: $20.95–$25.95

Arts aficionados will be pleased to learn downtown Denver actually contains one of the largest multi-venue performance centers in the world: the Denver Performing Arts Complex. Ballets, symphonies, operas and touring Broadway shows are all staged at the Arts Complex, but so are locally produced plays and the occasional rock concert.

Time Out tip: A range of Broadway tours take over the stage here serving as a top-notch professional theater setting for a performance without worrying about the overwhelming crowds of NYC.

Address: 1400 Curtis Street, Denver, CO 80204

Sports fans and curious tourists will find plenty to do at the 76-acre Coors Field, with its spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains and stunning sunsets. Catching a baseball game isn’t the only thing you can do on the Rockies’ home turf; look for the row of purple seats marking the elevation that gives the Mile High City its name, then wash down some Rocky Mountain oysters (again, if you’ve never tried this infamous delicacy it’s a must-have experience in Denver) with beer from the on-site brewery, the SandLot.

Time Out tip: Deal chasers should check out Coors Field’s “Standing Room Only” tickets, which start at $19 and include $6 in concession and/or merchandise credit (you can use the concession credit to take advantage of $3 beer specials only on The Rooftop, and only before the scheduled first pitch—but still it’s a heckuva deal).

Address: 2001 Blake St, Denver, CO 80205

This immersive art experience was created by more than 350 collaborating artists. It’s home to “psychedelic mind-bending art throughout four ’worlds’” across three levels with 90,000 square feet of space—which seemingly transports visitors on a temporary trip to another (alien-inspired) planetary plane. 

Time Out tip: Grab a cocktail or NA drink at the on-site cocktail bar, Sips (with a Z), which serves a range of creative beverages that aren’t just for sipping but craft an entire artistic experience (this is Meow Wolf, after all). 

Address: 1338 1st St, Denver, CO 80204

Price: $37

Situated on Larimer Street between 14th and 15th, Larimer Square feels like the most bohemian block in town. A gentle saunter down this pedestrianized street will allow you to catch up on your window shopping as you gaze through the glass of some swanky boutique stores, and afterward, you could dine at high-end restaurants like Osteria Marco or Rioja. Or, grab a cocktail and shop some unparalleled vintage finds at Garage Sale Vintage, which serves some of the best margaritas in town—alongside authentic secondhand (but second to none) records, clothing, trinkets and other nostalgic goodies. There’s also the new flagship location of Sway Wellness Spa, a first of its kind wellness club in downtown Denver to relax and refresh your mind and body (Denverites: Make sure to look into the membership option).

Time Out tip: This pedestrian-only section of the street is just a few minutes’ walk from the recently revamped, pedestrian-friendly 16th Street, which means you can enjoy a whole afternoon among Denver’s best shopping and dining options—without ever needing to step foot in a car.

Address: Larimer Street between 14th and 15th

Explore the buzzy RiNo Art District and experience creative options for shopping and dining. RiNo is short for “River North” Art District and is a neighborhood where many historic warehouses and factories have been transformed into trendy art shops, bars, brewpubs and working studios. Dine at Denver Central Market, which is home to nearly a dozen vendors showcasing a variety of cuisine ranging from Italian bites, sweet treats and a full bar with indoor and outdoor foodhall-style seating. Step into The Ramble Hotel and explore the boutique hotel’s luxurious feeling shared spaces which draw inspiration from Madame Rambouillet’s French Salons of the 17th century, and grab an unparalleled cocktail at the on-site outpost of legendary Death & Co. This district also recently became home to Denver’s first-ever “common consumption area” where you can visit The Peach Pit, a walk-up service window serving signature draft, craft drinks made with high-quality spirits by local cocktail outpost The Peach Crease Club and relax and enjoy a beverage alfresco before a show at the adjacent concert venue, Mission Ballroom.

Time Out tip: Those who seek some bohemian aura of arts and culture should also check out the Arts District on Santa Fe, which is home to some of the most authentic contemporary, traditional and emerging art in a colorfully diverse neighborhood proud of its traditionally Hispanic roots.

The LoHi hotspot Avanti Food & Beverage sits in one collective space made from modified shipping containers, boasting seven different culinary options as well as an open-air rooftop bar with views of downtown Denver. (Don’t miss Quiero Arepas, which serves traditionally made Venezuelan style arepas, and is great for gluten-free diners. There’s also Cafe Avanti, which can be a relaxing spot to sit and get some remote work done with a coffee and a local pastry in hand. This food hall’s concept was inspired by European markets and food truck roundups, and visitors can explore a range of chef-inspired cuisine—meaning everyone gets to enjoy a bite of what they love. The space also hosts weekly events such as trivia, movie nights, themed brunch parties and rooftop events (think: watching the fireworks at Coor’s Field, which is just across the highway, on NYE or Independence Day). 

Time Out tip: This can be a great place to get together for larger groups who want to enjoy a casual setting where everyone can pick and pay for their own food and drinks. Their weekly events are a fun way to meet other locals. Those who drink alcohol shouldn’t miss ordering their refreshing frose—it’s legendary in these parts.

Address: 3200 N Pecos St, Denver, CO 80211

No trip to Denver any time of year is complete without visiting Little Man Ice Cream. Stand in line (there’s always a line, because the ice cream is that good) at the OG location in LoHi, which is inside a 28-foot milk can—or, venture out to one of the other locations around Greater Denver (the Little Man Ice Cream Factory on Colfax has a slide). Each destination serves an equally tasty range of regular and seasonally rotating flavors that are guaranteed to make your tastebuds sing. 

Time Out tip: Some locations host regular community events including swing dancing or salsa dancing lessons, and the LoHi outpost hosts a pumpkin patch in the fall and a Christmas tree farm during the holiday season. 

Address: Multiple Locations, check website for details

If there’s one thing Denver does really well (other than craft beer and skiing) it’s (responsibly) having a good time—from warm weather block parties to dining out and celebrating Denver’s diverse communities with regular festivals and events. From June through October, locals and visitors are welcome to join the merriment at happenings including the Boulder Creek Festival just northwest of Denver (Boulder’s annual “kickoff to summer”) as well as RiNo Street Fair, Tennyson Street Fair, Highlands Oktoberfest & Market, Tennyson Fall Fest and the Highlands Street Fair, among other annual favorites. Yearly spring occurrences like Denver Restaurant Week, the Boulder International Film Festival (and now, Sundance is coming to Boulder, too!), Mile High Asian Food Week and Denver PrideFest are also not to be missed.

Time Out tip: Plan a trip to Denver around Outside Days, an annual summer event that’s grown increasingly larger and more popular each year since its inception in 2024. Big names in music take multiple stages over a three day live concert series, with screenings of adventure films, inspiring speakers and other immersive experiences. It’s as if Coachella spawned a more down-to-earth, mountain-climbing, adventure-seeking love child with Mother Nature herself.

Aviation enthusiasts can unite by way of Wings Over the Rockies, an organization that encompasses the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum and the Exploration of Flight. The Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum is located in Hangar 1 of the former Lowry Air Force Base in eastern Denver and features over 100,000 square feet of exhibit space, including aircraft, space vehicles, artifacts and military uniforms, among other educational artifacts. Exploration of Flight sits about 19 miles south of the museum on 15 acres that still actively serve as one of America’s busiest general aviation airports (it also hosts aviation-focused events, programming and exhibits). Both locations welcome visitors to learn about air and space in a friendly, educational institution made for enhancing all levels of existing air and space knowledge. 

Time Out tip: Both locations host regular community events to bring together aviation enthusiasts, ranging from astronomy nights to family days, film screenings and veterans coffee get-togethers—so check out their ongoing lineup of happenings before you go.  

Address: 7711 E Academy Blvd, Denver, CO 80230

Price: $12.95–$19.96 (Ages 3 and under are free)

Denver boasts a whole plethora of other entertaining indoor spaces perfect for seeking shelter when it’s too hot (yes, the Mile High City can get up to as high as the 110s when it’s summertime) or perhaps too chilly to enjoy outdoor adventures. The F1 Arcade Denver in RiNo is actually known to serve some of the best handmade cocktails in the city alongside stimulating full-motion racing simulators and a tasty menu food, made for a day or night out with friends. Holey Moley Mile High mini golf (also known for its incredible cocktails—this city does offer NA drink options, but isn’t afraid to get inventive with mixology and craft libations) with 27 wildly decorated Putt-Putt holes (seriously these mini golf courses and their backdrops are practically major works of art) and a fun, welcoming spirit. And because everything in Denver is best paired with a craft beer, arcade enthusiasts must make a visit to FlyteCo Tower, which alongside an extensive menu of in-house brews also has Ping-Pong, bowling, billiards, axe-throwing, a full arcade and digital darts among games for all ages and play interests.   

Time Out tip: FlyeCo lives at the site of what used to be Denver’s very own commercial airport. Yes, before the modern iteration of DEN opened back in 1995, this spot was Denver’s commercial air travel hub—until it outgrew its purpose, as the Mile High City’s rapid expansion created an urgent need for a much larger airport. Today, Flyte Co visitors can sign up to take a historic, guided tour of the inside of this 11-story air traffic control tower where ATC technicians would guide pilots into the Rocky Mountain region just a few decades ago. 

Addresses:
F1 Arcade Denver: 2734 Walnut St, Denver, CO 80205
Holey Moley: 1201 18th St, Denver, CO 80202
FlyteCo Tower: 3120 Uinta St, Denver, CO 80238