10 Best Things to Do in Denver

This historic neighbourhood can be linked to the original pioneer camp set up by a group of Native American and settlers in 1858. After they struck gold at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, word spread and east-coasters flocked to the west. The energy of the square is palpable, with bustling crowds and pretty string lights strewn almost everywhere. The frenzy of people is almost enough to get that natural kick-start you need in the morning, though the square is lined with cafés if you still need your caffeine hit. Local hotspot, Snooze, gets a special mention for their variety of pancakes.

Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre in Colorado is one to tick off your list if you're an outdoor enthusiast. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery, immersed in its iconic red and orange hues, on the many hiking trails the park has to offer. For a short hike, venture down the Trading Post Trail, which takes you through 1.5 miles of cinnamon-dusted buttes. Make sure to stop by the visitor centre to get information on the different trails and the park’s history. Also worth visiting is the amphitheatre. The theatre is geologically formed by the red rocks, giving it impressive acoustics. Look out for any concerts or events during your trip.

Settle down for a delightful view of the mountains and some baseball at Coors Field. Located in LoDo district, The Rooftop deck gives you the best views in the stadium. At the centre of The Rooftop is the Tavern Ballpark – a bar at exactly one mile above sea level. The bar itself is 52 feet 10 inches long, with 52 craft beers on tap. Just to top it off, Coors Field does some of Denver’s best Rocky Mountain oysters, which is a local delicacy of fried bull testicles (yum). What more could you want?

Denver Botanic Gardens truly are a sight for sore eyes. With 50 gardens, it’s easy to lose track of time while meandering through the vast greenery. There are a variety of environments, from a Japanese garden to a South African one. You can also enjoy art sculptures dispersed throughout the gardens. It’s said the gardens are enjoyable in any season, so be sure to keep this on your list year-round. Before visiting the gardens, check out if any festivals or events are on as this is another way to really enjoy the grounds.

One can never say no to a little retail therapy, especially if it comes in the form of charming streets filled with amazing boutiques and food. Shops around here mostly sell vintage and boutique goodies, but that makes it all the more charming. Old South Gaylord Street sees old houses turned into unique boutiques that sell everything from wine to art. Old South Gaylord Street and the equally interesting Cherry Creek both are located near the neighbourhood of LoDo, which is the city’s oldest area. It’s definitely worth finding accommodation around here.

Union Station is a 2 for 1 package – a shopping and dining centre that also functions as a public transit station. On top of that, it boasts a rich history, which is elaborated in an hour-long tour of the station. The station merges the history of Denver with the contemporary craft phenomenon that is currently happening in the city. Mercantile Dining & Provision and Stoic & Genuine have both gotten the nod by tourists and locals for their world-class dining. It is also said that the best way to experience the station is by sitting back and people-watching on one of the couches or chairs dotted around the station.

The  Denver Art Museum holds art and artefacts from pre-Colombian to present times. Come here to immerse yourself in culture and history, while sheltering yourself from that Colorado heat. The museum shop is also worth a visit for those who love unique souvenirs. Denver Art Museum is found in the neighbourhood of Capitol Hill, which is a lovely area to walk around aimlessly. Have a look around The Hamilton Building, which is an architectural attraction in itself. Nearby, is the museum of abstract expressionist Clyfford Still and The Art Hotel, which also has its own impressive art collection.

Choosing a park to sunbathe in can prove difficult when there’s as much choice, as there is in Denver. Often described as a city known for its sunny disposition, a picnic seems like the right idea. Washington Park, just by downtown Denver, contains two lakes and two flower gardens, one of which is a replica of George Washington’s gardens at Mount Vernon. For a more unique park, pop over to the urban Confluence Park, where you can also hop on the Denver Trolley for a 30-minute scenic ride along South Platte River. The gorgeous tree-lined Cheesman Park has a pavilion, flower gardens and views of the mountains. One thing worth mentioning is that Cheesman Park was Denver’s first cemetery, so maybe don’t come here at night.

Denver’s beer scene is no secret and we can see this in the quantity and quality of its breweries. The beer craze in Denver can perhaps be linked back to either beer giants Coors or the Rocky Mountain Brewery. In recent years, the microbrew scene has exploded and continues to do so. There’s even a Denver Beer Trail, if you dare to try it. Beer aficionados are guaranteed to get their money’s worth. For a good and adventurous brew experience, check out Breckenridge Brewery, located just a block away from Coors Field. They offer unique brews such as Agave Wheat, Breck Indian Pale Ale or Oatmeal Stout.

Denver’s artisanal drink scene is thriving. It is not only the distillery scene that’s booming, but the craft scene, too. The Lower Highland district (LoHi) is an eclectic mix of old and ultra-modern architecture and also offers stunning views of the Highland Bridge and downtown Denver. Williams & Graham, a cocktail bar awarded ‘best American cocktail bar’, is one of the highlights of the area. Another bar to note is RiNo Yacht Club. Found in the ever-stylish River North (RiNo) Art District, it is surrounded by an artisanal food centre named The Source, which has restaurants, breweries and an art market.