Situated amongst the beautiful backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, Denver, CO, usually steals the highlight with its well-known sights just like the Pink Rocks Amphitheatre and the Denver Artwork Museum. Past these iconic landmarks, you’ll discover a plethora of distinctive experiences that really showcase town’s tradition and spirit.
From charming native retailers to off-the-beaten-path adventures, life in Denver provides one thing for everybody. Whether or not you’re trying to buy a house within the metropolis, searching for an condo to lease, or searching for a rental dwelling, be part of us as we discover among the most original issues to do in Denver, CO.
1. See stay performances
The Denver Performing Arts Advanced is among the largest performing arts facilities within the nation, providing a powerful vary of performances together with theater, opera, ballet, and live shows. Situated in downtown Denver, it options famend venues just like the Ellie Caulkins Opera Home and the Buell Theatre. Celebrating native expertise and world-class productions, it’s a significant a part of Denver’s creative scene and a must-visit vacation spot.
For a full day of enjoyment, head to The Nickel for dinner earlier than catching a present on the arts advanced. Their menu highlights daring flavors that seize the essence of Denver’s vibrant culinary scene, paired with craft cocktails which can be certain to steal the highlight. It’s the right pre-performance meal to kick off an unforgettable evening within the Mile Excessive Metropolis.
2. Spend the day at Denver Union Station
Denver Union Station is a fantastically restored historic landmark that serves as a middle for transportation and socializing. It first opened in 1881, and at present it’s not only a transportation hub; it options eating places, retailers, and bars, all set inside its iconic Nice Corridor. Whether or not you’re catching a prepare or having fun with a meal, this treasured spot {couples} historical past with fashionable allure.
“I highly recommend visiting Denver Union Station,” says journey and way of life content material creator Iyana Parham. “It’s not only a major transportation hub, but there are also so many yummy food options in the area. I love Jax Fish House and Urban Farmer for a nice sit-down dinner. If you want a fun gastropub vibe, I recommend Thirsty Lion.”
For an ideal option to cap off your journey to Denver Union Station, strive visiting native retailers like The Classic Label, a way of life boutique simply steps away. They supply an unforgettable buying expertise providing a curated choice of fashionable clothes, luxurious model classic, equipment, jewellery, magnificence merchandise, and MCM barware. Discover that particular merchandise to boost your wardrobe, personalize a hat from their BeSpoke Hat Bar, or discover the right vacation present.
3. Discover an immersive artwork exhibition
You’ll be able to’t miss Denver’s premier interactive artwork venue and immersive expertise, Meow Wolf Denver’s Convergence Station. It’s the primary multiversal transit station serving Earth and residential to one in every of Denver’s most original efficiency and occasion venues. 90,000 sq. toes of artwork, creativeness, and portals of risk, Meow Wolf Denver is a enjoyable place to probe for all age teams. Clear up the mysteries of The Convergence and turn into immersed within the pleasure of Meow Wolf’s 4 worlds, occasions, or artistic workshops.
Picture Courtesy of Meow Wolf Denver
4. Admire Denver’s stunning murals
The River North Artwork District, or RiNo, is a neighborhood identified for its energetic arts scene and distinctive character. As soon as industrial, it now contains colourful murals, galleries, and studios that includes native artists. With a mixture of breweries, fashionable eating places, and meals halls, RiNo is a main vacation spot for capturing Denver’s spirit.
“There are many unique neighborhoods in the Denver area to explore when visiting the city,” says blogger and celebration planner Kaitlin Moss from The Each Hostess. “One of my favorites being RiNo, a cool industrial neighborhood filled with many eclectic restaurants, shops, and bars. If you’re looking for a memorable experience check out Noble Riot. Their extensive natural wine menu pairs perfectly with their buckets of fried chicken.”
Cooking fanatics ought to go to Carbon Knife Co. “As a chef and restaurateur, I’m always looking for the hidden gems of novel ingredients, techniques, and preparations,” explains Chef Jen Jasinski from the Denver-based Mediterranean restaurant, Rioja. “Carbon Knife Co. is such a gem in Denver’s RiNo neighborhood. Proprietor Tina Chon cooked with me at Rioja and her store is like a chef’s dream. Hand forged knives, one-of-a-kind chef tools, aprons, vintage kitchenware; They’ve got it all, along with the chef know-how that helps with tough decisions.”
5. Go to the Santa Fe Arts District
The Santa Fe Arts District is a vibrant a part of Denver, celebrated for its creative expertise and inventive power. The district is full of galleries and studios that showcase the native artists’ work. On the primary Friday of each month, the district comes alive with an artwork stroll, the place guests can take a look at new exhibitions, chat with artists, and revel in stay music. It’s additionally dwelling to quite a lot of eating places and retailers, making it a really perfect place to spend the day.
Expertise quite a lot of modern artwork
Whether or not you’re a first-time artwork purchaser or a seasoned collector, you’ll be captivated by the big range of creations from skilled artists at D’artwork Gallery. Go to this vibrant hub within the coronary heart of the Santa Fe Arts District to discover a various choice of creative mediums, all crafted by native expertise at their collective: D’Artwork Gallery, D’Artwork 360, East/West Galleries, D’Artwork Assortment, and D’Artwork Studios.
Help Denver’s artists with disabilities
Celebrating 20 years within the arts district, Entry Gallery is dwelling to Denver’s solely Progressive Artwork Studio for artists with disabilities. Via rotating exhibitions, lessons, open studio occasions, and a profession monitor, this nonprofit group gives artistic shops for 50 artists to create, share, and promote their work. From internet hosting Denver’s first ArtOMat machine, to doing full blown company commissions, Entry Gallery can do all of it.
6. Expertise artwork all through town
Past the Santa Fe Arts District, Denver is dwelling to many artwork galleries that spotlight town’s artistic expertise. With a mixture of modern and traditional works, the galleries usually function native artists, making Denver a haven for artwork lovers.
William Havu Gallery
Established in Aspen, CO in 1973, the William Havu Gallery is engaged in an ongoing dialogue by way of its seven exhibitions yearly. With a powerful emphasis on mid-career, established artists, the gallery additionally showcases rising regional artists in an AIA award-winning constructing. The gallery has been within the framing enterprise since its inception, and continues to supply framing companies to their shoppers. With 50 years within the enterprise of mounting reveals worthy of crucial evaluate, the William Havu Gallery continues to accumulate artists of regional significance and nationwide acclaim.
CU Denver Expertise Gallery
One other gallery to go to is CU Denver Expertise Gallery, a innovative interactive and immersive artwork gallery situated within the coronary heart of the Denver Performing Arts Advanced. A collaboration between the College of Colorado Denver and Denver Arts and Venues, Expertise Gallery companions with celebrated artists and cultural establishments to discover the artistic applied sciences and essential artwork of our time. Situated throughout from the Buell Theater, this artwork gallery provides a free immersive gallery expertise.
Picture courtesy of CU Denver Expertise Gallery
7. Discover the Clyfford Nonetheless Museum
Take pleasure in top-of-the-line locations to spend an hour in Denver, the Clyfford Nonetheless Museum. Discover immersive artwork and beautiful structure throughout a museum expertise that received’t take up your whole day. Friends can unleash their creativity with a hands-on artwork creation studio and attend occasions for all ages (youngsters 17 and underneath are free), together with meditation, music packages, excursions, household workshops, toddler artwork crawls, pay-what-you-wish, free days, and extra.
“The Clyfford Still Museum is one of my favorite art experiences here in Denver,” says the crew on the Denver-based store, Miller Lane Mercantile. “It includes over 3,000 abstract expressionist works by the artist, all showcased in a beautiful, light-filled space. I could get lost here for hours, enjoying not only Still’s body of work, but the impressive architecture of the museum itself.”
8. Spend a night in Larimer Sq.
Larimer Sq., Denver’s oldest block, is wealthy with allure and character. With fantastically restored Victorian buildings, this space options fashionable boutiques, scrumptious eating places, and enjoyable bars. The twinkling overhead lights create an inviting night environment, making it ultimate for buying or eating on a patio whereas capturing the mix of Denver’s historic roots and fashionable vibe.
“Denver is incredibly multifaceted, with city life and the mountains just a drive away. This reminds me of The Regular x The Guest, a duo of restaurants under one roof,” says Haley Paez from the weblog, Mile Excessive and Hungry. “At The Regular, you can enjoy beautifully presented spritz in glass milk cartons for happy hour and oysters with added freshness from parsley and thyme. As the sun sets, savor a Peruvian-inspired meal using local ingredients to compliment it. For an added bonus, the hidden door to the left is the gateway to one of the most elevated dining experiences in town,” continues Haley. “The Guest makes you feel like the most important person in the room with a 20 course menu composed by Chef Brian De Souza and Syd Youngreen. It’s a blend of many different experiences, just like Denver.”
For Italian delicacies lovers, Jovanina’s Damaged Italian is a must-try. Situated in decrease downtown, the restaurant options contemporary vegetable-forward dishes, handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and extra. Probably the most distinctive half is the Sotto Voce, located downstairs. This dimly lit, intimate subterranean dates again to 1880 and a portion of the previous Prohibition tunnel has been preserved and provides an intimate semi-private eating expertise. There, company may also get pleasure from signature libations, a curated wine checklist, and the total menu.
Picture courtesy of Jovanina’s Damaged Italian
9. Loosen up within the LoHi neighborhood
The Decrease Highlands (LoHi) is one in every of Denver’s most vibrant neighborhoods, identified for its eclectic tradition and delicacies. Simply throughout the river from downtown, it provides beautiful skyline and mountain views. With fashionable eating places, distinctive retailers, and energetic parks, LoHi’s laid-back vibe makes it ultimate for exploring on foot and having fun with Denver’s culinary scene.
An elevated buying and eating expertise
Don’t miss The Bindery, a classy restaurant that blends a European-inspired market and bakery with elevated tremendous eating. An embodiment of the LoHi group, the sustainably designed, timeless, and romantic restaurant has attracted a crucial following as a neighborhood gathering place and vacation spot for its ethereal ambiance and impressive menus. Take pleasure in a captivating escape with all-day eating, brunch-time attraction, a curated wine checklist, and craft cocktails on this charming neighborhood spot.
The fantastic thing about Mexican tradition by way of meals
Alma Fonda Fina is one other LoHi neighborhood staple. Having not too long ago opened in December 2023, the restaurant is Chef Johnny Curiel’s tackle genuine delicacies that pays homage to his culturally wealthy heritage and a long time of experiences in his dwelling nation of Mexico. This charming nook spot appears like dwelling with its heat pooled lighting and an intimate Chef’s Counter.
10. Wine and dine
In Denver, wine lovers can immerse themselves in a various choice of city wineries. Balistreri Vineyards is a family-owned and operated vineyard in Denver, devoted to producing pure wines. Right here, guests can expertise an intensive wine tasting of their award successful wines, tour the wine cellar, and take images amongst the barrels. You’ll want to keep for a scrumptious meal from their full service kitchen.
Picture courtesy of Balistreri Vineyards
11. Strive Denver’s breweries
Denver is a craft beer lover’s paradise, boasting over 150 breweries, from small family-run spots to bigger institutions. Many supply taprooms to pattern each traditional brews and seasonal creations, offering a singular expertise throughout town.
Platt Park Neighborhood
Monolith Brewing, a brand new brewery within the Platt Park Neighborhood, options craft beer, meals, wine, and a full cocktail program. They host weekly occasions, together with Monday Bike Membership, Tuesday Jazz Jam, and Wednesday Jackbox. Notably it’s Denver’s solely institution with Feather Bowling, a bar sport that mixes Bocce, Curling, and Shuffleboard. Dedicated to sustainability and group engagement, they’re a paperless firm with 1% of gross sales going towards their Brew Like a Lady Scholarship Fund, supporting ladies accepted or enrolled in brewing science packages.
Central Park Neighborhood
In order for you top-of-the-line views of the Rocky Mountains, you’ll be able to hike up the 11 flights of stairs on the former Stapleton Air Site visitors Management Tower, which now homes FlyteCo Brewing. You’ll be able to even increase a toast with a complimentary beer shot on the finish of the tour. Afterwards, get pleasure from bowling, golf simulators, axe throwing, 18 holes of minigolf, ping pong, a full arcade, and extra all through the three flooring of enjoyable.
Picture courtesy of FlyteCo Brewing
12. Store at a Japanese market
Pacific Mercantile is a Japanese specialty grocery retailer in Denver, CO, that includes a mixture of native and worldwide merchandise. From gourmand snacks to tremendous tea units, it’s the right spot for exploring new flavors.
“One of my favorite markets in Denver is Pacific Mercantile, located near Coors Field in Sakura Square. The market has been family-owned and operated for four generations, and specializes in Japanese food products, although they have a range of other Asian ingredients as well,” explains the crew at Noisette Restaurant & Bakery. “I love wandering the aisles looking for fun food items, and they have a cute section of the store with Japanese gifts and household items. I almost always leave with some of their house-made sushi rolls for lunch.”
13. Seize dinner at sắp sửa
Situated within the East Colfax neighborhood, sắp sửa is the primary brick-and-mortar restaurant from Cooks Ni and Anna Nguyen. Sắp sửa’s mission is to share non-traditional Vietnamese meals impressed by the flavors of Ni’s childhood. As a first-generation Vietnamese American, Chef Ni merges Vietnamese classics with childhood meals recollections to create a menu that’s wealthy with nostalgia, regardless of your background.
“Sắp sửa is a ‘non-traditional’ Vietnamese restaurant that has quickly become a favorite among Denver food aficionados,” says Dulcie Wilcox from the Colorado present store, Colorado Crafted. “The flavors are adventurous, the ambiance and service are ideal, and the location is great. Sắp sửa is right next to the beloved bookstore Tattered Cover, the record store Twist & Shout, and the SIE FilmCenter. You could easily spend an entire day on this single block.”
14. Enjoyment of French patisseries
Denver’s French bakeries deliver a style of Paris with flaky croissants, wealthy tarts, and pleasant éclairs, all crafted with conventional methods. In case you’re trying to seize breakfast or deal with your self to one thing candy, these spots supply a scrumptious, Parisian escape.
La Fillette Bakery is a French impressed bakery and full service brunch spot on the East aspect of Denver. All the pieces from the bread, pastries, and braised meats are all made out of scratch in-house. The bakery strives for consistency, and a enjoyable, upbeat environment to construct the Mayfair neighborhood group.
In case you occur to be close to the Denver Botanic Gardens at York Avenue, strive grabbing pastries or charcuterie at Le Clare’s Patisserie or SAME Cafe. They assist all issues native, and concentrate on candy and savory eclairs, in addition to layered desserts and macarons. The bakery additionally provides charcuterie, fruit and veggie containers, and may accommodate vegan and gluten-free people.
Picture Courtesy of Le Clare’s Patisserie
15. Have Asian delicacies with a up to date twist
Ace Eat Serve, located in Denver’s Uptown neighborhood, presents a particular eating expertise. Embark on a culinary journey with an array of Asian-inspired dishes, finely concocted cocktails, and invigorating drinks. Their artisanal cocktails are distinctive and complement the tableside chef-carved Peking Duck flawlessly. Past savoring a up to date twist on Asian delicacies, patrons can have interaction in pleasant Ping Pong matches or loosen up within the Fortunate Cat Lounge.
Picture courtesy of Ace Eat Serve
16. Help Denver’s music expertise
Denver has a thriving music scene with unbelievable stay performances. “Hazel Miller is the best singer in Colorado in my opinion,” says Kathy Mullen, co-owner of the Denver-based artisan bakery, Grateful Bread Firm. “Don’t miss the chance to see Hazel Miller perform live. After her car broke down en route from Kentucky to California in the 1980s, she made Denver her home, and has since captivated audiences with her signature mix of jazz, R&B, blues, pop, and gospel. KUVOJazz declared that ‘her voice charges the songs with a primal dose of genuine soul.’ Hazel was inducted into the Colorado Music Hall of Fame, and her shows are lively, heart-warming events.”
17. Seize your recollections with a photograph session
For a ravishing aesthetic to your artistic mission, go to the Denver Picture Collective, one of many metropolis’s finest pure gentle and business studios. Their spacious venue is ideal for photograph periods, artistic collaborations, and occasions. “You’re in for a treat with the local neighbors,” says Stephanie Marilee Tucker, a Denver-based photographer. “After your photo session, there’s Egg Belly just steps away, which serves up the best Banh Mi tacos and burgers. They share space with Crooked Stave Denver Taproom and their delicious craft beers are the perfect way to unwind. This is a great trio of businesses that you can enjoy together.”
Distinctive issues to do in Denver, CO: last ideas
Denver is a metropolis wealthy in character and various choices. With the whole lot from native breweries and artwork districts to beautiful parks and hidden gems, there’s all the time one thing enjoyable to expertise. Whether or not you’re a long-time resident or new to the world, you’ll rapidly notice that Denver, CO is a superb place to stay.
