Looking for the best things to do in Denver? Denver, the Mile High City, combines craft breweries, museums and sports with quick access to the Rocky Mountains. This list mixes famous landmarks with local favourites and easy day trips, with practical tips on timing, tickets and costs for American travellers.
Best things to do in Denver
1. Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Concerts among giant sandstone rocks. Arrive early for the best light and fewest people.
2. Union Station
A restored rail hub with bars and restaurants. Sunset is a particularly good time.
3. Denver Art Museum
Striking architecture and Western art. Wear comfortable shoes; you will walk more than you expect.
4. Larimer Square
Victorian buildings and dining. Combine it with a nearby café or lunch spot.
5. Rocky Mountain National Park
About 1.5–2 hours away. Arrive early for the best light and fewest people.
6. Garden of the Gods
In Colorado Springs, about 1 hour south. Bring a refillable water bottle.
Stay charged, stay connected
- Cameras for landscape photography BuyrSkip
Canyons, coastlines and city skylines reward a camera with great dynamic range. - Waterproof action cameras BuyrSkip
Film snorkelling, ziplines and mountain biking hands-free.
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7. RiNo Art District
Murals, breweries and food halls. Allow at least an hour to enjoy it properly.
8. Coors Field
Baseball with mountain views. Arrive early for the best light and fewest people.
9. Breweries
One of the most popular ways to experience Denver; ask your hotel or a local outfitter for current options and prices. Bring a refillable water bottle.
10. Concerts
One of the most popular ways to experience Denver; ask your hotel or a local outfitter for current options and prices. Allow at least an hour to enjoy it properly.
11. Hiking
One of the most popular ways to experience Denver; ask your hotel or a local outfitter for current options and prices. Weekdays are much quieter than weekends.
12. Skiing day trips
One of the most popular ways to experience Denver; ask your hotel or a local outfitter for current options and prices. It is great value for families.
13. Museums
One of the most popular ways to experience Denver; ask your hotel or a local outfitter for current options and prices. Wear comfortable shoes; you will walk more than you expect.
14. Take a day trip to Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park offers alpine tundra, elk herds and Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in the US. Read our Rocky Mountain National Park travel guide. Check opening hours before you go, as they change seasonally.
15. Eat your way through the local food scene
Try green chile, Rocky Mountain trout, craft beer and bison burgers. Food tours are a fun way to sample several places in one afternoon. Allow at least an hour to enjoy it properly.
When to go
The best time to visit is June to September; December to March for skiing.
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | April–May | Snow lingers at high elevations; some roads still closed. |
| Summer | June–August | Warm days, cool nights, afternoon thunderstorms; all roads open. |
| Fall | September–October | Golden aspens, wildlife rut and fewer crowds; first snow possible. |
| Winter | November–March | Snowy and cold; skiing and limited park access. |
Where to stay
- LoDo: Central and lively.
- RiNo: Trendy.
- Cherry Creek: Upscale.
- Capitol Hill: Local feel.
| Style | Typical price per night | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $110–170 | Motels, hostels, simple inns and campground cabins |
| Mid-range | $180–300 | Comfortable hotels and B&Bs, often with breakfast |
| Luxury | $350–700 | Resorts, historic hotels and boutique properties |
For more detail, read our Denver travel guide.
Tips for visitors
- Drink water and go easy on alcohol at altitude.
- I-70 traffic to the mountains is heavy on weekends.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Trying to cover every neighbourhood in a day: cluster sights by area instead.
- Renting a car you will barely use and paying high overnight parking fees.
- Eating only in the main tourist zone, where prices are higher and quality lower.
- Skipping reservations for popular restaurants, tours and observation decks on weekends.
- Underestimating walking distances: bring comfortable shoes.
Sample 3-day budget for two
| Item | Mid-range estimate |
|---|---|
| Hotel (3 nights) | $540–$900 |
| Food and drink | $540–$864 |
| Activities and entry fees | $140–$280 |
| Local transport or car | $180–$270 |
| Total | $1,400–$2,314 |
Estimates exclude flights and assume a mid-range hotel; travelling in shoulder season can cut accommodation costs by a third or more.
What to pack for Denver
- Layers: a base layer, fleece and waterproof shell
- Sturdy hiking shoes
- A daypack with water and snacks
- Sun protection (UV is stronger at altitude)
- A warm hat for cool evenings
- Bear spray in bear country (buy locally)
For a complete checklist, see our road trip packing list.
Planning tips for your trip
- ID for flights: Domestic flights require a REAL ID-compliant licence or another accepted ID such as a passport. See our guide to REAL ID and TSA rules.
- Money: Sales tax is added at the register and varies by state and city; tipping 18–20% at sit-down restaurants is expected.
- Insurance: Your health plan may have limited out-of-network cover in another state, and trip-cancellation cover is worth having for expensive bookings, especially in hurricane season.
- Driving: Most visitors drive; rental cars are widely available, and a US licence is all you need. Gas prices vary widely by state; California and Hawaii are usually the most expensive.
- Saving money: our budget vacation and cheapest places to travel guides have dozens of practical ideas.
What a trip costs
Typical spending per person per day, excluding flights:
| Travel style | Per person per day | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $120–$180 | motel or hostel, casual meals, self-drive or transit |
| Mid-range | $250–$400 | good hotel, sit-down meals, some tours |
| Luxury | $600–$1,200 | resort or boutique hotel, fine dining, private tours |
Prices rise in peak season and on holiday weekends, and fall sharply in the shoulder seasons.
Responsible travel tips
Popular places are under pressure from crowds. Visit on weekdays or in shoulder seasons, carpool or use shuttles, refill a reusable water bottle, and buy from local businesses. Respect Indigenous lands and cultural sites, follow posted closures, and keep a safe distance from wildlife.
Safety basics
Carry water and layers on outdoor outings, check weather and road conditions before long drives, and tell someone your plans in remote areas, where mobile coverage can be patchy. In cities, use normal precautions with valuables at night. The emergency number is 911.
Pack smarter
- Carry-on travel backpacks we rate BuyrSkip
A 30–40 litre backpack handles a long weekend and fits under most airline seats. - Travel phones and smartwatches Buyzello
Phones with great cameras and wearables that track your hikes. - Best wireless earbuds for travel VerdictFox
Compact earbuds for flights, trains and long drives.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the number one thing to do in Denver?
For most first-time visitors it is Red Rocks Amphitheatre: concerts among giant sandstone rocks.
How many days do you need in Denver?
Plan 3 days to cover the highlights at a relaxed pace.
What is the best time to visit Denver?
June to September; December to March for skiing.
Is Denver good for families?
Yes. Many of the top attractions suit children, and Denver is popular with outdoor lovers, music fans and families.
What should I eat in Denver?
Try green chile, Rocky Mountain trout, craft beer and bison burgers.
Plan the rest of your trip
- Denver Travel Guide: City Sights and Mountain Day Trips
- Rocky Mountain National Park Travel Guide: Trail Ridge Road, Hikes and Wildlife