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Things to do in
Denver

Bustling bars, breweries, lively music, and a gateway to the rocky mountains await in Colorado's capital.

Our most recommended things to do in Denver

Denver: Cannabis-Friendly Mountain Sunset Tour with Guide

1. Denver: Cannabis-Friendly Mountain Sunset Tour with Guide

Embark on a 420-friendly sunset tour and discover what makes Denver the Mile High City. Travel to Red Rocks Park and spot native wildlife from Lookout Mountain, travel along the Lariat Loop, and much more. Head to the meeting point and be welcomed with a complimentary pre-roll and gummy. Then, test your vintage gaming skills in a retro video game arcade while you wait for everyone to arrive for the tour. Once everyone has checked in, hop aboard the party bus or luxury vehicle and head off to Red Rocks Park. Marvel at the world-famous sight and see ancient rock formations. Next, make your way to Lookout Mountain where you'll have the opportunity to use your photography skills to capture amazing shots. Keep a lookout for wild buffalo and elk and soak in the panoramic mountain views. Make a quick stop at Buffalo Bill's grave before taking a drive along one of Colorado's best-known scenic byways, the Lariat Loop. Finally, make a stop at The Golden Mill, the perfect spot to satisfy that munchie craving that's bound to have kicked in by now. End your tour with a convenient return journey to the meeting point.

Denver: Cannabis Tour with Grow Facility Access

2. Denver: Cannabis Tour with Grow Facility Access

Immerse yourself in the cannabis industry on this original tour. Enjoy transportation via a luxury party bus limousine, get exclusive access to a state-of-the-art cannabis growing facility, and visit two of Denver's best dispensaries on this guided tour. Learn about the industry and the plant from our expert guide while having a blast with new friends. Be amazed by a live glass-blowing demonstration with an opportunity to purchase the piece directly from the glass artist afterward. Tour start times run throughout the day and run for 3 to 3.5 hours.

From Denver: Red Rocks, Evergreen, and Echo Lake Tour

3. From Denver: Red Rocks, Evergreen, and Echo Lake Tour

Discover the magic of Colorado's natural scenery on a guided tour through mountains, canyons, rock formations, and lakes. Take a break from the big city and dive into the wonders of the iconic Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater, the quaint town of Evergreen, and the pristine Echo Lake. Just a short drive out of the city, you'll come across an outstanding variety of untouched landscapes. Visit Red Rocks Park and see the famous amphitheater carved into the rocks. Then, drive into the mountains via Bear Creek Canyon and see many of the Denver Mountain Parks. Browse the shops or enjoy a quick drink in the small mountainous town of Evergreen. Witness beautiful hilltop views by climbing up a mountain pass to Echo Lake. Stroll around this incredible glacial lake sitting at 10,600 feet high and have a great chance to observe local wildlife.

Denver: CityPASS® with Access to 3, 4 or 5 Attractions

4. Denver: CityPASS® with Access to 3, 4 or 5 Attractions

Visiting Denver? Save up to 43% at 3, 4 or 5 must-see attractions, handpicked and packaged together, with Denver CityPASS® tickets. Spend less time planning and more time exploring. Spend less time planning and more time exploring. Visit the attractions at your own pace, in any order. Valid for 7 consecutive days, including the first day of use. Get admission to your choice of 3, 4 or 5 attractions: • Downtown Aquarium- General Admission • Denver Museum of Nature & Science- General Admission • Denver Botanic Gardens- General Admission to York Street gardens • Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus- General Admission • Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum- General admission and traveling exhibits at the Air & Space Museum located in the historic Lowry neighborhood in Denver. • Denver Art Museum- General Admission - Some exhibits may require an additional ticket • History Colorado Center- General Admission

Denver Botanic Gardens General Admission Ticket

5. Denver Botanic Gardens General Admission Ticket

Denver Botanic Gardens at York Street presents a wide range of gardens and collections on 24 acres that illustrate an ever-widening diversity of plants from all corners of the world. Distinctive gardens define and celebrate a Western identity and a unique high-altitude climate and geography. Don't miss the Freyer – Newman Center. The Center is a physical manifestation of the Gardens’ celebration of the fusion of science and art. The Center houses the Helen Fowler Library, the Sturm Family Auditorium, art galleries, herbaria, classrooms, the School of Botanical Art & Illustration and the Copper Door Coffee Roasters coffee shop. The Gardens’ holdings are unique because horticulture, plant conservation and preservation, mycology, and art unite to document human relationships with these elements and the larger environment. Housing each of these programmatic elements in a single facility makes these assets more accessible to the public.

Denver: City Highlights, Views, and Secret Spots Bus Tour

6. Denver: City Highlights, Views, and Secret Spots Bus Tour

Join this fun bus tour with our Discover Denver Tours crew & jump into exploring the Mile High City. Hop onboard our comfortable 14-passenger shuttle & enjoy taking in Denver's top sights as we wind through the heart of Denver & visit a great spot for views of the mountains. Denver's beauty shines year-round & experiencing Denver's top sights and discovering the stories behind them, is a great way to kick off your time in our Mile High City. Along the way, enjoy tons of fun commentary from your guide, ask questions, take pictures of Denver's amazing landmarks, and see & hear more about the Mile High City, past and present! Your tour kicks off at Union Station & then we'll hit the streets, rolling past some of our favorite highlights, including the iconic Larimer Square, the unique Denver Art Museum, we'll explore LoDo together, cross over the must-see 16th Street Mall, hear the U.S. Mint's heist stories, visit the Colorado State Capitol's famous Mile High Steps & much more! And best of all, we'll make 1-2 optional photo stops and there's plenty of time to ask Qs, get great local, off-the-beaten-track recommendations from your guide and more. You'll see and hear more than 90-minutes than you thought possible on this fun, light-hearted tour of our Mile High City!

Denver: BEYOND Light Show and Meditation

7. Denver: BEYOND Light Show and Meditation

Enjoy a fully-immersive experience with BEYOND: A Guided Meditation & Laser Light Experience featuring a guided mediation, enchanting music, wondrous sound, and an awe-inspiring laser and projection light experience designed to elevate the soul. See custom audiovisual art installations created by world-famous artists that explore powerful themes. For those who enjoy thinking and meditating while immersing themselves in music and visuals, this planetarium-style, classic rock laser light show is designed to electrify your consciousness. Each Beyond Light Experience starts promptly at 20 minutes past the hour, every hour, during operating hours. This is a non-consumption, family-friendly experience.

Denver: Middle Clear Creek Beginners Whitewater Rafting

8. Denver: Middle Clear Creek Beginners Whitewater Rafting

Hungry for adrenaline-filled fun? Take on the Clear Creek in Denver for a beginners level whitewater rafting experience. Go through a safety talk with your guides before setting off into the beautiful canyon and make a splash as your crew paddle downstream. Make your way to the rafting center and meet your awesome crew for the day. Enjoy a short safety briefing and study the route you'll be taking down the middle Clear Creek rapids before getting wetsuited up and into the water. Encounter several continuous class I-II rapids and let the water carry you over the edge as you paddle to keep your raft straight. Lean into the thrill as you crash down Initiation Falls, Castle Falls, Mister Twister, Hightop, Speed Limit 55, and Mountain Lion. All the while immerse yourself in the wilderness of the Rocky Mountains and admire the picturesque landscape surrounding you. Keep an eye out between the splashes for wildlife that makes its home in the canyon. Reach the bottom of the Creek and spend time celebrating with your crew and exchanging stories, realising that your adventure into whitewater rafting has only just begun.

Denver: Terrors Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl

9. Denver: Terrors Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl

Step into the shadows of Denver’s haunted “Millionaire’s Row,” where spirits peak through the curtains of 19th century mansions. You’ll meet your guide at Pub on Penn, where you’ll down the first drink of the night and soak in the chilling history of the Molly Brown House Museum. From there, you’ll visit eight other bone-chilling, ghost-infested sites, including three other pubs. Stand at the steps of the towering Croke-Patterson-Campbell Mansion, where children become mysteriously possessed. Find out what’s lurking beneath the soil at Cheesman Park. Try to contact the angry spirits of Dennis Sheedy’s former estate. There will be plenty of liquid courage available throughout the tour. Try a City Toddy at City O’ City or a Peanut Butter Graham Cracker Porter at Bar Nun. Designated drivers can enjoy kombucha, coffee, tea, or mocktails. By the time you reach the final stop, you’ll have a pleasant buzz and a night’s worth of ghostly tales to share with family and friends back home.

From Denver: Rocky Mountain National Park Day Trip and Lunch

10. From Denver: Rocky Mountain National Park Day Trip and Lunch

Explore the Rocky Mountain National Park on this day trip from Denver. See nature at its finest as you take in unspoiled views and magnificent peaks. Cruise down Trail Edge Road and through Estes Park in a comfortable and airconditioned van. Stop for a nice picnic in a stunning natural setting.  Meet your local guide at the Denver Union Station and climb aboard a spacious van with plenty of legroom. Sit back and relax on the drive to the Rocky Mountain National Park. Take in views of the city of Boulder on the drive.  Stop to see the iconic Flatirons red-rock formation. Admire views of this 300-million-year-old wonder that lies in the Rocky Mountain foothills. Feel as though you are on top of the world as you cruise down Trail Edge Road which offers plenty of opportunities for capturing breathtaking photos. Indulge in delicious picnic lunch as you enjoy views of the Rocky Mountains in the background. Visit the Stanley Hotel which was made famous as the shooting location for Stephen King's film 'The Shining.' Encounter marvelous views of the Rocky Mountains as you drive through Estes Park. Return to your meeting point in Denver at the end of your Rocky Mountain adventure. 

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Top sights in Denver

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Frequently asked questions about Denver

What are the best day trips and excursions from Denver?

The best day trips and excursions from Denver are:

Rocky Mountains

Insider tips: Planning a trip to Denver

Known as the Mile High City thanks to its elevation that is exactly one mile (5,280 feet or 1,609.344 meters) above sea level, Denver is the capital city of Colorado and the eastern entrance to the foothills of the soaring Rocky Mountains. There is so much to do in Denver that we enlisted the travel experts at TravelingMom, a leading family travel website, to share their favorite things to do and tips for making the most of a visit, even if you only have a few days. You can read more surprising facts about Denver here.

What should I do on my first trip to Denver?

With its stunning Rocky Mountain views and its downtown skyline, Denver, the capital city of Colorado, is a great place to visit. Take a stroll on the 16th Street Mall, a mile-long pedestrian walkway, lined with trees, shops, restaurants, and brightly painted pianos, courtesy of local artists. Downtown Denver offers so many kid-friendly experiences, most within walking distance, or short drive away. Our favorites are the Denver U.S. Mint, Downtown Aquarium, and the Denver Firefighters Museum.

What are some hidden gems to see in Denver?

If you're a sports fan, take in a Colorado Rockies home baseball game at Coors Field (April-September season), grab a ballpark hot dog, visit the Dinger's Playground and swing the bat at Kidszone -- it's free. Add a "Behind the Scenes" tour of this classic ballpark in the heart of downtown. Baseball not your thing? Denver has plenty of other options. depending on the season: American football's Denver Broncos, basketball's Denver Nuggets, hockey's Colorado Avalanche, and soccer's Colorado Rapids all call the city home. And of course, include a visit to the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame Museum.

How much time should I spend in Denver?

When planning a trip to Denver, we suggest spending at least two nights to see all the top atrractions in downtown. Add another day or two to your stay to explore Denver neighborhoods or the Front Range's top cities, like Golden, Boulder or Colorado Springs. If you plan to explore the nearby Rocky Mountains to play in the snow or enjoy our mountain towns (and you should!) I'd suggest adding at least two more nights.

What food is Denver known for?

Denver's roots are deeply seated in western culture, so many associate Denver's foodie scene with Rocky Mountain Oysters (breaded and deep fried bull testicles) and cuts of prime bison and beef steak. But Denver is much more than that! The Mile High City was named one of 2021’s Best Foodie Cities in America by Wallet Hub -- and there are a lot of reasons why. As a melting pot of cultures, local neighborhoods dish their family recipes, including cuisine from Mexico, India, Thailand, Italy, and more.

What is the best way to get around Denver?

Transportation in Denver is dependent on where you're based and where you want to go. If you stay in or near downtown Denver, the most affordable and convenient option is walking. Taxis, Uber and Lyft are also convenient options. Fortunately, Denver also offers a public Light Rail system, which is the easiest and cheapest way to get to downtown Denver from Denver International Airport, as well as many of the city's neighborhoods. However, if you want to include a visit into the foothills or Rocky Mountains -- and you should! -- renting a car is your best option.

What are the best months to visit Denver?

Denver basks in the sunshine 245 days a year, so pick a season and chances are good you'll enjoy that Mile High sunshine. During winter, the snow-capped Rocky Mountains are stunning and there are loads of ski and snowboarding options. But the absolute best times to visit Denver are April and May. Our spring is colorful and the mountain air is crisp. The fall, September to October, offers the chance for leaf-peeping and still-warm weather. Denver is a city that likes to celebrate with cool events year-round starting in January with the National Western Rodeo and Stockshow, St. Patrick's Day Parade in March, Colorado Rockies basebal opening day in April, Denver Beer Fest in October, and the Parade of Lights in December.

What is Washington Park known for?

Whether your visit is family-centric or couples, you'll want to include a visit to Washington Park, running north to south from around Speer Boulevard to I-25. This continues to be named as one of the best places to live. Its namesake, Wash Park, highlights what the Mile High City is known for -- its amazing outdoors. This urban oasis features lush grass, colorful flower grandens, and multiple lakes for kayaking, paddleboating, and yes even fishing. Check out the surrounding track for running, walking or biking. Bring a picnic, let the kids romp in a nearby playground, and people watch from its expansive lawns.

What are the best neighborhoods for food?

Downtown's historic Larimer Square is the perfect setting to experience Denver's food scene. Start with Rioja, the Spanish- and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine by Chef-owner Jennifer Jasinski, of James Beard Foundation fame. The nearby south-of-the-border themed cuisine (and tequila!) of Tamaya, restaurant of chef celeb Richard Sandoval and the roof-top patio is worth the wait. The Uptown neighborhood features a wider variety of restaurants, sure to please all palates, ranging from American diners to farm-to-table chefs.

What are the best neighborhoods for shopping?

Known as the ultimate shopping mecca, if you think it, the Cherry Creek neighborhood will fulfill your shopping wish list. Browse its more than 160 shops, boutiques and restaurants (for when you need to rest your wearing shopping feet). For those with a luxury budget, check out the 40 exclusive stores including Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Tiffany & Co., Burberry, Louis Vuitton and Ralph Lauren.

What neighborhood should I stay in when I visit Denver?

The Union Station neighborhood is a bustling hub of activity, with a prime location next to RTD's Light Rail, Denver's public train transportation. Located in the heart of downtown Denver is the recently renovated train station. Inside Union Station, discover 10 chef-owned restaurants and bars, boutiques and the 112-room Crawford Hotel. Steps away is the new Dairy Block and McGregor Square neighborhoods, featuring even more hotels, restaurants, shops, and Coors Field.

What is the best family-friendly thing to do in Denver?

Discover the Mile High City's largest outdoor space, the tree-lined City Park neighborhood, with miles of jogging and biking trails – and the best sunset over downtown Denver with the Rocky Mountains as a backdrop! This is also home to two of the the city’s most popular family-friendly attractions: Denver Zoo, home to more than 4,000 animals, and Denver Museum of Nature & Science with its T-Rex life-size displays, IMAX and planetarium shows.

Other Sightseeing Options in Denver

Want to discover all there is to do in Denver? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Denver

Overall rating

4.7
(619 reviews)

Amazing experience with such a knowledgeable guide! She was able to answer any questions and had great energy too. The live glass blowing was a unique twist too. I was able to buy the pipe that the glassblower made to take home. Definitely recommend this experience for anyone who wants to learn more

I loved the tour! Kristina, my tour guide was amazing! I learned a lot about Denver and loved all the fun facts that were thrown in. I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone!

Our photographer was great! We had so much fun doing this shoot & our pictures turned out amazing. Plus - We got them back way faster than we expected to!

it was great. lots of variety. guide knowledgeable and fun

guide was very knowledgeable and took good care of us! ty.