Published 2nd Aug. 2023
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The coolest kid on Colorado’s block, it’s no surprise that Denver is miles above the rest. Home to great weather, good views (hello Rocky Mountains) and even better bars, the Mile High City has well and truly kicked off its cowboy boots and embraced its hipster beanie. So where better to spend days dipping into art galleries in the historic Golden Triangle District, tasting craft beers in quirky microbreweries and doing a bit of window shopping in SoBo. Be at one with nature in Confluence Park and watch the city’s iconic red rocks jostle for attention with the latest boyband at Red Rocks Ampitheatre. Planning to visit Colorado on your next USA trip? It’ll be hard to fit Denver’s delights into just a few days, but with our trusty list of the top six things to do in Denver, we’re confident you’ll be able to get deep into its cool Coloradoan core.
1
If you want to get to the heart of Denver, start at the Golden Triangle. As one of Denver’s oldest neighbourhoods, where contemporary design meets old-world charm, it’s not surprising that it boasts more than 16 galleries and more theatres, brewpubs, boutiques and art spaces than you’ll know what to do with. Start at Denver Art Museum, home to 70,000 works of a variety of art styles as well as a huge collection of indigenous art from North America and carry on the historic theme at the Colorado State Capitol. Sat proudly atop Capitol Hill, this spectacular neoclassical building (topped with a 200-ounce gold dome) is a great place to learn about the American West’s interesting and often divisive history. If you take a pause on its thirteenth step, you’ll also see why the city gets its name ‘The Mile High City’ – the step sits exactly one mile above sea level.
2
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, the only thing to do in Denver is head to Union Station for lunch. The beaux-arts building is simply stunning and makes for the perfect backdrop while you’re munching on meals from one of the 10 chef-owned restaurants inside. Our favourite you ask? Hopdoddy Burger Bar. You can’t go wrong with a handcrafted burger and fries to fuel your afternoon. While you’re close by, cross over to Larimer Square. Lit by fairy lights, this historic block is known for its Victorian buildings housing everything from chic shops, cocktail bars and bourgeois dog boutiques.
3
Things in Denver don’t just start and end in the city. If you want days away from the gridlock, head out to the trails around Golden and Boulder. Stop by the famous Boulder County Farmers Market to stock up on snacks before hitting the Boulder Creek Path on foot or bike. With your appetite for the outdoors suitably whetted, we recommend spending an afternoon in Eldorado Canyon State Park. Unlike the nearby Rocky Mountain National Park that sees increasing numbers of visitors each year, the lesser known Eldorado enjoys its anonymity. Prepare for incredible views of the Flatirons and Continental Divide as well as picnic spots that look like they were made just for you.
4
City life can be a lot, which is why we’re suggesting you add Confluence Park to your list of things to do in Denver. A sprawling space at the meeting point of the South Platte and Cherry Creek rivers, it is the perfect spot for a walk, run, bike ride or even a kayak. If you’re travelling with young ones, its small beach and shallow water make for great sandcastle building spaces, while its endless trails to picturesque reservoirs are sure to tire tweens out. A walk along the Cherry Creek Trail will lead you to Cherry Creek’s Shopping Centre too, where all moans and groans of ‘are we nearly there yet?’ can be put to bed with a trip to its cinema and indoor play area. It stretches right across the river too so it’s a great place to get your bearings and enjoy views of the Mile High City.
5
You think the o2 has good views, think again. Shouldered by sweeping sandstone and a sloping stadium forged by the elements, this beloved venue is as much a main star as the band playing on its stage. Ever since an unknown Irish band by the name of U2 filmed a performance there, it has become a house name on the North American concert circuit. With the help of your Concierge, we’re sure you’ll be able to time your trip just right to watch the likes of James Taylor, Arctic Monkeys and Vance Joy. And if you aren’t able to go to one, no sweat – or do – if you plan on joining locals scale its seemingly endless staircases and trails on their daily workouts. There’s also a visitor centre, cafe and museum chronicling the amphitheatre’s history.
6
No stay in Denver would be complete without a ride on the city’s comedy circuit. In fact, I it’s pretty well-known thanks to its legendary Comedy Works club. Drop by to see big names or watch a local act practice new material – laughter guaranteed. Shows are held regularly from Thursday through to Saturday night, but make sure you book in advance, this popular hang out gets booked up quick.
Header image © Adam Larkey Photography
From New York to California and all the states in between, our team knows the USA's hotspots incredibly well. What we really excel at, though, is the under-the-radar regions, thanks to our in-depth experience and the hand-picked guides we work with on the ground. Whether you’re travelling as a family or à deux, road trips are the ultimate way to explore the USA, and we're brimming with suggestions to improve journeys, from scenic route options to photogenic stop-off points (all based on our own experiences, of course). And if that's not enough, you'll have our in-country Concierge team on hand at all times for extra help and advice.
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