So you’re flirting with the idea of visiting Denver? Let me just say — do it. I’m a local and still discovering new things to love (and I don’t even ski!). Denver’s got big city energy wrapped in mountain views, with just the right amount of weird. Think: world-class museums, chill parks, funky gardens, ridiculously good food, surprise concerts in the summer, and sunsets that make you question reality. Ready to see what this Mile High magic is all about? Here’s an excellent itinerary that rounds up all the best things to do in Denver — no boring tourist traps included.
Also Read: 18 Best things to do in Denver, Colorado

Day 1: Explore the Heart of Denver
On your first day, spend a perfect day in Downtown Denver – without getting rushed or bored! This part of the town is like your cool friend who always has plans — artsy, walkable, full of personality, and just laid-back enough to never feel overwhelming. Here’s how to spend a day soaking it all up.

Union Station
Start strong in the morning at Union Station. This isn’t your average train station — it’s more like a boutique hotel lobby that also happens to have trains, amazing coffee, and an oyster bar. Grab a coffee and breakfast at one of the nearby restaurants. Then explore the station. Sit under the chandeliers, admire the restoration work, and people-watch!
Tip – This is also where you can take the A line train to the Denver International Airport and back.
LoDo (Lower Downtown)
From Union Station, take a stroll through LoDo, Denver’s oldest neighborhood, where 19th-century brick buildings now house indie bookstores, cocktail bars, and jazzy lofts. You will also spot homeless people and dubious elements – unfortunately this is all a part of the LoDo vibe! Just take the usual tourist precautions and you should be okay. Pop into Tattered Cover Bookstore and discover local authors or go visit Coors Field, if you’re into baseball.

16th Street Mall
Next, hop onto the free 16th Street Mall shuttle and head down Denver’s main pedestrian strip. It’s touristy, but it’s also so much fun. There’s always a saxophonist, someone dressed as Spider-Man, quirky sculptures, and lots of colorful murals. The 16th Street Mall was designed by I.M. Pei, the same architect behind the Louvre Pyramid in Paris. The mall connects LoDo to Civic Center Park and hence, is quite popular with tourists. Window-shop at Denver Pavilions, grab a meal, dance to the music, and just explore.

Blue Bear
Denver’s famous Blue Bear sculpture has a name – ‘I See What You Mean.’ You will find this 40 feet tall inquisitive dude peeking inside the glass windows of the Colorado Convention center building. The bear is an icon of Denver and you absolutely need to take photos with him!

Colorado State Capitol
Make your way to the Colorado State Capitol, just a few blocks from the end of the mall. Take the iconic photo on the “Mile High Step” (yes, you’re exactly 5,280 feet above sea level), then join one of the free tours inside. The gold dome? Real gold. The view from the top? Worth every stair.

Denver Art Museum
Walk over to the Denver Art Museum, where the architecture is just as cool as what’s inside. Think: bold modern buildings filled with everything from Indigenous American masterpieces to interactive art for kids and dreamy fashion exhibits. You can easily lose two hours here and still want more. Bonus: the outdoor sculptures make for perfect photo ops.

Civic Center Park
Even if you don’t do parks, you should stop by Civic Center Park. It’s Denver’s front porch — bold, busy, artsy, and kind of always in the middle of something interesting. First of all, the views here are chef’s kiss. You’ve got the gold-domed Colorado State Capitol on one side, the Denver Art Museum and Central Library on the other, plus the City and County Building anchoring it. The park itself is beautifully landscaped — flower beds that pop with color, fountains you want to Instagram, and enough open space to do cartwheels.
Larimer Square
Finish strong at Larimer Square, Denver’s prettiest little block — twinkly lights, historic buildings, and great restaurants all in one place. For dinner, you can’t go wrong with Rioja (Mediterranean magic), Tamayo (elevated Mexican with rooftop views), or Bistro Vendôme for a Paris-in-Denver vibe. Grab a cocktail afterward and watch the string lights flicker on — it has a European evening in the Rockies feels.

Day 2: Visit City Park + RiNo
On the 2nd day of your trip, start the day in City Park. Visit a museum or two, head to the zoo, and enjoy a picnic meal late spring to fall. Then hit up RiNo and check out the vibrant murals. Visit Cherry Creek for some shopping. Check out some breweries on Denver Beer Trail to end your day.

City Park
As a Denver local, City Park is one of my favorite places to take out-of-town guests. In addition to all the attractions here, the views of the Denver skyline backed by the Rockies is just lovely. Walk along Ferril Lake, enjoy a free concert in the park, see the sunset, eat a picnic by the sports fields – you can easily spend a whole day here.
Denver Museum of Nature and Science
I love geeking out at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. The museum has several larger than life exhibits including the story of evolution, dinosaur fossils, rare gems and minerals, breathtaking dioramas, and more – all covered under the general admission. It can get quite busy on weekends – but that’s always a good sign when it comes to museums!

Denver Zoo
The Denver Zoo is another great attraction at City Park. For me, a trip is filled with nostalgia! I grew up feeding giraffes here on school field trips and now I keep coming back for new exhibits. You can see elephants, giraffes, zebras, lions, tigers, monkeys, penguins, ostrich, and even marine animals like stingrays and fishes.
Denver Botanic Gardens
Denver Botanic Gardens is one of my favorite spots in the city—a peaceful, ever-changing oasis that looks spectacular in all seasons. There is so much here to wander and explore. Walk through the zen-like Japanese gardens, the tropical conservatory, smell the rose bushes, and admire the lilies in the water garden. The Children’s garden combines interactive activities with learning.

River North Art District (RiNo)
Looking for creativity and inspiration in Denver? Head to River North Arts District. This area was packed with industrial warehouse style buildings in the past, and has now been transformed to one of the trendiest hoods in the city. Enjoy the Friday art walk, drop in galleries, admire colorful street art, spot the sculptures, and hang out with friends. RiNo lends itself to anything from ‘Let’s have brunch’ to a ‘Yay, pub crawl’!

Cherry Creek
Cherry Creek is where the shopaholics flock to in the Mile High City. You will find lux retail, department stores, boutiques, as well as the odd flea market bargain. Think anything and everything from Hermes, Burberry, LV, to art galleries and local gourmet foods stores. I usually window shop here and end with an ice cream or movie at the AMC.
Denver Breweries
Denver is a craft beer lover’s paradise and if you’re into it, you need to order a couple of flights. Some of the popular spots include Great Divide, Ratio Beerworks, Cerebral Brewing, and more. Most of them have large taprooms with great vibes. You will always find a live music event or some festival going on.

Day 3: Head to the Rockies
Denver is close to everything and you can plan this day easily based on your interests. Some of the popular attractions nearby include Red Rocks and Dinosaur Ridge in Morrison, Golden and Coors Brewery, Idaho Springs where the Colorado Gold Rush began, Colorado Springs, and of course – Rocky Mountain National Park. If you ask me, I’d always choose RMNP and its gateway town of Estes Park. Nothing quite beats views of towering peaks of the Continental Divide.

Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is more than just a destination—it’s where I go to reconnect with Colorado’s wild soul. Just under two hours from Denver, it’s close enough for day trips, but I always try to camp overnight when I can, especially in the summer and early fall when the alpine tundra is in full bloom or the aspen are peaking. Hits include Alberta Falls trail, Bear lake, elk herds at Moraine Park, and the unreal drive on Trail Ridge Road. Even the misses in this park are of the good kind: who wants to encounter a bear or moose on the trails! RMNP is the kind of place that reminds you how small you are—in the best way possible.

Estes Park
Just outside of RMNP, you will find Estes Park. Even with the summer crowds and the occasional tourist traffic jam on Elkhorn Avenue, there’s something magical about waking up with views of Longs Peak and the crisp scent of pine in the air. Local gems include Lake Estes, the infamous Stanley Hotel, and hand pulled taffy at The Taffy Shop.
Here’s some information about other popular area attractions if you’re not up for the trip to RMNP.

Golden
Golden has so much of Colorado’s rich history in every alley and stream. Clear Creek is the heart of town. In summer, you’ll see people tubing, fly fishing, and families picnicking along the banks. The Clear Creek Trail runs all the way through town and links to the Coors brewery area, the Golden History Park, and up toward the canyon. Speaking of Coors – you have to take the tour at least once. The Colorado School of Mines gives the town its STEM backbone, and the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave on Lookout Mountain adds a dose of Wild West legend.

Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Red Rocks Amphitheatre is one of those rare places that never loses its magic, no matter how many times you go. Cacha concert here, hike the trails, or come for a yoga workout in the mornings – you will fall in love with this gem tucked in the Front Range. Towering red sandstone walls, perfect acoustics, stars overhead – c’est magnifique.
Dinosaur Ridge
Dinosaur Ridge is one of those places I love taking friends and family—especially those who think “dinosaur fossils” are just something you see in museums. Here you will find them embedded in the rock next to the hiking trail. And the tracksite has dozens of real footprints left by the prehistoric beasts. The Visitor Center has great indoor exhibits with more fossils, geology, and a dig pit.

Idaho Springs
Idaho Springs is one of those Colorado mountain towns that punches way above its weight. It’s got that old Victorian mining town meets dream destination vibes. Walk the Main Street, eat some Colorado style pizza, tour a gold mine, hike up to St Mary’s glacier in summer, or soak in the Indian Hot Springs. Just make sure to avoid peak I-70 traffic and you’re all set.

3 Days in Denver often pass by in a heartbeat. From strolling the murals in RiNo to hiking around Red Rocks, soaking in the views at City Park, and diving into the Denver Art Museum, you can get a true taste of what makes this city so special. Wrap it all up with a good beer, mountain views, and colorful sunsets – they’ll have you planning your next trip soon!