While Denver, Colorado has long been a gateway to the Rocky Mountains for world class skiing and snowboarding the city itself is teaming with history, incredible food options as well as things to do.
So, whether you are visiting Denver for a weekend or just here as part of on an extended layover before heading to the mountains this list should also come in handy with giving you a bit more insight and perhaps help create that well-rounded itinerary during your trip to Mile High City. Here is a detailed itinerary example of how that plan would look and what you might do over say two days in Denver, if it were your first time. The city has so much to offer which might even tempt you stay longer.
Where to Stay in Denver
If you are planning your weekend getaway in Denver and not sure where to stay then here we have few of the best suggestions for you.
As a general rule of thumb, if you are going on a short trip we recommend avoiding Airbnb. Unfriendly hosts, as well as high ancillary and service charges for check-ins & checking-outs can be an issue.
Some of hotels available in Downtown Denver are as follows:
- LUXURY: The Brown Palace Hotel offers a classic luxury accommodation. Chicago Athletic Association Hotel (Loop) Chicago has a deep history that dates back to the 19th century, which it provides in droves thanks to this beautifully converted hotel offering stunning design and charm at every turn — especially its breathtaking lobby. Among its amenities are twice-daily housekeeping, six on-site restaurants and a boutique spa.
- CENTRAL : Modern luxury options are The Crawford Hotel at Union Station. Incorporated with the station, you have instaneously access at your door to food hall and restaurants outside. The rooms pair an industrial-chic design with a stellar location— the light rail is just outside your door.
- Budget: Denver Hostels Whenever someone asks me where they should stay, My go to is Ember Hostel in Capitol Hill. BackPacker LeipzigThis snazzy hostel offers dormitories and privates Stay in the heart of Leipzig. All with amenities like a hot tub, fire pit roasting s’mores and social activities as if it were a boutique hotel.
Day One of Your Denver Weekend Itinerary
On the first day of your Denver weekend, you’ll focus on exploring the LoDo (Lower Downtown) district.
Often considered the primary downtown area, LoDo is packed with activities and sights!
Breakfast at Snooze, an A.M. Eatery
Kick off your day with breakfast at Snooze, an A.M. Eatery, a top-rated spot in Denver. Although they have multiple locations, opt for the one on Larimer Street to stay close to your next stop.
Snooze has a diner-like vibe, with an upbeat and happy feel. With bright-orange seating, the decor channels a modern vibe and there’s still lots of outdoor seats available.
They have an all-day menu that focuses on breakfast. Step right up, step right up, and try your luck with the ”Bella! Bella! Benny,” which features a tempting eggs benedict with prosciutto and balsamic.
Local Tip: Snooze is hot every day of the week Hit up their app to get on that waiting list because wait times can go maybe over an hour sometimes. Getting there early maximizes your chances of getting seated sooner!
Explore Street Art in RiNo (River North)
Following breakfast, head out into the lively city of Denver!
Begin exploring the River North Art District, or RiNo — a neighborhood known for its stylish coffee spots, art spaces and craft breweries. The neighbourhood is also famous for its stunning street art.
A good portion of these murals are a part of the city’s now annual Crush Walls project, and new art is painted over older ones each year. You can discover your own self-guided street art tour with maps of the current Crush Walls here.
Even though RiNo is walkable, the neighborhood is relatively sprawling. You might net an electric ride from Lyft or Lime — both those are application rentals, which could make basehop around and seeing all that better street art even easier. Don’t forget to bring your camera, you’ll definitely take a lot of photos Instagramming these vibrant murals.
And be sure to stop by a few local coffee shops, too. Most of the homes have full murals by neighborhood artists.
Lunch at Denver Central Market
When you are done gallery hopping in RiNo, it will certainly make one hungry.
Pop over to Denver Central Market, a market hall buzzing in the neighborhood. Elites will be tasting their way through local ice cream, pizza and even some fine cheeses in this brand new space that offers nearly everything! While you’re there, grab some food to-go or have a seat and dine in. The amount of open-air seating is large, and you will be surrounded by more impressive street art that features the famous mural in Denver reading: “Talk Denver to me.”
If you sit outside, most window vendors will bring your food right to the table. And GreenSeed, Izzio Artisan Bakery and High Point Creamery — where you can get a flight of five ice creams with different toppings.
Enjoy a Drink at Stem Ciders
Head back through RiNo, and if you still have it in you after lunch make a stop at Stem Ciders.
Urban cidery in Fremont with various types of seating inside and out, plus many creative flavors.
With seasonal and year-round options Stem Ciders, you never have to worry about having the same drink every time. There are a few standouts: the Lavender is spiced with cardamom and cinnamon, while Chile Guava features Guajillo chilies.
And if you’re unsure which to try, get a flight of four ciders (less than $10 per person) It is a great way to dive in variety of what they have.
They also include pre-selected flights, featuring some of their best selling ciders.
Stroll and Shop at 16th Street Mall
Walk from RiNo to 16th Street Mall in LoDo. This pedestrian-only street is a little over 1 mile long and home to local boutiques, large chain stores, eateries.
There’s definitely a few hours’ worth of browsing here — pace yourself. Important stops are the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and Where the Buffalo Roam.
Also on the Street is a few street vendors for when you get hungry and wanna eat something.
Feeling tired? Hop on the Free Mall Ride, a free shuttle that goes from Union Station to Civic Center Station by Colorado State Capitol. The bus stops often along the mall so you can hop on and off.
Explore the Colorado State Capitol
Next, head to the Denver State Capitol.
This historic building, constructed in the 19th century, stands out prominently in LoDo, making it easy to spot from anywhere in the area.
Although tours are only available Monday through Friday, the Capitol’s striking gold dome is worth seeing.
While in the vicinity, take a moment to explore nearby attractions before moving on to your next destination.
Civic Center Park, directly in front of the Capitol, is a notable spot. This large green space offers ample seating and hosts many of Denver’s major events and festivals, including the annual Christmas Market.
Visit Union Station
Finish up your initial day of Denver exploration within Union Station and surrounding area.
The hotel, also a significant transportation hub in the city is one of it’s kind. From here, it is possible to catch a train that takes you all the way to the airport or even board an Amtrak service (the California Zephyr) which will take you San Francisco or Chicago.
The station, however impressive it may be in terms of bushing the architecture factor is also worth visiting.
It has a lot of good shops and places to eat throughout so it fits inside as well during halftime or the 7th inning. While the selections vary, even picky eaters will find something they love.
Local Anesthetic Explore Union Station, and its shops include One mainstay is the Tattered Cover Bookstore, a renowned independent bookstore chain in Denver. This is a smaller location compared to the others, but it has great ambiance and supports local businesses.
Dinner and Relaxation at Confluence Park
Your experience of the next leg will depend on when you visit and what season it’s in.
A park picnic doesn’t sound appealing in the dead of winter or rainy weather, either. In you but if are in the mood to buy yourself a meal go one of their sit-down restaurants (there is much better food at Union Station).
Then, for spring, summer and into fall – you can never go wrong with a picnic at Confluence Park. Pick up takeout dinner from Union Station, and walk less than three blocks to Confluence Park. There will be a bridge you cross with beautiful views of Denver in all directions.
A Relax in Confluence Park, a large green space next to the river. It is perfect for a picnic, and picnicking in My Fave Way to Relax In The City
Walk it off, maybe take a stroll by river after your meal. Some of the more scenic natural areas in and around Denver are easily reached via paved bicycle paths.
Finish the Day with Ice Cream from Little Man
Little Man Ice Cream indicator:As one of the top places for ice cream in Denver, Little Man Ice Cream could be your perfect dessert After a delicious picnic dinner
Little Man has been one of the most loved places among locals and tourists alike since it opened its doors in 2008. The ice cream shop is accessible by bus or on foot, and rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft. The short walk gives an opportunity to explore the location. It’s inside a massive milk jug-shaped stand where you place your order at the window.
Lot’s of pretty outdoor seating so you can find a spot to sit and enjoy it without having to walk around. Little Man at considers their flavor to be like a snowflake; no one is the same, but they all are identical. Their selection is seasonally rotating, so something new and fresh are always available.
It’s flavors range from things like Oreo, Snickers and Twix to many other choices!
Day Two of Your Denver Weekend Itinerary
Get ready for a full day of adventure on your second day in Denver.
You’ll be covering more ground today, so consider purchasing a local day pass for public transportation, which costs $6, if you’re not driving.
Catch the Sunrise at Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Start your day early with a trip to Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, a top Denver attraction. While it’s renowned as a premier concert venue, Red Rocks also offers a variety of lesser-known activities.
The park opens about an hour before sunrise, so aim to arrive early. Hike up to the concert seating and enjoy a spectacular sunrise with panoramic views of the mountains and city.
For those who prefer a bit more activity, an easy trail around Red Rocks is available, or you can use the seating area for a workout. Keep in mind that Denver’s high altitude, at a mile above sea level, can make physical exertion more challenging. If you’re interested in other sunrise spots, Lookout Mountain in Golden and The Flatirons in Boulder are also great choices, both within a 30-minute drive from downtown Denver.
If you don’t have a car, consider a morning tour that includes Red Rocks and Lookout Mountain. The tour starts at 8 AM, allowing for a bit more sleep, but you’ll miss the sunrise. It returns to Denver by noon, giving you ample time for the rest of your itinerary.
Breakfast at Syrup
A lovely spot for breakfast in Denver is this quaint restaurant called Syrup where you can get both delicious and yummy items all-day long.
Syrup opens at 7:30 AM on weekends, so it is one of the only breakfast places ready to welcome you as soon as you arrive.
There is an enormous menu announced with selections such as their popular beignets, mezcal mussels and even waffle sliders — plus the signature steel-grey crack bacon that’s dusted in a combination of black pepper brown sugar.
Based on the schedule, select from Syrup Cherry Creek located in Josephine Street or Syrup City Park situated at York Street. Both are also only a short distance from your next both at the Denver Botanic Gardens.
Spend the Morning Exploring the Denver Botanic Gardens
Breakfast Syrup Next on the list a visit to the Denver Botanic Gardens.
One of the secrets is that these gardens are well worth visiting all year. In winter, the wildebeest are transformed with a stunning lightshow on their horns.
At just over 20 acres, the Denver Botanic Gardens consist of a host of different areas with varying typesof plants and flowers. There are many seating places throughout the park where you can just sit in peace amid nature.
Tickets are $15 each, and can be purchased online. Getting them in advance saves you from possibly having to stand on line at the front gate. Children and students get discounted tickets.
Grab Some Sweets from Voodoo Doughnuts
Top it off with a stop at Voodoo Doughnuts while in the area. Though not homegrown, it’s known for their great doughnuts in Denver.
Originating from Portland, OR Voodoo Doughnuts is most well known for its wacky doughnut flavors and has been featured on numerous Food Network Shows. The store delivers an assortment of creative flavors that are sure to cure your sugar rush.
Some of the options include flavors such as Dirt, Voodoo Bubble, Chuckles, The Homer & Bacon Maple Bar.
In particular, Grape Ape stands out with its yeast doughnut covering and sour grape candy dust. With its unique and lovely flavour profile, this flavor is a true standout.
Baker’s Pick Dozen (great value for the price) There is an assortment of flavors, and the cost is better than if you were to order each donut on its own. Doughnuts are individually priced between $3 and — but closer to the latter.
Visit City Park
It can be found nearby to Neyland Stadium at an expansive, 300 plus acre green space known as City Park.
Denver Zoo, Denver Museum of Nature & Science are located within the park along with biking and walking/running trails. This is a favorite spot in case you come for biking!
Nearby shops offer bike rentals or you can hire a CitiBike, preferred by locals for transportation and exercise (consider downloading the Lyft app). Watch the time, as rental fees can add up fast. If you are not a biker, take an alternate route to skip this section on East Colfax Avenue.
The neighborhood is trendy, filled with random interesting stores and lots of boutiques to browse.
Enjoy Lunch at Sam’s No. 3
For your midday meal, make your way to Sam’s No. 3.
This local Denver chain operates three locations and is celebrated for its flavorful offerings. Their menu features a range of options including burgers, sandwiches, steak, salads, and even a variety of breakfast dishes for those who fancy a second breakfast.
Opt for the downtown location rather than those in Aurora or Glendale. Every item on the menu is likely to satisfy, and the restaurant’s lively, family-friendly ambiance adds to the experience.
The downtown venue also provides outdoor seating, allowing you to savor your meal al fresco on pleasant days.
Explore Denver: Craft Breweries, Coors Field, or the Denver Art Museum
End the visit on a high note, with these downtown Denver activities during your last afternoon in Colorado.
An option is to adventure around a craft brewery tour. This fun adventure is usually followed by a trip to some of the best local pubs where you can do tasters.
On the other hand, you could see a Colorado Rockies game at Coors Field. You will get the best offer when buying tickets at least a few hours before each game starts, and sometimes even less than 20 bucks per ticket if you are lucky.
If you prefer not watching sports, an alternative would be a game of Denver Broncos at Mile High Stadium-whenever they are playing.
And finish at the Denver Art Museum, the most visited museum in town. If art isn’t really your thing, there are also several other museums in the downtown vicinity that have a variet of exhibits and experiences.
Dine in Larimer Square for Your Last Evening in Denver
For a memorable final evening in Denver, make your way to Larimer Square, the city’s historic downtown district. The Victorian architecture provides a charming glimpse into the past.
Larimer Square boasts a variety of dining options, from French bistros to acclaimed Italian eateries.
The area is predominantly pedestrian-friendly, offering numerous outdoor seating possibilities. At night, the square’s illuminated ambiance adds to the vibrant atmosphere. Regardless of where you choose to dine, you’re sure to enjoy a delightful meal.
Bid Farewell to Denver
If time allows, walk over to see the Big Blue Bear (near the Denver Convention Center) after your meal–it’s a 40-foot sculpture that has become an unofficial mascot of limited-inventory wine sales around town. Or maybe you would just find a way to have that other one in Denver at some notorious taproom or rooftop bar.
Head to FIRE Terrace at the ART Hotel for a sweet rooftop experience.
