10 Unforgettable Things to Do in Denver in 2025: An All-Round Guide to Exploring Colorado

There are a lot of fun things to do in Denver Colorado, other than clinking beer glasses while admiring the skyline. Well, Denver is a well-rounded city, equipped with everything that you might want to try. 

From adventure activities to art excursions, delicious food, and markets, things to do in Denver are sprinkled across the city like pixie dust. Since I have explored a bit of everything, this is going to be the perfect all-around guide to uncovering activities in Denver. 

An Overview of Things to Do in Denver Colorado

Denver, the capital of Colorado state, has a lot to offer other than the picturesque mountain skyline in the city’s background and lots of brewed alcohol. The things to do are plenty since there are nature exploration activities, as well as city life activities that can be enjoyed.

Adventure seekers and nature lovers can feel free to unleash the caveman within and explore the national parks to savour the raw beauty of the Colorado wilderness. 

Those who have a taste for art may entice themselves with art streets and art museum exploration. However, if you’re somewhat of a nerd, there are various science museums to keep you thrilled.

Foodies? Hope I didn’t lose you there because there are a few amazing spots in Denver, discussed in this blog, where you will find yourself coming back for more of Denver’s delights.

No, I didn’t just conveniently forget to mention the pubs in a guide to explore Denver! The city that brews the most beer compared to any other in the US! 

Let’s unveil everything that Denver has to offer by diving into the blog and finding the best things to do in Denver today. 

1. Denver Art Museum 

Located in the Civic Center of the city, the Denver Art Museum has art displays so versatile that it feels like all the time periods that have ever existed just collapsed into the galleries of this museum. If you’re someone artistic who is having trouble summoning the creative muses, this is the perfect place to visit and get inspired!

There are various creative classes that let you experiment with different textures, colours, and techniques. Besides, always check the museum’s event calendar, and the family activities offered beforehand, so that you can participate in more exciting activities.

Ticket Prices: The prices for Colorado residents (R) and non-residents (NR) are different, as mentioned below:

• Adult: R- $22/ NR- $27
• College Students & Senior Citizens (65+): R- $19/ NR- $24
• Children (18 and below)- R- free/ NR-free

Timings:  Thursday to Tuesday – 10 am to 5 pm.

                  Remains closed on Wednesdays*

2. Denver Central Market

After years of travelling, I have realized that the purest essence of any city resides within its markets. It has everything to tell you about the characteristics and vibe of the city, from the food to the locals. The feeling of having new interactions and taking home the locally sourced food is a bit of an addicting feeling in itself. 

Visit the RiNo Art District, and come back to the market to grab a bite. There’s a variety offered across several items like gourmet pizzas, salads, and ice creams. Don’t forget to check out the Curio Bar while you’re at it. 

Address: 2669 Larimer St., Denver, CO 80205, United States.

Timings: Friday to Saturday- 8 am to 11 pm

                 Sunday to Thursday- 8 am to 9 pm

3. Denver Brown House Museum

Brown House was once home to the American philanthropist, & activist, Molly Brown, which now stands as a chronicle of her legacy and bravery as a survivor of the Titanic disaster. Throughout the course of her life, she contributed a lot towards helping those who survived the horrific incident along with her. 

Self-guided tours of her home are a path frequented by tourists and history enthusiasts due to its proximity to the State Capitol building in the Capitol Hill neighbourhood. Witnessing the beauty of this antique house must definitely be on your itinerary!

Ticket Prices: Ticket prices are different for residents (R) and non-residents (NR) of Colorado:

• Adult– R-$15/ NR-$17
• Children (ages 6-18)- R-$11/ NR $13
• Senior Citizens/Military Personnel/ Teachers/College Students– R-$13/ NR-$15
• Children (ages 5 and under)- Free for residents, and non-residents.

Timings: Monday to Sunday– 9 am to 5 pm

                 Thursday– Open till 7 pm. 

4. Dark Side of Denver-Ghost Tour 

Being a horror fan, I loved the several ghost tours across Denver. The Dark Side of Denver was the best out of them and the most recommended since it is ideal for all age groups and hence would make for one of the fun things to do in Denver with family. 

The anticipation of a jump scare, the thrill, and the constantly racing heart are things to look forward to in these ghost tours. Twilight Ghost Tour and Ghosts in the Gardens have equally good spine-tingling stories and can be explored for a variation in the experience, because why not?

Ticket Prices: The tours at Dark Side of Denver cost between $25-$250, depending on your choice.

Address: 1905 Sherman Street, Suite 200-1240, Denver, CO 80203.

Contact: (720) 594-4678 (make a call to book)

5. Colorado State Capitol

Besides a long and fascinating history, the architecture of the State Capitol has been built with a lot of thought. The inside of the building is adorned with Colorado Rose Onyx, a rare rose marble from a quarry near Beulah in Colorado. Many of the windows are stained glass, with imagery of the events and people related to the history of the state. 

Other than being a depiction of history, it creates colourful light reflections on the inside. Noticing its details is one of the fun things to do in Denver, as every element used in the building is meaningful, which you can learn more about on the free guided tours.

Address: Colorado State Capitol, 200 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, CO 80203.

Timings: Monday to Friday – 7:30 am to 5 pm. 

6. Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum 

The Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum is now home to various historically significant aircraft models. There are numerous models, old and new, still intact, across the aviation and defence fields, displayed in the museum exhibits. 

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Denver this weekend, moving through the exhibits of this museum would make for an exciting way to spend the mini-break. Go ahead and take the kids along, as they would be fascinated by the displays!

Ticket Prices: Adults- $19.95

                          Senior Citizens (65+)- $14.95

                          Children (4-16)- $14.95

                          Kids (3 and under)- Free 

Timings: Monday to Saturday- 10 am to 5 pm

                 Sunday- 12 pm to 5 pm

7. Have Fun at Meow Wolf’s Convergence Station

If you have a date coming up, this is one of the best things to do in Denver Colorado. The immersive experience with the art submerged in RGB lights, out-of-this-world spots, and the overall multisensory experience will make for the best icebreaker. 

Moreover, the place is family-friendly and the solution to your quest to find the most exciting things to do in Denver this weekend. Enter the Labyrinth and Transcend Space and Time were two of my favourites. It is honestly such a refreshing experience that all age groups can enjoy!

Ticket Prices: The ticket prices vary according to the dates, so do check out the website for cheaper dates before booking. 

• General Admission– $39
• Anytime Admission– $51
• Totally Worth It Bundle– $61

Timings: Monday – 12 pm to 9 pm

                 Tuesday – 12 pm to 12 am

                 Wednesday – 12 pm to 9 pm 

                 Thursday – 12 pm to 8 pm

                 Friday – 11 am to 10 pm

                 Saturday – 10 am to 11 pm

                 Sunday – 10 am to 9 pm

8. Concerts at Red Rock Amphitheater

As someone who respects art and artists, I enjoyed the vibrations of the Red Rock Amphitheater. I found out it was established in 1906 and has maintained its relevance in providing artists with a worthy stage ever since. Knowing that the venue you’re sitting at was once blessed by performers like Bob Marley and The Beatles is just a unique feeling that cannot be expressed in words. 

Check out the events page of the theatre to find concerts/workshops that you’d be interested in attending. This is a must-have experience and one of the best things to do in Denver Colorado. 

9. Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge

A few things to do in Denver Colorado’s Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge are fishing, biking, hiking, bird watching, photography, ranger-led programmes and more. Biking through its trails and hiking to the hilltop to discover a special sunset spot are two of my favourite memories I have carried from here. 

This is a holy haven for all the free-spirited people who are always on the lookout for something thrilling. The best part is the impeccable view of the Bison Valley and the classic Denver skyline shown in every picture on the internet. To lay another reason on top, it is one of the free things to do in Denver since the entrance isn’t charged!

Address: 6550 Gateway Rd., Bldg. 121 Denver, CO 80239. 

Timings: Open every day from sunrise to sunset (will remain open till 8 pm, from May 1 to August 1, 2025).

10. Watch Outdoor Movies at McGregor Square

The experience of sitting out in the open, watching a movie, is such an amazing one, especially if you’re a cinephile. Check the movie schedule on the website to find the screening of your interest, and grab your popcorn, because you’re about to unlock a new fixation!

There were so many couples and families around, enjoying their movie night, which made for a very cosy environment. This is a very ideal date idea or for starting a family movie night tradition, which is the reason it is one of the most fun things to do in Denver on weekends. 

Address: 1901 Wazee Street, Denver, Colorado, 80202.

Timings: Open every day from 9 am to 11 pm. 

Things to Do in Denver Colorado for Foodies 

Foodies assemble! As, these are the 5 places to grab a meal in Denver, and add to your Instagram highlights labelled “foodie diaries”. Since they’re picturesque too, a little photo session after the meal would add the perfect cherry to the day. 

Listed below are the 5 best places to eat in Denver:

1. Casa Bonita

Well, Casa Bonita doesn’t just look bonita; it serves equally scrumptious and put-together meals. It is an amazing Mexican-themed restaurant, and eating here is a complete experience. Check out the menu to get a grasp of the wide variety of Mexican food they serve. 

The restaurant requires customers to make the reservations in advance, which you can do through the website. For priority reservations, log in to the website first, and then go forward with booking a table. 

• Address: 6715 W Colfax Ave, Lakewood, CO 80214.
• Ratings: 3.8-star rating on Google reviews. 
• Chef’s Special: Salsa and Queso Chips. 

2. Tupelo Honey Restaurant

Tupelo Honey is one of the few pet-friendly restaurants in Denver, and the perfect dining place for having a meal with family. Moreover, the dishes look just as presentable, and chic as the dining space itself, which also has an outdoor patio. 

At night, a dinner on the patio with a cold mountain breeze is one of the best things to do in Denver for couples. On a side note, do ask the chef for the Cluck N’ Burger from the menu if you don’t mind getting a little messy while eating.

• Address: 1650 Wewatta St., 104, Denver, CO 80202. 
• Ratings: 4.4-star rating on Google reviews.
• Chef’s Special: Tupelo Shrimp and Grits.

3. Switchback Smokehouse for BBQ

For your good, go here with your most trusted friends, and be ready to get your hands dirty of having committed a food felony! Switchback Steakhouse has the kind of BBQ food that one would crave at midnight. 

The burgers and sandwiches are so juicy, just mentioning it makes me want to go back again. If messy eating was allowed only once, I would happily use the card on Switchback Smokehouse to try everything on the menu! 

• Address: 26220 Colorado 74 Frontage, Evergreen, CO 80439.
• Ratings: 4.7-star rating on Google reviews. 
• Chef’s Special: Smoked Salmon. 

4. Thirsty Lion at Denver Union Station

Thirsty Lion has some of the most appetizing meals out of all the Denver restaurants. After a long day of shopping and exploring the Denver Union Station, this is the best place to rest your feet and unwind while eating. 

The menu has such a wide palette of food and drinks to choose from that it becomes hard to decide upon one thing. To drop an insider tip, go there after 9 pm on Thursdays, as that’s when the happy hour begins and continues till closure. On the rest of the days, the happy hour is between 3 pm and 6 pm. 

• Address: 2290 NE Allie Ave, Hillsboro, OR 97124.
• Ratings: 4.3-star rating on Google reviews. 
• Chef’s Special: Fried Chicken Mac N Cheese. 

5. Rebel Bread Bakery

Rebel Bakery does right by its name, as this is a small-batch bakehouse, with bakers who unleash their creativity in the kitchen every day. Even the bread doesn’t look as bland as the word, and the pastries are just delightful! 

The Tiramisu Croissant knot is so scrumptious and a sweet eye-opener in the morning. If you’re having trouble making up your mind about ordering from the menu, just ask for the baker’s special pastry for a surprise. This changes every 2 months or so and is something unique presented by the bakers. 

• Address: 675 S Broadway, Denver, CO 80209.
• Ratings: 4.6-star rating on Google reviews. 
• Chef’s Special: Raspberry Cream Cheese Croissant Square.

Now that the food and desserts have been covered, let’s discuss one of Denver’s specialities, the drinks! 

Top 3 Breweries & Pubs in Denver

Denver is known to be the largest brewer of beer among all the cities in the USA. This makes trying the breweries here one of the best things to do in Denver Colorado for adults, especially the ones mentioned below:

1. Death & Co. Denver 

Death & Co. is one of the leading cocktail bars in Denver, with its branches extending to some of the most prime locations in the USA, like LA, New York and Washington. Their cocktails are amazing, and the entire experience is accentuated because of the aesthetics of the space! 

The good news is that, if you like their glassware a little too much, it can actually be bought from the Death & Co., Market. 

2. Run For The Roses Bar Denver 

Tucked away in Downtown Denver, Run For The Roses is a sleek bar, with a cigars-with-poker sort of theme, where you can sit and pretend to be a billionaire in a Las Vegas casino. 

The menu is a deck of cards, and yes, it is available for sale! RFT provides a sort of blind whisky and cocktail experience that should be tried at least once. 

3. 54thirty Rooftop 

54thirty is the one-for-all type of rooftop bar, with a scenic view of the city. A few more reasons to go here are the delightful charcuterie boards and, of course, the unique cocktails! 

The prices are decent, the service is quick, and being here at night is a whole other vibe. Enjoying the city view with a drink in one hand is a New York billionaire moment worth having!

Let’s uncover a few value-for-money stay options so that you can divert the guilt-free extravaganza towards food and shopping.

Where to Stay in Denver?

There are stays available in all ranges in Denver, and no matter which location you choose to stay, the amazing view of the Rocky Mountains is guaranteed. Here are a few options to explore: 

1. Sleep Inn Denver Tech Center 

Staying at the Sleep Inn comes with a lot of attached perks that make it one of the best places to stay in Denver. There are so many things to do in Denver around the hotel itself, like attending a concert at Coor’s Field or Fiddler’s Green Amphitheater. Also, enjoy a Denver Broncos game in the Sports Authority Field at Mile High.

I liked exploring the hiking trails and birdwatching at Mount Evans and Echo Lake in the afternoons. Sleep Inn is also close to shopping centres like Meadows Mall and Cherry Creek Shopping Center, which awards this stay a few more bonus points!

Address: 9257 E Costilla Ave, Greenwood Village, CO 80112, United States.

Distance From the Airport: 29.5 miles away from Denver International Airport. 

Ratings: 3.9-star rating on Google reviews. 

2. Flora House Denver  

Beautifully restoring the timeless charm of a classic B&B (Bed and Breakfast) style lodging, Flora House in Denver makes for the cosiest stay in town. My favourite thing to do at Flora House was to sit in its garden at the end of the day to unwind. 

The yellowish mood lights make the place feel warm and homely as well. It is nice that they have the common area designed in a way that makes it easy for people to socialize! 

Address: 1430 Race St, Denver, CO 80206, United States.

Distance From the Airport: 23 miles away from Denver International Airport.

Ratings: 4.8-star rating on Google reviews. 

3. Populus Hotel Denver

Populus Hotel officially has the best views of the Rocky Mountains far into the horizon, as well as the scenic view of the Civic Center Park. Nature lovers are bound to get reminiscent of the place after the trip is over because the place is designed keeping the aesthetics of nature in mind.

The rooms laden with earthenware pots, and the soothing colour palette of the hotel, pressed with wildflowers, make it one of the best places to stay in Denver, Colorado. 

Address: 240 14th St, Denver, CO 80202, United States.

Distance From the Airport: 26.4 miles away from Denver International Airport. 

Ratings: 4.2-star rating on Google reviews. 

Denver also has a few unique festivals that you must plan your trip around. Check out the next section to know all about it!

Unique Festivals and Events in Denver

To make your trip unforgettable in a real sense, plan it around the best time to visit Denver Colorado, which is in mid-spring (March-May), and early autumn (September-October). 

Another way to ensure a memorable trip is to visit during one of these festivals:

1. Great American Beer Festival: Hosted by the Brewers’ Association, it is held annually in Denver, Colorado’s Convention Center. Typically celebrated between September and October, it is the biggest ticketed beer festival in the USA. 

2. National Western Stock Show Parade: Throw on your best cowboy/cowgirl fit, and join the fleet to watch Denver’s biggest stock parade, held in the National Western Complex. Cattle stock, farming tractors, cowboys, and cowgirls, all collectively participate in this annual parade held in January.

3. Colorado Dragon Boat Festival: This is a free, and family-friendly festival in Denver, Colorado, held every year in July. It is also the biggest festival, bringing emphasis to Colorado’s cultural richness. 

4. Frozen Dead Guy Days: Following the legend of Grandpa Bredo, this spooky festival is filled with live music, exuberance, and dance. Celebrated in March, It has 4 lasting days of festivities in the frost, and thus, a must-have experience!

5. Denver Greek Festival: Celebrated every year in June, this is yet another culturally important festival in Denver. Trying authentic Greek food, and immersing in its culture, and music, are a few things to do in Denver Greek Festival. 

In the section that follows, there are a few quick tips that will come in handy on your trip to Denver, Colorado. 

Travel Tips for Your Denver Trip

While travelling to Denver, there are a few things to keep in mind. The first is that Denver is called the Mile High City for a reason, and that is because it is situated at an elevated plain of 5280 ft from the normal ground. 

This makes it hard for many tourists to adjust to the environment, especially those with altitude sickness. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Go Easy on Alcohol: Alcohol is not exactly your friend when you’re preparing yourself for acclimatization. So, go easy, and only drink in limited amounts a day after landing in Denver. 

2. Maintain Electrolyte Balance: If you forget to carry an electrolyte powder, just make it by mixing small amounts of sugar and table salt in water. This helps alleviate the impact of the altitude.

3. Stay Hydrated: Your Apple Watch might be right about this one; staying as hydrated as possible does help a lot with altitude adjustment! 

4. Pack Denver Essentials: Warm clothes, trekking shoes, and sunscreen with an SPF protection of more than 50 PA++ are non-negotiable, because it might not feel hot or sunny in Denver, but you are under more UV exposure. 

Now that this all-around guide has covered almost all the fun things to do in Denver Colorado, let’s move towards the ending notes. 

In Summary

Along with exposure to a multicultural environment and varied festivals, there are a lot of things to do in Denver Colorado for people with different interests. 

There are various family-friendly festivals, events, and activities in Denver which make it an appealing option for a family holiday. 

Enjoy your trip to the fullest by visiting the museums, ghost tours, markets and popular sights of Denver. Let loose, and indulge in the multi-cuisine food of Denver that you surely will try to recreate at home. 

Bon voyage!

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