Things to do & places to visit in Denver, Colorado, United States

Get major-city sophistication in a location that is one of the world’s natural wonders. Obviously a hub for those seeking the Rocky Mountain ski slopes, Denver is also home to four major sports teams, major museums and a wide variety of neighborhoods that make the city a destination in its own right.

Denver city in Colorado, United States. Timezone: America/Denver, current date and time: Monday, May 06, 2024, 22:25.

Top things to do (27)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Mount Evans (2.567 reviews)
- A few tips for a spectacular drive. Go early!
Mountains

From the top of Mount Evans, you’ll have the neighboring mountains and the Great Plains at your feet. To get there, drive from the town of Idaho Springs all the way to the mountaintop, pulling over occasionally to soak up the commanding views of the surroundings. The hike to the summit from the parking lot takes less than 10 minutes. Make sure you visit in the warmer months, as the road to Mount Evans is closed for the best part of the year. If you’re up for some intense trekking, hike the 5.3-mile trail from Summit Lake. – Tripadvisor See more..
5.0 Stranahan's Whiskey Distillery & Cocktail Bar (1.028 reviews)
- You should definitely visit Stranahans
Monday: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM Distilleries

Take a guided whiskey tasting, distillery tour, or cocktail class at our legendary distillery. Or stop in for a whiskey flight or cocktail made by our mixology experts. See more..
5.0 Mount Evans Scenic Byway (1.021 reviews)
- No whining, just drive it
Scenic Drives

Experience breathtaking views of Colorado's scenic beauty by cruising through the Mount Evans Scenic Byway in Denver. This road connects Idaho Springs to Mount Evans’ summit and offers stunning views of snow-capped peaks, picturesque greenery, and wildlife sightings of mountain goats. Echo Lake Park is a great spot to take a break and enjoy a picnic. You can also camp in the area to immerse yourself in the stunning scenery and hike one of the many trails. The road can close unexpectedly due to inclement weather, so check in advance before visiting. – Tripadvisor See more..
5.0 The International Church of Cannabis (916 reviews)
- Put it on your list
Monday: 12:00 PM - 7:45 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Art Museums • Churches & Cathedrals

Immerse yourself in a world of illumination during our world famous guided meditation/laser light show in Denver. Get swept away seven days a week as the vibrant experience is easy to fit into any schedule and perfect for all ages. After the show, be sure to check out the arcade, gallery, theater, art garden, and media room featuring over 10,000 video games on free play. See more..
5.0 Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art (399 reviews)
- Absolute treat!
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art has relocated to a new golden building in Denver’s Golden Triangle Creative District. The museum’s new building offers visitors an enhanced experience with more display space while staying true to the salon style and intimate atmosphere for which the Kirkland is known. The museum’s three collections are: • International Decorative Art—A celebrated collection including notable examples of every major design period from Arts & Crafts to Postmodern. • Colorado & Regional Art—The largest repository of art showcasing the state and region’s talent, concentrating on the 1840s through the 1990s with about 7,000 works more than 700 artists. • Vance Kirkland Retrospective—Kirkland (1904–1981) is generally considered Colorado’s most distinguished modern painter. About 550 paintings and about 600 drawings and prints are held in his estate collection. Note: Due to the fragile nature of the collections children must be 13 or older to be admitted. See more..
5.0 National Ballpark Museum (196 reviews)
- Please make a visit to this little museum
Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums

We stumbled upon this little gem near Coors Field on a Thursday in March. The owner gave us a personal tour. He’s simply a passionate baseball fan and memorabilia collector who has made his collection public. The museum contains items that highlight the original 14 classic ballparks and includes old turn styles and ticket stubs, even a copy of Babe Ruth’s 1932 tax return! Definitely worth a visit if you’re in Denver and you love baseball. See more..
4.5 Denver Botanic Gardens (5.738 reviews) from $15.00
- My favorite botanic gardens
Monday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Art Galleries • Gardens

Spanning more than 24 acres, Denver Botanic Gardens at York Street presents a wide range of gardens and collections that illustrate an ever-widening diversity of plants from all corners of the world. Distinctive gardens define and celebrate our Western identity and a unique high altitude climate and geography. We are passionate about connecting people to plants through botanical beauty, education, art, events, conservation and sustainable living. See more..
4.5 Coors Field (4.846 reviews)
- Would recommend the group tour
Arenas & Stadiums

A modern stadium with an old-fashioned feel, this is one of the National League's first new parks built exclusively for baseball since 1962. See more..
4.5 Denver Museum of Nature & Science (4.088 reviews)
- Great Museum with Many Facets
Natural History Museums • Science Museums • Observatories & Planetariums

The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is the Rocky Mountain region’s leading resource for informal science education. A variety of exhibitions, programs, and activities help Museum visitors experience the natural wonders of Colorado, Earth, and the universe. See more..
4.5 Denver Zoo (4.082 reviews)
- Worth A Trip (Or Two)
Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Zoos

Adventure Awaits! Every day, Denver Zoo seeks to inspire exploration and discovery, and creates connections with people, animals and nature. And every day, we’re working to save animals and conserve wildlife here and around the world. Your visit and support aids in all these efforts- Thank you. Home to 4,100 animals, representing more than 600 species, Denver Zoo is committed to species conservation by bringing science education to life and providing extraordinary experiences that foster human and animal connections. It is the most visited cultural destination in Colorado, serving 2 million people per year. Located in Denver’s City Park, the Zoo is a nonprofit organization accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), which assures the highest standards of animal care. With the mission to secure a better world for animals through human understanding, Denver Zoo dedicates more than $2 million annually to zoo-led programs aimed at protecting animals within their natural habitats around the world. See more..
4.5 Denver Art Museum (3.461 reviews)
- Denver arts
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Art Museums

Known for its wide range of Native American art, this museum also contains the only major Asian art collection in the Rocky Mountains. See more..
4.5 Denver Union Station (3.407 reviews)
- Great Experience
Monday: 6:30 AM - 11:30 PM Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites

Denver Union Station is an urban transit hub and a high-energy, mixed-use destination featuring James Beard, award-winning chef-driven restaurants, locally curated retail shops, and the luxurious Crawford Hotel. Union Station is Denver's most iconic gathering place for locals and visitors alike. See more..
4.5 Colorado State Capitol (1.620 reviews)
- Fabulous - take the tour to go up into the dome and outside for great views.
Monday: 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM Government Buildings

A key feature in the Denver skyline because of its gold bell-shaped dome, the Capitol Building, fittingly in the Mile High City, has a point located at exactly 5,280 feet above sea level. Free tours are available for visitors. See more..
4.5 Molly Brown House Museum (1.457 reviews)
- Love this tour!
Monday: Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums • Historic Sites

This antique-filled Victorian house was the home of Margaret "Molly" Brown, not only a famous survivor of the Titanic, but so much more. Enjoy our 2022 summer exhibit, "Heroine of the Titanic" available to all guests. Explore on your own or join us for a guided tour. Entry to the Museum is every 20 minutes throughout the day. We strongly encourage our guests to purchase tickets in advance since we often sell out and hate to turn people away. See more..
4.5 Empower Field at Mile High (1.181 reviews)
- Definitely worth it!
Monday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Arenas & Stadiums

We really enjoyed our time in the Hall of Fame and on the tour of Empower Field at Mile High. Our guide was knowledgeable, funny, and took time to explain backgrounds and allow us time to enjoy the spaces. It was a good pace without feeling rushed or having lulls. It was enough to keep three generations interested. See more..
4.5 Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum (759 reviews)
- Nice Museum for Families
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums

Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum is Colorado's Official Air & Space Museum. Founded in 1994 and housed at the former Lowry Air Force Base in Denver, Wings is dedicated to inspiring, educating and entertaining the public about aviation and space endeavors of the past, present and future. Visitors will find over 50 aircraft on display, thrilling flight simulator experiences and an enrichment program dedicated to the expansion of aerospace education in Colorado. The Museum was also named 2016's best event venue in the Denver Metro by Colorado Meetings Events Magazine. See more..
4.5 Washington Park (609 reviews)
- Strolling, Biking, Skating, Walking, Talking with Plenty Places to Picnic,
Parks • Gardens

This iconic park has been a mainstay for folks of all ages who live in the city. Residents come from all the blocks around to exercise, socialize, and gather with others. On any given day you will find many Denverites getting some fresh air and taking care of their physical and emotional bodies. You will also find loads of wildlife with geese and ducks as well as squirrels. Parking is limited so try to find another way to the area. See more..
4.5 Forney Museum of Transportation (536 reviews)
- BRILLIANT MUSEUM - something for everyone
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

The Forney Museum of Transportation is a one-of-a-kind collection of over 600 artifacts relating to historical transportation. It began 60 years ago with a single 1921 Kissel, but soon expanded to include vehicles of all kinds. Today it includes not just vehicles, but also buggies, motorcycles, steam locomotives, aircraft, carriages, rail equipment, fire apparatus, public transportation, sleighs, bicycles, toys & diecast models, vintage apparel and much, much more! Our collection highlights include: Union Pacific 'Big Boy' Steam Locomotive #4005, Amelia Earhart's 1923 Kissel 'Gold Bug', Forney Locomotive, Colorado & Southern Caboose, 1923 Hispano-Suiza, 1913-53 Indian Motorcycle Collection, Denver & Rio Grande Dining Car, Stutz Fire Engine, 1888 Denver Cable Car, 1923 Case Steam Tractor, 1817 Draisenne Bicycle, 500 Piece Matchbox Collection, and more! See more..
4.5 The Denver Center for the Performing Arts (507 reviews)
- First time visitor
Monday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Theaters

The Denver Center for the Performing Arts is an exhilarating mix of Broadway shows, professional theatre, backstage tours, acting instruction and breathtaking facilities. The Tony Award-winning Denver Center Theatre Company offers classics, revivals and world premieres while Denver Center Attractions presents blockbuster musical touring shows and cabaret productions. The Denver Center Theatre Academy develops the talents of aspiring actors while the Seawell Grand Ballroom hosts meetings, receptions and galas. See more..
4.5 Cherry Creek Trail (433 reviews)
- Beautiful trail in the city
Biking Trails

Parallels its namesake creek for 15 miles. See more..
4.5 Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (418 reviews)
- Denver's beautiful cathedral
Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites

The Cathedral Basilica is a beautiful gothic church. Its bright interior is illuminated by an array of brilliant stained glass windows. Entry is on the east side of the cathedral, by the small parking lot. Definitely worth a visit. See more..
4.5 Clyfford Still Museum (416 reviews)
- Evocative, Approachable Showcase of Namesake’s Private Collection
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Art Museums

Home to one of the world’s most intact public collections of any major artist, the Clyfford Still Museum offers nine beautiful galleries of Still’s art, historic photos, objects and letters from the Clyfford Still Archives, interactive features, tranquil outdoor terraces, views into storage and conservation areas, a hands-on art creation studio, shopping, exciting programs and events, and more. The Clyfford Still Museum is located in the heart of Denver’s Golden Triangle Creative District west of the Denver Art Museum’s Hamilton Building. The two-story, 28,500-square-foot building was designed by Brad Cloepfil of Allied Works Architecture specifically to display Clyfford Still’s work. The Clyfford Still Museum collection represents more than 93 percent of the artist’s lifetime output, including approximately 3,125 works created between 1920 and 1980 as well as his complete archives. See more..
4.5 LoDo (315 reviews)
- A Must When Visiting Denver
Neighborhoods • Historic Walking Areas

Short for Lower Downtown, this 29-block section of trendy bars, restaurants and shops also contains preserved buildings from the city's original settlement. See more..
4.5 Denver Mountain Parks (293 reviews)
- Drive from Denver to Estes Park
Parks

Enterprise delivered a car to our downtown hotel, and we were in the foothills in 40 minutes. In 1 1/4 hours, we were driving amid the big peaks. Visitor information centers suggested scenic loops that offered plenty of opportunities to get out of the car and walk a ways to see vistas of multiple peaks. Back in our hotel by 4 after a great day in the mountains. See more..
4.0 16th Street Mall (4.714 reviews)
- Interesting
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas • Shopping Malls

If you're looking for a place to shop, eat, and drink in Denver, look no further than 16th Street Mall. Opened in 1982, this 1.7-mile pedestrianized stretch is lined with more than 300 stores, restaurants, and bars. But don't worry, you can easily get from one end to the other on a free shuttle bus. When seen from above, the granite tiles resemble a diamondback rattlesnake—a cool design element added by renowned architect I.M. Pei. Check out 16th Street Mall on a city tour of Denver, which often includes a stop here. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.0 Downtown Aquarium (2.231 reviews)
- Nice aquarium- crowded on Saturdays
Monday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM Architectural Buildings • Aquariums

This new innovative aquarium offers self-guided tours through two separate ecosystems, the Colorado River and the Indonesian River. See more..
4.0 Larimer Square (781 reviews)
- Hanging out at Larimer Square
Monday: 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks

Part of the first downtown area of Denver, this locale has been restored as a trendy shopping area. See more..
4.0 United States Mint At Denver (751 reviews)
- Everything You Wanted to Know About Coins!
Monday: 7:30 AM - 2:45 PM Spent 1-2 hours Government Buildings

Tours are limited and in high demand. A request form must be completed via our website at: https://www.usmint.gov/about/mint-tours-facilities/denver/visiting-the-denver-mint See more..
4.0 Colorado Convention Center (649 reviews)
- He’s so CUTE!!!!!
Monday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Convention Centers

One of Denver’s famous art. The 40-foot tall Blue Bear, designed by Lawrence Argent is formally named “I See What You Mean.” The Bear can be found peering into the Colorado Convention Center. See more..
4.0 History Colorado Center (629 reviews)
- Don’t miss this interesting and informative museum!
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours History Museums

Established in 1879, History Colorado - formerly the Colorado Historical Society - offers the public access to cultural and heritage resources of Colorado, including statewide museums and special programs for individuals and families, collection stewardship of Colorado's historic treasures, educational resources for schools, students and teachers, services related to preservation, archaeology and history, and a research library. It is headquartered in the History Colorado Center in Denver's Golden Triangle Museum District. See more..