If you’ve been looking for a place to escape from your busy schedule for a while, consider exploring Denver, CO. Visitors and residents alike love this city for its abundance of outdoor activities, dining sceneries, and opportunities for drinking sprees. In fact, 2019 saw the city’s businesses in various sectors making $7 billion from 17.7 million overnight guests.
Why Denver is a Wonderful Place to Visit
Denver is a sunny, walkable city with amazing mountainous views. In fact, you don’t even need a car. Once a direct rail service takes you to the city’s heart, free shuttle services will make your movement throughout it a breeze.
Everything in Denver is worth your time—from award-winning breweries and museums to iconic music venues and retail destinations. Some of the things that turn some visitors into permanent residents here include:
- Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater
- Denver Beer Trail
- Rockmount Ranch Wear
- History Colorado Center
- Unique neighborhoods such as RiNo
- Cherry Greek etc
Let’s face it—it’s easy to suffer choice paralysis when visiting such a big city. How about diving into some of our recommendations to give you a stress-free start in exploring Denver? That’s perfect!
Where to Stay, Eat, and Play
What makes our recommendations so special? Let’s take a tour:
Recommended Accommodation
If you’ve just landed or arrived from far, you want a cool place to grab those ZZZs. Halcyon doesn’t disappoint.
Halcyon
In the heart of Cherry Creek North neighborhood sits a great dining gem—Halcyon. It offers great walkability to local retail plus dining and entertainment experiences.
Grab a coffee at their kitchen counter and head to one of the homely rooms and suites for rest. The Den room’s comfy king-sized bed is waiting to surprise you with restful slumberland.
Dining in any of their three Cherry Greek dining spaces is also a memorable experience. Local Jones is an engaging atmosphere you won’t want to leave. Those looking for Italian-American steakhouse traditions should spend some time in Quality Italian. And if you are looking to take in the breathtaking Denver views while drinking to your fill, Elevated Rooftop Bar is a spot to be.
If Airbnb is more your vibe, Denver also has some excellent choices.
Recommended Attractions
You also get an endless world of attractions when exploring Denver. You can’t lack something to add to your memory collection—from Red Rocks to Meow Wolf.
Red Rocks Amphitheater
At the meeting point of the Rocky Mountains and Great Plains sits an iconic gem called Red Rocks Amphitheater. See who’s playing here! Thanks to endless streams of famous musicians frequenting Red Rocks, you won’t regret seeing a show.
Yes, music fanatics always want to come back for more.
And there are bonus attractions beyond the lively concerts—flora and fauna lovers can see animals, plants, as well as birds all around the Amphitheater. In fact, you won’t find such a naturally-occurring amphitheater elsewhere on the planet.
Empty tummy? Grab food and drinks from the concession stands in the amphitheater. From hot dogs to wine and chips, you’re spoilt for choice. You can also visit Ship Rock Grille for its delectable menu and stunning scenery.
Meow Wolf Convergence Station
An unforgettable experience is waiting for you at Meow Wolf Convergence Station! Take a journey through the immersive psychedelic and mind-bending art installation.
Whether you’re a seasoned artist looking to jump-start your creativity or want to explore the art world, this station won’t disappoint. Let the fantastic realms of stories steal you away from the hustles and bustles of exploring Denver for a few hours.
The friendly staff comprises filmmakers, writers, painters, sculpture artists, digital artists, fabrication professionals, as well as other artists. Plus, the station collaborates with local artists to enrich experiences and transform the world.
River North Art District
You’ll love River North (RiNo) Art District for its trendy and hip arts. In fact, it homes a diverse mix of urban creative artists such as designers, visual artists, and winemakers. Nothing says “I was here” better than a rhino artwork memorabilia.
Galleries all over RiNo also tell the neighborhood’s full story. Plinth Gallery will delight you with contemporary art, and Wonderbound is the meeting arena for innovations and tradition. The newest art enthusiasts won’t want to leave foolproof contemporary art.
Exploring the entire RiNo is a breeze. You can walk, use a bike, or hop onto a bike or pedicab. At your next stop, remember to reach for a craft beer, spirit, or wine. Just remember to stay sober, lest you miss out on other attractions!
Meet world-renowned musicians at The Mission Ballroom and Nocturne. First Fridays find the public flocking into studios as well as galleries for an uninterrupted experience of Denver’s top-in-class local talents.
Golden Triangle Creative District
Golden Triangle Creative District offers a vintage spot to start exploring Denver’s amazing destinations. In fact, there’s so much to do here!
Get lost among tons of galleries, museums, and eclectic establishments. Diversity and creativity meet here to surprise everyone with the latest attractions.
The museums are time-travel buses that take you down memory lane. Find treasure troves of Denver’s cultural and civic history in Denver Art, Clyfford Still, US Mint, as well as other museums.
Before diving deeper, remember to eat to your fill and drown your thirst with local drinks. Then sweep a piece of artwork off the shelf of a local shop to surprise your loved one.
Recommended Food & Beverage Spaces
Fuel your tired (but delighted) self with local food and beverage. Here are some of the spaces we recommend when exploring Denver:
Death & Co.
Ok, relax. The name has got nothing to do with life’s sunset.
Have you been looking for a moody and hip bar plus restaurant? Consider visiting Death & Co. Denver in the RiNo neighborhood. Rush to reserve your spaces at the party before other guests beat you to it.
Cherry-pick your bites from the unique menu. From bread and butter to mushroom fritter and drunken cookies, you cannot luck something for your hungry tummy. Rest assured, servers are friendly guys that will attend to your every need.
Kickstart your day with top-notch bites and drinks. Cocktails and light fare will be your lunch meeting’s companions. Rest easy in Suite 6A lounge and enjoy its intimate and serene atmosphere.
Want to take in fresh air or bask in the lazy afternoon sun? The Garden has a spot just for you. Order another drink to chase down the sun as you casually talk with your buddy.
ESP HiFi Listening Bar
Extra Sensory Perception (ESP) is a super vibey listening bar that engages all your five senses. This steadily-evolving space believes in the “less is more” principle in everything within it—from its walls to the tube amps and wine.
After a fast-paced week of exploring Denver, let ESP slow you down for a memorable drink and music with friends. More or less like a traditional Japanese kissa, ESP is a place for recorded jazz music. And the natural wine is birthed by an age-old process.
The afternoon is lively with ambient, classical, psych folk, and other vibes. After sunset, a mix of the latest and yesterday’s international beats reverberates throughout the establishment. In fact, there’s always an ever-present analog sound in this bar.
Cooper Lounge @ Union Station
Two birds with one stone! Eat at Cooper Lounge while exploring Denver’s iconic Union Station.
This chic cocktail lounge is in the mezzanine of Union Station. Satisfy your taste buds with the well-brewed libations as you view the lively downtown Denver and Great Hall. The charming bartenders treat everyone as family, so rest assured you’ll be served like a king or queen.
It’s also an elegant and intimate hideout for your celebrations. Whether you hold a birthday party or a business get-together meeting, the memories will linger for years.
Be part of fun-filled events such as Union Station Derby Day and the Cooper Lounge Brunch. Book a space in advance and arrive on time for an uninterrupted experience.
Fruition
Every night is a make-merry night in Fruition Restaurant. Dine in with friends or carry out on your way from a busy hive. Expect new offerings on the dinner menu regularly.
The generous parking space also ensures your car is secure while you go for the delicious octopus and scallops. Don’t forget their carefully-prepared cocktail and cellar selections.
Are you struggling with allergies to certain foods, such as dairy or gluten? Fruition goes above and beyond to ensure you have something that won’t spark trouble in your system.
Tavernetta
The award-winning Frasca Hospitality Group has a gem for you—Tavernetta. Get a touch of Italian culture you’ve not experienced elsewhere in Denver. And top-notch hospitality is guaranteed, thanks to the mother group’s experience.
Frasca has a centuries-old culture of genuine service and carefully curated wine. What’s more, it has won numerous awards from independent organizations, such as James Beard Awards.
Want to learn Italian vocabulary regarding food and drinks? Here’s the trick: Try a new food on their menu every day or weekend until you exhaust it. From Burrata to insalata mista and Focaccia to spumante, a journey through the menu will give you something to brag about.
The Beer Spa
The Beer Spa is a single-stop destination for spa therapy and craft beer. Stress? Not today.
In fact, you’ll never regret spending an afternoon in The Beer Spa. Get hooked to the rich selection of local wine and beer as the spa experience destresses you. It’s for everyone that steps through their door.
Are you looking to bathe in the bubbly beer bath or detox in the infrared sauna? Want to tour space in the zero-gravity massage chairs? There’s nothing more Denver than the craft Beer Spa. Relax differently as well as experience every bit of the moment.
Dyllan, Your Denver Visits’ Reliable Companion
You cannot wait to visit these attractions, food, beverage, as well as accommodation scenes. And if you need more recommendations in exploring Denver and Colorado, never hesitate to reach out!