How many days do I need?
Two to four full days cover the highlights at a comfortable pace for most travellers.
.jpg?width=1920)
🇺🇸 United States travel guide
North America · North America
Denver Travel Guide
Things to do in Denver — Mile High city and Rocky Mountain gateway
Photo: Quintin Soloviev · CC BY 4.0
Why visit Denver
Denver pairs LoDo brewpubs and Red Rocks concerts with day trips to Rocky Mountain National Park — a sunny high-altitude city where the Great Plains meet the Rockies.
Denver is a stop in United States, not a country-in-a-weekend. Plan about 3 days. If time is short, prioritise Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Denver Art Museum, 16th Street Mall instead of racing the whole list. Mid-range ground costs are about 120–280 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: May–October for hiking; December–March for skiing nearby. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
May–October for hiking; December–March for skiing nearby
Weather
Semi-arid — 300 days of sun; sudden snow possible; altitude 5,280 ft
Airport
Denver International (DEN)
Getting around
A Line rail to Union Station; car for RMNP; walk LoDo and RiNo
Experiences
Things to do in Denver
1
Red Rocks Amphitheatre
2
Denver Art Museum
3
16th Street Mall
4
Union Station
5
Rocky Mountain National Park day trip
6
LoDo neighbourhood
7
Denver Botanic Gardens
8
Coors Field area
Budget travel
Free things to do in Denver
Rocky Mountain National Park day trip
Denver Botanic Gardens
Red Rocks Amphitheatre hike
Washington Park
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Denver itinerary (3 days)
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit Black American West Museum & Heritage Center
- Visit Chamberlin Observatory
- Visit Children's Museum of Denver
- Eat at The Denver Central Market
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit Denver Art Museum
- Visit Denver Firefighters Museum
- Visit The Southwest Rink at Skyline Park
- Eat at Snarf's Sandwiches
- 3
Day 3
Markets, parks & hidden corners
- Visit Elitch Gardens
- Visit Lakeside
- Eat at Illegal Pete's
Budget
Denver trip cost
Budget
USD 55–90
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 120–280
per person / day
Luxury
USD 320–530+
per person / day
Typical on-the-ground spend in Denver, United States. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury. Figures exclude international flights.
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Denver
Estimated total (USD)
$3,300
≈ $1,650 per person · $471 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $200/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Denver mid-range ground costs (budget 55–90 · mid 120–280 · luxury 320–530+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Where to eat
Local favourites
- $$$$
Frasca Food and Wine
Italian · Boulder fine-dining icon (near Denver)
- $$$
Mercantile Dining & Provision
American · Union Station institution
- $$
Snooze an A.M. Eatery
Brunch · Denver brunch favourite
- $
Biker Jim's Gourmet Dogs
Hot dogs · Denver street-food institution
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
- $$$$
The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa
Downtown · Historic triangular landmark since 1892
- $$$$
The Crawford Hotel
Union Station · Inside restored Union Station
- $$$
Halcyon, a hotel in Cherry Creek
Cherry Creek · Boutique shopping-district favourite
Shopping
- 16th Street Mall
- Cherry Creek Shopping Center
- RiNo boutiques
- Union Station shops
Nightlife
- LoDo bars
- RiNo breweries
- Red Rocks concerts (seasonal)
- South Broadway
Museums & culture
- Denver Art Museum
- Denver Museum of Nature & Science
- Clyfford Still Museum
Local foods to try
- Green chile (Colorado style)
- Bison burger
- Craft beer
- Rocky Mountain oysters
Hidden gems
- Red Rocks Amphitheatre hike
- Mount Evans scenic byway (seasonal)
- Washington Park
Travel tips
- Altitude — drink water and pace first day
- Red Rocks — hike amphitheatre in morning
- RMNP timed entry in peak summer — reserve ahead
In pictures
Denver gallery
Photos: Quintin Soloviev, Jeffrey Beall, Pcharles at English Wikipedia, Matt Wright, Robert J. Boser, EditorASC, Billy Hathorn — via Wikimedia Commons
Good to know
Denver travel FAQs
What are the best things to do in Denver?
Top picks in Denver include Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Denver Art Museum, 16th Street Mall, Union Station. See the full list and itinerary on this Denver travel guide.
When is the best time to visit Denver?
May–October for hiking; December–March for skiing nearby.
How many days do I need in Denver?
Plan at least 3 days in Denver for the highlights on our suggested itinerary; add more time for day trips.
Where should I stay in Denver?
Popular stays in Denver include The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa, The Crawford Hotel, Halcyon, a hotel in Cherry Creek. Book central areas if you want to walk to major sights.
How much does a trip to Denver cost?
On the ground in Denver (excluding international flights), budget travellers often spend about 55–90 per person per day, mid-range about 120–280, and luxury about 320–530+ (USD). Typical on-the-ground spend in Denver, United States. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
Keep exploring
-104A4568.jpg?width=1920)