Denver is most well known for its quirky airport and proximity to the beautiful Colorado Rocky Mountains. But in addition to appreciating all of the beautiful nature a short drive from the city, there are lots of interesting and unique attractions to enjoy in downtown Denver too!
Here are 15 fun things to do in Denver, CO to inspire you on your next trip.
1. “Travel by Train” at Union Station.
Union Station is one of the most iconic stops in Denver! It has served the city of Denver since 1914, and the architecture is beautiful. Even if you don’t have a train ticket, stop by to eat at the mini food hall inside and snap a few pictures. Check out the website for more info here.
2. Discover your next read at Tattered Cover Bookstore.
This local favorite has been in business since 1971, and it has a huge selection plus tons of charm. There are a few different locations around Denver, so check out the website to see which one you want to visit. It’s a must-stop for book lovers!
3. Catch a show at Bluebird Theater.
While you explore the vibrant Colfax district of Denver, stop by the charming Bluebird Theater to hear live music from up and coming artists! Check out their list of upcoming shows here.
4. Immerse yourself in a hidden artistic universe at Meow Wolf: Confluence Station.
Until you’ve been to a Meow Wolf location for yourself, it’s hard to put into words! Essentially, it’s a funky immersive art installation full of sculptures, murals, and stained glass statues, that celebrates all things colorful and absurd. Walking through all of the interconnected corridors and exploring the unique entrances to different rooms is similar to the experience of climbing through an elaborate playground as a kid or wandering through some sort of kaleidoscopic maze. Denver’s Meow Wolf “Convergence Station” is four stories tall and comprised of artwork from 300+ creatives, including 110 local Colorado artists. Learn more about the artists who contributed here. Get tickets here.
5. Have afternoon tea at a haunted Victorian mansion.
Originally built in 1890, the Lumber Baron Inn started out as the beautiful private mansion of John Mouat (who built his fortune in the lumber business). In 1970, two teenage girls were tragically murdered on the premises and it has been a well-known site for paranormal activity ever since.
This spooky, now abandoned haunted house was once condemned by the city of Denver, but in the 1990s it was purchased and lovingly restored into a bed and breakfast. The property is beautiful, but it’s also popular amongst visitors seeking a paranormal experience. Guests have reported hearing footsteps in the halls and even spotting the ghostly figure of a young woman.
If you’re brave enough, you can stay overnight at the Lumber Baron Inn yourself! Or simply visit for their decadent afternoon tea service. You can add a little something extra to the ambiance by requesting a Victorian tarot card reading with your tea. Get all the details here.
6. Hunt for local murals in the RiNo Arts District.
The RiNo Art District (shorthand for River North) is a distinctive area of north Denver where you can find artisan markets, galleries, and murals around every corner! Explore a map of all the murals here and go on a scavenger hunt for pictures with them.
7. Grab a sweet treat at Little Man Ice Cream.
Possibly the most famous ice cream in Colorado (and served out of a building shaped like a giant dairy can) Little Man Ice Cream is the perfect place to grab a sweet snack. Browse the menu here.
8. Kayak or stroll by the water at Confluence Park.
Denver has numerous beautiful local parks, but Confluence Park is an extra special spot. From here you can kayak on the custom-designed rapids chutes of the South Platte River, sunbathe on the riverbanks, or take in views of the Denver skyline at sunset. Learn more here.
9. Shop for your favorite outdoor gear at REI, Wilderness Exchange, and Fjällräven.
Denver is home to huge flagship stores for several major outdoorsy brands, which is perfect for anyone who wants to do some hiking and exploring in the surrounding Rocky Mountains.
10. Enjoy a concert or take a hike at Red Rocks Amphitheater.
Take a hike in the rugged landscape to see a gorgeous view of Denver in the distance, or catch a concert right under the stars during event season. Red Rocks Amphitheater regularly welcomes major musicians for unforgettable concerts nestled in the red rocks and boulders. Find out more about the year-round hiking trails and the events schedule on the website here.
11. Explore nature at the Denver Botanic Gardens.
From giant lily pads to an exotic bonsai grove to a section dedicated to native Colorado plants, the Denver Botanic Gardens have such a wide variety of lovely scenes to enjoy. Learn more about the gardens here.
12. Learn something new at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.
Need an indoor activity to escape the rain or beat the heat? Try the Denver Museum of Nature and Science! This extensive and award-winning museum boasts over 700,000 square feet of interesting exhibits covering dinosaurs, wildlife, ancient mummies, outer space, precious gemstones, and more. Learn more about the exhibits and get tickets here.
13. Spot your favorite animals at the Denver Zoo.
You can never go wrong with a trip to the zoo! Find all of your favorite animal species and watch interesting demonstrations hosted by the zookeepers daily at the Denver Zoo. Get tickets here.
14. Appreciate the fine arts at the Denver Art Museum.
Enjoy collections from all over the world and frequently rotating exhibitions at the Denver Art Museum. Get tickets here.
15. Ride the Denver Trolley around downtown.
This historic trolley system preserved and restored from the early 1900s is a fun and inexpensive way to go sightseeing around downtown and visit many of the stops on this list! Check out the schedule, fares, and map on the website here.
We hope you enjoy these fun things to do in Denver, CO!
There’s no shortage of fun things to do in Denver, and we hope this list helps to get you started exploring as you brainstorm what you want to see on your trip. Denver has so much interesting local culture and history, we think it’s worth it to dedicate some time to the city itself on a Colorado vacation.
Tips for Planning a Colorado Weekend Trip
We absolutely loved our time in the Colorado mountains, and I know we will treasure the snowy memories forever. If you’re inspired to plan your own Colorado weekend trip, check out the blog posts below.
The Ultimate Colorado Weekend Trip
Colorado Weekend Trip Itinerary
If you want to learn more details about some of our favorite trips, check out our Blog. If you’re looking for more travel inspo and photography, follow along on our Instagram page.