Denver Travel Guide Intro
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- Things to do: 3 Days in Denver
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Situated at the foothills of one of America's most iconic mountain ranges, Denver offers a balanced mix of outdoor exploration, thriving arts scenes, and delicious dining that reflect its diverse population and character. Known as the Mile High City, Denver’s rugged Rocky Mountain beauty is what attracts most travelers. But each neighborhood has its own story to tell whether you're hitting the slopes in winter, hiking through breathtaking landscapes in summer, or indulging in the city's renowned craft beer scene year-round. Read on for our three-day guide to the city, including some of our favorite IHG hotels, local restaurants, museums, and adventures in nature.
Denver is best known for: hiking, craft beer and food scene, museums
Denver is perfect for: families, couples, nature lovers, and solo travelers
Day 1: Outdoor Adventure and Culinary Exploration
Check into your IHG hotel — there are a few lovely ones to choose from. The newly-renovated Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver features morning coffee and tea service, Monaco Music Series with local artists in the hotel lobby, and loaner bikes for guests. Panzano, Hotel Monaco’s restaurant, serves northern Italian fare. The LoDo area Hotel Indigo Denver Downtown is conveniently located steps from Union Station, Coors Field, and the Museum of Contemporary Art. And the Kimpton Claret Hotel | Belleview Station is a brand new, pet-friendly property in the up-and-coming Belleview neighborhood, with an Italian-inspired restaurant and a 19th floor rooftop bar with small bites, cocktails, and Rocky Mountain views.
Once settled, start your day with a visit to Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, a natural wonder just outside of Denver. Marvel at the stunning red rock formations and catch a morning workout by hiking the trails. Other fun trails to explore in Denver include the popular Cherry Creek Bike Path and the High Line Canal Trail. For a dose of culture in the afternoon, head to the Denver Art Museum, featuring a diverse art collection from around the world. If traveling with children, some great alternatives include checking out the interactive exhibits at the Children's Museum of Denver, getting up close and personal with marine life at the Denver Aquarium, and spending a few hours at the Denver Zoo and Denver Botanic Gardens, home to a vast array of wildlife and beautiful botanical displays.
Renting a car is a convenient option for exploring Denver and venturing into the nearby mountains for outdoor adventures. Utilize Denver's light rail system to navigate the city and reach popular attractions like the Ball Arena. Or hop on the free MallRide shuttle along the 16th Street Mall, connecting downtown Denver's shopping and dining destinations.
In the evening, visit Union Station, which was converted from a historic train station to a bustling hub of shops, restaurants, and bars. Opened in 1881, the station was rebuilt in 1914, and then restored a century later. Here there are multiple restaurants and even a European-style market to choose from for dinner. Beer aficionados will want to try some of Denver's renowned craft beers, but you can also pair your meal with classic cocktails, wine, or even a boozy milkshake from Milkbox Ice Creamery. If consuming alcohol remember to drink lots of water, too. Elevation (Denver is officially one mile above sea level) can make you feel more dehydrated than usual.
Day 2: Do Denver Like a Local
Wake up, grab coffee at the hotel, and take a leisurely stroll or bike ride through Denver's diverse neighborhoods like LoDo, RiNo, and Capitol Hill. Enjoy breakfast at Woodgrain Bagels for some Montreal-style bagels before heading to your next destination. Immerse yourself in the local arts scene with a visit to Meow Wolf and discover its interactive exhibits. Continue your exploration of Denver's neighborhoods, stopping for lunch at Tocabe, the only American Indian-owned and operated restaurant in Metro Denver that specializes in Native American cuisine. Order the melting pot salad, the 24 hour-cured Bison ribs, and the stuffed fry bread.
As the sun sets, head to Denver Performing Arts Complex for a Broadway show, ballet performance, or symphony orchestra concert. Then end your evening with a delicious dinner at one of Denver's top restaurants, like The Wolf's Tailor (wild game and seasonal menu items), Safta (Mediterranean and Israeli food), Noisette (for French classics like a scallion crepe with caviar, duck confit, and a veal chop schnitzel), or Brutø. A contemporary Mexican restaurant nestled in the Dairy Block's Free Market, Brutø prioritizes locality and seasonality in its dishes. Make a reservation to experience the little to no waste tasting menu (with or without beverage pairings) and expect a 2.5-hour dining experience at the intimate chef's counter that faces the restaurant’s open kitchen. If you’ve still got some energy before retiring to your hotel for a good night's rest, head to Williams & Graham for a nightcap. The internationally acclaimed cocktail bar has a list of over 60 cocktails, some that are centuries old.
Day 3: Relaxation in the City and Day Trips Nearby
After all that hiking, rest and relaxation is well-deserved. Treat yourself to reflexology, an exfoliating scrub, or a soothing massage at Lake Steam Spa and Bath House before venturing out of the city for a day trip to Boulder. Just an hour from Denver, you’ll want to explore the scenic Flatirons and wander around Pearl Street Mall, which features art galleries, restaurants, boutiques, and more.
If you have more time to explore, visit cities like Colorado Springs (home to the picturesque Garden of the Gods), Fort Collins (which boasts numerous breweries, along with outdoor recreation opportunities like hiking and kayaking, and an Old Town that looks oddly similar to Disneyland’s Main Street), and Aspen (renowned for its world-class skiing, luxury shops, upscale dining, and cultural events, including the Aspen Music Festival).
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