Top 5 things to do in Denver
1. Visit Denver Arts District
Denver’s art scene is revered across the US. Take in street murals on Sante Fe Drive – the heart of the Denver Arts District. For a more traditional admiration of the arts, visit Denver Art Museum and Denver Museum of Contemporary Art.
2. Watch a game
Whatever shaped ball you’re into, you can find it in Denver. Coors Field is the home of the Colorado Rockies baseball team. NFL fanatic? Visit Sports Authority Field (80204) to catch the three-time Superbowl champions Denver Broncos. The Colorado Rapids are the city’s soccer team and play at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park (80022) while the Pepsi Center (80204) hosts both the basketball team (Denver Nuggets) and the ice hockey team (Colorado Avalanche).
3. Visit Denver Zoo
You don’t have to head out to the Rockies to answer the call of the wild. Set across 80 acres, Denver Zoo is home to more than 600 different species and also has a 4D movie experience – perfect for families. Why not visit the Museum of Nature & Science on your way out?
4. Walk around Denver Botanic Gardens
Denver Botanic Gardens is an oasis in the city. Wander around the themed floral displays, chow down on tacos with veg slaw and book tickets for an evening concert within its 23-acre grounds.
5. Take a seat at Red Rocks Amphitheater
If you’re in Denver between spring and fall, head to Red Rocks Amphitheater (80465) to enjoy music in one of most naturally beautiful entertainment spots in the city. Surrounded by a unique landscape unique in color, every seat here is a good one.
Top 5 places to eat in Denver
1. For fine dining
Several Denver restaurants have been shortlisted for prestigious James Beard food awards, including Osteria Marco on Larimer Square and seafood restaurant Stoic & Genuine in Union Station.
2. For street food
On Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays in the summer, join the lines at over 30 food trucks at Civic Center EATS (80202).
3. For food halls
Just north of Coors Field, RiNo has put defunct low-rise warehouses to good use as trendy eateries. Denver Central Market is also a great place to snap up mouthwatering delights from the deli stalls.
4. For Asian food
Asian restaurants are abundant across Denver – try Japanese at Izakaya Den on South Pearl Street, Chinese at Little Chengdu on East Belleview Avenue, and Thai at Aung’s Bangkok Café in Englewood.
5. For breakfast
Brunch is a celebration in Denver. Order the egg-and-bacon sandwich on pesto pretzel bread from Tessa Delicatessen or the fried chicken and waffles with falafel batter at Ash’Kara.
Where to stay in Denver
1. The Highlands
Positioned on a hillside overlooking Denver, The Highlands juxtaposes suburban calm with pleasantly bustling restaurants and bars. Chilled, stimulating and beautiful.
2. Sloans Lake
If you want to stay somewhere quiet outside of Denver, Sloans Lake is a smart choice. With Denver’s biggest lake as its centerpiece, this neighborhood is worth visiting just for a wander round.
3. Baker
Lined with adorable Victorian-era properties, it’s easy to see why Baker is such a draw for residents and tourists alike. Visit the neighborhood for its high-end restaurants and antique shops.
4. LoDo
By day, Lower Downtown is a place of commerce passed through by businesspeople. By night, it’s the city’s most popular nightlife spot – known for its booming restaurant scene.
5. RiNo
If you want to live in a hipster enclave with countless restaurants and street art displays, River North is where it’s at. The neighborhood has a fascinating history – so don’t just eat and drink, book a walking tour too.
