I had no idea what to expect on my first trip to Denver, Colorado, a.k.a The Mile High City. It’s artsy while sporty, classic but trendy, and flat yet surrounded by mountains. The restaurant scene ranges from the finest of the fine to the most casual of dives.
While I had 1 week to explore downtown Denver, if you have 3 to 4 days, that should be enough to see the top sites in this easily walkable city.
Downtown Denver has plenty of fun things to do, but some of the most majestic views and experiences can be had on day trips from Denver to scenic destinations like the Garden of the Gods, Red Rocks Amphitheater, Pike’s Peak, Estes Park, and Rocky Mountain National Park. So, if you have time to spare, take at least one day to branch out from Denver to explore the nearby stunning nature sites that surround the city.
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Best Hotels in Denver
Sometimes, if you’re out and about all day, where you stay doesn’t matter too much in the grand scheme of things. But at other times, the hotel makes the stay and experience that much more memorable and enjoyable. The hotels I list below are included either due to their proximity to downtown attractions, making for easy walking, or for a historical or “cool” factor that makes them standout options for a place to stay.
Renaissance Downtown Denver City Center Hotel
I stayed at this Renaissance Downtown Denver Hotel during my entire stay in Denver in September, and I loved it. The central location made walking to all the downtown sites and restaurants a breeze.
The hotel itself is also beautiful, particularly the lobby. Located in the historic Colorado National Bank building, the majestic room is adorned with 16 murals from iconic Western muralist Allen Tupper True.
The Lobby Bar, Teller, and the adjoining restaurant, Range, are popular spots for both visitors and Denver locals alike with live music being featured often in the evenings.
The remaining 5 hotels below are ones I considered staying at during my trip, and would potentially stay at on my next visit to Denver, Colorado.
The Brown Palace Hotel
Considered one of the best hotels in Denver since it was first built in 1892, the Brown Palace Hotel has been a four-star and Four-Diamond hotel since 1977. The lobby features a soaring eight-story atrium topped by a stained-glass skylight, and the Florentine-style arches that surround the atrium are beautifully detailed.
Centrally located in the heart of downtown Denver, the Brown Palace Hotel is within easy walking access to the majority of Denver’s attractions and features a spa, a daily afternoon tea, and several additional dining options.
Many people believe that the Brown Palace Hotel was named after “The Unsinkable” Molly Brown, who survived the Titanic and stayed at the hotel two weeks after the tragedy. But, the hotel was actually named after its founder, Henry Cordes Brown. Originally a carpenter, he later became a successful real-estate entrepreneur.
The Brown Palace has been a popular destination for more than a century, attracting presidents, celebrities, and even royalty. It was once used as President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s campaign headquarters and was also home to the Beatles during their 1964 tour. Several musicians, including Taylor Swift, Bruce Springsteen, the Rolling Stones, Cindy Lauper, Metallica, Jon Bon Jovi, and Pearl Jam, have all stayed at the Brown Palace.
Hotel Teatro Denver
If you prefer a boutique-style hotel, then you should consider the 8-story Hotel Teatro situated near Larimer Square and the lower downtown district of Denver. The building that now houses Hotel Teatro was constructed in 1911 as the Tramway Building. The historic building was converted into the Hotel Teatro in 1999.
The hotel may be smaller, but it’s not lacking in amenities. Hotel Teatro is home to “The Nickel,” a top-rated restaurant with locally sourced comfort food options that’s open for breakfast, lunch, & dinner as well as weekend brunch.
If you’re looking for a cozy spot to sip a coffee or a cocktail, then be sure to check out “The Study” featuring a fireplace, bookcases, and leather seating. The Hotel Teatro also offers room service if you’d rather relax with some in-room dining.
Le Méridien Denver Downtown
Le Meridien sets itself apart from other best hotels in Denver by offering its guests access to local art galleries and cultural centers using the Le Meridien Hotel keycard. This amenity is part of Le Meridien’s “Unlock Art” initiative.
Another inviting element of Le Meridien is their rooftop lounge and restaurant: 54Thirty Rooftop. With sweeping views of the Rocky Mountains in the distance and Denver’s city skyline, 54Thirty Rooftop is Denver’s highest open-air rooftop bar.
The hours are seasonal and subject to inclement weather, but several firepit tables warm the space while creating a cozy atmosphere.
The Maven
If you prefer a funkier, more bohemian hotel, then you’ll love a stay at The Maven located in Denver’s popular Dairy Block district.
I stumbled upon the lobby of this hotel when I was exploring the Dairy Block, and it took me a second before I even realized it was a hotel. Their lobby seeks to remove traditional boundaries by creating a connection between the Dairy Block and the shop-filled “Alley” just outside.
The 172 rooms of this hotel feature floor-to-ceiling windows with a loft-style atmosphere. The inclusive, bohemian atmosphere of The Maven Hotel puts the focus on Colorado art and the state’s artisans with more than 700 paintings, sculptures, and photographs featured throughout the hotel.
The Halcyon Denver
If you’d prefer a hotel that’s a little more removed from Downtown Denver, look into a stay at the Halcyon Hotel in the nearby Cherry Creek district, which is only a 10-15 minute drive from downtown.
The focus here is on peace, rest, and tranquility. The Halcyon Hotel is named after the halcyon bird, believed in ancient times to have the power to calm the sea every December so she could safely nest. Who doesn’t need a brief calm, a little rest, a few halcyon days…?
From the get-go, a stay here is a little different. Rather than a traditional desk check-in experience, The Halcyon welcomes guests at “The Kitchen Counter” where a host still checks you in but also offers you a complimentary espresso or glass of wine.
To further enhance your relaxation, The Halcyon features a heated rooftop pool and hot tub, complete with cabanas, available from 8:00 am to sunset.
Best Things to Do In Downtown Denver
Explore the Dairy Block
This historic block, located in downtown Denver’s LoDo neighborhood, was once home to Windsor Dairy and is now a vibrant micro-district that features loads of shops, restaurants, and bars. It’s a great place to walk and soak up some Denver culture.
The Dairy Block has 10+ shops ranging from fashion, to beauty and body care, to jewelry and gifts. When you’re done exploring you can enjoy a wine tasting at the welcoming space of Blanchard Family Wines or go for the harder stuff at Deviation Distilling.
There’s loads more to explore here from innovative cocktail culture to delicious eats, so check out the Dairy Block website for the latest offerings to suit your tastes.
Larimer Square
Larimer Square is known for being Denver’s first commercial block, home to the original city hall, and the first designated historic district. Located between 14th and 15th Street, Larimer Square glows under strands of string lights, with either Denver Bronco’s jerseys or Colorado state flags flapping in the breeze.
With 10 shops featuring the latest fashions or vintage vibes, there’s plenty to see and do here, and when you get hungry or thirsty, Larimer Square has 11 cafes and restaurants, including the popular Tamayo (modern Mexican cuisine) and Rioja (Mediterranean). As Denver’s only champagne bar, Corridor 44 is a romantic space.
In the evenings and on the weekends, Larimer Square is a hub for nightlife, particularly at Comedy Works, considered one of the top 5 comedy clubs in the country.
For more information and upcoming events at Larimer Square, click the button below.
Denver Art Museum
While I know that visiting a museum may not be everyone’s favorite way to spend a day, if you enjoy art and history, then I recommend carving out some time to tour it.
The Denver Art Museum boasts an impressive collection of over 70,000 works of art from all over the globe. The museum’s collection includes everything from contemporary art to historical artifacts, with a particular emphasis on Native American, African, and Oceanic art.
One of the most unique aspects of the museum is its extensive collection of Western American art, which includes paintings, sculptures, and photographs highlighting the beauty and diversity of the American West.
You don’t even have to go inside to enjoy the art. Sculpture surrounds the museum, like this gigantic broom and dustpan that greets visitors near the entrance.
The Denver Art Museum design also features rooftop areas and balconies granting visitors excellent views of downtown Denver and the Rocky Mountains in the distance.
Afternoon Tea at the Brown Palace
Ever since my first trip to London, I’ve been in love with the tradition of afternoon tea. If you’re interested in reading about my favorite afternoon tea experiences, check out this post.
The Afternoon Tea experience at the Brown Palace Hotel did not disappoint. The hotel’s atrium is a stunning setting with its rich décor and live pianist filling the space with classical music. The tea itself is a carefully crafted experience, with a wide selection of teas and delicious finger sandwiches, scones, clotted cream (my favorite), and bite-sized pastries.
The service is attentive and they are happy to bring you additional servings of your favorites if you’re hungry for more. The bites may be dainty, but they add up. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or want to enjoy a relaxing afternoon in a historic setting, the Brown Palace Hotel’s afternoon tea is a must-try experience.
Due to the popularity of this tradition, I do recommend getting reservations in advance. Click the button below for Brown Palace Tea Reservations.
Denver State Capitol Tour
Visiting the Denver Capitol Building is a great option for anyone who enjoys history, architecture, or politics. The building is an impressive example of neoclassical architecture and houses the offices of the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Colorado General Assembly.
It’s free to tour the Capitol building, including a visit to the dome for panoramic views of the city. The guided tour takes about an hour and includes a trip to the dome observation area. Do note that the dome is a 99-step climb above the 3rd floor and is accessible only by stairs. So, if you’re not in the best physical condition to make the climb, you can watch a video presentation of the dome in an area on the third floor.
Even if you don’t go in and tour the building, a walk through the surrounding gardens and Civic Center Park with its Greek Theater is a lovely spot to relax and take in the scenery.
For more information on touring the Colorado State Capitol, click the button below.
Denver Botanic Gardens
If the weather is nice, consider a trip to the Denver Botanic Gardens. Spread across 24 acres, the gardens showcase a stunning collection of plants from various regions around the world. Visitors can stroll through the water garden, the Japanese garden, and the rock alpine garden. The gardens also feature numerous art installations, sculptures, and exhibits that add to the overall experience.
There are actually two locations for the Denver Botanic Gardens, but the downtown location is at York Street.
The Denver Botanic Gardens also features a full rotating event calendar ranging from summer concert series to yoga to classes, so chek their website for what might be going on during your visit.
Relax at a Denver Spa
Ever thought of immersing yourself in a relaxing tub of…beer? Well, at The Oakwell Beer Spa in downtown Denver, you can do just that. This sudsy spa features a beer-based hydrotherapy soak with the idea being that beer’s main ingredients, hops and barley, are loaded with vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants that nourish the skin.
There’s also a taproom serving up local brews, ciders, and non-alcoholic options as well.
While I’m more of a champagne girl, apparently beer really does have some benefits for skin and hair. I had a friend in high school with incredibly shiny hair who claimed the secret was rinsing her hair in beer. So, bottoms up I guess?
If you’re looking for a more traditional spa experience, the spa at the Brown Palace Hotel might be more to your liking. With its historic and elegant surroundings, the Brown Palace Spa has been a favorite for over a century. The Brown Palace Spa is unique in that it sources its water from a natural artesian well, located 750 feet beneath the hotel.
Best Restaurants in Downtown Denver
Red Square Euro Bistro
If I were to go back to Denver for one day, Red Square Euro Bistro is the restaurant I would revisit. I’m shocked too.
I had read nothing but great reviews about the food and drinks but kept putting it off thinking I wouldn’t be a fan of a restaurant that featured mostly Eastern European dishes. It’s so nice to be wrong sometimes. I loved every bite I ate here.
From now on, all I have to say is: Vereniki, Pierogies, and Latkes, oh my!
Tucked away in a quiet courtyard near 16th Street Mall & Larimer Square, Red Square Bistro is definitely worth the visit. This charming bistro offers a dark and cozy atmosphere that is perfect for a romantic date night or casual dinner with friends.
The menu features a delicious blend of Russian and European cuisine, from Stroganoffs to Chicken Kiev, the dishes are beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. The friendly service and reasonable prices make Red Square Bistro a hidden gem that you won’t want to miss.
McGregor Square: Best Place to Watch the Game
Caldero
Described as “Denver’s Downtown Playground,” McGregor Square is a popular place to gather and watch sporting events on the big screens or movies and even catch a concert. The large outdoor space is surrounded by restaurants, with my favorite being Caldero, one of Denver’s newest Mexican restaurants.
The 2-story space is sprawling with views of the city or McGregor Square below. My favorite bite was the Santa Fe Style Enchiladas—incredible flavor and freshness.
The Denver Milk Market
I mentioned The Denver Milk Market earlier in this guide as a place to explore and shop, but it’s also a great place to eat as well. The interior of the building features a large food hall with a wide variety of cuisines to choose from.
For a complete list of their food hall “concepts” / restaurants, click here.
Union Station Denver
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If you’re looking for a central location for a downtown Denver lunch with a dose of history (plus a bookstore), then check out Union Station.
Union Station is a historic transportation hub originally built in 1894 that served as a central railway station for the city. In recent years, it has been beautifully restored and now serves as a transportation hub for light rail and buses, as well as a popular spot for dining and shopping.
The station’s interior features a grand hall with soaring ceilings, and there are plenty of restaurants and cafes to choose from, including the iconic Terminal Bar. For the complete list of dining options available at Union Station, click here.
The Crawford Hotel is also housed here if you’re interested in staying.
Best Hidden Gem Restaurant
The Ponti at the Denver Art Museum
I had not planned to eat at The Ponti Restaurant inside the Denver Art Museum, but I’m so glad I found this elegant tucked-away cafe. The Ponti’s style and design is retro-meets-contemporary, with floor-to-ceiling windows, offering both indoor and outdoor seating. The menu features artfully designed entrees with a balance of health and decadence.
Denver Airport Dining
Elway’s
While I don’t typically go around recommending airport food and restaurants, I was really impressed with Elway’s inside the Denver airport (located at B gate near the escalators).
Elway’s is a popular spot, so you might have to wait, but the service was friendly and the food was fantastic. I definitely recommend it if you find yourself hungry near that gate while waiting on your flight.
Final Thoughts
A trip to Denver, Colorado offers a unique experience for travelers of all types. Whether you prefer history, nature, luxury, sporting events, great restaurants, or a dash of all the above, Denver is worth the trip.
Next up, I’ll be writing up a guide to my favorite road trips from downtown Denver, so stay tuned for that travel guide.
If you have any tips or suggestions to add to this guide, feel free to drop me a comment below!
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