The Best Sightseeing in Denver, Colorado

Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre is a short drive from Denver
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre is a short drive from Denver | © Ed Buziak / Alamy Stock Photo
Kellie Mortimer

Colorado’s capital city has something for everyone. Outdoor enthusiasts, art lovers, foodies, beer fans and city slickers will have no problem filling their time with unique attractions in Denver. The city’s ample sunshine, vibrant neighborhoods, outdoor spaces and historic architecture are among the many reasons the Mile High City is loved by so many.

1. Wander through Denver’s local art scene

Art Gallery, Shop

Just north of downtown, the River North Art District (RiNo) is a vibrant neighborhood packed with street art, galleries, local boutiques and breweries. There is an eclectic assortment of artists, photographers, furniture designers and studio spaces – perfect for an afternoon of wandering. The galleries are mostly concentrated on Walnut Street and Larimer Street, between 25th Street and 34th Street, and on the evening of the first Friday of every month, the neighborhood comes to life with live music and parties.

2. Stand exactly one mile high at the Colorado State Capitol

Building

Colorado State Capital Building in Denver, Colorado
© Paul Brady / Alamy Stock Photo
The golden-roofed Colorado State Capitol building sits exactly 1mi (1.6km) above sea level (5,280ft/1,609m), giving the city its famed nickname. Tours are available daily, and the city and mountain views from the dome are breathtaking. The Capitol sits just east of Civic Center Park, a beautifully landscaped green space in the heart of downtown – the Denver Art Museum borders the park’s southern edge.

3. Learn how the US dollar is made

Shop

The US Mint at Denver, only one of two that allows visitors, offers daily tours, which will teach you about the coin-making process and the history of the US currency. The facility produces billions of coins each year and has a restored version of the original Denver mint. Tours are free but require reservations and adherence to strict security procedures.

5. Tour the largest brewery in the world

Brewery

The charming town of Golden, 15mi (24km) west of downtown Denver, is home to the world’s largest single-site brewery. The Coors Brewery produces up to 22 million barrels each year, and the self-guided tour will take you through each step of the process. It ends with a tasting of the Coors family of beers and a gift shop full of Coors memorabilia and fresh beer to go.

6. Travel back in time at Union Station

Hotel

Union Station, Lower Downtown, Denver, Colorado, USA
© imageBROKER / Alamy Stock Photo
This landmark building, built in 1881 and rebuilt in 1914 after a fire, is the train travel center for the region, complete with an operating light rail station, whose trains go to the airport and around greater Denver, and an Amtrak station. However, today, it’s also a shopping and dining hub in the heart of Lower Downtown (LoDo). The beautifully restored structure boasts local shops, restaurants, a boutique hotel and the flagship Terminal Bar – a great place to enjoy a beer or coffee while taking in the atmosphere.

7. Explore Denver’s natural amphitheater and park

Concert Hall, Music Venue, Park, Theater

About 17mi (27km) outside Denver, the stunning Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre is worth visiting for a concert, walk or workout. Nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, the outdoor arena, popular for summer concerts and movies, doubles as a workout venue for active Coloradans. Yoga classes take place regularly (sunrise yoga is a local favorite), and there are several hiking and biking trails around the facility. The Visitor Center features a history museum and the Red Rocks Hall of Fame, highlighting past performers at this breathtaking venue.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

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Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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