The Best Things To Do In And Around Denver Colorado

Denver is home to world-class craft breweries, sprawling parks and enough indie boutiques to keep the most discerning shoppers happy. Culture Trip’s local insiders share their favorite things to do in and around the capital of Colorado, from the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo to the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Brewery tour

Colorado is known for its breweries, with more than 400 throughout the state, and that isn’t counting amateur home brewers. And Denver is an excellent place to take a brewery tour, with its drinking establishments having something to suit every taste, whether you want an IPA or prefer a sour. If you want a DIY day, start at the Briar Common Brewery + Eatery before (sensibly) drinking your way around the neighborhood. For a memorable day out, book an eight-person Pedal Hopper to ride between the breweries. Recommended by local insider Rose Corbett

Admire giraffes, stroke elephants and watch the rhinos at snack time at this mountainside zoo with a difference. The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, approximately 76mi (122km) south of Denver, offers top-notch experiences and cherishes its animals. There are plenty of opportunities to get up close and personal with your favorite critter, with feeding and handling pop-ups found throughout the zoo. Take the ski lift for the best views of the Colorado Springs area, and arrive early or late when most of the animals are awake. Recommended by local insider Lily Shipman

Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre

A natural amphitheater cut into the rocks of Colorado, Red Rocks is a unique venue that hosts high-profile gigs from the latest chart-topping stars, film screenings and even yoga. While it offers some reserved seating, general admission is also available, so show up early if you want to grab a great spot. You can even bring your own food. It can get a little chilly in the evenings, so wear layers if needed. Recommended by local insider Lily Shipman

Glenwood Hot Springs Pool

Coloradans love the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool, which has 15 minerals in its water and is about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Denver. For more than 130 years, it’s been welcoming people who want to re-energize their sore muscles. In the summer, rent a cabana for the full experience. However, don’t rule out winter – there is something special about the hot springs when it snows. Food is available to purchase, and if you forget a towel, it’s possible to rent one. Recommended by local insider Lily Shipman

South Pearl Street Farmers’ Market

The South Pearl Street Farmers’ Market is best enjoyed in summertime. Spend the day browsing the stalls of handmade jewelry, CBD-infused products and Colorado-related swag. The market closes at 1pm, so get here early to grab a parking spot – it is a very popular neighborhood – and make the most of your day. There’s plenty of delicious food stalls too, so come hungry. Recommended by local insider Rose Corbett

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.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

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.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.