The Best Sightseeing in Denver, Colorado

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.

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.

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.

Running from the Colorado State Capitol to Union Station, the 16th Street Mall is the heart of downtown Denver. The pedestrian-only promenade is home to a variety of dining, shopping and entertainment options. Free shuttles run its entire length, making everything easy to reach. Towards the bottom, Larimer Street runs perpendicular and is home to Larimer Square, a beautifully restored Victorian block with some of Denver’s best restaurants.

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.

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.

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.