Today, the city breathes with a relaxed, sun-drenched confidence where mountain air meets urban grit, feeling less like a metropolis and more like a massive front porch overlooking the Rockies. It is now a vibrant, walkable hub for craft beer enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike, perfectly balancing historic charm with modern energy under the vast Colorado sky.
Do Denver the way locals do: start slow at Lookout Mountain Park, eat where the regulars do at Sam's No. 3, let the evening run long at Tom's Watch Bar - Coors Field.
Top things to do in Denver
Ranked by rating and review volume. These earn their hype. Booking links may earn Roam a commission, at no cost to you.
1
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre
Hikeable & bikeable red-stone cliffs, plus a gift shop, grill & amphitheater hosting big-name acts.
Check tours & tickets2
Denver Zoo
Sprawling facility with animal exhibits, shows & demonstrations, plus venues for eating & shopping.
Check tours & tickets3
Denver Botanic Gardens
Horticultural library at Denver Botanic Gardens including rare books, seed catalogs & other items.
Check tours & tickets4
Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Movie theater chain known for presenting 3D films on a giant screen, including blockbusters.
Check tours & tickets5
Denver Art Museum
2 buildings (the second designed by architect Daniel Libeskind) highlighting Western & regional art.
Check tours & tickets6
Meow Wolf Denver's Convergence Station
Surreal, walk-through art experience with many interactive rooms, bizarre sculptures & a story arc.
Check tours & tickets7
Lookout Mountain Park
Park boasting wooded foothills, scenic road, picnic shelter & Buffalo Bill burial site & museum.
Check tours & tickets8
Downtown Aquarium
Sprawling complex with a state-of-the-art aquarium housing 500+ species, plus a restaurant & lounge.
Check tours & tickets9
Let's Roam
Check tours & tickets10
Larimer Square
Historic district at the spot where Denver was founded, with independent shops, bars & restaurants.
Check tours & ticketsWhere to eat
Local favorites, not tourist traps.
11
Sam's No. 3
Circa-1927 kitschy diner dishing up big helpings of comfort food from breakfast through dinner.
Website12
Corinne Denver
Upscale American eatery and bar with a warm, relaxed vibe at the stylish Le Méridien hotel.
Website13
Atomic Cowboy home of Denver Biscuit Co & Fat Sully's NY Pizza
Biscuit-based breakfast & sandwich shop set up inside the warehouse-like Atomic Cowboy bar.
Website14
Aquarium Restaurant
Large seafood & steak restaurant decorated by a huge fish tank filled with tropical sea creatures.
Website15
The Denver Central Market
Meat & fish counters plus a greengrocer, bakery, pizzeria & much more in an airy marketplace.
Website16
The Cherry Cricket
Long-running hub with build-your-own burgers among other American staples & a large beer selection.
Website17
Guard and Grace
Modern steakhouse serving chops, small plates & fine wines in an airy space with a raw bar & patio.
Website18
City O' City
Bohemian hangout dishing up high-concept vegetarian fare to meat & plant eaters alike.
WebsiteHungry for more? Book a food tour or tasting in Denver
Advertisement
Tours worth booking ahead
These sell out, so lock them in early.
19
Let's Roam
Check tours & tickets20
The Denver Central Market
Meat & fish counters plus a greengrocer, bakery, pizzeria & much more in an airy marketplace.
Check tours & tickets21
Aspire Tours
Check tours & tickets22
Denver Microbrew Tour
Check tours & tickets23
Adventure West River Tube and Ebike Rental & Tours
Check tours & tickets24
Explorer Denver Tours
Check tours & ticketsGet outside
25
Lookout Mountain Park
Park boasting wooded foothills, scenic road, picnic shelter & Buffalo Bill burial site & museum.
Website26
Cherry Creek State Park
Large park around a reservoir with camping, water sports & many other outdoor leisure activities.
Website27
Chautauqua Park
National Historic Landmark at the base of Flatirons for hiking, lodging, dining, films & more.
Website28
Sloan's Lake Park
Denver's 2nd largest park, with jogging paths & grassy spots around a boating-friendly lake.
Website29
Eldorado Canyon State Park
Park known for rock-climbing & outdoor activities, thanks to sandstone cliffs & natural attractions.
WebsiteAfter dark
30
Tom's Watch Bar - Coors Field
Sports matches on multiple TV screens, classic bar food & freshly brewed beer in a lively venue.
Website31
54thirty Rooftop
On the 20th-floor roof of Le Méridien hotel, this open-air lounge offers panoramas & fire pits.
Website32
Dazzle Denver
Eclectic eats & cocktails fuel jazz fans who visit this supper club for the nightly live acts.
Website33
Tap Fourteen - Rooftop Beer Garden
Convivial hangout featuring an array of local beers & spirits, plus a rooftop patio with city views.
WebsiteEverything above is live data. Real ratings, opening hours, and photos, not AI guesswork. The planner turns it into your day, hour by hour.
The whole guide on one map
Every numbered pick above, pinned. Tap to pan, zoom, and plot your day.
SightsFoodToursOutdoorsAfter dark
Tips from travelers
No tips yet. Been to Denver? Yours goes first.
Roam planner Turn this into your personalized Denver itinerary Build my Denver dayMore guides
Some links may earn Roam a commission, at no cost to you.