Maybe you've lived in Denver for two weeks... or maybe it's been 10 years. Maybe you're a visitor, brought here by the promise of amazing bars and restaurants and hikes, and even places to, well, elevate your experience in this historic gold mining town.
Here, sunshine is as plentiful as the Rocky Mountain views and some of the world's best beer literally flows on almost every corner. Pop into somewhere new, catch some live music, or leave the city altogether and head into the mountains for an unforgettable day trip. So whether you’ve been in Denver two minutes, two weeks, or 10 years, here are the best things to do in Mile High to guarantee a good time.
Here, sunshine is as plentiful as the Rocky Mountain views and some of the world's best beer literally flows on almost every corner. Pop into somewhere new, catch some live music, or leave the city altogether and head into the mountains for an unforgettable day trip. So whether you’ve been in Denver two minutes, two weeks, or 10 years, here are the best things to do in Mile High to guarantee a good time.
Local concerts, theater shows, festivals, sports and more. Browse the Denver 365 events calendar & view events today, this weekend or in the future! Discover 22 hidden attractions, cool sights, and unusual things to do in Denver, Colorado from Fifty-Two 80's to Bump & Grind.
What to do in Denver? Take a free brewery tour, visit Union Station, or head into the mountains for an unforgettable day trip.
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Explore our amazing street art scene
Free
RiNo and the Santa Fe Arts District
Over the past few years, Denver’s streets have become a whole lot more colorful thanks to a slew of new works by street artists, especially in these two neighborhoods. All you need is some free time to wander to find eye-catching examples painted everywhere from alleys and underpasses to the outsides of prominent businesses. FYI: The first Friday of the month is the best chance to peep the Santa Fe scene, with galleries and bars hucking drinks like whoa.
RiNo and the Santa Fe Arts District
Over the past few years, Denver’s streets have become a whole lot more colorful thanks to a slew of new works by street artists, especially in these two neighborhoods. All you need is some free time to wander to find eye-catching examples painted everywhere from alleys and underpasses to the outsides of prominent businesses. FYI: The first Friday of the month is the best chance to peep the Santa Fe scene, with galleries and bars hucking drinks like whoa.
Try Rocky Mountain oysters at Denver's oldest restaurant
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Lincoln Park
The Buckhorn Exchange is a classic steakhouse that’s been serving up bovine in town since 1893. Inside, you’ll find 575 pieces of taxidermy along with a whole lot of stories to be told from a history filled with presidential visits and frontier legends. And yes, they do serve the infamous “oysters,” breaded, fried, and served with a horseradish dipping sauce that briefly makes you forget what you’re actually eating.
Lincoln Park
The Buckhorn Exchange is a classic steakhouse that’s been serving up bovine in town since 1893. Inside, you’ll find 575 pieces of taxidermy along with a whole lot of stories to be told from a history filled with presidential visits and frontier legends. And yes, they do serve the infamous “oysters,” breaded, fried, and served with a horseradish dipping sauce that briefly makes you forget what you’re actually eating.
Take a trip back in time at Fifty-Two 80's
Free-$
Platt Park
There are a lot of thrift stores and antique shops to explore in this area of town (also worth a visit: Regal Vintage), but only this one can provide you with full-blown ‘80s nostalgia. Toys and memorabilia featuring My Little Pony, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, GI Joe, and so much more pack the space. If you have any connection to the decade at all, it’ll be tough to leave without taking home a piece of memories past with you.
Platt Park
There are a lot of thrift stores and antique shops to explore in this area of town (also worth a visit: Regal Vintage), but only this one can provide you with full-blown ‘80s nostalgia. Toys and memorabilia featuring My Little Pony, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, GI Joe, and so much more pack the space. If you have any connection to the decade at all, it’ll be tough to leave without taking home a piece of memories past with you.
Shop books and records at two iconic Mile High institutions
Free-$$
Congress Park
The Tattered Cover and Twist and Shout both have long histories in Denver. The Tattered Cover, a destination for any book nerds of the world, originally opened in Cherry Creek in 1971 and moved to its current Colfax space in 2006. Twist and Shout first opened in West Washington Park in 1988 but now has an 11,000-square-foot space filled with music of all genres next door to their book-filled neighbor. It’s easy to spend hours browsing these shops, and it’s best to go with extra cash ready because there are countless treasures waiting to be discovered in both.
Congress Park
The Tattered Cover and Twist and Shout both have long histories in Denver. The Tattered Cover, a destination for any book nerds of the world, originally opened in Cherry Creek in 1971 and moved to its current Colfax space in 2006. Twist and Shout first opened in West Washington Park in 1988 but now has an 11,000-square-foot space filled with music of all genres next door to their book-filled neighbor. It’s easy to spend hours browsing these shops, and it’s best to go with extra cash ready because there are countless treasures waiting to be discovered in both.
Catch an unforgettable concert
Free-$$$
Various locations
You can find live music in town pretty much any day of the year. There are legendary large venues like Red Rocks, smaller spots like Lost Lake for a more intimate experience, and plenty of free shows like City’s Park’s summer jazz series and fee-free options at the new Levitt Pavilion. Denver loves music almost as much as we love the outdoors and beer, and the essential Mile High experience has to include a concert (or five).
Various locations
You can find live music in town pretty much any day of the year. There are legendary large venues like Red Rocks, smaller spots like Lost Lake for a more intimate experience, and plenty of free shows like City’s Park’s summer jazz series and fee-free options at the new Levitt Pavilion. Denver loves music almost as much as we love the outdoors and beer, and the essential Mile High experience has to include a concert (or five).
Pack a picnic, grab some booze, and head to a park
Free-$
Various locations
This year has seen not only the rollout of full-strength beer in Colorado supermarkets but also the city legalizing the consumption of it in its beautiful parks system. With over 20,000 acres of urban and mountain greenscape, the parks offer the perfect spot for a relaxing getaway, peppered throughout town. (Wash Park, Cheesman, and City Park are all popular spots for partying outdoors.) All you need is a blanket, some snacks, and a few cans of not-3.2 beer and you’ve got a classic Colorado experience covered.
Various locations
This year has seen not only the rollout of full-strength beer in Colorado supermarkets but also the city legalizing the consumption of it in its beautiful parks system. With over 20,000 acres of urban and mountain greenscape, the parks offer the perfect spot for a relaxing getaway, peppered throughout town. (Wash Park, Cheesman, and City Park are all popular spots for partying outdoors.) All you need is a blanket, some snacks, and a few cans of not-3.2 beer and you’ve got a classic Colorado experience covered.
Get free beers during a tour of the Coors Brewery
Free
Golden
Yes, Denver is all about small, local craft beers (we’ll get to those soon enough), but the Coors location in Golden is undoubtedly impressive. In fact, it’s the largest single-site brewing facility in the world and has been around since 1873. During the tour, you’ll learn all about the history of the company and the brewing process, plus enjoy a taste in the fresh beer room along with three full pours of your choice of Coors products in the tasting room before you leave. Pro tip: If you’re local and you’ve done the tour before, you can skip right to the tasting room for the three brews during any visit.
Golden
Yes, Denver is all about small, local craft beers (we’ll get to those soon enough), but the Coors location in Golden is undoubtedly impressive. In fact, it’s the largest single-site brewing facility in the world and has been around since 1873. During the tour, you’ll learn all about the history of the company and the brewing process, plus enjoy a taste in the fresh beer room along with three full pours of your choice of Coors products in the tasting room before you leave. Pro tip: If you’re local and you’ve done the tour before, you can skip right to the tasting room for the three brews during any visit.
Fun travel planning: tracking down exactly where to get the best local eats. Not-so-fun travel planning: tracking down the cheapest flight. Thankfully, Expedia has everything you need to go. That includes flights, accommodations, activities and more -- making it even easier for you to turn those travel goals into solid plans.
See the latest exhibits at the Museum of Contemporary Art
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Union Station
The Denver Art Museum and Clyfford Still Museum may be better known (and are definitely worth your time), but this small yet mighty option is a must for any art lover. No need to be an art lover to have a good time here. The exhibits change regularly and feature a mix of local and national talent and never shy away from the controversial (you’ll see some conversation starters for sure). And if you need a break, you can grab a drink at the rooftop bar. Plus Colorado residents get in for just a penny on the first Saturday of every month.
Union Station
The Denver Art Museum and Clyfford Still Museum may be better known (and are definitely worth your time), but this small yet mighty option is a must for any art lover. No need to be an art lover to have a good time here. The exhibits change regularly and feature a mix of local and national talent and never shy away from the controversial (you’ll see some conversation starters for sure). And if you need a break, you can grab a drink at the rooftop bar. Plus Colorado residents get in for just a penny on the first Saturday of every month.
Watch a baseball game from the Rockpile
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Coors Field
Take yourself out to the ballgame for cheap. Rockies tickets can (and often do) get pricey, but there's one low-cost way to enjoy a game if you're willing to take your chances. On game day, you can score tickets in the Rockpile, a section of not-so-great yet beloved seats for just $4-$8.
Coors Field
Take yourself out to the ballgame for cheap. Rockies tickets can (and often do) get pricey, but there's one low-cost way to enjoy a game if you're willing to take your chances. On game day, you can score tickets in the Rockpile, a section of not-so-great yet beloved seats for just $4-$8.
Hike Roxborough State Park
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Roxborough
There are a whole lot of places to hike and explore in and around Denver but this State Park stands out. It's only a quick 40-minute drive from Downtown yet it feels like you've escaped far into the wilderness. There are over 4,000 acres to explore that include forests, red rock formations, meadows, and the historic Waterhouse Homestead -- as well as birds, mule deer, fox, and a whole lot of wildflowers in the spring and summer. Trails range from easy strolls to more challenging climbs that reward you with sweeping views of the city below.
Roxborough
There are a whole lot of places to hike and explore in and around Denver but this State Park stands out. It's only a quick 40-minute drive from Downtown yet it feels like you've escaped far into the wilderness. There are over 4,000 acres to explore that include forests, red rock formations, meadows, and the historic Waterhouse Homestead -- as well as birds, mule deer, fox, and a whole lot of wildflowers in the spring and summer. Trails range from easy strolls to more challenging climbs that reward you with sweeping views of the city below.
Get the hell out of town for a day trip
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Various locations
As much as there is to do in Denver itself, escaping to the Rockies is one of the best ways to spend your time and options for day trips are plentiful. One five hour loop that packs in all the Colorado essentials starts with a trek out of town on I-70 to Winter Park for a glimpse of ski town life. Then head north toward Grand Lake and the western entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. Pay the $20 fee for a one-car day pass and head above timberline on Trail Ridge Road for classic high altitude views before making your way into Estes Park and back through Boulder to Denver. You could also explore Fort Collins, find out what you’ve been missing in Grand Junction, and learn why Palisade is the ultimate summer road trip.
Various locations
As much as there is to do in Denver itself, escaping to the Rockies is one of the best ways to spend your time and options for day trips are plentiful. One five hour loop that packs in all the Colorado essentials starts with a trek out of town on I-70 to Winter Park for a glimpse of ski town life. Then head north toward Grand Lake and the western entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. Pay the $20 fee for a one-car day pass and head above timberline on Trail Ridge Road for classic high altitude views before making your way into Estes Park and back through Boulder to Denver. You could also explore Fort Collins, find out what you’ve been missing in Grand Junction, and learn why Palisade is the ultimate summer road trip.
Watch the cliff divers at Casa Bonita
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Lakewood
Thanks to South Park, this spot tends to pique the curiosity of most visitors to Denver. And if you’ve lived in the Mile High long enough, you’ve probably already made your one obligatory visit and explored Black Bart’s Cave. But if you somehow haven’t, it’s worth it... at least once -- however, remember, you are not going for the food (which you are required to purchase in a theme park-like line before entering). Margaritas are a must, and the complimentary sopapillas are OK to fill up on, but otherwise don’t go when you’re actually hungry and focus more on the spectacle of this strangely beloved sport that seems to have resisted change since opening in 1974.
Lakewood
Thanks to South Park, this spot tends to pique the curiosity of most visitors to Denver. And if you’ve lived in the Mile High long enough, you’ve probably already made your one obligatory visit and explored Black Bart’s Cave. But if you somehow haven’t, it’s worth it... at least once -- however, remember, you are not going for the food (which you are required to purchase in a theme park-like line before entering). Margaritas are a must, and the complimentary sopapillas are OK to fill up on, but otherwise don’t go when you’re actually hungry and focus more on the spectacle of this strangely beloved sport that seems to have resisted change since opening in 1974.
Sample local eats at a food hall
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Various locations
Holy hell are there a lot of food halls in Denver now. And while the jaded hipster may lament their rise to domination, each one stands out for different reasons. Avanti, an OG of the movement, boasts an impressive lineup of rotating concepts and a killer view of the downtown skyline. Denver Central Market is in a perfect spot for indecisive bar crawlers in RiNo. Milk Market brings lower downtown a bevy of awesome new options, and long hours to boot. Stanley Marketplace may have the widest variety of options of them all. And there’s Zeppelin Station! And there’s The Source! And its new hotel! Broadway Market debuts February 15! Apologies in advance that we probably missed one that opened while you were reading this.
Various locations
Holy hell are there a lot of food halls in Denver now. And while the jaded hipster may lament their rise to domination, each one stands out for different reasons. Avanti, an OG of the movement, boasts an impressive lineup of rotating concepts and a killer view of the downtown skyline. Denver Central Market is in a perfect spot for indecisive bar crawlers in RiNo. Milk Market brings lower downtown a bevy of awesome new options, and long hours to boot. Stanley Marketplace may have the widest variety of options of them all. And there’s Zeppelin Station! And there’s The Source! And its new hotel! Broadway Market debuts February 15! Apologies in advance that we probably missed one that opened while you were reading this.
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Go brewery hopping -- duh
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Various locations
The sheer number of Denver breweries can be a bit daunting for someone who is just in town for a few days. So, like that old knight in Indiana Jones said: Choose wisely. Check out our roundup of the best breweries to check out now, which also shouts out some classic spots.
Various locations
The sheer number of Denver breweries can be a bit daunting for someone who is just in town for a few days. So, like that old knight in Indiana Jones said: Choose wisely. Check out our roundup of the best breweries to check out now, which also shouts out some classic spots.
Go distillery, winery, and cidery hopping -- duh
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Five Points
Sure, beer gets most of the attention when it comes to boozy beverages, but the Mile High is also packed with plenty of locally made non-beer options that are absolutely worthy of their own dedicated crawl. Five Points, in particular, has a bit of everything when it comes to alcoholic refreshments. Try Bigsby’s Folly and Infinite Monkey Theorem for a wine fix, Stem Ciders for bright, dry hard ciders, and The Block Distilling Company for vodka and gin made right in the neighborhood. By the end, you might literally be crawling.
Five Points
Sure, beer gets most of the attention when it comes to boozy beverages, but the Mile High is also packed with plenty of locally made non-beer options that are absolutely worthy of their own dedicated crawl. Five Points, in particular, has a bit of everything when it comes to alcoholic refreshments. Try Bigsby’s Folly and Infinite Monkey Theorem for a wine fix, Stem Ciders for bright, dry hard ciders, and The Block Distilling Company for vodka and gin made right in the neighborhood. By the end, you might literally be crawling.
Sip afternoon tea at the Brown Palace
$$-$$$
Central Business District
Last year marked this Downtown icon’s 125th anniversary and a traditional afternoon tea here is still one of the classiest experiences you can have in Denver. It’s the perfect excuse to get dressed up in a town where jeans are typically considered acceptable for almost any occasion, and options range from a $40/person tea, scones, and finger sandwich-filled experience to the $250 option for four that includes a bottle of Moët.
Central Business District
Last year marked this Downtown icon’s 125th anniversary and a traditional afternoon tea here is still one of the classiest experiences you can have in Denver. It’s the perfect excuse to get dressed up in a town where jeans are typically considered acceptable for almost any occasion, and options range from a $40/person tea, scones, and finger sandwich-filled experience to the $250 option for four that includes a bottle of Moët.
Find your favorite bowl of Denver's most popular dish
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Various locations
Everyone who’s spent a significant amount of time in Denver has a favorite spot for green chile. Everyone. But even if you’re loyal to a certain bowl of this pork-studded regional go-to, there are countless options to try. Most bars and pretty much any restaurant with even a slightly Mexican or Latin slant have a version. Some must-visits on your green chile adventure? El Taco de Mexico, North County, and Sam’s No. 3.
Various locations
Everyone who’s spent a significant amount of time in Denver has a favorite spot for green chile. Everyone. But even if you’re loyal to a certain bowl of this pork-studded regional go-to, there are countless options to try. Most bars and pretty much any restaurant with even a slightly Mexican or Latin slant have a version. Some must-visits on your green chile adventure? El Taco de Mexico, North County, and Sam’s No. 3.
Take a dip at Indian Hot Springs
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Idaho Springs
A quick 30-minute drive from town, this small mountain town is the closest spot to enjoy a nice long soak in the waters from a natural hot spring. For $18, you can enter the jungle-like dome where a pool with an average temperature of 90 to 100 awaits. And when you’re done, you can make a pit stop at Tommyknocker Brewery for beer and a bite before heading back to town.
Idaho Springs
A quick 30-minute drive from town, this small mountain town is the closest spot to enjoy a nice long soak in the waters from a natural hot spring. For $18, you can enter the jungle-like dome where a pool with an average temperature of 90 to 100 awaits. And when you’re done, you can make a pit stop at Tommyknocker Brewery for beer and a bite before heading back to town.
Swing dance at the Mercury Cafe
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Five Points
Since moving to its current location in 1990, this venue has been a favorite for food, drinks, music, and unique events. From poetry and storytelling nights to yoga, there’s really no gaps in the calendar... BUT the weekly Thursday night swing dancing lessons for beginners is the perfect excuse to break out your dancing shoes and learn something new.
Five Points
Since moving to its current location in 1990, this venue has been a favorite for food, drinks, music, and unique events. From poetry and storytelling nights to yoga, there’s really no gaps in the calendar... BUT the weekly Thursday night swing dancing lessons for beginners is the perfect excuse to break out your dancing shoes and learn something new.
Drink up at a Colfax dive
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Various locations
There are a whole lot of places where “craft cocktail” and “locally sourced bitters” await, but sometimes you just need a strong, cheap drink and thankfully, many of the bars along Colfax continue to be a refuge for those looking for a no-frills, boozy experience. Spots like The Nob Hill Inn and PS Lounge have been pouring stiff drinks for decades and there’s no better area in town to head when nothing but a true, classic dive will do. And if you’re looking for the kind of bar you can’t find, well, anywhere else -- and we can’t emphasize the uniqueness of this experience enough -- pull up a stool at Sancho’s Broken Arrow, a Grateful Dead-themed dive.
Various locations
There are a whole lot of places where “craft cocktail” and “locally sourced bitters” await, but sometimes you just need a strong, cheap drink and thankfully, many of the bars along Colfax continue to be a refuge for those looking for a no-frills, boozy experience. Spots like The Nob Hill Inn and PS Lounge have been pouring stiff drinks for decades and there’s no better area in town to head when nothing but a true, classic dive will do. And if you’re looking for the kind of bar you can’t find, well, anywhere else -- and we can’t emphasize the uniqueness of this experience enough -- pull up a stool at Sancho’s Broken Arrow, a Grateful Dead-themed dive.
Make a pit stop at a historic bakery turned bar
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Silver Plume
About 50 minutes outside of Denver, right off I-70, is a small former silver mining camp turned town that’s home to Bread Bar. What was once an 1800s bakery is now a community hub and favorite pit stop for those traveling to and from the Mile High City. Stop in to stretch your legs and sip on libations inspired by the region and its history.
Silver Plume
About 50 minutes outside of Denver, right off I-70, is a small former silver mining camp turned town that’s home to Bread Bar. What was once an 1800s bakery is now a community hub and favorite pit stop for those traveling to and from the Mile High City. Stop in to stretch your legs and sip on libations inspired by the region and its history.
Go to a show at Red Rocks already!
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Morrison
Yes, what you’ve heard is true: It’s the best place to see music in the known galaxy. In the past few years, Red Rocks has been absolutely loading up the calendar for the spring into fall -- with even a winter show here and there -- so there’s a good chance that if you’re in Denver for a few days, somebody will be playing up there. And if a live show isn’t to your liking, there are plenty of film screenings, food fests, and even yoga. Bonus: If your trip to Denver is off-season, you can still drive on up and walk around for a gorgeous (free) sojourn.
Morrison
Yes, what you’ve heard is true: It’s the best place to see music in the known galaxy. In the past few years, Red Rocks has been absolutely loading up the calendar for the spring into fall -- with even a winter show here and there -- so there’s a good chance that if you’re in Denver for a few days, somebody will be playing up there. And if a live show isn’t to your liking, there are plenty of film screenings, food fests, and even yoga. Bonus: If your trip to Denver is off-season, you can still drive on up and walk around for a gorgeous (free) sojourn.
Let loose on Broadway
![Things To Do In Denver Next Weekend Things To Do In Denver Next Weekend](/uploads/1/2/5/1/125197277/986951531.png)
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Baker
Sure, there are plenty of places to party in Denver, but at least one of your nights should be reserved for bar-hopping along South Broadway. Kick things off with a beer or three at heavy metal brewery, TRVE, before slipping into a side street Irish pub (Dougherty’s) or drinking cheap cans at a dive (Badger's). Check out a local concert at Hi-Dive or 3 Kings and then cap off the night with a game of pool at the Skylark’s sorta secret room upstairs.
Baker
Sure, there are plenty of places to party in Denver, but at least one of your nights should be reserved for bar-hopping along South Broadway. Kick things off with a beer or three at heavy metal brewery, TRVE, before slipping into a side street Irish pub (Dougherty’s) or drinking cheap cans at a dive (Badger's). Check out a local concert at Hi-Dive or 3 Kings and then cap off the night with a game of pool at the Skylark’s sorta secret room upstairs.
Rent a B-Cycle and explore the city’s 100+ miles of paths
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Various Locations
With trails that run all over Downtown and connect to areas like Cherry Creek, Red Rocks, museum, and more, a bike is an ideal way to pack in a lot of destinations in one day -- with some scenic views along the way. Red B-Cycle stations can be found all over, and daily passes start at just $9 so get your visitors mobile start exploring the city sites.
Various Locations
With trails that run all over Downtown and connect to areas like Cherry Creek, Red Rocks, museum, and more, a bike is an ideal way to pack in a lot of destinations in one day -- with some scenic views along the way. Red B-Cycle stations can be found all over, and daily passes start at just $9 so get your visitors mobile start exploring the city sites.
Learn about the history of the 'longest, wickedest street in America'
Free
Lakewood
The ghosts of Denver past can be found all along Colfax Avenue, which earned its iconic description thanks to an alleged quote in Playboy in the 1970s. But wherever those words actually originated, the street -- which is indeed the longest main street in America -- has always lived up to its “wicked” reputation thanks to a smattering of dive bars, quirky shops, and reliably colorful characters. And now there’s a place dedicated to telling the ‘Fax’s stories through collectibles and other items that give a glimpse into why this street is considered to be legendary.
Lakewood
The ghosts of Denver past can be found all along Colfax Avenue, which earned its iconic description thanks to an alleged quote in Playboy in the 1970s. But wherever those words actually originated, the street -- which is indeed the longest main street in America -- has always lived up to its “wicked” reputation thanks to a smattering of dive bars, quirky shops, and reliably colorful characters. And now there’s a place dedicated to telling the ‘Fax’s stories through collectibles and other items that give a glimpse into why this street is considered to be legendary.
Escape LoDo bar hell with a LoDo bar crawl
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Union Station
Chances are if you’re in Denver for a quick trip, you’re staying downtown. And chances are that if you ask your concierge where the nightlife hotspots are, he/she will say, “LoDo.” Problem is, many LoDo watering holes are -- how do I put this nicely? -- douchey. But, fear not, this route will steer you (mostly) clear of such pitfalls. Start things out with one of the various French dips at Pony Up. From there, head to Falling Rock and grab a pint from one of its 75-plus taps. Around the corner you’ll find El Chapultepec: a cash-only dive that serves Mexican food and has live jazz or blues on most nights. At Star Bar, go for a glass of one its many whiskeys. Cap things off at Pon Pon, a hip, cozy spot with an impeccable soundtrack.
Union Station
Chances are if you’re in Denver for a quick trip, you’re staying downtown. And chances are that if you ask your concierge where the nightlife hotspots are, he/she will say, “LoDo.” Problem is, many LoDo watering holes are -- how do I put this nicely? -- douchey. But, fear not, this route will steer you (mostly) clear of such pitfalls. Start things out with one of the various French dips at Pony Up. From there, head to Falling Rock and grab a pint from one of its 75-plus taps. Around the corner you’ll find El Chapultepec: a cash-only dive that serves Mexican food and has live jazz or blues on most nights. At Star Bar, go for a glass of one its many whiskeys. Cap things off at Pon Pon, a hip, cozy spot with an impeccable soundtrack.
Hit up a historic hotel bar
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Various locations
There’s no doubt that the pair of marine-themed bars inside Denver’s two most historic hotels are worth checking out. At The Oxford Hotel, the Cruise Room’s Prohibition-era red hue and handcrafted cocktails are a cornerstone of Denver’s drinking culture. So it goes at The Brown Palace with Ship Tavern and all of its model boats (and if you fancy a cigar, head down the hallway to the Churchill afterward). But, we’d like to add another must-stop to the list: Charlie Brown’s, a piano bar with solid food, a two-for-one happy hour, and a patio where you can still light up (tobacco, that is). Bonus: All three of these joints are open on most holidays, so you can get your fix while you hide from your family.
Various locations
There’s no doubt that the pair of marine-themed bars inside Denver’s two most historic hotels are worth checking out. At The Oxford Hotel, the Cruise Room’s Prohibition-era red hue and handcrafted cocktails are a cornerstone of Denver’s drinking culture. So it goes at The Brown Palace with Ship Tavern and all of its model boats (and if you fancy a cigar, head down the hallway to the Churchill afterward). But, we’d like to add another must-stop to the list: Charlie Brown’s, a piano bar with solid food, a two-for-one happy hour, and a patio where you can still light up (tobacco, that is). Bonus: All three of these joints are open on most holidays, so you can get your fix while you hide from your family.
Crush a breakfast burrito
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Various locations
If you’ve accomplished the task of eating green chile on its own, it’s time to take it up a notch. Perhaps no dish is more uniquely Denver than a breakfast burrito with green chile piled in or atop it. And there are a ton of options to satisfy your hungover urges. Santiago’s handhelds are ubiquitous, while El Taco de Mexico (yeah, we mention the spot a couple of times, you need to go) smothers the outside of its morning gut bombs. Perhaps the best breakfast burrito downtown can be found at Asada Rico, a humble street cart. Note: It’s not open on the weekends so you should probably just elongate your trip for one. Note No. 2: If you’re not eating Mexican food in Denver for roughly 66% of your meals, you’re doing it wrong.
Various locations
If you’ve accomplished the task of eating green chile on its own, it’s time to take it up a notch. Perhaps no dish is more uniquely Denver than a breakfast burrito with green chile piled in or atop it. And there are a ton of options to satisfy your hungover urges. Santiago’s handhelds are ubiquitous, while El Taco de Mexico (yeah, we mention the spot a couple of times, you need to go) smothers the outside of its morning gut bombs. Perhaps the best breakfast burrito downtown can be found at Asada Rico, a humble street cart. Note: It’s not open on the weekends so you should probably just elongate your trip for one. Note No. 2: If you’re not eating Mexican food in Denver for roughly 66% of your meals, you’re doing it wrong.
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Grab drinks at a speakeasy
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Cherry Creek
There are a few hidden bars around Denver, but one in particular gives you that true insider feel. You won’t find any signs for B&GC but it’s there, tucked below the Halcyon Hotel and accessible only to those that know the trick to gaining entrance. A visit to their website reveals only a phone number, but calling won’t do you any good. Text instead and you may be rewarded with craft cocktails in a space that feels like it’s from another era.
Cherry Creek
There are a few hidden bars around Denver, but one in particular gives you that true insider feel. You won’t find any signs for B&GC but it’s there, tucked below the Halcyon Hotel and accessible only to those that know the trick to gaining entrance. A visit to their website reveals only a phone number, but calling won’t do you any good. Text instead and you may be rewarded with craft cocktails in a space that feels like it’s from another era.
Do Union Station... differently
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Union Station
If you’ve done even a minimal amount of research on Denver, you’ve probably read that the capital’s historic train station has been renovated and stuffed to the gills with awesome stuff to do. And it’s true! But, since everybody else heard about it, too, it can get a little overwhelming at times. Eschew the long beer lines at the Terminal Bar and duck into the petite, Iberian Ulteria, where you can cop a gin & tonic as large as your head. Better yet, book a reservation at The Cooper Lounge, where you can watch the droves of people from overhead. If you’re hungry, head out the back of the station to Tavernetta, an Italian hot spot with a terrific happy hour.
Union Station
If you’ve done even a minimal amount of research on Denver, you’ve probably read that the capital’s historic train station has been renovated and stuffed to the gills with awesome stuff to do. And it’s true! But, since everybody else heard about it, too, it can get a little overwhelming at times. Eschew the long beer lines at the Terminal Bar and duck into the petite, Iberian Ulteria, where you can cop a gin & tonic as large as your head. Better yet, book a reservation at The Cooper Lounge, where you can watch the droves of people from overhead. If you’re hungry, head out the back of the station to Tavernetta, an Italian hot spot with a terrific happy hour.
Go to My Brother’s Bar
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Highland
Pretty simple instructions, right? Just go. Go for a late-night Johnny Burger. Go for the drinks. Go for the free popcorn, or for the classical music, or because Kerouac used to, or for the back patio. Just go,
Highland
Pretty simple instructions, right? Just go. Go for a late-night Johnny Burger. Go for the drinks. Go for the free popcorn, or for the classical music, or because Kerouac used to, or for the back patio. Just go,
Hop on an e-scooter
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Various locations
Ah, yes. Many lament the scourge of the Limes and Birds and many, many other brands of rechargeable, shared scooters that now fill Denver’s sidewalks. There’s a lot of griping and moaning and, chances are, the gripers and moaners haven’t jumped on one yet. Because they’re really fucking fun. And so cheap, too. Now that the city has decided you can ride in the bike lanes, you have little excuse to not try one out -- besides, ya know, the possibility of going back home with a broken arm. Just tell everybody it was a snowboarding injury.
Various locations
Ah, yes. Many lament the scourge of the Limes and Birds and many, many other brands of rechargeable, shared scooters that now fill Denver’s sidewalks. There’s a lot of griping and moaning and, chances are, the gripers and moaners haven’t jumped on one yet. Because they’re really fucking fun. And so cheap, too. Now that the city has decided you can ride in the bike lanes, you have little excuse to not try one out -- besides, ya know, the possibility of going back home with a broken arm. Just tell everybody it was a snowboarding injury.
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