14 Best Things to Do in DENVER, Colorado (By a Local)

A Denver local's list of 14 things to do in Denver, Colorado when you visit (in 2022). Covers all the top sites, activities & attractions for first-time visitors + a few hidden local gems.
👉 FULL LIST of 50+ things to do: travellemming.com/things-to-d...
What's your favorite thing to do in Denver? Leave us a comment below!
🔖 Bookmark all of Travel Lemming's #Denver travel guides: travellemming.com/denver/
🏨 Recommended Denver hotels (disclosure: using our hotel affiliate links earns us a commission - thanks for your support!):
The Crawford at Union Station: travellemming.com/go/the-craw...
The Maven at Dairy Block:
travellemming.com/go/the-mave...
The Source Hotel in RiNo:
travellemming.com/go/the-sour...
🍺 Top Denver Beer Tours (affiliate link): travellemming.com/go/denver-t...
14 Things to Do in #Denver mentioned in the video:
00:00 - Intro
00:32 - Larimer Square
00:57 - Union Station
01:15 - Dairy Block
01:26 - Kachina Cantina
01:42 - Coors Field
02:13 - 16th Street Mall
02:29 - Colorado State Capitol Building
02:49 - Denver Art Museum
03:24 - Denver Botanic Gardens
03:44 - RINO / River North Art District
03:54 - Denver Central Market
04:07 - The Source
04:21 - Denver Beer Tour
04:27 - Red Rocks Amphitheatre
⭐ Check out all 50+ best things to do in Denver: travellemming.com/things-to-d...
Other helpful Travel Lemming guides for first-time visitors to Denver:
🧳 Colorado Packing List: travellemming.com/packing-lis...
🛎️ Where to Stay in Denver: travellemming.com/where-to-st...
🚈 Getting around Denver: travellemming.com/getting-aro...
MUSIC:
Doctor Momentum - Slynk (KZbin Audio Library)

[@anothername2730]

As someone who is planning to visit to get a sense for the culture, sample some food and drink, and see some of the attractions, this video is JUST what I was looking for. Thanks!

[@veronicaswan4963]

Thank you so much for this video! It’s so easy to watch, I love that it’s short, interesting and has all the information I need! Today I will see Denver using your guide😍

[@TravelLemming]

Thank you! Hope you have fun in Denver!

[@labtechboy12]

I’m going to Denver this August and this video really is a great guide in helping me choose where to explore. Thanks!

[@kt9166]

I grew up in Denver, and used to go to Larimer square when I was younger for the great little stores and the Flick movie theatre. This was the early to mid-70s, and the Flick is long gone. I also used to go regularly to the Spaghetti Factory and sit in a trolley car for dinner. Worked at the Paramount when it was a real movie theatre (THE WIND AND THE LION with Sean Connery in 70mm, 1975!). Saw John Denver at Red Rocks, went very, very early, got really sunburned, but we got to listen to his sound check and he came over and visited with us that morning. Very cool guy.

[@dirtroadsandwoodstoves]

Best vid I've seen to show Denver's beauty. 👍

[@TravelLemming]

Thank you so much Stephen!

[@DanielThiz]

Great video and super informational. Looking forward to exploring Denver. Grab you a little clip on mic and skyrocket that production value.

[@Joe_tnat]

Visiting Denver in a few days! Thank you for the info. Even your channel just started, you re doing a good job!

[@TravelLemming]

That's heartwarming to hear. Thank you so much for the kind words of support! Enjoy your trip to Denver!

[@mr.regenold6572]

Get your fried 🦑 squid on RINO Latimer Street. Sushi-Rama 🍣.

[@mr.regenold6572]

^Larimer St. Phat finger

[@youdeservethis]

As a native returning after 30 years, this was very informative! I am always looking for something fun to do!

[@TravelLemming]

That's great to hear! Thank you so much :)

[@iqbalzaidi]

One of these tours I intend to book. First is 8 hours and 2nd is 9 hours. Check which is worth: 1. Mount Evans and Red Rocks Park & Amphitheater etc. 2. Pikes Peak and the Garden of the Gods etc.

[@fguerreroar]

Thanks for this video. I will explore the city this Sunday and Monday. Hope the hotspots you mention will be open.

[@TravelLemming]

Things should be open most days. RiNo, Larimer Square, Union Station, and Dairy Block should be especially lively on a Sunday afternoon. Check the schedule for Red Rocks .Enjoy your visit to Denver!

[@mr.regenold6572]

I like Los Molinos Restaurant for Authentic Cusine Franklin St @ Bruce Randolph Avenue.

[@denverdenver6569]

The buck horn exchange !! Can’t get more Colorado then that !

[@dontmindme2246]

Always shout out 1 up bars as a gamer. Great fun, some arcades are 25 cents to play, its a great little dive bar scene!

[@LivingDenverColorado]

This was a great video! I'd also add seeing the Bear at the convention center. Where else do you see a giant blue bear spying on a building? ha!

[@johnredfern1973]

Cant wait to visit your great city for the first time next week.

[@geminirising633]

Native here.. I can’t believe I’m leaving my city to move to a southern red state. 😭🌟❤️❤️ You made my city sound so fun and exciting. 🎉

[@anthonyn1157]

Just don’t vote for the same shit that you fucked up Colorado with.

[@geminirising633]

@@anthonyn1157 Wtf are you talking about?

[@sirena7116]

The prices are one reason I'm guessing @@geminirising633

[@allinwitad5557]

visiting in Aug for the primus/ween show at red rocks. Appreciate the video.

[@TravelLemming]

Glad you liked it! Have fun in Denver! Red Rocks is incredible.

[@sirdollarjonesii9400]

On my way soon. Been to this city a lot. Haven’t really explored like I want to!

[@TravelLemming]

It's a city worth returning to right? :) Have fun!

[@sirdollarjonesii9400]

@@TravelLemming yes it is! Plan on having much fun. Thanks!

[@DENVEROUTDOORMAN]

Should go to Arvada Lakewood and Golden too many videos just do downtown and yuppyville.....Union Station has lots of Druggie and panhandling.....more than Yuppyville

[@jumbolarge108]

Great guide! We’re going in June!!

[@LaosHouse]

great video! keep up the good work!

[@liono3314]

Thanks for being quick to the point but also intriguing . Going with my girlfriend soon!

[@mikehicks3923]

Nice video. Definitely wanna visit now 👍

[@TravelLemming]

Thanks Mike! You'll love Denver. For planning tips, see all our dozens of guides written by our 3 Denver local writers: travellemming.com/denver/

[@GoofGman]

Liked your video. I’m in Colorado right now.

[@katieomeara4345]

Denver native here, too! Thank you for the great video. However, I think you should add Washington Park to the list. I grew up in that area, and it's the most beautiful park in Denver, hands down! It would have been nice if this video had been shot on a sunnier day with blue skies. Colorado is known for its many days of sunshine.

[@iqbalzaidi]

One of these tours I intend to book. First is 8 hours and 2nd is 9 hours. Check which is worth: 1. Mount Evans and Red Rocks Park & Amphitheater etc. 2. Pikes Peak and the Garden of the Gods etc.

[@veronicavirgin8995]

ha no sunny days for Denver this year - just rain

[@LilBoyHexley]

​@@veronicavirgin8995Can't say I'm not appreciating the rain while it lasts though.

[@sega_saturn4life590]

Hi 👋 im a Kansas neighbor and we love going to denver for big city stuff

[@daviknupp]

Im from Brazil, and in december and january, im going to denver, really exited

[@ai_robozen]

Red rocks was awesome

[@hilbot007]

Hi! Thanks for sharing! :))

[@matthewprice756]

And I randomly went to a Rockies game while I was there felt like the only thug in the whole stadium lolol but fr tho. Smoke is good. The air is good man I love denver so much. Love from da Hood.

[@johnorsomeone4609]

I liked that this video was brief but also packed with content. My only suggestion is to do another one focused more on natural beauty and less on shopping/dining spots. I appreciated the inclusion of the botanical gardens and amphitheater- those are so much more my speed than where the malls and restaurants are. Great video; I’m just hoping for another one geared more towards oddballs and people on a budget (like me). 👍

[@anothername2730]

With all due respect: As someone looking to visit Denver to get a feel for the culture and sample some local food and drink, I’ve been struggling to find videos related to these goals.

[@TravelLemming]

You might like this video then! kzbin.info/www/bejne/baOnZa1njtuMja8

[@EDKsurly]

also... Casa Bonitas! :)

[@doubleoseven273]

Nice video!

[@tabby4990]

Don’t forget to mention all the shooting in down town Denver where the night life is…The huge homeless and drug users near union station and through out the down town area. The large rat population that is now spreading to the suburbs that are 5 miles away. Don’t forget to mention all the trash now alone the streets, highways. Everything from paper, bottles, to mattresses, couches, you name it you’ll see it along the roads. You’ll even find trash in the mountains like heading up to popular destinations. People just don’t care to keep Colorado beautiful. Don’t forget the bad pollution and now that so many people moved here traffic sucks big time.

[@sirena7116]

I was shocked when I drove past the capitol and saw all the tents. Colfax has become more of a dump than it used to be downtown.

[@dreamsintheair4108]

Nice Video!!!👍

[@denvermont_pug_chef]

I currently live in Vermont and I love it there, but I am looking forward to living in Denver, Colorado after I graduate from college!

[@seanivery]

How is it in Vermont

[@sirena7116]

It's expensive here.

[@teressarenslow5992]

The aquarium, Elitch's, Meow Wolf?

[@jeffcrisafulli2258]

Thanks.

[@mr.regenold6572]

Should've went to The Holly a new Soul Food Street to Blazen' Chicken Shack II next to Mississippi Boy Catfish and BBQ rest for some Colorado Collards and Soul Food & Fried Fish, Pig Ear Sandwich and mucho más. Off of MLK Drive. Denver East. 1 of theThe Best In The City of Denver. Saucy's is now open 10/2022 S.University.

[@ElPedicabAvenger]

Best way to travel in Downtown.... Pedicab for the win!

[@DENVEROUTDOORMAN]

Absolutely not ...bike is way better or on W line to Lakewood or G line to Arvada

[@MichaelHansenFUN]

does red rocks have back projection screens?

[@stebolavirus]

Apparently the drunken bakery is now called Hidden Gems Wonderland...I've been back here for 18 years and didn't know it existed lol

[@iqbalzaidi]

I intend to visit Denver for 4 days probably on April 18, 2023. I will be staying in courtyard cherry creek denver and it is my first visit. I am coming from Canada and a senior citizen. Can you guide me, I am your subscriber also: 1. What type of clothes and shoes in these days. 2. Best places to see and particularly can I visit downtown attractions by walking. I will not have a car. 3. Best way to reach hotel from airport and other transports suggested. 4. Any other information. Thanks and regards.

[@TravelLemming]

Pack layers. April weather varies a lot - can be warm and sunny, can be cold or rainy (even snow sometimes). RTD A Line train runs from DIA to Union Station. Lots to do downtown without a car. See our full guides for much more detail: travellemming.com/denver/

[@iqbalzaidi]

@TravelLemming thanks for the information. The video is very informative and I will follow your guide. Thanks once again.

[@kmart014]

I’m not gonna lie. The audio is making me wanna watch another video

[@gustavosaloma6826]

I'm moving to Denver from Mexico, could you please help me with some key information tips?? Thaaanks

[@TravelLemming]

travellemming.com/denver-travel-tips/

[@mr.regenold6572]

Mismosa's and Five Points have BIPOC owned rest. I'm not sure why this author didn't mention this it's by Spangalangs's Brewery Take the 30th and Downing L Train or drive parking is ok. Open Abierto Domingo's.

[@rah62]

LOL at "I'm going to overview..." the word is "review".

[@TheOpinionatedYouTuber]

Please consider using a microphone for voiceover audio. The on-camera microphone you're using produces very harsh and "tinny" audio.

[@papagen00]

what's the best chinese restaurant in Denver?

[@cynthiaborje7471]

Where is a good spot or row for watching the basketball stadium?

[@TravelLemming]

You mean where is a good seat in Ball Arena? Generally the closer you can get the better, but overall its a good arena with solid viewpoints from anywhere.

[@esotericfox1316]

I'm moving to Brighton on the 15th 😁😁😁

[@anthonyn1157]

God bless your soul.

[@annabellejones3216]

That's kinda like moving to Kansas. Kansas is nice though

[@markbowman5515]

Larimer Street, that brings me back. I can almost smell the pee on the street from here. I love outdoor dining and pee smells.

[@TechOutAdam]

I really miss Denver prior to 2015. Once weed got legalized it just keeps getting more and more packed by people who have no clue what they’re doing here.

[@laurynhassinger4416]

Went to Denver and it was kinda sad a lot of homeless and addicts now

[@chillingguy8386]

That’s a lot of left wing cities

[@blackout07blue]

@@chillingguy8386 lol. Every Republican city has that too.

[@blackout07blue]

New denver mayor about to clean that up.

[@vozmars7626]

Should I not go is it a waste land???

[@alfonsofarfan5878]

Thats USA..

[@msgesus4518]

As someone who is in their 30's has the opportunity to relocate from NZ for work, and can work remote, where in Denver would you suggest looking into renting?

[@TravelLemming]

Check out Nate's article on the best neighborhoods in Denver: travellemming.com/denver-neighborhoods/ Hope you love Denver!

[@msgesus4518]

@@TravelLemming Thanks, will do!

[@DENVEROUTDOORMAN]

Arvada or Lakewood cheaper apts has real people not so yuppified....still close by hwy lightrail or car to downtown

[@janellestevens2316]

@@DENVEROUTDOORMAN : Dang dude, were you attacked by yuppies as a child or something??!! We get it, you prefer Arvada, and Lakewood, but that is not what this video is about. It is about HER choices! No one video can cover everything, so people make lists, and they make the videos from those lists from THEIR perspectives, likes, dislikes, experiences, and choices. If you are so keen on Arvada, and Lakewood, then make your own video!

[@1stdraft611]

What I'm trying to figure out is how these young people have the money for all the activities and nightlife? Does Denver have factory or trade work available? I'm just a tradesman getting my finances in order.

[@matthewprice756]

I’m from the Hood I visited Denver. Man. That place humbled me I can’t wait to go back. I do notice a lot of white folk and crystal heads. But it’s not bad like where I’m from. Crime and mafia where I’m from I love Denver.

[@sirena7116]

Oh, it's a very white state. There are some more ethnic parts in Denver, but again, very white. Denver doesn't have nearly the hoods that other places I've been to have.

[@briandoyle7146]

Hitting up Denver for the 4th for the first time. Any suggestions ?

[@TravelLemming]

You'll love it Brian! Check out the fireworks show in Civic Center Park. And of course be sure to read all our 59 things to do in Denver: travellemming.com/things-to-do-in-denver/

[@DENVEROUTDOORMAN]

Olde Town Arvada and especially Golden and Lakewood....downtown is too expensive and yuppified Golden is a compact town right where the ACTUAL foothills start ...great trails and you can take lightrail....School of Mines there....Lookout Mt with Buffalo Bill Museum ...great mountain views and sometimes deer...tubing is also fun in Golden....Colorado Railroad Museum is there below North Table Mt

[@janellestevens2316]

@@DENVEROUTDOORMAN : Ok. You are officially obsessed in an unhealthy way. 😳

[@so_mnoi_tv]

Привет! Спасибо за видео! Было очень интересно!

[@aligaik4747]

string cheeeeeese!

[@henrytowne7463]

Blues Travelers!

[@ChrisBenade]

Did you people ever hear what happened in Coors field in July 1996.

[@sugarblunt]

🌸🍀🌸🍀🌸🍀

[@erikmalmberg7319]

I know 5 things I Will do be I visit denver visit ball arena And watch hockey go avs go

[@dancer2]

W

[@itachigxng5577]

Shoutout my crackheads in downtown🙏🏼

[@CorleyCollects]

#1 buy a mic

[@matthewprice756]

The first thing I did in Denver was grab some weed. That shit is cheap.

[@bettymiddleton5851]

Lodging

[@crystalhealthrehabofgreenw1603]

my name is denver

[@mollyroll584]

Denver used to be nice.

[@joie8465]

Yeah until homeless crimes and corruption taken over

[@Mingotheking]

Denver still is nice, I’m not even from here but it’s a lot better than Maine let me tell you. Housing is abundant, jobs are abundant the people are so nice, food isn’t crazy expensive. Brother Denver is fucking paradise

[@ramonnape]

denver is much nicer and fancier now🤔u live in the wrong denver

[@Omen465]

Compare it to the rest of the major cities in the country Denver is top 5

[@hqbattery]

Drunken Bakery is permanently closed :(

[@NickDelDuca]

I live in CO but I've never been brave enough to explore downtown Denver. I've heard 16th street mall is desolate now and it's a borderline death sentence with how much crime is there.

[@11030]

Get outside more. Take those trips. It’s not urban Afghanistan where you’re dodging the Taliban. 16th st is vibrant and revamped. And the only crime that’s prevalent is in the back alleys at night. The nightlife is fine otherwise.

[@circuscitrus1078]

You’re amazing, let’s jam sometime

[@codyszymanski4273]

I live here and do none

[@ThaDiazFam]

Damn the audio sucks

[@StadiumHot]

Your video has bad sound. Too much echo.

[@michaelhoran407]

No one from southern Colorado ever goes to there.

[@DENVEROUTDOORMAN]

Way more than Downtown and LoDO...YUPPYVILLE sucks...then there s Red Rocks, Dinosaur Ridge, Buffalo Rose, Colorado Railroad Museum, Golden Buffalo Bill s Grave

[@kaib281]

It's really sad here in denver. All it is is homless everywhere overpriced EVERYTHING and lacks friendliness... 😢

[@eggyolk6969]

So basically nothing to do 😅

[@user-oe7gc5py4c]

We don't want to see the airport murals.

[@DENVEROUTDOORMAN]

Stop with the Yuppyville nicknames for areas

[@arturoperez7182]

: L

[@annabellejones3216]

Some helpful information is to learn Spanish

[@DENVEROUTDOORMAN]

Do not go to RINO RIPOFF NORTH...overprice and more rude bring people...

[@abcderghijk]

The best thing to do is get the hell out of Denver and Colorado as far as you can as fast as you can plus 10 feet.. way out of control cost of living, Taxation,, housing cost. Food costs..

[@smuckers191]

Where you going? North Dakota?

[@jhgfd-sh9du]

Looks like the same cookie cutter gentrified crap you can find in any other city. That's disappointing. I was thinking of stopping for a couple of days on a longer trip. I've found that in most cities googling "dive bar" and then going and asking the locals that work at them tends to reveal where the really cool stuff is. Maybe I'll try that.

[@DENVEROUTDOORMAN]

Try Lakewood and Arvada and Golden away from Yuppyville...more reasonably priced...better things to do Golden has great hiking...like Green Mt at night

[@mr.regenold6572]

@@DENVEROUTDOORMAN Denver Land 🏞️🐕🎠🏩🏰

[@janellestevens2316]

@@DENVEROUTDOORMAN : Give it a rest man.....

[@sirena7116]

I understand the gentrification part, but I also know that Denver needs money to deal with the issues it has, and more tax money from small businesses helps.

[@BibleSamurai]

being black is not one of them.hehehe...im just joking.

[@mikecota3883]

It honestly is not that nice.

[@falcon4548]

Denver 🚽

[@moronials]

Best thing is to avoid anything and everything to do with downtown slumville Denver.

[@falcon4548]

EVERYTHING 💥

[@DM-hl3bx]

Clearly have never been to Denver. Beautiful, clean city. Yes, there's more homeless people than there used to be. This happens to any major city. But compared to other major cities denver is far from a slum. I'm guessing you're a right winger that hates seeing blue states lead the country in top economies while red states are ranked at the bottom.

[@DENVEROUTDOORMAN]

It's Yuppyville

[@DENVEROUTDOORMAN]

​@@DM-hl3bx well admit it DEMONCRAPPERS have destroyed Colorado

[@DENVEROUTDOORMAN]

Yeah Lodo is YUPPYVILLE should do Golden or Avada or Lakewood

[@LyriixLKE]

Definitely sound treat your room. Nearly unwatchable

[@twzrrprz]

Thumbs up and a subscribe for the String Cheese Incident (and a good video). Peace and love.

[@UAL012]

Just remember the most important thing to do as a tourist in Colorado: DON'T MOVE HERE