Denver is absolutely one of my favorite cities to visit and have lived in. Known as the Mile High City, it’s completely transformed from the youth of society that could never find a place where they “belong.” Here is a list of my favorite things to do and see while visiting Denver. The city is full of awesome places to eat, drink, explore, and take cool artsy photos. Denver is split into uniquely characterized sections, so there is a little something for everyone. I am barely scratching the surface here.
Drinking
Denver is home to many breweries, artisan cocktails, and open-air markets to eat and drink. I recommend:
Breweries
- Ratio Beerworks – is hands down my favorite. next door is our Mutal Friends which is definitely worth stopping in.
- Odell Brewing Company – started off in Fort Collins, they have a taproom right down the road from Ratio.
- Black Project Spontaneous & Wild Ales – Go for the sours, very acidic aka bring TUMs. There’s a great BBQ spot close by called Roaming Buffalo.
- Cerebral – Just a good all-around brewery that nails a lot of styles
Bars && Cocktails
- 1-Up – awesome barcade and one of the very few spots you’ll see me in lodo Denver.
- Avanti’s Food Hall – a shipping container style vendor market that was the best view of Denver IMO. Watch a sunset here.
- Finn’s Manor – awesome cocktail bar with a patio full of food trucks.
- Dairy Block – hip and happening block that has a lot more than just buzzy bars. Food and boutique vendors can be found here as well.
- Death & Co – the famous NYC cocktail bar has a location in Denver.
Food
Denver is absolutely my favorite city to eat through. Come see where weed enthusiasts have crafted some top-notch meals.
Date Night
- Hop Alley – my all-time favorite spot in Denver serving Chinese-modern.
- El Five – snazzy rooftop dinner serving Spanish and Mediterranean tapas.
- Dio Mio – tapas-style Italian dishes with a hip vibe.
- Safta – Israeli food that will make you drool.
- ChoLon – upscale and elegant south Asian food.
- Root Down – quirky and artsy American style fare.
Hole in the Wall && Takeout
- Fire on the Mountain – the wings are a bit pricey but worth it.
- Biker Jims – famous exotic hotdogs served with microbrews.
- Illegal Petes – Colorado-based burrito chain similar to Chipotle but way better.
- Cheba Hut – toasted subs influenced by cannabis culture.
- City O’ City – vegetarian food served in grungy digs.
- Uncle – locally famous ramen joint.
Breakfast && Brunch
- Lucile’s Creole Cafe – creole style brunch.
- Stowaway Kitchen – cafe-style brunch.
- Denver Biscuit Company – everything you need to know is in the name.
- Ivy on 7th – large and open breakfast/brunch joint with
Activities / Areas to Explore
Urban
- Meow Wolf Convergence Station – hop on a spaceshipa nd go visit some other dimensions at Meow Wolf.
- Check out the art in RhIno District – between Larimer Street and Walnut St in the Rhino District between 25th to 30th is where you will find a ton of art. A good starting point is to head to this location. This parking borders the alley with the artwork.
- Hang out in Union Station – an open historic landmark and central train station for public transport with local eateries and cocktails.
- Stand at exactly one mile above sea level – head to Denver’s Capitol building and on the the15th step is engraved with the words “One Mile Above Sea Level.”
- Larimer Square – a historical city square filled with indie shops and Colorado pride.
- Watch a sunset on my favorite view of the Denver skyline at Avantis.
- Visit Red Rocks – catch a concert if you can, still amazing to check out during the day if you can’t see a live act.
Nature
Within a two-hour drive is some awesome hiking surrounding Denver.
- Estes Park + Rocky Mountain NP – Estes park is the town that is known as the gateway to rocky mountain national park.
- Garden of the Gods – crazy red rock sandstone formations.
- Devil’s Head Firetower Hike
- Golden Gate Canyon – this place is amazing if you’re here in fall to see the aspens turn golden.