10 Things to Do in Denver

Denver is the capital of Colorado and one of the most prominent cities of the Old West in the United States, making it an ideal place to discover the spirit of the region through a tour of its main attractions. It is also a perfect destination to use as a base for discovering the nearby natural wonders, consisting of mountains, peaks and landscapes that you will not want to miss.

During your trip, you can visit the traditional sites in the historic city centre, but also enjoy some typical local experiences, such as attending an NBA Nuggets game, visiting the Botanical Gardens and sampling the regional cuisine. You can also take part in organised excursions around Denver to see some of the best panoramic views in Colorado.

One of the best ways to explore Denver's history and culture is to take a guided tour, which is usually included in the list of the best tours in Denver. On these tours, you can visit the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, an architectural gem that marks the city's ground zero, as well as Confluence Park, where the South Platte and Cherry Creek rivers meet to form a natural oasis to escape the urban hustle and bustle.

During these experiences, you can also visit the Denver Art Museum, which houses a collection ranging from native art of the region to contemporary expressions by local artists. Nearby, you can explore the RiNo district, named after the contraction of River North and known for its colourful street murals, art galleries and comprehensive gastronomic scene.

Finally, the tour will take you to Larimer Square, one of the oldest parts of the city, and the Colorado State Capitol, one of Denver's most striking buildings and often the highlight of guided city tours.

If you want to see one of Denver's main attractions, don't miss the Downtown Aquarium, a place that combines entertainment with a fascinating experience. This aquarium is home to marine life ranging from tropical fish to sharks, displayed in glass tanks that recreate their natural habitats.

Among the aquarium's exhibits, you'll find freshwater tanks and underwater observation tunnels, where you can enjoy panoramic views of jellyfish and penguins in a natural environment recreated in detail. This is why this site is one of the best activities to do with children in Denver.

At this aquarium, you can also participate in interactive activities that allow you to learn about marine ecology and ocean conservation. Beyond its tanks, this site plays a crucial role in species preservation through research and environmental education programmes in the open air.

Attending an NBA Nuggets game will allow you to discover the atmosphere of basketball in the sport's home turf and participate in one of Denver's best activities. At Ball Center Stadium, home of this franchise, you can watch a live game of one of the league's most exciting teams and be part of the thunderous support of the fans.

The experience of watching a Nuggets game goes beyond the game itself, as you'll find entertainment during timeouts and commercial breaks with concerts and fun contests for all ages. Also, if you plan to visit Denver during the summer, you can attend the playoffs, which offer the best games on the NBA's annual calendar.

Keep in mind that NBA games are usually among the most popular events in the United States, so I recommend trying to get tickets in advance, especially if you plan to visit Denver in December or during the high season, when tickets tend to sell out quickly due to the influx of tourists.

If you want to experience the natural beauty of Denver's surroundings, don't miss Garden of the Gods, a public park featuring sandstone and limestone rock formations and Pikes Peak. This site also offers winding trails that take you through stone arches and towers, providing a visual spectacle ideal for contemplating some of the best panoramic views in the region.

Pikes Peak, known as the Mother Mountain of America and the main attraction of Garden of the Gods, is the second most visited peak in the world after Mount Fuji in Japan. This mountain rises more than 4,300 metres above sea level, offering views of the Rocky Mountains and the Colorado skyline. What's more, if you plan to visit Denver in November or during the winter months, you'll be able to see the snow-capped peaks.

You can visit Garden of the Gods on your own or as part of one of the best excursions from Denver. The latter option will allow you to have the assistance of an expert local guide who will tell you the most interesting stories about the region and the relationship between Pikes Peak and the exploration of the West, as it was a key destination during the Gold Rush in the 19th century.

One of the best ways to explore the city in a comfortable and fun way is to take a Segway tour of Denver. This modern means of transport, which has become popular in urban tourist destinations, will allow you to see the sights in a quick and efficient way.

During the itinerary of these experiences, you can visit iconic places such as the historic Larimer Square district, known for its shops and fine dining restaurants. You can also discover the distinctive architecture of the Colorado State Capitol and the art scene of RiNo, the neighbourhood famous for its street murals and contemporary art galleries.

Another traditional stop on these tours is Confluence Park, a site that blends natural beauty with the history of the region, as it is where the South Platte and Cherry Creek rivers converge. If you plan to visit Denver in October or during the dry season in Colorado, you can enjoy some of the best sunsets in the city from this location.

If you want to take part in a different kind of activity in Denver, you can try indoor skydiving. Vertical wind tunnels recreate the conditions of a parachute jump without having to jump out of a plane, but with the same adrenaline rush and weightlessness as traditional skydiving.

Before you begin the experience, you can take part in an introductory course where you will learn the secrets of the activity. Once you are equipped with a special suit and helmet, you can enter the wind tunnel. Inside, powerful air currents will lift you off the ground, giving you a feeling of floating. During the flight, you will be assisted by expert instructors who will provide guidance and safety.

Keep in mind that the Denver wind tunnel is accessible to everyone, from beginners to skydiving experts, offering a unique opportunity for those who want to experience the thrill of flying without having to take the plunge from an aeroplane. It is also an indoor activity, making it perfect for visiting Denver during the winter, as it allows you to shelter from the cold for a few hours.

If you want to explore Denver's largest green oasis, a good alternative is to book a ticket to the Botanic Gardens. Founded in 1951, these gardens have evolved into an iconic destination that combines plant conservation, environmental education and the creation of play spaces for the whole family with a perfect space to escape the urban hustle and bustle.

Here you can visit a variety of themed gardens, ranging from water gardens to exotic desert landscapes. One of the highlights is the Rose Garden, which dazzles with its fragrances and colours during the flowering season. The Botanical Gardens are also home to the Butterfly Garden, where you can admire these species in their natural environment.

Another option for exploring this space is to take a bicycle tour that includes this site in the itinerary. These experiences will not only allow you to visit the gardens in a quick and fun way, but also in a less tiring way than walking. However, you should keep in mind that not all flower trails allow bicycles.

Due to its strategic location in the city centre, you can combine a visit to the Botanical Gardens with one of the best tours of Denver and other activities close to this destination.

Some of Colorado's best scenery can be found on a visit to Rocky Mountain National Park, so if you enjoy panoramic views, be sure to explore this site located just a few hours from Denver. Founded in 1915, this park is a natural refuge that is home to mountainous landscapes, crystal-clear lakes and unique wildlife.

In the park, you will find a network of trails that wind through alpine forests, passing through wildflower meadows and providing sweeping views of the surrounding peaks. During your visit, you can also discover the Trail Ridge Road, which reaches altitudes of over 4,000 metres and takes you on a scenic drive where you can see moose, deer, eagles and marmots.

You can visit Rocky Mountain National Park on your own or on one of the best guided tours from Denver. In addition, you can also explore the crystal-clear waters of this site, such as Bear Lake and Sprague Lake, which are particularly beautiful in winter when they reflect the surrounding snow-capped peaks.

This park is also home to the Alpine Visitor Centre, which provides information on the geology and ecology of the region, enriching your experience and giving you the tools you need if you want to go on an adventure tour.

If you want to get to know Denver from a different perspective, you can take a food tour or explore the city's restaurants and bars on your own to try Neapolitan pizza, empanadas, or Colorado's famous green chilli with pork. This way, you can not only explore the local culinary scene but also learn about the city's history through its aromas and flavours.

One place you can't miss on this adventure is Lower Downtown, or LoDo, where you'll find interesting restaurants such as Mercantile Dining & Provision and The Kitchen, which offer a gastronomic experience based on regional specialities.

You can also visit Denver's historic market, known as The Source. This place not only allows you to be surrounded by locals, but you can also find more informal options, from artisan bakeries to taco stands.

RiNo is another place that allows you to discover the cuisine of this destination, although with a more eclectic offering that combines the artistic scene of street murals with avant-garde restaurants. This neighbourhood also offers some of the best things to do at night in Denver.

The Denver Zoo is one of the city's main attractions and offers a variety of animals ranging from lemurs to lions. In addition, the popularity of this site lies in the fact that it is not a traditional zoo, but rather an ecological park that recreates the natural habitats of these species and is therefore one of the best activities to do with children in Denver.

At this zoo, you can also attend the Toyota Elephant Passage show, an immersive area that recreates the environments of Asia and Africa and serves as a habitat for elephants, rhinos, and other tropical animals. For its part, Primate Panorama offers a similar experience with primates from around the world as the stars.

Although a complete visit to the zoo takes approximately 4 to 5 hours, if you are planning a short stay in Denver of 3 days or even less, you can opt for a simplified tour that will take you through the main attractions of this site and a guided tour.

Due to its central location, you can combine a tour of the zoo with other activities in the city, such as brewery tours, Denver graffiti tours or the Botanical Gardens.