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Renovated Union Station in downtown Denver, Colorado

Itineraries for Your Trip to Denver

Denver locals share their perfect days.
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1 Day in Denver for First Timers

Curated by Madigan Talmage-Bowerswho loves ancient history, local art, and hiking trails.

Once a mining boom town, now a modern metropolis, Denver boasts abundant cultural offerings against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. Wild West history meets a gourmet palate in downtown bars and restaurants, while parks offer plenty of ways to soak up the famous Colorado sunshine. Here’s how to maximize a day in the Mile-High City.


Morning

Plan an artsy start to the day at one of Denver’s many museums. Browse Native American and Western collections at the Denver Art Museum, step inside a Victorian mansion at the Byers-Evans House, or ponder modern themes at the Museum of Contemporary Art. Consider a city discount pass if you plan on stopping at multiple museums and attractions. Rest your feet over brunch of a Denver omelette or fresh-baked bagels, snagging a seat at an outdoor patio if the weather’s nice.

Afternoon

Get a great perspective on downtown’s main attractions on a bike tour. Flat streets, generous bike paths, and riverside trails make Denver a bike-friendly town. Ride alongside locals while taking in views of landmarks such as Coors Field stadium, the State Capital Building, 16th-Street Mall, and Platte River. Some bike tours include brewery stops. If not, hop from bike tour to craft beer tour to learn more about the city’s booming microbrew scene. Alternatively, save your legs and join a motor scooter tour.

Night

Reward yourself after all that peddling with a guided bar crawl to a handful of downtown Denver’s hippest watering holes. There’s plenty to explore, with spots specializing in everything from mixed cocktails to locally brewed craft beer. After kicking off the night with drinks, head to historic Lower Downtown (LoDo) for dinner to taste for yourself why Denver’s culinary scene draws top chefs and rave reviews.

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