When most people think of Denver, they think of an outdoor paradise, complete with nearby incredible ski resorts, hiking, camping, and some of the best golf courses in the country. But that’s not all the Mile High City has to offer!
In reality, Denver is as much of a vibrant, cosmopolitan city as it is a ski town, and Downtown is at the heart of the action.
Wondering what do to in Downtown Denver, Colorado? In this blog, we’re going over some of the best things to do in Denver. Whether you’re in town for a couple of days or are thinking about moving here, you won’t want to miss these recommendations.
Thinking about buying a home in Denver? Check out my featured listings.
Where to Start: Union Station
If you’re heading out to explore Downtown Denver and are looking for things to see in Denver, a great place to start your journey is the recently revamped Union Station. An architectural icon and important historical landmark, it’s like the Grand Central Station of the American West – and it’s absolutely a must do in Denver.
Even if you’re not travelling through Union Station, it’s worth heading inside to check out the gorgeous Great Hall, with its soaring ceilings, marble floors, and iconic chandeliers. It’s the perfect spot for a photo-op, but there are also a few local gems inside too, like Ultreia, The Cooper Lounge, Tattered Cover bookstore (local favorite since 1971) or Snooze (one of the city’s top breakfast spots).
16th Street & LoDo
From Union Station, you’re just steps away from the famous 16th Street, one of the best places to shop, eat, and explore in the entire city. It’s a place that locals love just as much (if not more) than tourists!
Although 16th Street is just about a mile and a half long, it has more than 250 shops and restaurants to check out. This includes some truly amazing rooftop dining with great views of the mountains and city. There’s also a free shuttle service that runs up and down the street, so if you get tired, you can simply hop on and ride to the other end of the mall.
Zooming out, 16th Street passes right through the Lower Downtown Historic District – or as most people call it, “LoDo”. Another must-see, LoDo is one of the oldest areas in Denver, complete with historic buildings that have been well preserved, keeping the city’s heritage alive.
Like the mall, you’ll find lots to see and do here. However, LoDo is particularly well-known for its unbeatable collection of breweries, like Wynkoop Brewing Company, which happens to be the oldest (and first-ever) brewpub in Colorado. There’s also the Oakwell Beer Spa (yes, you heard that right, a beer spa), where you can enjoy traditional spa amenities with a cold craft beer in your hand.
Want to know more about living in Denver? Check out these related blogs next!
Cheer on Colorado!
Denver is one of the best sports cities in the world, with teams in all four major sports leagues. And the best part? They all play in (or just a few steps away from) Downtown Denver!
Starting with the Denver Broncos, who have the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, a new coach, and a new Quarterback. It’s one of the hottest tickets in town – selling out every game since 1970.
There’s also the star-studded Colorado Avalanche featuring the 2024 Ted Lindsay Award and Hart Trophy (MVP) winner Nathan MacKinnon and the 2022 Conn Smythe Trophy (Playoff MVP) winner Cale Makar. The Avs also happen to be recent Stanley Cup Champions – taking home the trophy in 2022.
The Denver Nuggets won the NBA Championship just a couple of years ago (2023). Their star player Nikola Jokic has been named league MVP for 3 of the last 5 years!
The Rockies may not be having a great season, but the fans show up in droves nonetheless, creating an exciting ballpark atmosphere right in the heart of Downtown Denver.
Soak Up Some Culture
Another fact about Denver that might surprise you is that it’s a major hub of arts, culture, and science. Downtown, you’ll find a ton of cultural amenities like the Denver Art Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art Denver, and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science with IMAX and a planetarium.
If you’re looking for unique things to do in Downtown Denver, why not head over to the Downtown Aquarium? There’s some incredible wildlife and plants to see, but that’s not all! If you’re brave, you can actually get in the tank with sharks – and get scuba certified while you’re at it!
Thinking about moving to Denver? Check out these related blogs next!
Picturing Your Life in Denver?
There are so many incredible things to see and do in the Mile High City, and Downtown Denver is just the tip of the iceberg! If you’re thinking about moving to Denver, you’ll want to work with a local real estate agent who knows the city inside and out – like me!
Whether you’d like to live right in the heart of Denver, or in one of its countless great neighborhoods, I can help you find the perfect home for your budget.
Moving to Denver? I can help! Send us an email at alana.hankins@compass.com or call 303.907.1500 to get in touch!
Book a Meeting with Me
Whether buying or selling a home in the Denver Metro area, my experience, local expertise, and market savvy can help you get the most from your next move. Book a meeting with me to see how.
