Three Perfect Days: A trip to Denver

Downtown Denver is where urban charm meets mountain-town vibes. From alleyways bursting with local art to historic, post-prohibition bars, these streets buzz with places to explore all day. But before you hit the road, make sure you book the perfect hotel using United Hotels.

Things to do and see

Union Station

Union Station is the undisputed heart of downtown Denver. Originally opened in 1881, the historic station has undergone extensive renovations over the years. The Great Hall (the ground floor) serves as more than a waiting area for the train. It’s a gorgeous gathering place for working, dining, shopping and enjoying the references to Denver’s rich history—from the Pullman car style-booths to the Cowboy Poet portraits lining the walls. Let the day effortlessly pass by while relaxing with a cup of coffee from Pigtrain Coffee, enjoying a glass of wine from Terminal Bar and exploring unique retail shops like the indie bookstore Tattered Cover.

The Denver Art Museum

The DAM is an easy all-day visit, with a sprawling campus of four buildings that house over 70,000 works of art (including outdoor installations). This is an epicenter of culture, where ancient art lives beside the contemporary. In particular, the Indigenous Arts of North America collection is impressive, showcasing historical pieces and modern work. The museum also frequently hosts special exhibitions. Take advantage of the guided audio tours and interactive displays that allow you to pick your favorite pieces in an art collection.

The Squares

• Larimer Square is Denver’s oldest block, but don’t let its age fool you. Here, there’s always some event the whole family will enjoy, from pop-up holiday markets in winter to exciting festivals in the summer, all under the twinkling glow of string lights. A must-stop in the area is Garage Sale Vintage, a resale shop, premier bar and potentially Denver’s best taqueria (I recommend the barbecue chicken). Browse overflowing racks of vintage fashion and shelves of hot sauce. After shopping, the nightlife is also worth exploring, with several bars, clubs and shows to catch, like a comedy show at Comedy Works.

• In Lower Downtown (LoDo), McGregor Square is known for its large outdoor plaza and stadium-sized LED screen. The space is always alive with events, from live music and outdoor yoga to community movie nights and Colorado Rockies games. In the winter, enjoy the outdoor ice-skating rink with family and friends. Then, grab a drink and a bite at the Milepost Zero Food Hall, your home base for every type of dining.

The Dairy Block

The Dairy Block is legendary in Denver, a micro-district home to several exceptional bars, boutiques and art collections. Here are the top spots:

• The Alley at the Dairy Block: Denver’s artistic core, boasting over 700 local art pieces—including larger-than-life murals, interactive wall displays and dazzling light fixtures. Even the walkway has gold-plated steps inscribed with inspiring messages like: “Never eat more than you can lift.”

• The Blue Ruby Boutique: This store sells everything from clothes and travel goods to ‘blind-date’ books (cutely gift-wrapped books, so you can’t see the title until after you buy it).

• Meow Wolf’s Convergence Station Denver: Amidst the mind-bending art and futuristic exhibits is a story waiting to be uncovered. So, if you’re a fan of exploration, mysteries and escape rooms, this is the place for you.

Brewery Crawl with eTuk Ride

Denver is famous for its breweries. All 150, to be exact, making it impossible to recommend just one. This private tour is the perfect solution, specifically for those who love a good craft beer. You and up to five others can hop in an eTuk (an electric three-wheeled vehicle) with a local guide to see the city sights and enjoy a delicious brew at each stop.

Where to eat and drink

Denver isn’t short on places to drink and eat, but these spots are hard to compete with:

• Onefold: Looking for a cozy atmosphere to eat your breakfast or lunch? Onefold is the spot for you. Enjoy family-inspired recipes made from scratch and warm, farmhouse kitchen vibes (without the farm).

• The Cruise Room: The Oxford Hotel’s famous speakeasy style bar is a must-visit. After four o’clock, step inside to soak up the glamorous 1920s ambiance and enjoy jukebox tunes while savoring your drink. Fun fact: It was the first bar to open in Denver after the prohibition.

• Denver Milk Market: Dairy Block’s famous food hall is stocked with delectable options. Try a chicken sandwich at Lou’s Fried Chickent or spaghetti at Fuso Pizza & Pasta Once you’ve had your fill, head to the game room for skeeball and air hockey.

• Deviation Distilling: Right outside Denver Milk Market, this cocktail lounge and patio serves their own locally distilled gin and other unique spirits out of a transformed 1800s firehouse. Come here to enjoy premium mixed drinks next to exposed brick and cozy, bottle lighting.

• Snooze: Located in Union Station, Snooze’s vibrant décor, colorful drinks and creative twist on classic dishes make it the top choice for a fun, boozy brunch or breakfast.

Five Points, also known as the “Harlem of the West,” is alive with a deep jazz history, vibrant art and a rich sports legacy. Spend a day exploring what makes each of its micro-districts unique.

Things to do and see

Nocturne Jazz Club

Nocturne is determined to keep jazz alive, and its succeeding. Listen to live jazz music while enjoying a customizable three-course dinner from a seasonally rotating menu. Each dish is paired with a drink, or you’re free to choose whatever suits your taste (which is how I ended up enjoying a glass of red wine with my churro cake). Inside, the bar glows under dim lights and beautifully lit tables wrapped around the intimate stage while a portrait of Billie Holiday overlooks the room.

Denver Graffiti Tour

Denver was one of the first U.S. cities to embrace graffiti. This two-hour walking tour of the RiNo art district showcases the stories behind the artists and their artwork. This is not just an art tour but an introduction to the historical, political, and social context that has influenced Denver’s acceptance of street art and its community impact.

Puttshack

Puttshack is the perfect, laid-back weekend activity for couples, families and friends. The small but challenging mini golf course is a tech-influenced space full of unique obstacles (including trivia questions that can help you win extra points). They also take their music selection very seriously here, especially on “Wayback Wednesdays.” Whether you’re on the course, ordering your second round of Italian flatbread or enjoying a bold cocktail at the bar, you’ll find yourself singing and dancing before the night is over.

Touring Coors Field

Seeing the Colorado Rockies play on their home soil is an absolute must, if you’re in Denver during baseball season. But even in the off-season, this iconic stadium is a breathtaking landmark worth visiting. Take a behind-the-scenes tour to learn about the ballpark’s historic design and see off-limits areas like the dugout. All tours are accessible to disabled guests, and part of the profits goes to the Colorado Rockies Foundation, which funds programs to support the community.

The Black American West Museum

Discover the often-overlooked history of African American pioneers, cowboys and settlers in this small but intriguing museum. Housed in the former home of Denver's first Black female physician, the museum’s various exhibits highlight the experiences and legacies of African Americans in the West.

Where to eat and drink

From soul food to Native American-style tacos, the Five Points area caters to a wide range of tastes. Here are my favorites:

• Safta:This Mediterranean restaurant, located in The Source food hall, modernizes traditional Israeli dishes. Settle into the communal dining space and enjoy the selection of fresh meats, seafood and wood-fired bread.

• Tocabe: “Food Should Tell a Story”—that’s the motto of the only American Indian-owned and operated restaurant in the Denver metro area. Specializing in Native and Indigenous cuisine, enjoy the Posu bowls and ‘Indian Tacos,’ which are healthy and delicious.

• Welton Street Café: Craving soul food? Then head over to this Black-owned, family-run café for some homestyle classics like greens, yams, catfish and fried chicken. There’s also an extensive burger menu (including veggie burgers), seafood and jerk chicken.

• La Calle Taqueria Y Carnitas: Located in South Broadway, just 20 minutes from Five Points, La Calle is the top spot for authentic Mexican food. If you can, stop in for Taco Tuesday and get tasty tacos for just two dollars apiece.

Denver is a thriving urban hub, but beyond the city perimeter is a wilder sort of beauty. Spend a day getting up close with the stunning natural landscape that sits right outside Denver’s metropolitan comforts.

Things to do and see

Colorado Wilderness Rides and Guides

If you’re looking to explore some of Colorado’s most beautiful natural landscapes, I can’t recommend this guide service enough. These tours are a choose-your-own adventure, including backcountry skiing, mountain biking, whitewater rafting or a simple sightseeing photo tour. The guides are informative nature enthusiasts who make sure everyone has fun while staying safe.

On a trip up to Loveland Pass, our guide Joshua opened the tour with icebreakers (no pun intended), making sure we knew exactly what we were in for and assuring us of his help. In his words: “If you need to use the loo, need some food or have something in your shoe—let me know!”

Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison

An outdoor theater made from nature—striking rust and amber rock formations surround the Red Rock stage. It’s also known for its exceptional acoustics and unforgettable concerts, which anyone who’s been there will tell you. Beyond concerts, the surrounding park offers hiking trails, picnic areas and opportunities for fossil hunting. Locals also come here to join “Yoga on the Rocks.”

Coors brewery tour in Golden

A major highlight of Golden is the Coors facility, the world’s largest single-site brewery. The tour, led by knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides, brings you behind the scenes to watch how one of America’s most iconic beers gets made while enjoying free beer tastings along the way.

Where to eat and drink

Amazing food isn’t exclusive to the city. End your trip at some of the best eateries just outside of Denver:

• Westbound and Down: If you’re in the mood for some hearty comfort food, come here for classic American fare at Westbound in Idaho Springs. Pair your meal with one of their award-winning beers, like the Spirit of the West IPA.

• Hungry Goat Scratch Kitchen and Wine Bar: Near Red Rocks amphitheater, Hungry Goat has exceptional service and an extensive wine list. Notably, they offer gluten-free and vegan options, making it the perfect stop for any dietary preferences.

• The Golden Mill: This food hall right outside the Coors Brewery is famous for its “tap wall”—a self-pour wall for beer, wine, cider and more. Grab your drink and something tasty from one of the five food vendors to enjoy indoors or outside around the firepits.

• Corrida: For a more upscale dining experience, head to Corrida in downtown Boulder for Spanish-inspired dishes, wood-fired Wagyu steak and classic cocktails from the roaming gin and tonic cart.

During my time in Denver, I was actively making plans for when I would return. Whether you're exploring the mountains or prefer the comforts of downtown, this city promises an unforgettable experience.