Heading to the ‘mile high city’? First, you should know that Denver earned its nickname because of its elevation of 5,280 feet, or one mile above the sea level. And when you visit, you’ll instantly know that Denverites take pride in the name, and they take it seriously. From stadiums, to restaurants and more, you’ll hear it and see it across miles within the city. (See what we did there?) However, being at such an elevation does pose some downsides if you’re visiting for the first time. So do prepare for adjusting to its higher altitude if you’re traveling from a lower altitude. Now once you’re here and well acclimatized, whether you’re on vacation, or to start a new life, here’s your guide to the best things to do in Denver, Colorado.

Related: Find Rooms for rent in Denver

Explore the outdoors in Denver

1. Denver Botanic Gardens

When looking for stuff to do in Denver, start here. This is a 23 acre land with 7 diverse theme gardens (including a Japanese garden of wind and pines, Monet Pool and more) with plants from around the world. They even host beautiful exhibitions in the space. Need we say more?

Entry costs:

• Adults: $10 – $15
• Seniors (65+), Military & Veterans (w/ID): $7 – $11.50
• Children (3-15) and Students (w/ID): $7 – $11
• Children 2 and under: Free

Timings:

• 09:00 am – 08:00 pm

2. Mount Evans Scenic Byway

Looking for cool things to do in Denver? Here’s the perfect thing for you! The highest paved road in North America, and one of the highest in USA, this scenic highway spans across 28 miles and reaches a height of 14,130 feet! Drive through breathtaking views, with alpine lakes, massive granite walls and strands of twisted, ancient bristlecone pine.

Entry costs:

• All sites: $15 per vehicle
• Entering Summit Lake Park: $5 per vehicle
• Motorcycles: $3 per person
• Mount Evans Season Pass: $25
• Bicycling/walking/driving through: Free

Timings:

• Closed during the winter season.

3. Red Rocks Amphitheatre and Park

When looking for cheap things to do in Denver, this place will surprise you. An open air amphitheatre to attend amazing concerts and performances or even enjoy history or enjoy a day out in the park. There’s also film screenings and Red Rock’s Ship Rock Grille for you to grab a bite to eat while you’re here.

Entry costs:

• Free entry

Timings:

• Park and trails open one hour before sunrise till one hour after sunset.

Enjoy the sports scene in Denver

4. Empower Field at Mile High

For everything sports, and more, visit the Empower field at Mile High when looking for cool things to do in Denver! Visit the Colorado Sports hall of fame, go to music concerts, and attend events such as monster Jam, AMA Supercross and of course, sports matches. Home teams include the Denver Broncos professional football team and Denver Outlaws professional box Lacrosse team.

• Tour cost: Starting from $25

5. Ball Arena

Formerly known as Pepsi centre, the ball arena is the home of the Colorado Avalanche (Ice hockey team), the Denver Nuggets (Basketball team) and the Colorado Mammoth (Box lacrosse.) And if you’re looking for stuff to do in Denver, head on here for some music acts and performances too!

6. Disc golf at Johnny Roberts

If you like disc golf, or you’re just looking for stuff to do in Denver, this one’s a fun way to spend your time. Whether you know how to play disc golf or not, this is a place you can enjoy.

Cost:

• Free

Timings:

• 05:00 am – 11:00 pm

While away time at museums in Denver

7. Forney Museum of Transportation

If you’re looking for cool things to do in Denver with love for all things transport, head to Forney Museum! View over 600 artifacts related to historical transportation, including buggies, steam locomotives, carriages, rail equipment, bicycles, toys and more on display!

Entry costs:

• $5 – $11 (Tickets available at the door)

Timings:

• Thursday – Saturday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

• Sunday: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm

8. Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art

If you’re on the hunt for cool things to do in Denver, go back into time through art at the Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art. You can view the artworks on display or attend an art event, or head to their museum store to buy fantastic art.

Entry costs:

• $5 – $8

Timings:

• 11:00 am – 5:00 pm

9. Wings Over the Rockies

Located on the former Lowry Air Force Base in Denver, Colorado, United States, the museum preserves the history of its operations from 1938 to 1994 in its collections, archives and research library (with over 15,000 books on aviation, aerospace and ballooning.) So if you’re looking for cool things to do in Denver, this museum will be worth your while.

Entry costs:

• Adults (17 – 64): $16.95
• Seniors (65+): $12.95
• Active military, veterans and first responders with valid ID: $12.95
• Youth (4-16): $9.95
• Children (3 & under): Free

Timings: (Entry allowed for 2 hours only)

• Monday – Saturday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
• Sunday: 12 pm – 4 pm

Soak in the culture in Denver

10. Mile High Wine Tours

Have a large group? Then you need large glasses of wine! So if you’re looking for stuff to do in Denver, head to the mile high wine tours that include food, wine tastings at every winery, a tour guide, and chauffeured luxury transportation.

Costs:

• $138 per person

Timings:

• 11:00 am – 4:00 pm

11. Craft Beer Tour

Not a wine person? No worries! You’d be happy to know that Denver is known for its craft beer too! So if you’re looking for things to do in Denver, head to any Brewery of your choice, this place is filled with them, and enjoy laidback happy hours. Our favorite: Denver Beer Company. Because there’s delicious homemade pretzels and beer, but you’re welcome to bring your own food or purchase food at the rotating food trucks too!

Costs:

• $50 per person (on an average)

12. Denver Performing Arts Complex

There’s nothing that tops this when looking for cool things to do in Denver. A four-block, 12-acre site containing ten performance spaces with over 10,000 seats connected by an 80 feet tall glass roof! Catch performances by the Colorado Symphony while you’re here!

Eat, drink and be merry (or shop)

13. Larimer Square

From restaurants and nightlife to shopping centres and events, Larimer Square (the first historic block of the city) is the place to go when you’re looking for things to do in Denver.

Timings:

• Monday-Friday: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
• Saturday: 10 am to 6 pm
• Sunday: 12:00 to 5:00 pm

14. My Brother’s Bar

Like burgers, beers and classical music, or maybe just a chill vibe? Head to my brother’s bar, the oldest bar in Denver, since 1873!

Timings:

• Monday – Thursday: 11: 00 am – 10: 00 pm
• Friday & Saturday: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm

Costs:

$ 25 for 2 people (approx.)

15. Denver Central Market

When looking for stuff to do in Denver, head to the central market and choose from 11 vendors, all in one place. From restaurants to grocery and meat shops, there’s everything you need and more! While you’re here, support local artists of the area.

Timings: