Itineraries for Your Trip to Denver
2 Days in Denver for First Timers
With friends and family in the Mile High City, I'm always excited to visit, and I especially like seeing how the city has evolved since my last visit. On my recent visit, I brought my kids with me to Denver. We stayed in the vibrant LoDo district, where we spent plenty of time walking around, visiting the massive Tattered Cover bookstore, and enjoying the many excellent restaurants there.
With two days in Denver, you can delve into the city's food and art scene and have time for a day hike if you want to spend a few hours outside downtown. Here's how to make the most of your visit.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a RiNo street art tour.
Summer is lovely in Denver, but expect cold temps at night and chilly days in fall and winter.
Denver has interesting neighborhoods to explore. You'll want to walk around and check out the architecture and restaurants. The always-evolving LoDo (Lower Downtown) area is where you'll find the Dairy Block, an indoor food and shopping area once the home of Windsor Dairy. Take a walking tour to get expert pointers on where to eat during your stay.
Another vibrant Denver neighborhood is RiNo, the River North Arts District. Here, you'll find artist studios and tons of colorful street art around every turn. Walking tours of this area are a great way to learn about the art and artists, and many include stops at local breweries such as Ratio Brewworks and the Denver Central Market, a massive food hall with indoor and outdoor seating.
Finish out the day with even more art when you spend a few hours exploring the immersive world of Meow Wolf's Convergence Station. Unlock the mysteries of four "alien" worlds as you climb through portals into mirrored rooms and more. It's a trippy spot and the perfect way to end your first day in Denver.
If you need a break from the city vibes for a few hours, you can quickly head to one of the many nearby hiking trails to experience the beauty of the Rocky Mountains and see Denver from a distance. If you are short on time, a guided hike is the way to go; you won't have to worry about getting there and navigating the trails, as your guide has you covered.
Now that you've worked up an appetite, it's time to explore Denver's vibrant food scene. Stanley Marketplace in Aurora has boutique shops and plenty of sit-down and casual eateries for every appetite. If you want to taste a variety of food quickly, a food tour is the way to go. You'll get a history lesson while you eat.
For a history lesson of a different sort, spend your last night exploring Denver's haunted history. Walk through Capitol Hill and visit spots like Cheesman Park (the city's first cemetery) and the Molly Brown House, where stories of hauntings and spooky apparitions are common.
