First time in Denver — what locals actually recommend
If it's your first weekend in Denver, this is the locals' shortlist — the sights worth the queue, the food you can't skip, and the neighbourhood walks that show you the place.
Top spots in Denver
RiNo Art District
CultureRiNo
Murals, taprooms and Denver Central Market food hall.
Confluence Park
OutdoorsPlatte River
Tubing the South Platte + a kayak run right downtown.
Denver Botanic Gardens
OutdoorsCheesman Park
24 acres of themed gardens with summer Chihuly nights.
Larimer Square
Food & DrinkLoDo
Historic strip with patios, holiday lights and rooftop bars.
Mount Evans Scenic Byway
OutdoorsFront Range
Drive to 14,000 ft — highest paved road in North America.
Red Rocks Park
OutdoorsMorrison
Sandstone amphitheater + free yoga and sunrise concerts.
Where to eat
Mercantile Dining & Provision
$$$New American · Union Station
Alex Seidel's farm-to-table + market under one roof.
Safta
$$$Israeli · RiNo
Alon Shaya's mezze and pillowy laffa from the wood oven.
Snooze A.M. Eatery
$$Brunch · Multiple
Pancake flights and bacon Bloody Marys — Colorado original.
Sushi Den
$$$Sushi · Platt Park
Fish flown daily from Tokyo's Toyosu market — book ahead.
Tacos Tequila Whiskey
$$Mexican · Capitol Hill
Street tacos and a Colorado-sized agave list.
Frequently asked
- Standouts right now: Red Rocks Park, RiNo Art District, Denver Botanic Gardens. The shortlist is curated by people who live in Denver and refreshed regularly so it reflects what's actually open and worth your time.