Here’s a schedule to spend one day in Denver, one of the most incredible cities in the U.S., full of activities and cultural sites!
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Denver is a great place to visit, even if it’s only for one day. People often visit it for its closeness to the Rockies, so you’ll find a lot of adventurers there. But even if you’re not heading to a great hike, Denver is perfect for long walks, with its characteristic sunny and pleasant weather, vibrant urban scene, and cultural diversity.
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Is a day enough for exploring Denver? You won’t be an expert in the city afterwards, but it’s time enough to get a good snapshot of the city’s vibe and main attractions. To enjoy its laid back energy you could extend the trip for a few days. But first check the one day itinerary we’ve prepared for you!
One Day in Denver
Breakfast at Denver Biscuit Co.
You can’t start a full day of adventures without a proper breakfast, and nowhere in Denver do you find a more iconic and American option than in Denver Biscuit Co.. They’re famous for their oversized and fluffy biscuits, but there are many more options.
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Try the Franklin to fill you up, it’s a sandwich with buttermilk fried chicken, bacon, cheddar cheese, and sausages.
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The sweet version of that sandwich is called the Lola, and it’s topped with house-made honey butter and maple syrup, all wrapped up in a biscuit.
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For a local favorite, try the McHashbrowns, complete with chicken salt for a flavorful side to complement your meal.
Walk from Capitol Hill to Civic Center
Now that you have a full stomach, you surely have energy for a brief walk. The route from Capitol Hill to the Civic Center is one of the most rewarding walks in Denver, and it’s surprising how much charm can be packed in a 15-20 minute span.
Capitol Hill is a quirky place full of Victorian houses and a favorite for tourists and artists alike. It gives you a glimpse into the older side of the city, and you can look at the buildings and imagine what the city was like in the 19th century.
On the other end of the walk, there’s the Civic Center, a grand and open area that fills Denver with pride. It’s a beautiful place, with gardens, key government buildings, and if you’re lucky you can catch a festival there!
What can you enjoy during the walk?
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Cultural Immersion: It’s a short route, but it passes through some of Denver’s most famous landmarks, like the Colorado State Capitol, City & County Building, and Denver Art Museum.
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Architecture and Art: There are a lot of old houses near Capitol Hill. We’re talking about historic mansions next to neoclassical government buildings, with a bit of modern structures like the sleek Denver Public Library.
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Proximity to Attractions: It’s true that you can walk that distance in only 15 minutes, but it’s a great opportunity to stop and check the museums, galleries, and food spots!
Let’s Choose a Cultural Attraction
An itinerary is as useful as it can adapt to the reader, isn’t it? Let’s complement our morning with a cultural visit, and you have two excellent options in Denver.
Denver Art Museum
The Denver Art Museum is perfect for classic art lovers. It’s known for its extensive collection of pieces from all around the globe, being one of the largest art museums between the West Coast and Chicago. One of the highlights of the museum is the Native American pieces, which are rare to see in similar establishments. It’s also a great place for the whole family, as it’s educational and includes activity zones for the kids.
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Meow Wolf Denver
For a different experience, you can try the Meow Wolf Denver, an immersive, interactive art experience. It’s inspired by a surreal, sci-fi-inspired world. A visit there will take it through mind-bending rooms, crawl spaces, neon tunnels, and a fascinating nonlinear storytelling. Some travelers have compared the experience to walking through a video game made by an artist. Just keep in mind that it can be overwhelming for some people.
Lunch at Denver Central Market
After such a busy morning, it is time to sit down for a while and grab a bite, and we have the perfect place for that. In the heart of RiNo (River North) Art District, you’ll find the Denver Central Market, a must-stop for foodies! There are plenty of food options, it’s a food court after all, but let’s explore one of the most recommended.
Izzio Bakery is perfect if you love the smell of fresh bread; you’ll love this place. Every product is carefully handmade, from the breakfast focaccia to the savory tarts. You can pair their delicious dishes with a strong espresso, and there’s plenty of sweet baked goods for dessert!
Stroll through RiNo Art District
You can’t visit the RiNo Art District without exploring it a bit more later. Walking its streets is like entering an open-air gallery the size of a small city. It’s incredible how the creative people transformed this gritty warehouse into one of the most dynamic neighborhoods in Denver.
There is street art and murals everywhere, in an ever-changing cacophony of colors that keeps evolving with the years. The most impressive of all is Larimer Street, especially between 25th and 31st, which is popularly known as the core of RiNo’s mural scene.
If you want to visit a gallery there are plenty to choose from, like Plinth Gallery, focused on contemporary ceramic art. It’s a great opportunity to see pieces by local artists and see how experimental and unique it can be.
For the beer and cocktail lovers, there’s a lot of action in RiNo. In fact, many of the galleries there are nestled between breweries, distilleries, and even wineries. So don’t miss the chance to visit the Ratio Beerworks, with its musical themes and funky small-batch brews
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Cocktails speakeasy
Keeping up with the drinks and cocktails, you can end your day visiting one of the top-rated speakeasies in Denver. They might not be as famous as the New York ones are, but that does not mean they’re any less worthy.
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The Cruise Room: You’ll find it inside the Oxford Hotel, and even if it’s not a historical speakeasy, it does share the vibe. It’s actually Denver’s oldest bar, and it was opened in 1933, the day after Prohibition ended. It has an elegant feeling, with striking red lighting, original murals, and its specialty is classic cocktails made to perfection.
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William & Graham: Also not a historical speakeasy, but it is hidden behind a bookcase with a cozy bookstore facade. You even have to check in with a host and wait to be escorted inside! Unlike the previous example, here you can try very inventive and seasonal cocktails. The atmosphere is different as well, being more cozy and intimate, perfect for going with close friends or your romantic partner.
Hidden Gems worth visiting
We’ve finished an incredible day, but here are recommendations of places you can visit, maybe at a later date, or just change them with the ones we offered previously!
Hudson Gardens
Perfect for the greenery lovers as well as the travelers that like quiet places to reflect. It’s a peaceful botanical garden along the South Platte River, and usually free to enter. You can even rent a boat and paddle along the river trail if you want some exercise.
Museum of Outdoor Arts (MOA)
Another garden that’s well worth a visit. This one is tucked behind an amphitheater and it’s full of whimsical sculptures. It’s a though-provoking place, with plenty of pieces that ask you to stop for a minute and reflect. It also features “Fantasy Forest” installations made by artists that specialized in immersive pieces.
Tattered Cover Bookstore
If you’re the kind of traveler who can’t resist a cozy bookstore, you’ll love the Tattered Cover Bookstore. It’s a quiet place, with many reading nooks and a very deep local vibe. If you’re local, you can catch a local author talk!
Photo by Prateek Katyal on Unsplash
FAQs People Don’t Ask (But Should)
Do I need a car?
Not really, especially not for the itinerary we planned for you. Denver is a pretty walkable city, with excellent public transit and plenty of attractions close to each other. If you need to cover major distances, you can easily use the bus.
Can I do this with kids?
Of course! Denver is a child-friendly city, and almost all of the activities suggested can be done with kids. Except the bars, of course, which you can change with a visit to the Downtown Aquarium, or the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.
Is weed everywhere?
Yes and no. You can buy up to an ounce if you’re older than 21 and want to, but public consumption is illegal. So you won’t see people just smoking them in parks or streets, they have to do it in private spaces, which you certainly don’t have to visit if you don’t want to.