The Ultimate Guide to a Weekend in Denver, Colorado

Out of the various cities I have been to, Denver has had me return multiple times, tempting me to stay in this hip and modern city. Denver maintains an air of the unknown, since most of its visitors are prone to travel to the ski resorts in the Colorado Rocky Mountains and barely make time see the city at all.

Denver’s downtown is growing with some of its areas offering new brewpubs, coffee shops, rooftop bars, restaurants, galleries and museums.

It is a progressive city, with farmer’s markets popping up in various neighborhoods, bike-sharing programs, a steadily growing smart transportation system, and discreet marijuana dispensaries.

Where to Stay in Denver

The Brown Palace – In addition to the historical significance this hotel plays, it offers distinct accommodations to its visitors and is rated one of the best places to stay in Denver by locals as well as visitors. Located at the heart of downtown, it has hosted presidents, royalty and pop icons throughout it’s tenure. It is definitely an expensive place to stay, so if you are like me and are a bit tight with budget, stop by for a quick bite at the restaurant or better yet, the afternoon tea ceremony organized in the lobby area.

The Magnolia – This is a much cheaper option compared to the Brown Palace featuring guest rooms and suites for both corporate and leisure travelers. Just a few blocks from the Convention Center and the 16th Street Mall, it is an ideal hotel for those who enjoy shopping and local entertainment.

Airbnb – Finding the best Airbnb to stay in during a quick getaway can sometimes be daunting. After living in Denver for a few months and also visiting quite frequently after moving to D.C., I have narrowed down the best neighborhoods to stay in (or even explore) while in Denver. Capitol Hill is my personal favorite as it is a vibrant neighborhood just southeast of downtown Denver. The neighborhood is diverse and is home to many mid-century apartments and high-end restaurants. Highland is another good neighborhood to stay in. It is more residential, and quieter compared to Capitol Hill, but offers a good chunk of new coffee shops, and neighborhood bistros in town.

What to Do in Denver

Denver is a friendly city to all outdoor lovers. It offers plenty of attractions (if not more) as compared to most major cities in the United States.

Red Rocks Amphitheater – Just 10 miles outside of the city, this natural rock structure hosts musicians, local artists and the like with a space that fits more than 9000 guests surrounded by its large, angled boulders. Though a concert is the best way to experience this venue, it is also open to rock climbers, and includes walking and biking trails.

Confluence Park – Located in downtown Denver, Confluence Park is an urban park that offers a scene of nature in the middle of the city for those who would like to do some mid-afternoon kayaking, go on a run or bike through the trails. As the name implies, it encompasses the confluence of Cherry Creek and the South Platte Rivers in Denver making it another must-visit landmark.

Royal Gorge – About two hours from Denver, the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park is one of the top Colorado Springs attraction that boasts zip lines, gondolas, and rafting. Hosting the highest suspension bridge in Colorado, it stretches 1270 feet across and soars 956 feet above the Arkansas. The park also masses concerts in the summer.

Molly Grown House Museum – Molly Brown or Margaret brown was one of the survivors of the Titanic ship. She played a major role in encouraging the crew in lifeboat no. 6 to return to the debris and look for survivors. She was also a philanthropist, and activist.

The Rocky Mountain National Park - Being one of the obvious places you should visit while in Colorado, the park has 72 peaks over 12,000 feet over 400 square miles of wilderness. This is a busy park offering over 350 miles of trails and hikers and rock climbers frequent this park especially in the summer. Just remember that there is no lodging in the park itself, and you will need to plan ahead.

Where to Eat and Drink in Denver

Denver shares the amenities of various major U.S. cities. But, it lacks in the food scene. However, there are a lot of places and unique cuisines to try while visiting including Mexican food being one of the local specialties.

Snooze – This is one of the highly recommended spots for breakfast and brunch. They offer mouth-watering choices for breakfast including eggs benedict, potato pancakes, and huevos rancheros. But, wait. They have house-made granola bars, and quinoa porridge for health conscious patrons as well.

Cherry Cricket – Located in the middle of Cherry Creek, this is a dive bar that is a locals favorite. It offers one of the best green chili cheeseburgers in town. (Note: hey have gluten free buns.) It appears to be small upon entry, but it can accommodate more people in the various side rooms.

Wynkoop Brewing – This is Denver’s first ever brewpub founded by John Hickenlooper. It offers a great atmosphere and is located at the Lodo (Lower Downtown) neighborhood.

The Tavern – This rooftop bar is a good spot to watch sports. They have game day deals that are cheap prices. It is also a great spot to have some drinks, and grab a light lunch.

The Source – This is another health-conscious food market that is located in the River North District. Here, you can find delicious snacks, and seasonal produce to satisfy your taste buds.

Where to Shop in Denver

Larimer Square, located in downtown Denver, is a great area for some sightseeing and window shopping. This is an area that has converted vibrant Victorian buildings to hip boutiques and restaurants. This area is home to the Rockmount Ranchwear, the first Western style button shirts that is still one of the premier supplier to clients in Hollywood. If you are a fashionista, head down to Larimer and go crazy.

Getting to Denver

Denver is one of the most isolated cities in the United States with the closest cities being over 14 hours drive away. Luckily, Denver has one of the largest and busiest airports with three of the major airlines— United, Frontier, and Southwest -- using the airport as a hub. Depending on where you are flying from, the competition between the three keeps prices of flying in to Denver relatively cheap.