Denver, USA-7-day-itinerary

Denver, USA 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Downtown

  • Morning: Arrive in Denver and check-in to your accommodation. Recommended hotels include:
    • The Oxford Hotel (boutique hotel in downtown)
    • Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center (modern hotel with great views)
  • Lunch: Head to Larimer Square, a historic pedestrian mall lined with shops and restaurants. Try:
    • Bistro Vendôme (French-inspired cuisine)
    • Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant (Mexican food and margaritas)
  • Afternoon: Visit the Colorado State Capitol building and take a stroll through Civic Center Park.
  • Evening: Explore the vibrant LoDo (Lower Downtown) neighborhood, known for its nightlife, restaurants, and bars. Recommended spots include:
    • Union Station (historic landmark with shops, restaurants, and a hotel)
    • Coors Field (catch a Colorado Rockies baseball game in season)

Day 2: Outdoor Activities

  • Morning: Drive to Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre (about 30 minutes west of Denver) for a hike or scenic drive. Take in the stunning views of the Rocky Mountains.
  • Lunch: Head back to downtown and grab a bite at:
    • Avanti Food & Beverage (food hall with multiple vendors)
    • The Populist (gastropub with outdoor seating)
  • Afternoon: Visit the Denver Art Museum, featuring an impressive collection of Western and Native American art.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner and drinks in the trendy RiNo (River North) Arts District. Recommended spots include:
    • The Source Hotel & Market (boutique hotel with restaurants and shops)
    • Death & Co (cocktail bar)

Day 3: Breweries and Gardens

  • Morning: Explore Denver’s thriving craft beer scene by visiting:
    • Great Divide Brewing Co. (award-winning brewery with tours and tastings)
    • Wynkoop Brewing Co. (Colorado’s oldest brewpub)
  • Lunch: Grab a bite at:
    • The Brew Kitchen & Pub (gastropub with outdoor seating)
    • Denver Beer Co. (brewery and restaurant combo)
  • Afternoon: Visit the beautiful Denver Botanic Gardens, featuring over 23 acres of gardens and natural areas.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner in the charming Highland neighborhood at:
    • Little Man Ice Cream ( artisanal ice cream shop with outdoor seating)
    • North Italia (modern Italian cuisine)

Day 4: Day Trip to Boulder

  • Morning: Drive to Boulder, Colorado (about 30 minutes northwest of Denver). Visit:
    • Pearl Street Mall (outdoor pedestrian mall lined with shops and restaurants)
    • Chautauqua Trail (hike with stunning views of the Flatirons)
  • Lunch: Grab a bite at:
    • The Kitchen (farm-to-table cuisine)
    • Salt the Bistro (seasonal American cuisine)
  • Afternoon: Explore the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse, a historic landmark and cultural center.
  • Evening: Return to Denver and enjoy dinner in the LoDo neighborhood at:
    • Acorn (contemporary American cuisine with outdoor seating)
    • Stoic & Genuine (seasonal small plates)

Day 5: History and Culture

  • Morning: Visit the History Colorado Center, featuring exhibits on Colorado’s history and culture.
  • Lunch: Head to the vibrant Capitol Hill neighborhood and grab a bite at:
    • Mercantile Dining & Provision (gastropub with outdoor seating)
    • The Cherry Cricket (historic diner with burgers and shakes)
  • Afternoon: Explore the Clyfford Still Museum, dedicated to the life and work of the renowned American artist.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner in the upscale Cherry Creek neighborhood at:
    • North Italia (modern Italian cuisine)
    • Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse (upscale steakhouse)

Day 6: Outdoor Adventures

  • Morning: Drive to Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge (about 20 minutes northeast of Denver) for a scenic drive and wildlife viewing.
  • Lunch: Head back to downtown and grab a bite at:
    • The Populist (gastropub with outdoor seating)
    • Avanti Food & Beverage (food hall with multiple vendors)
  • Afternoon: Visit the Confluence Park, where the South Platte River meets the Cherry Creek. Rent a kayak or paddleboard and enjoy the scenic views.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner in the trendy LoDo neighborhood at:
    • Acorn (contemporary American cuisine with outdoor seating)
    • Stoic & Genuine (seasonal small plates)

Day 7: Departure

  • Morning: Spend some time shopping for souvenirs or visiting any last-minute attractions.
  • Departure: Head to Denver International Airport (DEN) for your departure flight.

Things to Know

  • Denver has a high altitude, so be prepared for potential altitude sickness and stay hydrated.
  • The city has a strong public transportation system, including buses and light rail. Consider purchasing a day pass or using ride-sharing services.
  • Be mindful of parking restrictions and fees in downtown areas.
  • Denver has a thriving food and drink scene, but also a high sales tax rate (8.31%).

Transportation

  • Denver International Airport (DEN) is about 25 miles northeast of downtown Denver.
  • Public transportation options include buses and light rail, with connections to downtown and surrounding neighborhoods.
  • Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are widely available.
  • Consider renting a car for day trips or exploring the surrounding mountains.

Tips

  • Book accommodations in downtown Denver or nearby neighborhoods to minimize transportation costs and maximize walkability.
  • Pack layers for unpredictable weather, especially in the spring and fall months.
  • Take advantage of free or low-cost attractions, such as the Colorado State Capitol building and Civic Center Park.
  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular breweries and restaurants.

Other Interests

  • Sports: Catch a Denver Broncos (NFL) game at Empower Field at Mile High or a Colorado Avalanche (NHL) game at Pepsi Center.
  • Music: Explore the vibrant music scene in LoDo, RiNo, and surrounding neighborhoods, featuring live venues like the Bluebird Theater and Ogden Theatre.
  • Nature: Visit the nearby Rocky Mountains for hiking, skiing, or scenic drives.