Whether you’ve come to check out the city for the first time, or you plan to call Denver your permanent home, here’s our list of things to do on your first visit to Denver.
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What to Do on Your First Visit Before Moving to Denver
Catch a Rockies Game
Don your finest purple frock – or any purple you own really – and head to Coors Field to catch a lively baseball game with Colorado’s beloved Rockies. You can often score tickets for relatively cheap, especially after the game has started. If you don’t care where your seats are located (and want to be close to the bar), you can get “Rock Pile” tickets for $4 ($1 if you are under 13 or over 54).
According to the Coors Field website, up to four tickets can be purchased at a time, both in advance and the day of the game, “Both $4.00 and $1.00 Rockpile tickets are available for purchase day of game for most home games, beginning two hours prior to game time at the Rockpile Ticket Office located near Gate A.”
Larimer Square
The street where Denver began. In the heart of Downtown, this historic block, draped in string lights and Colorado flags, makes a perfect photo-op. Shop around the square, catch views of the Rocky Mountains, and visit a speakeasy, or see the Alley Cats.
Santa Fe Arts District
Situated in the cool, vibrant Baker neighborhood, this nationally recognized art district is home to hundreds of creatives. On each block, you’ll find galleries, restaurants, murals, and more. The first Friday of each month brings the First Friday Art Walk, where you can spend the evening wandering around, meeting local artists, and dining on authentic international dishes.
Downtown Rooftops
In the summer, there’s nothing better than catching up over lunch on a rooftop and enjoying the Denver sun and scenery. Especially after a long day of touring, grab a bite at Ignite, Viewhouse, Linger, or Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, to name a few.
Cherry Creek
Home to some of the best luxury shopping in Denver, Cherry Creek attracts luxury-minded crowds. Whether you’re in the market for a designer purse or an upscale meal, this neighborhood is where you’ll find it. Spend your weekend walking through the namesake mall, or stroll along the sidewalk of multi-million dollar homes. There really is plenty to enjoy in this posh district of Denver. You can’t miss our top picks for Cherry Creek restaurants either.
Civic Center Park/Capitol Building
Walk around this expansive downtown park and see the Rocky Mountains rise above the City Council Building directly across from the State Capitol. There’s no bad time of year to stop by this park: in the winter, the fresh snow looks breathtaking, and in the summer, the crisp grass feels equally inviting.
Molly Brown Museum
For an immersive look at Denver’s history, visit the Molly Brown House Museum, located in Denver’s historic Capitol Hill neighborhood. This house showcases Denver’s turn of the century architecture and explores the life of one of Denver’s first renowned residents — the unsinkable Molly Brown.
Bar Hop at Colfax’s Historic Dives
Colfax Avenue, also known as the Golden Highway, was the main thoroughfare connecting east and west during the gold rush. Now, it houses dive bars, such as P.S. Lounge and St. Paul Tavern, music venues, and flashy neon signs. Colfax is a great place to bar hop and meet locals.
Afternoon Tea at The Brown Palace Hotel
Complete with pianists, imported Devonshire cream, and ladyfingers, Afternoon Tea at The Brown Palace Hotel will fulfill all your dainty treat desires. The Brown Palace is a historic, high-end treat that everyone should experience at least once.
Red Rocks Amphitheatre
At the world famous Red Rocks venue, catch any concert and let the beauty of the west and an amazing sound experience envelope you. Even the nosebleed section has its perks: gaze at views of Denver’s glittering skyline and the evening moonrise.
For a quick meal between activities, grab some scrumptious Denver Takout.
Moving to Denver?
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* The original version of this article was first published on April 8, 2019.
Abigail is a freelance writer who loves exploring new places, especially in the Southwest, and lived in her van during the Covid-19 pandemic. When she's not working on writing gigs to support her #vanlife endeavors, she loves packrafting alpine lakes, floating lazy rivers, and trail running.
