TL;DR: Visiting Denver before your move? Explore Larimer Square, the Art District on Santa Fe, Cherry Creek, and Civic Center Park to get a feel for the city. Add a Rockies game, rooftop dining, historic attractions, or a concert at Red Rocks to experience more of what Denver offers.
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 Should You Do on Your First Visit to Denver?
Catch a Rockies Game
Don your finest purple outfit and head to Coors Field for a Colorado Rockies game. For a budget-friendly option, look into Rockpile tickets, generally priced at $4, or $1 for fans ages 12 and younger or 55 and older. Prices and availability are subject to change.
For most home games, day-of-game Rockpile ticket sales generally begin two hours before the scheduled first pitch at the ticket office near Gate A, subject to availability and exceptions. Check the Rockies’ current ticket policies before you go.
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
Rooted in Denver’s La Alma/Lincoln Park neighborhood and extending into nearby Baker, 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 or drinks on a rooftop while enjoying Denver’s skyline. After a day of exploring the city, head to Tap Fourteen near Coors Field, ViewHouse Ballpark, Linger in LoHi, or 54thirty downtown. Check rooftop hours and weather conditions before visiting.
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 and County 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
Enjoy a classic Afternoon Tea at The Brown Palace Hotel beneath the Grand Atrium’s stained-glass ceiling, complete with fine teas, scones, Devonshire cream, sandwiches, and pastries. The historic Brown Palace offers an elegant stop on a first visit to Denver.
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.
