Undoubtedly after a few days in Denver, I was sold on this city. This weekend guide to Denver, Colorado just touches on a few of the incredible things you can do while visiting. The city is happening with many beautiful restaurants, quaint cafes, and of course, a ton of breweries. In fact, I had never seen so many beautiful spaces in one city — it was overwhelming where to choose to dine. 
The city, though rather large, is easy to navigate when sticking to neighborhoods. There is plenty to see, lots to do in the outdoors especially for the avid skiers, and I definitely recommend booking in a full weekend in Denver.
The Weekend Guide to Denver, Colorado
What to Know Before Visiting Denver, Colorado
- It is incredibly easy to access the city without a car with the local train system. Take the A Line to access downtown from the airport (takes about 45 minutes).
- While in town, most is walkable if not there is plenty of Ubers.
- It can be cold during winter months so be sure to pack appropriately.
- To access nearby towns or ski experiences, it is best to rent a car.
Where to Stay in Denver, Colorado
- Kimpton Hotel Born: Within steps of the Union Station, the newly opened Kimpton Hotel Born is one of the best hotels in Denver. Its clean design and cozy feeling is perfect for a weekend in Denver, with stunning interiors. I loved the rooms and the beds are to die for! You can’t beat the location and the fire in the downstairs nook is perfect for warming up.
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What to Do in Denver, Colorado
- Explore downtown, and be sure to stop in the stunning Union Station.
- Shop at some incredible local shops like Fig & Yarrow, River North Workshop, and Lula Rose General Store.
- Try a beer tasting, there are so many choose from (check out this list).
- Catch a concert at the famous Red Rocks Venue.
- Walk around RiNo Arts District to see the beautiful street art.
- Head to the Museum of Contemporary Art to see the current exhibit and don’t forget the coffee shop on the rooftop!
- Shop through the boutiques at Larimer Square.
- Explore the beautiful gardens at Denver Botanic Gardens.
- Catch a baseball game at Coors Field.
- Consider road tripping to another Colorado destination like Vail or Aspen. More Colorado posts here.
Where to Eat in Denver, Colorado
- Citizen Rail: Located inside the Kimpton Hotel Born, this eatery and craft cocktail bar is a happening spot to grab breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Their dry-aged meats are incredible and a sure hit for dinner.
- Tavernetta: If you’re looking for the best Italian in town, look no further than this magical spot. An incredible wine menu and homemade pastas makes this place a must-eat when in town.
- The Family Jones Spirit House: If you’re looking for a local spirit house that also serves food, head here for a beautiful space + great eats/cocktails.
- Little Man Ice Cream: Though the line may seem forever long, it’s worth it to stop in to try their ice cream — absolutely delicious.
- Sassafras American Eatery: A favorite for Creole-style brunch.
- Denver Central Market: Head here for a building full of dining options, from a wine bar to pizza.
- Bar Fausto: A great venue for wine and charcuterie.
- Root Down: One of the most popular spots for healthy eats.
- Hop Alley: A small plate-style Chinese eatery, that’s beautiful inside and has incredible cuisine.
- Stowaway Kitchen: Come here for a great lunch option, with options from salads to sandwiches.
- Avanti Food & Beverage: A multi-level space with multiple food vendors and bars.
- Williams & Grahams: A speakeasy style bar with great small plates and incredible cocktails.
Where to Get Coffee in Denver, Colorado
- Blue Sparrow Coffee: Artisanal coffee served in a beautiful space, with outdoor seating.
- Black Eye Coffee LOHI: A good spot to hang for the afternoon and incredible chai tea.
- Little Owl Coffee: A small, minimal space perfect for a pastry and coffee.
- Crema Coffee House: A local’s favorite for good coffee.
- Amethyst Coffee: A solid option for coffee and breakfast.
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PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!
These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you. If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here.
1. Book Your Accommodations
I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for vacation rentals. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
2. Book Your Rental Car
Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
3. Book Your Tours & Experiences
I use Viator, Airbnb, and Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check all three as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
4. Book Your Private Transfers
For easy, reliable private transfers, I use Welcome Pickups. It’s my go-to for arranging a driver in advance — whether it’s an airport pickup, a hotel-to-hotel transfer, or a day trip. The experience is seamless, with English-speaking drivers and upfront pricing, so you can travel stress-free at every stage of your trip.
5. Get Cell Data for Your Trip
I use Holafly for international cell data. Their unlimited data eSIMs are easy to install, activate instantly on arrival, and let you skip local SIM cards and expensive roaming fees.
6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, or cancellations).
My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
- World Nomads (best for all-around)
- Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)
Xx,
Jessica
4 Comments
Hey Bon Traveler
Beautiful photos!
I didn’t know that much about Denver when I started reading this blog post, but now I feel like I have to go there. It seems like it’s a very photogenic city.
Thank you for sharing these photos with us!
Cheers
Fred
Beautiful! You are very good photographer! City absolutely amazing! I want to visit it this summer with friends. Are there some clubs or something like this? In our companies people from 22 to 27 y.o., so we want to have fun there. Thanks in advance!
You have awesome photos. I recommend that you should also try to check different food trucks in Denver.
i am going to denver in a few weeks! do you remember where that snake mural was located? I know they redo a lot of murals every year but i would love to check if it is still there!