Denver, the “Mile High City,” rose from an 1858 gold rush camp to a confident capital of the American West. Today its Victorian storefronts meet skyline glass, while the Front Range mountains draw a silver line on the horizon. With roughly 300 days of sunshine, you can sightsee outdoors year-round, then settle into some of the nation’s most exciting food halls and indie restaurants.

Beyond downtown’s beaux-arts Union Station and historic Larimer Square, Denver’s neighborhoods hum with creativity—RiNo’s murals, LoHi’s inventive bites, and Cherry Creek’s galleries and boutiques. Red Rocks Amphitheatre, sculpted into russet sandstone, is an easy half-day from town and a must-see even without a concert. Craft beer runs deep here; breweries are community living rooms as much as taprooms.

Practical notes: the altitude is real at 5,280 feet—hydrate, pace yourself, and wear sunscreen. Even in summer, mountain weather can swing, so bring a layer. For peak season dining (and Meow Wolf) reserve in advance; for big game days around Coors Field, build in extra time downtown.

Denver

Start in LoDo, where polished Union Station anchors great coffee, oysters, and trains under a soaring 1914 ceiling. Stroll to Larimer Square to see string lights over restored 19th-century facades, then head to the Dairy Block alley for micro-eateries and a lively, muraled passageway.

Carve out time for the RiNo Art District: colorful warehouse walls, small-batch roasters, and breweries like Ratio and Our Mutual Friend. If you’re arts-forward, cap your night at Meow Wolf’s Convergence Station—an immersive, otherworldly labyrinth that delights all ages.

• Top sights: Union Station, Larimer Square, Denver Art Museum, Clyfford Still Museum, Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre.
• Neighborhoods to explore: LoDo, RiNo, LoHi, Cherry Creek North.
• Dining to bookmark: Tavernetta (Italian by the tracks), Safta (modern Israeli), Hop Alley (bold Chinese flavors), Linger (global small plates with city views).
• Coffee breaks: Little Owl Coffee (near Union Station), Huckleberry Roasters (Dairy Block), Blue Sparrow Coffee (RiNo/LoHi).
• Breweries: Ratio Beerworks, Odell Brewing RiNo Brewhouse, Our Mutual Friend.

Where to stay: Choose a walkable base near Union Station or LoDo for easy airport access and dining on foot. Browse stays on VRBO and hotel options on Hotels.com.

Getting there: Fly into DEN (frequent nonstop service). Search and compare on Trip.com or Kiwi.com; typical US round-trips run ~$120–$350 depending on season. From the airport, the A Line train to Union Station takes ~37 minutes (about $10 for an Airport Day Pass). Rideshares to downtown are ~35–50 minutes, ~$45–$70 depending on traffic.

Day 1: Arrive, Union Station & LoDo, Downtown Flavors by Night

Morning: Travel to Denver. On your flight, hydrate and go easy on caffeine and alcohol—the altitude will amplify both. If you arrive early, drop bags at your hotel and take a gentle walk through Confluence Park to stretch your legs.

Afternoon: Check in near Union Station. Grab a pick-me-up at Little Owl Coffee (nutty espresso, buttery kouign-amann) or Huckleberry Roasters in the Dairy Block. Wander Union Station’s Great Hall; if you’re peckish, try a small plate at Mercantile Dining & Provision (rocky mountain cheeses, seasonal salads) or oysters at the station’s raw bar.

Stroll Larimer Square to admire Denver’s oldest block—pop into boutiques and snap a photo beneath the canopy of lights. Continue to the Dairy Block alley for micro-eats and murals; it’s a great primer on Denver’s food hall culture and handiwork of local artists.

Evening: Explore downtown’s food scene with this tasty kickoff:

Downtown Denver Food Tour — a 3-hour walking tasting through award-winning local spots; portions are generous, and your guide weaves in history around LoDo and the Ballpark neighborhood.

After the tour, sip a nightcap: reserve a stool at Williams & Graham (speakeasy classics, precise technique) or try Death & Co in RiNo (seasonal, inventive cocktails beneath moody lighting). Beer lovers can hit Ratio Beerworks (Anthem IPA and rotating saisons) or Our Mutual Friend (single-hop pale ales, patio vibes).

Optional late-night art: If you still have energy, step into a different universe:

Meow Wolf’s Convergence Station — an immersive, multi-story installation blending interactive art, narrative puzzles, and neon dreamscapes. Timed entries run into the evening; plan 90–120 minutes.

Day 2: Red Rocks Morning, Artful Lunch, Departure

Morning (Option A — Mountains & Views): Beat the crowds and head for the foothills on this half-day favorite:

Red Rocks & Beyond — a 4-hour guided tour to Red Rocks Amphitheatre and scenic lookouts near the Front Range. Expect amphitheatre time for photos, a short walk among the monoliths, plus sweeping vistas that frame Denver against the plains.

Morning (Option B — City Sampler, if your flight is early): Stay in town with a brisk overview before you head out:

Denver City Highlights Tour — a ~2-hour introduction to neighborhoods, public art, history, and the stories behind the “Mile High” moniker. Ideal if you want context without committing half a day.

Breakfast ideas: Snooze, an A.M. Eatery (creative pancakes; pineapple upside-down is a local favorite), Denver Biscuit Company (buttermilk behemoths with flaky layers), or Lucile’s (Creole comfort—beignets and chicory coffee). Coffee before you go: Blue Sparrow (signature nitro), Novo Coffee (balanced pour-overs).

Afternoon: If time allows before your flight, grab lunch near Union Station for a painless train back to DEN. Try Tavernetta (Northern Italian pastas, wood-fired branzino), Ultreia (Iberian tapas—gambas al ajillo, conservas, sherry pairings), or the Denver Central Market in RiNo for quick, excellent counter-service (Izzio for breads and pastry, Vero for Neapolitan pies).

Airport transfer: the A Line train from Union Station runs every ~15 minutes, ~37 minutes to DEN (about $10). If you’re checking bags, aim to be on the platform 2–2.5 hours before departure during peak seasons.

Wellness add-on (any evening): Unwind like a local with a playful spin on spa time:

Denver South Beer Spa: The Most Unique Wellness Retreat — soak in a private hot tub infused with beer-inspired botanicals, then rotate between sauna and zero-gravity chairs. It’s restorative at altitude and wonderfully Denver.

Where to book travel and stays: For flights, compare fares and times on Trip.com and Kiwi.com. For lodging close to Union Station or RiNo, browse VRBO or compare hotels on Hotels.com.

Two days in Denver deliver a vibrant cross-section of Colorado: rail-station grandeur, spirited dining, neighborhood art, and a taste of the Rockies. You’ll leave with a camera roll of red rock vistas and a short list of places you’re already plotting to revisit.