16 Best Things to Do and See in Denver
Exploring Denver on foot is one of the best ways to feel the city’s atmosphere, connect its landmark places and discover its neighbourhoods at a more natural pace.
In this guide, you will find the attractions not to miss when planning a walking route in Denver, with simple reference points.
To go further, you can also enjoy a private guided tour in Denver. It is a smoother way to connect places, understand details you might miss on your own and enjoy a more human, personal discovery adapted to your trip.
1. Denver Zoo
Denver Zoo offers a diverse wildlife experience in a large urban park in Denver. See species from different continents in habitats designed for their environment, with a focus on education and conservation. The visit also highlights the zoo’s place in City Park, blending landscape heritage, a scientific institution, and a family attraction. It combines animal viewing, biodiversity awareness, and a fresh look at Denver’s urban landscape.
2. Denver Botanic Gardens
Denver Botanic Gardens blends botanical gardens, art, and an open-air museum experience. Explore curated plant collections, landscaped paths, and art installations in Denver.
3. Denver Museum of Nature & Science
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is a large science museum featuring collections on nature, Earth, space, and the human body. Discover fossils, dinosaurs, minerals, science objects, and astronomy and biology exhibits. Located in City Park, it plays an important role in Denver’s cultural landscape with an accessible approach to research and science.
4. Denver Art Museum
The Denver Art Museum is one of Denver’s major art museums in the United States, and a must-visit stop for culture lovers. Visitors can explore diverse collections ranging from American and European art to modern and contemporary works, as well as pieces from Indigenous and Asian art. The museum also offers temporary exhibitions, immersive installations, and spaces designed for an enjoyable visit. Its striking architecture and well-organized galleries make it a lively, accessible, and inspiring place.
5. Denver Pavilions
Denver Pavilions is a shopping and entertainment complex in the heart of Denver, along the lively 16th Street Mall. It features brand-name stores, restaurants, entertainment venues, and spaces suited to selected events, all in a modern and easy-to-reach setting. The complex attracts both locals and visitors looking for shopping, a meal, or a night out in the city. Its central location and urban atmosphere make it a practical stop for enjoying downtown Denver.
6. Museum of Illusions
The Museum of Illusions in Denver is an interactive attraction that invites visitors of all ages to explore optical illusions and surprising visual experiences. Inside, you’ll discover immersive rooms, playful installations, and observation games that distort perception and spark curiosity. This museum is ideal for a family visit or an outing with friends, with a route designed to be fun, educational, and highly photogenic. Overall, it offers an original approach to visual art and perception.
7. History Colorado Center
The History Colorado Center offers a structured journey through Colorado’s history, with exhibits on the land, the people, daily life, and major changes in the state. In downtown Denver, this museum combines historical storytelling with modern displays to make the topic accessible. It shows how regional history is presented in a venue designed for visits, learning, and events.
8. Molly Brown House
The Molly Brown House is one of Denver's best-known historic sites. Preserved at 1340 Pennsylvania Street, this house lets visitors discover a residential interior linked to Margaret Brown and the city's social history. As you explore the rooms, you'll see late 19th-century domestic architecture, furnishings, decor, and the layout of a grand urban home. The museum also places the house in the context of Capitol Hill's development and Denver's heritage, offering a vivid look at the life of a wealthy family of the era.
9. Museum of Contemporary Art Denver
The Museum of Contemporary Art Denver is dedicated to contemporary art, with regularly changing exhibitions showcasing a wide range of artistic forms. Visitors can discover contemporary works that may include painting, sculpture, installation, photography or video in a setting designed to let the pieces breathe. The museum is part of downtown Denver’s cultural landscape and reflects the city’s interest in live art, experimental approaches and the artistic expressions of its time.
10. Forney Museum of Transportation
The Forney Museum of Transportation is a Denver museum dedicated to transportation history in all its forms. Discover a collection of vehicles and objects linked to mobility, with a strong focus on cars, motorcycles and rail. The museum shows how transport evolved over time and how it supported the growth of cities, trade and everyday life. Its appeal also comes from the variety of exhibits, offering a vivid view of American technical heritage.
11. Big Blue Bear
The Big Blue Bear is a large iconic sculpture in Denver, easily recognized by its imposing blue silhouette that seems to lean against a glass facade. Located near the Colorado Convention Center, it attracts both curious visitors and photography lovers thanks to its playful and surprising appearance. This public artwork has become one of the city’s best-known landmarks, offering a unique stop in the heart of the district. It is especially admired for its fun character and striking presence in the urban landscape.
12. Colorado State Capitol
The Colorado State Capitol in downtown Denver is where the State of Colorado government carries out its work. This historic building also draws visitors with its refined architecture and iconic dome. Inside, you can see official public spaces and areas open to visitors depending on tour conditions. From the grounds, you can enjoy great views of Denver and the surrounding area, making it a rewarding stop to learn about the city’s civic history.
13. Beyond Light Show
Beyond Light Show in Denver is an immersive attraction that invites visitors into a world of enveloping lights and visual effects. This show features luminous installations, shifting colors, and often spectacular atmospheres, creating a unique sensory experience to explore on foot. Designed to surprise visitors of all ages, it stands out for its playful yet contemplative feel, ideal for photos and for enjoying a break from everyday life. It is an original outing for anyone looking for an artistic and entertaining activity in the city.
14. Museum for Black Girls
The Museum for Black Girls in Denver is a cultural venue that showcases the creativity, experiences, and voices of Black women through inspiring exhibitions and installations. Visitors can explore a space designed to celebrate identity, representation, and artistic expression, often with a strong focus on visual immersion and creative staging. This museum appeals to both curious travelers and contemporary art lovers, offering an engaging, visually appealing, and accessible visit in the heart of the city.
15. Museum of the Americas
The Museo de las Americas in Denver is an art museum dedicated to the richness and diversity of the cultures of the Americas. Visitors can explore exhibitions of ancient, modern, and contemporary art, as well as objects and works that highlight Indigenous, Latin American, and Caribbean heritage. The museum also offers temporary exhibitions and cultural activities that invite visitors to better understand the identities, traditions, and artistic expressions of the continent. It is an ideal visit for art and culture lovers.
16. Downtown Denver Lookout
Downtown Denver Lookout offers a pleasant view of downtown Denver and its modern cityscape, with buildings, major roads and, on clear days, the Rocky Mountains on the horizon. This spot mainly appeals to visitors who want to see the city from a different angle, take photos and enjoy a break above the busy urban scene. Its appeal lies in the panoramic view and its proximity to Denver’s lively neighborhoods, making it an easy and accessible stop while exploring the city.
Antony M
During my travels, I looked for guides who spoke my language. This search turned out to be long and tedious. That is why I created MYTOGU (My Tourist Guide): a matching site between tourists and professional tourist guides.
