Colorado's metropolis Denver is the perfect starting point for a round trip through the state. Surrounded by several four-thousand-metre peaks in the Rocky Mountains, Denver, known as the Mile High City, is just 1 mile above sea level. Although Denver is a small city, it has a number of attractions you won't want to miss on your Colorado trip. In this travelogue, we present the best highlights of Denver to make your city break a perfect experience.
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Travel info
US stateColorado
Travel year
2012
2021
Last update
04.2022
Table of contents
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01 - Intro
Welcome to the "Mile High City" - Welcome to Denver
With 300 days of sunshine a year, Denver is a holiday destination for every season, combining its Wild West heritage with a love of nature and urban esprit. In 2016, Denver was recognised as the most livable place within the USA. While the Rocky Mountains rise up to 4,000 metres at the city's gates, Denver's Capitol is just one mile above sea level - earning the city the name "Mile High City". To discover Denver, you don't need a car, nor do you have to rely on the very well-developed public transport network. All the sights and highlights of Denver can be discovered in a comfortable city walk.
02 - 16th Street Mall
The heart of Denver: 16th Street Mall & Larimer Square
In downtown Denver, the best starting point for exploring the city is the 16th Street Mall. Spread over several blocks, this long pedestrian mall was designed by the famous architect I.M. Pei - who also designed the glass pyramid at the Louvre in Paris, among other things. With its pattern of red, white and grey granite, the 16th Street Mall resembles a diamond rattlesnake from above. In addition to numerous shopping opportunities, you'll find over 50 restaurants, bars and cafés here; especially after dark, Denver's city centre comes to life. At the southern end of the 16th Street Mall are the Denver Pavilions, a shopping centre best known for its Regal Cinema with its luxurious reclining seats.
At the northwest end of the 16th Street Mall, things get historic: when visiting LoDo (Lower Downtown), you can shop or dine in Larimer Square, where the Victorian brick buildings take you on a trip back in time. A good tip is, for example, the renowned restaurant "Rioja", whose Mediterranean cuisine has already been honoured with a James Beard Award.
03 - Colorado State Capitol
The biggest highlight in Denver: Colorado State Capitol
The government building is located in the eastern part of Civic Center Park and is one of the city's most impressive landmarks. With its white granite façade, tall columns and 24-carat gold-plated dome, the Colorado State Capitol is strongly reminiscent of the US Capitol in Washington DC. The huge entrance hall with its rotunda and gilded decorations is just as impressive as the spacious staircase. Visitors are even allowed to see into the Colorado Senate chamber - albeit only behind glass.
The 13th step of the staircase at the west entrance of the State Capitol is engraved with the words "One Mile Above Sea Level". From this step, which is one mile above sea level, you can see the sun setting behind the Rocky Mountains. This also earned the city of Denver the name "Mile High City".
The gilded dome is reminiscent of the US Capitol in Washington DC.
View into the imposing rotunda of the Colorado State Capitol in Denver
View into the session hall of the Colorado Senate
04 - Denver Art Museum
The huge Titan Diamond in the heart of the city: Denver Art Museum
Just a stone's throw from the State Capitol is the Art Museum, designed by star architect Daniel Liebeskind. Glistening titanium in the sun, the futuristic architecture is strongly reminiscent of the Disney Concert Hall in downtown Los Angeles. Impressive as it is, we think it would have needed much more space to make an impact - instead, the museum has been pretty much squeezed into the cityscape. In addition to African art, you can admire Asian, Western American and European works at the Denver Art Museum.
05 - Union Station
Denver's landmark: Union Station
Union Station is the transportation hub in the heart of Denver. Trains to Chicago and San Francisco leave here daily. Besides the imposing and beautifully restored main concourse, Union Station offers a variety of restaurants, shopping and even a brand new boutique hotel, the Crawford Hotel. While the main building of Denver's Union Station shines in historic splendour both outside and in, a stark modern contrast is revealed at the back. The curved roofing over the tracks is very impressive!
06 - Rockmount Ranch Wear
The inventor of cowboy shirts: Rockmount Ranch Wear
The quaint shop of Rockmount Ranch Wear is an institution in downtown Denver. Jack A. Weil (1901-2008) invented the first cowboy shirts with snap buttons instead of traditional sewn-on buttons.
Many of the designs created by Rockmount, with their typical diamond buttons and distinctive sawtooth pockets , are popular with Hollywood stars, musicians and politicians. Today, the grandson of "Papa Jack", Steve Weil, is the third generation to run the traditional business. Papa Jack still stopped by every day until his death in 2008 at the age of 107. The cosy little shop at 1626 Wazee Street is well worth a visit!
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07 - RiNo Arts District
The hippest neighbourhood in Denver: RiNo Arts District
The hippest and coolest neighbourhood in Denver is undoubtedly the RiNo (River North) Arts District. Urban food halls, countless craft beer breweries and fascinating street art set the tone in this part of Denver. Craft beer lovers will be very happy in Denver, by the way: over 150 breweries supply Denver with their hop drinks for every taste.
08 - Photo spot
The best photo motif in town: Denver skyline
West of downtown Denver, across the South Platte River, is the perfect photo spot to capture the Denver skyline. Just in time for sunset or blue hour, when the lights come on in the skyscrapers, is the right time. Maybe you'd like to grab a bite to eat beforehand? There are some very good restaurants along Central Street, such as Ale House Denver.
09 - Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Denver excursion tip no. 1: Red Rocks Amphitheatre
A concert on the rock-framed natural stage of the famous amphitheatre in Red Rocks Park promises an unforgettable experience. The surrounding rocks provide outstanding acoustics in the amphitheatre, making it a popular venue for concerts. In the glow of the setting sun, legends such as the Beatles and U2 have already paid their respects here. During the day, you can hike extensively in the park, which is located about half an hour southwest of the city centre.
10 - Rocky Mountains National Park
Denver excursion tip no. 2: Rocky Mountains National Park & Estes Park
Rocky Mountain National Park covers an area of 107,000 hectares and impresses with dramatic mountain landscapes, wonderfully fresh air and a unique panoramic backdrop. A 500 km long road network winds between numerous four-thousand metre peaks. Rocky Mountain National Park is as popular with mountaineers, skiers and hikers as it is with day-trippers, and rightly ranks among the most popular national parks in the USA.
To explore Rocky Mountain National Park, the cosy Estes Park is an ideal starting point. In Estes Park, the clocks tick slower and you can lose yourself in the many small shops and cafés. From here, the Rocky Mountain National Park is about 15 minutes away. In addition, there are countless opportunities for excursions into nature around Estes Park. One thing is almost guaranteed: to see huge deer. Because they really are everywhere!
11 - Garden of the Gods
Denver excursion tip no. 3: Garden of the Gods
Northwest of Colorado Springs, large red rock spires, arches and slabs of 65-million-year-old sandstone form a landscape as if from another world. The Garden of the Gods is one of the most popular destinations in Colorado. Short trails lead between the sometimes bizarre-looking rock formations with names like "Kissing Camels", "Weeping Indian" and "Balanced Rock". In the background of the Garden of the Gods towers the 4,300-metre high and imposing Pikes Peak. Admission to the Garden of the Gods is free. Around two hours are sufficient for a walk on the main trail to discover the best sights of the Garden of the Gods. In addition, the park offers a total of around 25 kilometres of hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails, as well as ample opportunities for climbing.
12 - Route tip
Our route recommendation: Round trip through Colorado to the best highlights & attractions
A round trip through Colorado is an unforgettable adventure through fascinating nature. Besides the Rocky Mountains, Colorado offers three other national parks, some of which can be reached via spectacular roads like the Million Dollar Highway. And small towns like Selida and Aspen are little gems that are worth a visit. We have summarised the highlights and best sights of Colorado for you in a separate travel report that you should not miss.
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