Denver in 3 Days: a guidebook for getting the most out of your visit

Denver is the capital of Colorado, one of the most popular cities in the American West and an ideal destination to use as a base to get to know the natural wonders of the region. 3 days might seem insufficient to get to know this destination, but with the right itinerary and an intense tour you will be able to discover its main attractions.

Some of the best things to do in Denver in 3 days include touring the historic district and some of the most famous urban green spaces, seeing the Rocky Mountains around the city, exploring the artistic side of the city in street murals and visiting Red Rocks to discover one of the most beautiful amphitheaters in the world.

For the first day of the itinerary I propose a tour of Denver's traditional circuit, which includes some of the most visited green spaces and also the city's murals, which enhance the artistic facet of the capital of Colorado being a real open-air museum.

Visit the Botanical Gardens

Denver's surroundings have some of the most outstanding natural wonders in the region, but you don't have to go that far to discover one of the best green spaces in this destination. From rose gardens to alpine trails, the Botanic Gardens offer a green oasis where you can immerse yourself in themed trails that take you on a journey to admire the diversity of local and international flora.

The Denver Botanic Gardens are not only a visual feast, but also an educational haven and a relaxing space to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. That's why walking the trails is one of the best things to do with kids in Denver.

No matter what time of year you plan to visit the city, the Botanic Gardens will offer you a unique perspective of this destination. From the snowy trails of winter in Denver to the flowering gardens of springtime Colorado, any season is perfect.

• How to get there: This site can be reached from anywhere in the city on the 1, 10, 15L and 24 bus lines and the E and W light rail lines.

Visit the Molly Brown House Museum

The next stop on the first day's itinerary is the Molly Brown House Museum, a historic retreat that offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the fascinating life of Margaret Brown, an iconic 20th century figure known as the Unsinkable Molly Brown after she survived the sinking of the Titanic in 1912.

Molly was a social activist, philanthropist and actress. Her home, built in 1889, is an elegant example of the Victorian architecture that distinguished this destination in the late 19th century. Today it has become a museum dedicated to preserving her legacy, and is the focus of some of Denver's best guided tours.

In this museum you can tour the ornate rooms and exhibits that showcase Molly's career as a civil and social rights advocate. You'll also learn about her personal history, as she was an important figure in the city during her time and a pioneer of women's representation on the political ticket.

• How to get there: From the Botanical Gardens you can reach the Molly Brown House Museum in about 15 minutes on the 6, 10 and 15 bus lines.

Lunch at Union Station

Union Station is much more than just a train station. Built in 1881, the station has been restored and revitalized into a vibrant destination that combines historic architecture with modern amenities. Today, it is also home to one of the city's best dining circuits.

In the heart of Union Station you can visit different restaurants, stalls and cafes that offer everything from fast food options to gourmet preparations, making it the ideal place to have lunch before continuing your tour. Among the local specialties not to be missed are the grilled beef sandwiches, emblematic of the region, or dishes that incorporate the culinary heritage of the American Southwest.

Union Station is also one of the sites often included in Denver food tours.

• How to get there: From the Molly Brown House Museum you can get there on bus lines 10, 15 and 15L in about 20 minutes.

Tour the RiNo murals

Exploring the RiNo murals is one of the best things you can do in Denver to discover the city's artistic skyline. This district has blossomed into a vibrant and eclectic neighborhood, and its streets are adorned with murals that stand out for their color and originality. This unique experience is a celebration of the cultural diversity of this destination, and the neighborhood's open-air gallery is often featured on Denver's best tours as well.

RiNo's murals are not only works of street art, but also visual testimonials that tell community stories and explore social issues. From murals depicting the city's rich heritage to contemporary artistic expressions that defy convention, each work invites viewers to reflect and appreciate the diversity of voices that converge in this artistic enclave.

• Directions: From Union Station, RiNo can be reached by bus on the 10, 19, 44 and 48 lines or the A light rail line.

Discover Denver's breweries

To close the first day's tour I suggest you discover the local brewery scene, which stands out with more than 70 breweries in the metropolitan area making Denver the Napa Valley of beer. That is why a visit to these sites will not only allow you to taste the drink, but also to discover one of the great traditions of this area.

A must stop for beer enthusiasts is the Great Divide Brewing Company, a flagship brewery that has contributed significantly to Denver's beer scene since its founding in 1994. With a wide variety of styles, including everything from draft beers to innovative canned options, Great Divide offers visitors a tour of local excellence.

For those looking for a more immersive experience, the Denver Beer Trail offers an itinerary through a variety of breweries, from small and cozy to large and nationally recognized. This self-guided tour allows visitors to explore different areas of the city and discover the diversity of styles and flavors Denver has to offer.

If a guided tour is what you want, you can opt for a RiNo or LoDo tour to learn about the beer scene accompanied by an expert local guide.

• Directions: Great Divide Brewing Company is a 10-minute walk from the Mural District or a 5-minute ride on the 48 bus.

After getting to know the traditional Denver circuit during the first day, for the second day I propose an itinerary through the Rocky Mountain National Park and the city's pubs, which will allow you to get to know one of the most outstanding natural wonders of Colorado and close the day tasting the best drinks of this destination.

Visit Rocky Mountain National Park

Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park is an experience that will transport you to a landscape of peaks, serene valleys and a rich diversity of wildlife. This national park, located approximately a two-hour drive from Denver, is a vast natural sanctuary that is home to a spectacular mountain range and abundant flora and fauna.

With an extensive network of trails, the park offers opportunities for hiking, camping and breathtaking scenic views, whether you plan to visit Denver in the winter or during the summer.

One of the park's highlights is the Trail Ridge Road, a scenic road that winds through the mountains, reaching heights of over 3,700 meters. This scenic drive will give you the opportunity to admire changing landscapes, ranging from alpine meadows to snow-capped peaks.

This park is one of the most visited sites in the region and you can get there by train, bus, rental car, cab or also on Denver's best tours, which last approximately 8 hours and allow you to participate in organized experiences, so you don't have to worry about logistics and means of transportation.

Tour the city's pubs

After visiting the Rocky Mountains on a full-day tour, I suggest you relax your legs at some of the city's best pubs, usually located in the RiNo area, where you can explore bars offering everything from beers to modern signature drinks.

You can also join a haunted pub crawl, one of Denver's most popular activities. In these activities you can live a fascinating experience that combines the history of the city with the mysterious legends of the streets. One of the highlights of these tours is the Cruise Room, located in the historic Oxford Hotel, which is known for its paranormal activity.

On the other hand, the Wynkoop Brewing Company, founded in 1988 in a historic building, is also a traditional destination for these experiences.

• How to get there: RiNo can be reached from anywhere in the city on the 10, 19, 44 and 48 bus lines or on the A light rail line.

The third and final day in Denver still has some surprises in store. You can visit one of the world's most famous amphitheaters, tour an aquarium that perfectly recreates the natural marine habitat and say goodbye to the city at Larimer Square, Denver's mile zero.

Visit Red Rocks Park

Booking a trip to Red Rocks Park allows you to take in the natural beauty that surrounds Denver and tour one of the world's most famous amphitheaters. This park, located about a 30-minute drive from downtown, is noted for its sandstone rock formations that create a unique natural setting. During your visit, you can also explore the trails and take in the surrounding scenery.

Red Rocks Amphitheater is famous for its unparalleled acoustics and natural setting. It has been the setting for countless performances by iconic artists in a variety of musical genres. Even if there is no concert scheduled, you can enjoy the experience of walking the bleachers and walking the stage.

Also, the trails at Red Rocks Park offer panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains and the city. You can reach this site by rental car, long-distance bus or on one of the tours from Denver.

Tour the Downtown Aquarium

After visiting Red Rocks Park on a 4-5 hour tour, you can visit the Downtown Aquarium, which allows you to immerse yourself in a fascinating underwater world that captivates visitors of all ages. This aquarium offers an interactive experience that highlights the diversity of marine life. In its tanks, you can discover everything from tropical fish to sharks and manta rays.

As you explore the aquarium you will have the opportunity to discover authentically recreated marine habitats, including coral reefs and freshwater ecosystems. Among the highlights is the underwater tunnel, which allows you to walk through the ponds in an immersive experience.

The Center's Aquarium not only offers the opportunity to observe marine life, but also to participate in interactive experiences. From touching starfish to attending educational talks on marine conservation, this site seeks to inspire environmental awareness.

• How to get there: The Downtown Aquarium can be reached by bus lines 28, 44 and 48 and light rail line A.

Say Goodbye to the City at Larimer Square

Saying goodbye to the city at Larimer Square is an experience that fuses historic charm with Denver's vibrant modernity. This quaint, character-filled nook is considered one of the city's most traditional spots and is located in the heart of Old Town. Strolling through Larimer Square , you'll find yourself surrounded by the Victorian architecture and cobblestone streets that distinguish this destination's skyline.

Larimer Square is also known for its lively dining and entertainment scene. With bars and restaurants offering everything from local and international cuisine to gourmet alternatives, visiting Larimer Square is one of the best things to do at night in Denver .

• How to get there: From the Downtown Aquarium you can reach Larimer Square in about 20 minutes on bus lines 28 and 44.