Top 10 Best Things to Do in Downtown Denver, Colorado - Travel Guide 2025
Discover the best of Downtown Denver with this guide, featuring iconic landmarks, cultural institutions, and vibrant urban parks. From world-class art and historic streets to thrilling amusement and stunning natural beauty, Denver offers a diverse range of experiences for every traveler.
Denver Art Museum
The Denver Art Museum is mentioned as one of the best things to do in Downtown Denver.
Larimer Square
Larimer Square is a historic square and the original center of Denver, now regenerated into a social spot with restaurants, boutiques, cafes, and clubs serving Mediterranean-influenced cuisine.
City Park
City Park is mentioned as a place to take a relaxing stroll.
Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park
Elitch Gardens is a theme and water park in downtown Denver, featuring thrill rides like the Brain Drain and Mind Eraser, as well as water slides such as Cannonball Falls and the Mega Wedger.
16th Street
16th Street is a mile-long pedestrianized mall in downtown Denver, offering shopping, dining, and people-watching opportunities with its Mediterranean-style promenade lined with trees and cafes.
Civic Center Park
Civic Center Park is a park in downtown Denver with pathways, flower gardens, fountains, and statues, hosting events, festivals, and political demonstrations, and featuring a Greek Amphitheater.
Denver Botanic Gardens
The Denver Botanic Gardens is a 24-acre oasis with sculptures, pools, and various garden types, including the Colorado-made glass sculpture by Dale Chihuly and the Mordecai Children's Garden.
Mount Evans Scenic Byway
Mount Evans Scenic Byway on Colorado Highway 5 offers stunning views, allowing drivers to reach the 14,264 ft peak of Mount Evans after paying a car entrance fee.
Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Red Rocks Amphitheatre is a beautiful natural amphitheater known for its red sandstone rocks, hosting musical performances and film screenings from spring to fall.
Denver Zoo
The Denver Zoo, designed after a Nature Preserve in Kenya, houses over 4,000 animals across 80 acres in City Park, showcasing mammals, reptiles, aquatic creatures, and birds.
Cheesman Park
Cheesman Park, spanning 80 acres, is known for being haunted, as it was initially part of a 320-acre cemetery.
Washington Park
Washington Park is a treasured outdoor region in Denver, featuring a historical boathouse, a playground, and the Mount Vernon Garden.