I moved to Denver sight unseen in 2020, in one of those moments that could have only happened during the COVID pandemic. This isn't an exaggeration: I signed my lease without ever setting foot outside the Denver airport. Six years later, there is still a lot of Denver I've yet to experience, but there is plenty that I've done that I can safely recommend to nearly anyone who comes to Denver, whether you're coming as part of a full relocation or for a weekend trip. Here are my top recommendations of what to do in the Mile High City.

Things to Do

Visit a Farmers Market

If you're here during the summer months, checking out one of Denver's farmers markets is a great way to spend a morning or early afternoon. There are several of them around Denver, including a few that have sprouted up just this year. My favorites are the Highland Farmers Market and the South Pearl Street Farmers Market, the two largest, which run Sundays from 9am to 1pm through most of October. I'd recommend getting there between 9am and 10:30am if you want to avoid the worst of the crowds. If you can't swing it on a Sunday, the City Park Farmers Market and Riverfront Market in LoDo run on Saturdays but are a little smaller.

All have exactly what you would expect in terms of produce, including fresh Palisade peaches from the Western Slope, but they also have stands selling less typical market fare such as jarred kimchi, kettle corn, wild mushrooms and of course kombucha (this is Colorado, after all). One of the most popular stands you'll see at both South Pearl and Highland farmers markets is New Friends, which sells breakfast sandwiches and often has a line stretching down the street. It's worth trying, and the line moves quickly.

Denver Zoo

The Denver Zoo is the most visited attraction in Denver, and as someone who considers themselves a bit of an aficionado of zoos, it's one of the better ones I've been to. Located within City Park, the Denver Zoo is big enough to entertain a family for most of the day, and has a greater variety of animals than I thought could be housed in a city with a climate as varied as Denver's. Highlights include the 10-acre elephant habitat and Wallaby Way, a walk-through exhibit with a pathway that runs inside the wallaby enclosure.

Denver Art Museum

Similar to the Denver Zoo, the Denver Art Museum punches above its weight and is definitely worth spending an afternoon wandering its halls if you have the time. Recently renovated, the museum sprawls across two buildings. Its highlights include the vast collection of American Indian art, among them massive Haida poles (similar to totem poles) from the Northwest Coast and Alaska. My favorite permanent collection is the Western American Art collection on the top floor of the North Building; the art depicts the dramatic landscapes of the Western United States as seen through the eyes of many different artists, from 19th-century Europeans to contemporary American Indians.

Walk Through Washington Park (Wash Park)

Washington Park, known by Denverites as Wash Park, is my favorite park in Denver. I'd call it a miniature Central Park, but there's nothing miniature about it; it's big enough to accommodate two large lakes, tennis courts, basketball courts, several playgrounds, a boathouse, and wide paved paths for cycling, jogging, and rollerblading. There's plenty of empty field space as well for throwing a frisbee or tossing a baseball around. And with plenty of tree groves, it's an excellent spot to have a picnic in the shade. If you want to get your steps in, take an hour and walk around the full perimeter to see everything the park offers.

Denver Botanic Gardens

The Denver Botanic Gardens are a pleasant little surprise for anyone who stumbles upon them just at the edge of Cheesman Park in Central Denver. At $18.25, admission is an absolute steal, and for many the gardens are the best unexpected highlight of their trip. There's enough variety across the 23 acres of manicured landscapes to make a nice morning or afternoon visit. The massive indoor greenhouses shouldn't be missed either, where you can walk among enormous trees and plants from rainforest biomes. And the newly renovated Freyer–Newman Center gallery, included in the price of admission, features rotating art exhibits that are surprisingly good for a botanic garden.

Stroll Down the 16th Street Mall and Larimer Square

If you're staying downtown, walking the length of the 16th Street Mall (actually renamed just 16th Street in 2026) can be a nice way to see most of Denver's urban core without wandering aimlessly. The street recently finished a three-year renovation project that added new art installations, food stalls, trees, and wider sidewalks along most of its length.

If you veer south for a moment about halfway down, you can stop by Larimer Square, a popular pedestrian shopping and dining district that runs between 14th and 15th Streets – it has a slightly more upscale vibe than 16th Street and offers some more expensive restaurants if you want to splurge for a lunch. I'd recommend stopping at Union Station at the far west end as well; the station recently completed its own renovation, and has a wide variety of restaurants, bars, and cafés where you can spend an hour and people-watch.

If the weather isn't great, or you don't want to walk all the way back from where you came from, the Free Mall Ride runs the full length from Civic Center down to Union Station every few minutes, and is free of charge.

Catch a Rockies Game at Coors Field

If you have any interest at all in taking in a sporting event, I'd recommend heading to a Rockies game at Coors Field. The stadium is right in the middle of downtown, making it easy to get to from wherever you are, and the Rockies are bad enough that ticket prices stay reasonable (you can get last minute tickets often times for $20 or less, taxes and fees included). Although the team has been finishing at the bottom of the division year after year, that hasn't stopped fans from coming out in droves every homestand, especially for warm weekend evening games, creating a fun, festive atmosphere even when the Rockies are losing by a handful of runs. The $3 beers at the Rooftop bar before first pitch are one of the best values you can find at any stadium or arena in America.

Hikes

If you want to get a taste of the mountains without actually leaving the Denver metropolitan area, I have two suggestions. These aren't replacements for taking a trip up to Breckenridge or Steamboat Springs, but they are close enough to Denver that they won't eat up more than a couple of hours of your day.

Red Rocks Loop

A lot of people think Red Rocks is just an amphitheater, but it's a whole park you can walk and hike through. The main loop trail (Trading Post Trail) takes 25–30 minutes to complete at a moderate pace. It isn't difficult, but there are steps. If there isn't a show going on, you can walk into the amphitheater for free. And spending 30 minutes at the Colorado Music Hall of Fame at the Red Rocks Trading Post is a great way to learn about the rich history of musicians who have come from Colorado.

Lair o' the Bear

Just past Red Rocks, Lair o' the Bear offers a shaded trail that follows a small meandering creek. The main trail is relatively flat and is great for small children, dogs of all sizes, and older folks who want to go for a nice walk outdoors but without the massive elevation changes. There are bathrooms at the trailhead by the parking lot. You'll want to get there on the earlier side if going on a weekend, as the main parking lot does tend to fill up and the overflow parking is farther away.

Places to Eat

Sap Sua

Sap Sua is usually first on my list of places to send friends when they are in Denver. That's because it delivers a unique culinary experience: the menu consists almost entirely of dishes created by owners Ni and Anna Nguyen. Everything is delicious, but there's the added bonus that you can say with certainty you won't find the menu items anywhere else in America. The menu is heavily inspired by Vietnamese flavors: fresh, light, balanced greens alongside meats that play salty against sour and sweet. The two dishes I wouldn't miss: the shrimp cakes and the soft brown-butter scrambled eggs.

The Cookery at Myrtle Hill

If you're looking for a hearty, sit-down breakfast or brunch with classic American dishes done very well, I'd recommend The Cookery. It's a cozy neighborhood spot that is usually abuzz with locals. The cornbread waffle with green chili pork is a favorite if you want to try something a little more adventurous, but everything here is good, and the prices are very reasonable. And it's a great neighborhood to take a stroll before or after, with Wash Park only a few blocks west.

Stowaway Kitchen

This place is great if you're looking for an upscale, or at least healthier, breakfast or brunch, but without the pretentiousness or high price tag. Most dishes are Japanese-American fusion built on fresh, seasonal ingredients. My favorite entrees here are the hearty bowls filled with eggs, vegetables, and rice. I'd recommend making a reservation if going on a weekend; they do accept walk-ins, but there may be a wait, and the space is on the smaller side.

Oblio's

Oblio's is the classic neighborhood pizza joint that you envision taking your family to on a Friday after a long week at work. Located in the upscale residential neighborhood of Park Hill, the pizza at Oblio's is about as good as you'll get in Denver, and you can tell from the first bite that they are using high-quality ingredients on everything. All of their pizzas can be ordered as a calzone, and they can make any of their pizzas gluten free as well. But the best part isn't the slices or the wings — it's the atmosphere. Sitting on the porch on a long summer evening with a pint of beer and a couple of slices, watching neighbors stroll by with their kids and dogs, is a phenomenal way to end your day. If you like pizza and beer and don't have anywhere to be, this is the place to stop by and enjoy the moment.

Tacos Los Primos Food Truck

I'm a firm believer that the best tacos you can find anywhere will be sold out of the back of a taco truck. My first bite at Tacos Los Primos on Platte Street only solidified that belief. Posted up on Platte Street between the Highlands and Union Station neighborhoods, right outside Malinche Audiobar, Tacos Los Primos serves up authentic Mexico City-style tacos, with meats ranging from staples like al pastor and cachete to lengua and tripa (my personal favorite). The menu is simple – all tacos are $4, and the sampler of every type, served on a perfectly textured corn tortilla atop a paper plate, is the best introduction to how a taco is supposed to taste.

Pho 95

South Federal Boulevard has so many Vietnamese restaurants that you could write an entire guide just on which restaurant on the street serves up the best bowl of pho. Fortunately for you, I can say with confidence that the best is Pho 95. It's completely no-frills and it opens early — who is getting pho at 9am on a Tuesday? — but it hits the spot on winter evenings like few meals can. The portions are massive enough that a single large bowl of pho can easily feed a couple of people for less than $20. And if it isn't quite cold enough for pho, I've found that the rice platters satisfy even the biggest appetite at a reasonable cost.

The Sushi "Dens"

At first, you wouldn't think that sushi would be a go-to cuisine in a landlocked state like Colorado. I didn't either. But you'd be missing out if you spent a week in Denver and didn't try one of Toshi Kizaki's five restaurants: Sushi Den, Izakaya Den, Ototo, Temaki Den, or his newest, Kizaki. His first restaurant, Sushi Den, has been around since 1984, serving up fresh, traditional sushi, and is a great choice if you're looking for an upscale meal without needing to throw on a suit and tie. The menu changes depending on what fish is fresh (they get their fish delivered daily, some of it coming straight from fish markets in Tokyo). The Aburi Nigiri is one of the best bites of sushi I've had in my life. Choose Temaki Den if you're interested in an omakase experience (they can build a tasting menu around your budget, which makes it more interactive and personal than most). And if you want to go big, head to Kizaki, which earned a Michelin star and is the most intimate and exclusive of the five restaurants.

Alma Fonda Fina and Mezcaleria Alma

If you want to splurge for a Michelin-starred restaurant, make it either Alma Fonda Fina or Mezcaleria Alma and thank me later. Both restaurants, which are located adjacent to each other, serve contemporary, high-end cuisine inspired by flavors you'd find in Mexico City. Think vibrant crudos, bold moles, and farm-fresh seasonal plates crafted by Chef Johnny Curiel, who grew up in Guadalajara, in western Mexico. The cocktails are some of the tastiest, and strongest, I've had anywhere. The best part is that if you can get in, you won't be paying Michelin-star prices. A meal for two, including cocktails, wound up being less than $200 with tip and tax. You'll need to book months ahead of time to score a table at either during a normal dining time, but you may be able to find a seat a little closer to the date if you're willing to dine between meals or very late at night.

Food Halls

If you're traveling with friends or a picky spouse and can't reach a consensus on what's for dinner, my recommendation is usually to find a food hall. The two best near downtown are Avanti in the Highlands and Denver Central Market in RiNo. I'd pick Avanti if you're looking for a dinner option, and Denver Central Market if you're looking for lunch and an ice cream.

Bakeries / Cafés

GetRights

If you're looking for the most technically correct croissant you can find in Denver, GetRights is where you should go. All their pastries are lights-out good, and the owners, who often are the ones ringing you up, are quick to strike up a conversation with newcomers and with the many regulars. You cannot go wrong getting their grandma-style pizza or a banh mi for lunch either. If you're after a particular pastry, you should get in line before they open their doors (and yes, a line forms before they open). And just be aware there is very little seating, so don't plan on sticking around and working from the storefront.

Devil's Food Bakery

Devil's Food Bakery on Gaylord Street is less of a café that sells pastries, and more of a pastry shop that also sells coffee. I go there about every two weeks and I won't stop, mostly because it is one of the only bakeries that consistently offers pastries that are so fresh, they are still warm from the oven. In fact, you can see the pastry chefs busy at work cracking eggs and kneading dough into the morning. My go-tos are the fruit danishes and strudels, which are flaky, airy, and oh-so-sweet, exactly how a pastry should be. All at a very reasonable price point (about $12.50 including tip for a pastry and latte). If danishes aren't your thing, there's usually a wide selection of cakes, cookies, and savory pastries and croissants as well. Just make sure to get there in the morning before they run out.

Hello Darling Little Raven

This café just over the Millennium Bridge from LoDo opened a few years ago and is a favorite among the twenty- and thirtysomething crowd that lives in the neighboring apartments. They're open from early till late, transforming from a bustling café in the morning to a hip bar serving draft cocktails in the evening. No matter when you go, it's one of the best cafés in Denver to take your laptop to catch up on emails, or to bring a book to read a few chapters. Despite the popularity, there's plenty of seating both inside and out, and the décor was styled for social media posts.

Things to Skip

Little Man Ice Cream

This isn't a dig at Little Man. The Can in the Highlands is adorable, and if the line is short, it can make for a nice outing. But the ice cream isn't anything special and you can find far more interesting flavors at other ice cream shops around town like High Point. The vibe of The Can location in the Highlands can be especially fun on a warm summer night, but a 30-minute line and nowhere to sit takes away from what used to make it such a special place.

Snooze

There's nothing wrong with Snooze; it'll fill you up without hurting your wallet too much. But the hype it gets from some people is undeserved, and with locations found nationwide from California to Texas to North Carolina, it's no longer a breakfast spot that is unique to Denver (or the Western US for that matter).

Casa Bonita

A trip to Casa Bonita is sort of like watching the cult classic worst-movie-ever-made, The Room. You experience it because it's a joke your friends told you about, but after 90 minutes of actually sitting down, you realize you didn't need to sit through it. The highlights from a YouTube video would have sufficed. There's plenty of great Mexican food in Denver; don't let the South Park creators sell you a burrito.

Meow Wolf

Unless you're really into immersive art experiences, or are traveling with small kids, you can pass on Meow Wolf. $37 per ticket is too steep for a novelty that lasts about 20 minutes before you start wondering how long you have to stay. The installation feels more like a venture capitalist's idea of what would generate revenue among curious Coloradans, and less like an authentic collaboration by local artists.