Denver – A scenic city surrounded by majestic mountains in Colorado. Check out the top things to see and do in Denver!

Denver, known as the “Mile High City,” is the ultimate gateway to the Rocky Mountains. In 2026, it has solidified its reputation as a hub for outdoor adventure, world-class breweries, and a rapidly evolving arts scene.

🏛️ Top Things to Do in 2026

Red Rocks Amphitheatre: Located just 15 miles west, this is world-renowned as one of the most beautiful music venues on Earth. Even if there isn’t a concert, go in the morning to hike the surrounding trails.
Meow Wolf Denver: Convergence Station: An immersive, psychedelic art experience that has become a city staple. It’s a multi-story “multiversal transit station” that is as confusing as it is beautiful.
Union Station: The heart of the city. More than just a train station, it’s a “living room” filled with boutique shops, high-end bars (like The Cooper Lounge), and iconic eateries like Snooze.
Denver Art Museum: Known for its stunning architecture and world-class collection of Native American art.
The “Beer Trail”: Denver has one of the highest densities of craft breweries in the U.S. Start in the RiNo (River North) district and visit spots like Our Mutual Friend or Ratio Beerworks.

📍 Where to Stay

Neighborhood	Best For…	Vibe
LoDo (Lower Downtown)	First-Timers	Historic brick buildings, Union Station, and Coors Field proximity.
RiNo (River North)	Art & Nightlife	Industrial-cool, street murals, and the best brewery hopping.
Cherry Creek	Luxury & Shopping	High-end boutiques, polished hotels, and fine dining.
LoHi (Lower Highlands)	Foodies	Trendy, uphill from downtown, and home to the famous Little Man Ice Cream.

📅 Upcoming Major Events (2026)

Colorado Rockies Home Opener (April 3, 2026): Spring in Denver officially starts when the Rockies return to Coors Field.
Denver PrideFest (June 2026): One of the largest and most inclusive Pride celebrations in the country.
Great American Beer Festival (Oct 8–10, 2026): The “Super Bowl of Beer.” Thousands of brews from across the country gather at the Convention Center.
Rush 50th Anniversary Tour (Oct 5 & 7, 2026): The legendary band is scheduled for two massive reunion nights at Ball Arena.

💡 Essential 2026 Travel Tips

The “Mile High” Altitude: Denver is exactly $5,280$ feet ( $1,609$ meters) above sea level.
- Hydrate: Drink twice as much water as usual.
- Watch the Alcohol: One drink at sea level feels like two in Denver. Pace yourself!
Sun Protection: You are closer to the sun here. Even in winter, the 300 days of sunshine can lead to a surprise sunburn.
Transport: The A-Line train is the easiest way to get from Denver International Airport (DEN) to Union Station (approx. 37 minutes). Within the city, use the Free MallRide shuttle to traverse the 16th Street Mall.
Safety Note: While generally safe, travelers have reported that the Capitol Hill area can be a bit gritty at night. Stick to well-lit main streets.

⛰️ Day Trip Idea: Rocky Mountain National Park

Just 1.5 hours away, this is a non-negotiable for nature lovers.

Important: In 2026, the Timed Entry Permit System is still active from May through October. You must book your entry time weeks in advance on Recreation.gov.

Would you like me to find the permit booking link for Rocky Mountain National Park or a list of the best “Secret Spot” breweries in RiNo?

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