Advice

Let’s take a little break to share some practical tips and ideas, just in case you still have some time left to explore Denver and its surroundings. Start with the LoDo district, the city’s historic heart, where old brick warehouses have been transformed into art galleries, microbreweries, and lively rooftop bars. Just a short walk away, you’ll find Union Station. More than a train station, it’s a vibrant social hub filled with cafés, a bookstore, fresh flower stands, and a bustling plaza. If you feel like stretching your legs, the Cherry Creek Trail is a great option. This riverside path runs for several kilometers and connects downtown to neighbourhoods like Cherry Creek North, known for its shops and art galleries. If you’re craving nature, head to City Park, where you’ll find Denver Zoo, home to more than 3,000 animals in thoughtfully designed habitats. You could also venture east to the RiNo district, a colourful, creative neighbourhood packed with street art, craft breweries, and inventive food trucks. Sports fans, make sure to catch a game or take a tour at Coors Field, the Rockies’ baseball stadium, where hot dogs, local beer, and mountain views are all part of the experience. For a more peaceful moment, wander through the Denver Botanic Gardens, where you’ll see everything from tropical greenhouses to beautiful desert landscapes. Another must-see is the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, with its slender spires and stained glass windows imported from France. This is a quiet place to admire stunninng architecture and reflect. If you’re up for a quick escape, Denver is perfectly placed for day trips. Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre is just 30 minutes away, a stunning natural setting where concerts take place beneath the stars, with cliffs that double as sound walls. Even outside of showtime, you can hike the trails, explore the music museum, or take in the sweeping views. For a change of pace, head to the old frontier town of Golden, once the capital of the Colorado Territory. It still has a charming Old West feel, with wooden buildings, local shops, and a river running through the center. A bit further north, Boulder offers a more bohemian and outdoorsy vibe. Its pedestrian hub, Pearl Street, is full of cafés, bookstores, and galleries, and if you look up, you’ll see the Flatirons, those towering, slanted rock formations that rise above the city. A short hike takes you right into nature, with the city quickly fading behind you. To the west, a drive up Lookout Mountain offers panoramic views over Denver and the plains. At the summit, you’ll find the gravesite of Buffalo Bill, a legend of the American West, along with a small museum telling his story. If you’re looking for a peaceful escape without going too far, Roxborough State Park is a hidden gem less than an hour southwest of the city, with hiking trails winding through dramatic red rock formations and a sense of calm away from the crowds. For a grand finale, there’s Rocky Mountain National Park, just two hours away and one of Colorado’s most spectacular treasures. With alpine lakes, dense forests, and snowy peaks, it’s a haven for wildlife and wonder. The famous Trail Ridge Road climbs to over 12,000 feet (that’s more than 3,600 metres), offering breathtaking views at every turn. Stop in Estes Park, the park’s gateway town, for a charming mountain-town feel before heading into the wild. Whether you’re into history, art, nature, or just good food and fresh air, Denver and its surroundings have far more to offer than you might expect, even if you’ve already done your fair share of walking!