15+ Classic and Unique Things to Do in Denver, Colorado

I recently got to visit my friends that live in Denver, and they let me do a choose your own adventure style weekend. Since they both live there (one settled with a family and one who travels every other week), they aren’t the type to adventure out and discover new places like me. So, I made a list of some things I really wanted to try and didn’t even get to half!

This was my third time in Denver, but they are always short visits and never for the purpose of getting to see the city. BUT, I will include some things from the previous 2 trips that I loved as well.

I’m going to be honest, I’m not a huge Denver fan (I know, I said it), but in general, I’m not much of a city person! I love getting outside of the city and seeing lesser known places and nature, but I also love to walk around a city at least once. Anyway, I will still always recommend someone does a little of both, because why not?

For more domestic destination ideas and things to do, click here: Domestic Destinations.

So, here are some interesting things to do or see around Denver:

1. Fifty Two 80s Totally Awesome Shop

Looking for a shop to get everything you used to obsess over? This shop has so many fun things. And I say ”things” because it really is just a shop of things. Unlike other vintage shops that have lots of clothes, this shop has old cards, stuffed animals, games, etc. Now, I’m not an ‘80s baby, but I am a ’90s baby, and a lot of this stuff was fun for me too. They even have all your favorite candy from childhood.

This store is definitely a fun place to find a souvenir, find an item you’ve been looking for on eBay, or even just to remind you of all those obscure things you had maybe forgotten about. It is located south of Denver on South Broadway. It is also next to #2 and #3 on this list, so you can make it a quick stop on your trip.

Here is their website, and you’ll understand if you click here: Fifty Two 80s Totally Awesome Shop.

2. Regal Vintage

Now, Regal Vintage is right next to Fifty Two 80s Totally Awesome Shop. So, you might as well stop by both if you’re over here. Regal Vintage is exactly what it sounds like. It is your more curated, nicer vintage clothes. They have a wide assortment of clothing items, from dresses to shirts to purses and more.

While I want to be a vintage shopper other than Goodwill, I usually don’t tend to spend my money on clothes unless I find a great piece. Considering I had limited room in my bag for this trip, I just walked around and marveled at the intricate pieces and the true work that had gone into filling this store. It is also a great place to get a costume! Click here to learn more: Regal Vintage.

3. Brutal Poodle

Because it was close to where we were, we decided to stop by the Brutal Poodle. It is a restaurant and bar also located a little further down on South Broadway. I don’t know what I was expecting, but it wasn’t that. Brutal Poodle is a very punk/grunge/edgy type of place, and the food is SO good.

Their menu is classic American with a Denver twist. (Apparently green chili is a Denver/Colorado thing!). They have plenty of bar food as well as filling meals. They also have a back patio! Check out their menu here: Brutal Poodle Menu.

4. The 1 Up Arcade Bar

Gotta love a good bar that also has activities! We went to the one in Greenwood, because it’s close to where I was staying near a friend. But they have 3 locations! It is your classic arcade bar, but it has booths, tables, games, and plenty of space. It is very lively at night, and it is a younger crowd.

If you’re looking for things to do or bars with activities, go ahead and see if there is a location near you! For locations and menus, click here: 1 Up Arcade Bar

5. Crave Coffee Roasters

Can you tell I stayed near Centennial? Crave is in the Denver Tech Center area, so it was on the way in the morning going up towards town. They had the cutest indoor area with coffee and breakfast pastries. They also have smoothies and teas, and you can add CBD to your order.

It’s just a quick stop, but it’s a cute place to go to shop local. They were even painting a mural when we stopped in! Check out their menu here: Crave Coffee Roasters Menu.

6. Valverde Park

Now, this is a great spot if you’re a sports girly or sports guy. We went to cheer on our friend playing in her Ultimate Frisbee league. You can get a team together or just play around with friends as long as it isn’t booked out, I assume. This is located south of Denver, but it is close to a couple other places I didn’t get to visit.

Valverde Park is close to other locations that were on my list, but we sadly didn’t have time for: International Church of Cannabis, Denver Biscuit Company, and Punch Bowl Social. Right across the river is also Stranahan’s Whiskey Distillery and Cocktail Bar. Definitely a cool area to check out!

7. Happy Camper

I LOVED this place. It was a game day at Coors Field, so this place was absolutely packed. We also went at peak brunch hours, and there was only room at the bar because we didn’t have a reservation. Pro tip: we put our names in at the front, and it was taking forever to get a table. We ended up just putting in a reservation while sitting at the bar and got a table almost immediately. So make a reservation!!

This place had amazing drinks, a super fun and hippie vibe, and such a good variety of food. It’s known for being a pizza place, but they also have great apps. Happy Camper is definitely a younger spot, and it’s completely upbeat. It’s indoors but has an open feel as it’s mostly windows and clear tents.

It’s located across the river downtown, and is easily walkable to other attractions downtown. You can make reservations, check out the menu, and see other locations here: Happy Camper Denver.

8. Commons Park

After Happy Camper, we walked across the river on the bridge to the Riverfront Park area. There is a little park along the river called Commons Park where you can walk along the river. This is great for getting a little walking in with a view.

They have a skate park, walking trails, and bridges that lead from those paths – they also have a bathroom! We walked along Little Raven St. as we headed to the Millennium Bridge.

9. Millennium Bridge

Not extremely exciting, but a recognizable bridge is the Millennium Bridge in the Riverfront Park area. It has the tall cables that come to a point at the top across the bridge. On one side, there is a large statue of wings that you can take a picture with like other tourists. This is just a fun bridge to walk on, but it definitely is a large amount of steps!

It will cross you from the Riverfront Park area to 16th St. Mall road. This will take you to a ton of other tourist spots downtown. The bridge has flowers and plants on top that are really pretty. It also sits high, so you get a bird’s eye view from the top.

10. Union Station and Terminal Bar

A few blocks away from the Millennium Bridge is Union Station. Denver has a great public transportation system, so this is a great central spot for getting around to farther places. I highly recommend the Light Rail! I talk more about this later. This is also an Amtrak station, so that’s another option for farther transit.

At Union Station, you can dine, shop, and stay at the Crawford Hotel. It feels really modern and open, and the most iconic spot is Terminal Bar. We were still full from eating at Happy Camper, so we didn’t stop to eat or drink, but if I had to pick a spot, I would choose Terminal Bar.

It’s classy, and it has to be great for people watching. Here is the website for more information about what to do and transit: Union Station Denver.

11. Dairy Block

The Dairy Block is a little corridor of shops and restaurants that has string lights and tables. It has the Denver Milk Market and Huckleberry Roasters, which were the 2 places on my list. They have events in this area that you can find on their website and also a hotel that is located in it.

The Dairy Block is a fun and lively place to hang out. You can stroll through the pedestrian alley and find something for anyone here. Click here for more information about shops, restaurants, events, and parking: Dairy Block Denver.

12. Larimer Square & Garage Sale Vintage

Larimer Square is another part of downtown Denver. It is a pedestrian only street that has tons of lights, outdoor tables in the street, shops, restaurants, and more. This place is great for hopping around and checking out the stores before grabbing a beer at one of the bars or getting dinner at one of the restaurants. Here is the website for Larimer Square that shows you everything there is to do: Larimer Square.

In Larimer Square is the store Garage Sale Vintage. This vintage store is definitely unique. Garage Sale Vintage is 2 stories tall, and on the bottom floor they have shopping as well as a fun bar. The bar is known for their multiple flavors of margaritas, but also worth noting is their jello shots and other shots. This is a great place to shop for amazing vintage pieces while also hanging out with friends or grabbing a fun drink to start your night off. Here is the website for Garage Sale Vintage with more information about the store as well as the bar menu: Garage Sale Vintage.

13. Blue Bear at Colorado Convention Center

This isn’t necessarily something to do, but it is definitely something a tourist would see. Located right outside the Colorado Convention Center is a massive statue of a bear. The bear looks like it is trying to see inside the convention center, as it is leaning up against the side with its paws up against the glass.

This is a unique statue that is fun to take pictures of or with, and it is right next to the next place on the list. Here is more information about and pictures of the statue: Denver Big Blue Bear Sculpture.

14. 54thirty Rooftop

The 54thirty Rooftop is the tallest, open-air bar in Denver. It sits at the top of a hotel near the Colorado Convention Center, and it boasts a wide variety of craft cocktails. They also have a menu that includes little bites and appetizers. Looking to get a view of the skyline and mountains? Go to 54thirty Rooftop. Click here to see photos and their menu: 54thirty Rooftop.

Unfortunately, the day we went seemed to be the windiest day ever, so it was closed due to weather. Just make sure to check if they are open, because it is both a seasonal bar and it will close for wind!

15. Ride the Light Rail

Like I mentioned earlier, I highly suggest using the Light Rail to get around. I don’t even care if I sound like a little kid at Christmas, but in Nashville, we do not have any good public transportation. You get everywhere with a car. While this is true for a lot of Denver, you can also get most places using the Light Rail. It is pretty easy to use and it goes all around the large city, so you aren’t spending so much money on an Uber or time trying to park.

People were even using the Light Rail to get from a station near their home to the game at Coors Field. It is such a smart way to get around, and you can buy tickets at any station. You can get a 3-hour ticket or even a day pass. This is also a great way to get from the airport! Check out more information here: Denver Light Rail Information.

16. Big Bill’s New York Pizza

Now, Big Bill’s is actually located down in Centennial, where we spent a lot of our time with my friend. But, this pizza was literally chef’s kiss. It is located at the end of a strip mall, and it is your classic, old New York-style restaurant. And amazing, New York style pizza. Heck, just click here and you’ll understand: Big Bill’s NY Pizza.

There you can check out their large menu of any kind of pizza you can want, as well as delicious appetizers. I highly recommend the garlic knots!! We got a large pizza, and it felt like it took up the whole table. 4 of us couldn’t even come close to finishing the thing.

17. Estate Sales

I had never been to an estate sale before I went to Denver. Yes, yes, I know there are estate sales everywhere, but these houses in Denver were in nice neighborhoods and had some really fun stuff. It can be quite eery walking around in a place that seemed to have stopped in time, but it’s such a good thing to appreciate the things that were once someone else’s.

We found all types of house styles, furniture, trinkets, clothing, and so much more. Each one is unique and different. For information on estate sales that will tell you the location and type of items, click here: Estate Sales Website.

Bonus Places:

• Linger
• Travel Room 5
• Little Man Ice Cream
• Punch Bowl Social
• Denver Biscuit Company
• International Church of Cannabis
• Tattered Cover Bookstore
• The Crypt
• Dew Drop Inn
• Your Mom’s House
• Ace Eat Serve
• Afternoon Tea at the Brown Palace
• Denver Pavillions
• Urban Putt
• River North Art District
• The Beer Spa
• Ironton Distillery and Crafthouse
• Number Thirty Eight
• Bigsby’s Folly Craft Winery and Restaurant

For another itinerary when going out west, click here: Out West Road Trip: Zion, Bryce Canyon, Grand Canyon and Las Vegas in 3 Days.

For things to do in another big city, check out: Chicago, USA: Top 10 Sights in 1 Day.

For Nashville recommendations from a Nashville local, click here: Best of Nashville.