Denver Itinerary – 48 Hours in the Mile High City
From craft beer, culture and cuisine to cool neighborhoods, shopping, and vibrant street art it’s no wonder Denver is voted one of the best cities to see, and I had an opportunity to finally explore the city and wanted to make the best of my 48 hours in Denver. It’s such a pretty place to visit in December (gave me all sorts of holiday vibes). Let’s dive into my Denver itinerary for a perfect weekend in the Mile High City.
Where to Stay: Renaissance Denver Downtown City Center Hotel
Downtown is the perfect place to base yourself for discovering Denver. The Renaissance Denver Downtown City Center Hotel hotel is a beautiful, and excellent location. It used to be the Colorado National Bank. It’s a great location for visiting the museums, Union Station, Larimer Square, 16th street mall and, of course, downtown. Some of the best things to do in Denver are just a short stroll away. Easy walk from Union Station, and 16th street mall and close to restaurants. The lobby is big and the Christmas tree was gorgeous as you enter in. All the staff is very professional, personable, pleasant, helpful. The room was clean & spacious, bed very comfortable.
Union Station
Union Station is a Mile High must-see. The 1914 vintage train terminal in LoDo is a hip gathering spot for dining, shopping, and entertainment. It’s still big on transportation and this where you’ll arrive/depart if you take the direct train from Denver International Airport.
The beautiful terminal Grand Hall is filled with long wooden benches, library-style desks, and big squashy sofas. The leather armchairs are just aching to be curled up on for a spot of people watching. It’s known as Denver’s Living Room for a reason. There’s a Denver tourist office in the station so head there and pick up any information you need for your visit.
Head for one of the restaurants, coffee shops or prop up the Terminal Bar of an evening. But I went there just to have …
Breakfast at Mercantile inside Union Station
Mercantile Dining and Provision is a restaurant and mini-market serving seasonally-inspired dishes in a casual atmosphere. I checked out the open kitchen, watched the barista at work and was tempted by shelves of artisan goods from chocolate to charcuterie and spices to pastrami.
Breakfast was oh so good. I devoured Avocado Quinoa Toast with smoked mackerel, sprouted lentil vinaigrette and poached farmhouse egg which was the right side of runny – just the way I like my eggs and had my usually Skinny Vanilla latte. Such an amazing experience, just sitting at the bar and enjoying a latte while people watching the locals.
Find your zen and visit Red Rocks
I couldn’t leave Denver without seeing the mountains. I have never been to the mountains only from a far distance, so I got to pay a visit this world-famous Red Rocks outdoor Amphitheatre located 15 miles west of Denver (a 20-minute drive). The open-air was amazing and being surrounded by Colorado’s red rocks right in the middle of nature was an amazing feeling. It’s worth heading to the top of the red rock amphitheater steps for magnificent views of the surrounding area. The venue is open to the public at no cost when there are no concerts on. Nearby are excellent hiking trails in which was quite the experience that I enjoyed so much.
Party like it’s 1933 and grab a mixed drink at Williams & Graham Speakeasy.
I love theme style bars. It's one of my favorite things to do. Stopping by this bar in Denver will make you feel like you’re back in the roaring 1920s. Upon entering the bar you will notice that you are surrounded by bookshelves that resemble a library but don’t turn back just yet! Behind one of these bookshelves is your entry ticket to the speakeasy. There is a bit of a wait to get into Williams & Graham Speakeasy because of their limited seating, but still worth it to enjoy this unique thing to do in Denver.
Location: 3160 Tejon St.
Hours: Sunday-Saturday: 5pm-1am
Enjoy the charming twinkly lights at Larimer Square.
Larimer Square adds to the unique things to do in Denver by creating a fabulous outdoor shopping and dining area near the famous 16th Street Mall. While walking around to each store you can also enjoy the view of the twinkling lights that line the street or enjoy sitting outside at one of the many restaurants or bars.
Location: Starts on the corner of 14th & Larimer
Hours: Vary depending on the store/restaurant
Revisit your childhood at The 1up Arcade Bar.
Leave it to me to find an Arcade Bar. Here you can play some good old fashioned skeeball for 25¢ and other classic arcade games. If arcade games aren’t your thing you can also play basketball or just sit at the bar and take in the nostalgia.
Location: 717 E. Colfax Avenue
Rialto Cafe
I was hungry as soon as I arrived so I stumbled across Rialto Cafe located right on 16Th Street Mall and their Happy hour pricing on food and drinks was great. One drink was enough for me and their muscles appetizer was soooo good! It seems like the locals come here for a quick bite before heading to a game or a show.
Location: 934 16Th Street Mall
Wynkoop Brewing Co.
In 1988, the year the LoDo Historic District was founded, the Wynkoop Brewing Company became Denver's first brewpub, so I couldn't resist but to swing by and check out this historic brewery.
Location: 1634 18th Street
Get your art history at the Denver Art Museum
As I have gotten older, it seems now when I travel I must visit a museum. And Denver’s Art museum is set up just beautiful. They have the Monet during my visit, and it was all sold out when I went, but exploring the different levels of the museum left me feeling artsy.
Location: 717 E. Colfax Avenue
The Diary Block
I got to discover a beautiful block called 'Diary Block' which is a Denver micro-district featuring downtown Denver restaurants, bars, boutique shops, lights, and street art … everything I love all in one block!
Location: 1800 Wazee St, Denver, CO 80202
Getting from Denver International Airport to the City
Getting into the city center is easy using the direct rail service from Denver International Airport to Denver Union Station. The 37-minute trip costs $10.50 each way. I was nervous at first, but was such an easy train ride and seeing the mountains and surrounding area was pretty. Super simple and cheap!
Free public transportation
You can explore The Mile High City easily on foot and public transport. Free shuttle buses, known as the MallRide cruise 16th Street Mall and stop at each corner so you can cover a lot of ground fairly quickly and hop on and off as you please. I definitely used this a lot and plus love that it is FREE!
I finally have another city in which I had no clue I would fall in love with to come back and visit and explore more. Can't wait for more adventures in Colorado!