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If you're looking for a place to explore that offers something different, then Denver, Colorado should be on the top of your list. The Mile High City has something for everyone, and it’s most famous for these things, all of which do need to do or try if your travels bring you to the Mile High City.
From experience, it's best to plan on at least 2-3 days in Denver because there really is a ton to do for you to hit what Denver is famous for!
1. Award Winning, Local, Craft Beer
Denver's evolved into the US city with the most booming brewery scene, with over 150 craft breweries located throughout the city. From the famous Coors Brewery to the ever-growing lineup of microbreweries populating the city's street corners, there’s sure to be something to quench your thirst and some of the best Denver tours can take you to the best breweries so that you don't have to sort through all of your choices. Spicy green chili beer? Peanut butter graham cracker porter? The city's got you covered. Denver also showcases 3,000+ beers at the Great American Beer Festival (hosted in October each year) and it's breweries consistently win international awards.
2. Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Red Rocks is often considered the most iconic venue in the US for bands to play at. It's a gorgeous outdoor amphitheater built right into Colorado's gorgeous red rocks and is located just 20 minutes outside of downtown Denver in Morrison, Colorado. It's known for its unique, natural acoustics and stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the Denver city skyline. Many bands and musicians have shared this is their favorite place to play in the world and many consider it a huge honor and opportunity to play at Red Rocks.
3. Green Chili
Green chili is a staple in Denver cuisine. You'll find it as a topping on everything from eggs to burritos and enchiladas or served straight-up as soup with a tortilla to dunk in it. If you leave Denver without trying it, you're missing out and it's best to try a few. Many are pork based, but you can find vegetarian, super spicy, mild and smoky... more varieties than you thought possible. See if you can find any Denver food tours that offer a green chili tasting.
4. Colorado Sports
Denver is obsessed with sports and has a really prominent sports culture. The Mile High City is home to these professional sports teams: Denver Broncos (football), Colorado Rockies (baseball), Denver Nuggets (basketball), Colorado Avalanche (hockey), Colorado Mammoth (lacrosse), and Colorado Rapids (soccer). Whether you're a fan of football, baseball, or basketball, the Mile High City has you covered and, honestly, if you're not a fan, the food, beer, energy, people watching and more makes attending a game while you're visiting Denver a must when ticking off doing all the things that Denver is famous for.
5. A World-Class Art Scene
When locals share what Denver Colorado is known for, we sometimes forget that Denver has a thriving art community, filled with galleries and performance venues that beats or rivals that of NYC, LA, and Chicago. Denverites often forget that not every city has as much public art as Denver does. Whether you’re interested in art, music, or theater, Denver has something to offer. Thanks to Denver's Public Art Program that's invested over $40 million dollars in 400+ pieces of public art and an amazing street art and graffiti scene, it will only take you one minute and one block to see for yourself that art is everywhere in Denver.
6. Nature, Paths & Parks
With the city sprawling over the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Denver offers numerous trails and parks (a whopping 250+) for you to explore. Take some time out to enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors. Cheesman Park, Civic Center Park, City Park and Wash Park are the four most beautiful and most popular. Want to see the city from a different perspective: hop on the Cherry Creek trail, which runs under many bridges and city streets, along the Cherry Creek. You'll see Denverites and visitors out on this trail walking, running, biking, scootering, and rollerblading.
7. Union Station
Restored and reopened in 2014 after being shutters for years, the gorgeous historic train station is now a bustling hub of entertainment, restaurants, bars, shopping, and sightseeing. It's one of the most iconic (and Instagramable) spots in the entire city.
8. The Best Denver Tours
What Denver is known for? Well, there are a ton of awesome tours to take in the city, from food tours to history tours, ghost tours, street art tours, and more. You can even find a tour that works for your budget, your interests, and your travel schedule so that you can see Denver like a local, with a local guide.
9. Speakeasies Galore
Denver is filled with unique and off-the-beaten-path adventures that you may find when you least expect them. Namely, in the form of a hidden bar or an underground speakeasy, all of them worth exploring. Just pop "speakeasies" in Google maps and you'll see no less than a dozen options pop up. We love Retrograde, Run for the Roses, and the historic Cruise Room.
10. Rocky Mountain National Park
So, what Denver Colorado is known for? Get ready to explore the great outdoors and find out! When it comes to getting outdoors, Denver has some amazing options in the city, BUT almost every visitor knowns what Denver Colorado is known for: Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP)! It's gorgeous, a must-do and is only a short 90-minute drive away. This park is known for some of the most spectacular views in the United States and many travelers who visit multiple national parks rank RMNP as their favorite.
So, if you’re looking for a city that offers something new, come to Denver and explore the top 10 things Denver is famous for. From its food, sports culture, natural beauty and more, you’re sure to find something new to explore each and every time you come.... yeah, that's right, like so many before you, you'll probably be back again for another visit...