24 Things To Do With 24 Hours In Denver (plus a one day itinerary from a local!)

If you have a layover or a quick trip planned in Denver, one day is enough to get a good feel for the city. From sports and whiskey tastings to art museums, food halls, and easy access to the outdoors, Denver packs a lot into a short window.

As someone who lives here, I’m often asked what’s actually worth prioritizing with just 24 hours in Denver. This guide breaks down the best things to do with a one day in Denver, along with one-day itinerary options at the end to help you put it all together.

What To Do With 24 Hours In Denver

Meow Wolf

Time Needed: 3+ hours
Distance from City Center: 2 miles
No Car Needed, Paid Parking Available For Those With Car 

If you only have one day in Denver, Meow Wolf is one of the most immersive ways to spend it. This isn’t a traditional museum — it’s a massive, four-story interactive art experience that feels more like stepping inside a surreal alternate universe.

The Denver location, Convergence Station, spans roughly 90,000 square feet and features work from more than 300 artists. You can wander freely, open hidden doors, crawl through passageways, and follow (or completely ignore) the loose storyline woven throughout the exhibit. Some people spend an hour here; others lose half a day without realizing it.

If you’re visiting Denver for the first time and want something that feels uniquely Denver-weird, this is it. Just know it’s sensory-heavy and can get busy, so earlier or late time slots tend to be more enjoyable.

Colorado State Capitol Building

Time Needed: 15+ minutes
Distance from City Center: 0 miles
No Car Needed, Limited Street Parking Available 

Denver’s “Mile High City” nickname isn’t just branding — it’s literal. The Colorado State Capitol sits exactly one mile above sea level, and standing on the correct step has become a classic Denver rite of passage.

The gold-domed building anchors downtown and overlooks Civic Center Park, making it an easy stop if you’re already exploring the city center. Free guided tours are offered regularly and are surprisingly interesting, even if government buildings aren’t usually your thing.

If you just want the photo: look for the 13th step, which is currently considered the most accurate mile-high marker. Fun fact — there are also markers on the 15th and 18th steps, added decades earlier as measuring technology evolved. It’s a small detail, but a good reminder of how long Denver has leaned into its altitude identity.

Go For A Hike Near Denver

Free
Time Needed: Half to full day activity
Distance from City Center: Roughly 30 miles 
Car Needed, Parking Will Vary

One of the best things about spending 24 hours in Denver is how quickly the city gives way to open space. While the iconic alpine hikes are deeper in the mountains, there are excellent, low-effort nature escapes within 30 – 60 minutes of downtown.

Places like Roxborough State Park, Chautauqua Park, St. Mary’s Glacier, and Mount Falcon Park offer dramatic scenery without committing to a full mountain day.

Visiting in winter? Denver locals don’t stop hiking — they just adjust. Microspikes or snowshoes (both easy to rent from REI) make snowy trails accessible.

Eat Mexican Food 

Time Needed: 1+ hour
Distance from City Center: 0 – 2 miles
No Car Needed, Many Downtown Restaurants Rely On Limited Street Parking

If you want to eat like a local during a short visit, Mexican food is a must. Denver has a deep affection for everything from street-style tacos to fully smothered burritos, and it’s one of the cuisines the city consistently does well.

The key ingredient to look for is green chile — a spicy, stew-like sauce made from roasted green chiles that finds its way onto burritos, fries, eggs, and just about everything else. It originated in New Mexico but has been happily adopted across Colorado.

For standout spots, Adelitas Cocina Y Cantina is a go-to for regional dishes and excellent mole, while Savina’s Mexican Kitchen (formerly La Loma) remains a longtime Denver favorite with a more polished feel. Alma Fonda Fina brings a modern, thoughtful approach to Mexican cuisine — earning a Michelin star in the process — and Los Socios Birrieria is worth seeking out for rich, comforting birria.

Beyond specific restaurants, areas like Federal Boulevard, Santa Fe, and Colfax are packed with excellent mom-and-pop spots.

Denver Botanic Gardens

Time Needed: 1.5 – 2.5 hours
Distance from City Center: 2.5 miles
No Car Needed, Limited Free Parking Available 

For a slower, more restorative pace, the Denver Botanic Gardens are an easy win. Spread across 24 acres near Cheesman Park, the gardens showcase an impressive range of plant life, from native Colorado species to carefully designed international gardens.

It’s a particularly good option if you want a break from crowds or need something calm to balance out a busy sightseeing day. The gardens also host seasonal events like summer concerts and the popular wintertime Blossoms of Light, so it’s worth checking the calendar before you go.

Afterward, wander next door to Cheesman Park for skyline views and people-watching — it’s one of those neighborhoods that gives you a good feel for everyday life in Denver.

Catch A Sporting Event 

Time Needed: 5+ hours
Distance from City Center: all venues with 2.5 miles
No Car Needed, Paid Parking Lots Available 

Denver is one of the rare U.S. cities where all four major sports teams are woven into the downtown core, which makes catching a game surprisingly easy during a short visit. Depending on the season, there’s a good chance something’s happening while you’re in town.

The NBA’s Denver Nuggets and NHL’s Colorado Avalanche play at Ball Arena, while the MLB’s Colorado Rockies play at Coors Field — both right downtown. The Denver Broncos play just west of downtown at Empower Field at Mile High, while soccer fans can catch the Colorado Rapids east of downtown and Denver’s women’s team, Denver Summit FC, just south of the city center.

Even if you don’t make it into a stadium, watching a game at a lively sports bar is very much a local pastime. Spots like Stoney’s, Tom’s Watch Bar, and McGregor Square are consistently buzzing on game days and offer an easy way to tap into Denver’s sports culture without much planning.

Denver Art Museum 

Time Needed: 2 – 3 hours
Distance from City Center: 1/2 mile
No Car Needed, Paid Parking Lots Available

Located downtown in the Golden Triangle Creative District, the Denver Art Museum is one of the city’s most substantial cultural institutions — and one of the largest art museums between Chicago and the West Coast.

The museum spans two architecturally striking buildings and houses more than 70,000 works from around the world. One standout is its Native American Art collection, which is among the most significant of its kind anywhere and well worth prioritizing, even if you’re short on time.

If you have a little extra time, the Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art is located just across the street and is included with your Denver Art Museum admission. It blends fine art with decorative arts and interior design — an unexpected but genuinely cool contrast to the larger museum next door.

Denver Food Halls

Time Needed: 1+ hour
Distance from City Center: multiple food halls within 2 miles
No Car Needing, Street Parking May Be Limited 

Denver’s food halls have become one of the easiest ways to sample the city’s dining scene without committing to a single restaurant. Many are housed in former warehouses, hangars, or historic buildings, giving them a distinctly industrial-meets-modern feel.

They’re ideal if you’re traveling with a group, short on time, or just indecisive — you can grab a drink, split a few dishes, and move at your own pace. Places like Avanti Food & Beverage, Denver Central Market, Milk Market, Stanley Marketplace, and The Source have become local staples, blending strong food lineups with social, neighborhood energy.

For more, check out The Best Food Halls In Denver.

Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre 

Time Needed: 2+ hours (including drive time)
Free (Unless Attending Event)
Distance from City Center: 17 miles
Car Preferred, Can Get There With Uber/ Lyft, Ample Free Parking  

About 30 minutes west of downtown, Red Rocks Amphitheatre is one of Colorado’s most iconic attractions. The naturally formed venue sits between towering red sandstone formations, creating one of the world’s only naturally occurring, acoustically perfect amphitheaters.

Red Rocks hosts concerts year-round across nearly every genre, and tickets are required for shows and special events. Outside of event hours — typically in the mornings and early afternoons — the amphitheater is open to the public, and walking through the venue or climbing the steps is a memorable experience on its own.

Beyond concerts, Red Rocks also hosts events like Yoga on the Rocks, Film on the Rocks, and comedy shows, and the surrounding park offers hiking trails with sweeping Front Range views.

Little Man Ice Cream

Time Needed: 30 minutes
Distance from City Center: 2 miles
No Car Needed, Limited Street Parking Available 

Little Man Ice Cream is one of those places that lives up to its reputation. The iconic scoop shop serves homemade ice cream — including solid non-dairy and vegan options — from a towering milk-can structure that’s become a landmark in its own right.

Yes, the line can be long, especially on summer evenings, but it moves quickly and feels like part of the experience. Little Man is located in the Highlands neighborhood, which makes it easy to turn your ice cream stop into a full evening of wandering, dining, or bar-hopping nearby.

Explore The RiNo Art District

Free
Time Needed: 1+ hour
Distance from City Center: 2 miles
No Car Needed, Street Parking Available Though May Be Limited

The River North Art District — better known as RiNo — sits just north of downtown and has become one of Denver’s most dynamic neighborhoods. Once dominated by warehouses and factories, the area has been transformed into a creative hub filled with breweries, restaurants, galleries, and music venues.

What really defines RiNo, though, is its street art. Massive murals cover building facades throughout the neighborhood, making it an excellent area to explore on foot. Even without a plan, wandering RiNo almost guarantees good beer, good food, and plenty to look at.

Tip: If you’re spending the night during your one-day visit, the RiNo neighborhood has great nightlife.

International Church Of Cannabis

Time Needed: 1+ hour
Distance from City Center: 3 miles
No Car Needed, Street Parking Available 

For a uniquely Denver experience, the International Church of Cannabis offers something you won’t find in many other cities. The rainbow-painted former church hosts a guided audiovisual experience that blends light, music, and meditation inside a vividly muraled sanctuary.

Tickets are required and include the immersive light show, making this a better planned stop rather than something to squeeze in last-minute.

Cannabis is legal in Colorado for those 21 and over, but consumption is restricted to private residences or licensed venues — public use and hotel smoking are not permitted. 

Go For Brunch In Denver  

Time Needed: 1+ hour
Distance from City Center: multiple locations within 2 miles
No Car Needed, Most Downtown Brunch Locations Rely On Limited Street Parking

Brunch is a serious affair in Denver, and no matter the day of the week, you’ll find popular spots packed with locals lingering over coffee and comfort food. On weekends especially, wait times can be long, so arriving early or ordering to-go is often the smartest move if you’re short on time.

Well-known favorites like Snooze A.M. Eatery and Denver Biscuit Company lean into indulgent classics, while Root Down and City O’ City are great options if you’re looking for something a little more creative or plant-forward. For a more old-school diner feel, Sam’s No. 3 and Sassafras deliver reliably satisfying plates without much fuss.

Be sure to check out my full list of The Best Brunch Spots In Denver.

Visit A Craft Brewery

Time Needed: 1+ hours
Distance from City Center: 2 miles
No Car Needed

With nearly 100 breweries in the city and hundreds more statewide, Denver has earned its reputation as one of the best beer cities in the U.S. You don’t need to be a craft beer expert to enjoy it — popping in for a single pint is just as common as committing to a full tour.

The Highlands and RiNo are especially dense with breweries, making it easy to sample without much planning. Cerebral Brewery, Denver Beer Co., Wynkoop Brewing Company, Odell, and Ratio Beerworks are a few favorites.

Want to join a guided beer tour? Check out this Denver Microbrew Tour in the heart of downtown!

Tour The Coors Brewery

Time Needed: 3+ hours
Distance from City Center: 15 miles
Car Needed, Uber/ Lyft Available, Parking Available 

If you have extra time, consider heading west to Golden to tour the Coors Brewery. Sitting at the base of the Rockies, it’s the largest single-site brewery in the world and has been producing beer since the 19th century.

Tours must be reserved in advance and feel very much like a Colorado rite of passage. It’s an easy half-day outing and pairs well with time spent exploring Golden’s charming downtown.

Denver Museum Of Nature & Science

Time Needed: 2 – 3 hours
Distance from City Center: 3 miles
No Car Needed, Paid Parking Available

The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is one of the city’s most popular museums and covers everything from Colorado’s natural history to space exploration. The massive facility houses extensive permanent exhibits alongside rotating displays, making it appealing even if museums aren’t usually your top priority.

It’s especially popular with families and is located in City Park, right next to the Denver Zoo.

Relax In A Park

Time Needed: 1+ hour
Distance from City Center: multiple locations within 2 miles
No Car Necessary, Limited Street Parking Available 

Denver takes its green space seriously, with more than 200 parks spread throughout the city. Spending time outdoors doesn’t have to mean hiking — a slow walk, picnic, or people-watching session is often just as rewarding.

City Park is the largest and most central, offering skyline views along with access to major museums. Sloan’s Lake, Washington Park, Cheesman Park, and Confluence Park all offer different vibes, from lakeside loops to riverfront paths.

Alcohol is allowed in many city parks (no glass), which makes picnics especially popular.

Denver Union Station  

Time Needed: 30+ minutes
Distance from City Center: 1.5 miles
No Car Needed, Limited Street Parking 

Denver Union Station is one of the easiest — and most enjoyable — places to spend time during a short visit. After a major renovation in 2014, the 125-year-old station became the centerpiece of LoDo again, blending historic architecture with restaurants, bars, shops, and public space.

This is far from a typical train station. Locals regularly meet here for drinks, visitors linger over coffee, kids play in the fountains out front, and commuters move through it all. If you’re arriving from the airport on the A-Line train, this is where you’ll end up — making it one of the most seamless stops to build into a one-day Denver itinerary.

Looking for more things to do in the neighborhood? Check out Top Things To Do In LoDo Denver. 

Catch A Live Show 

Time Needed: 3+ hours
Distance from City Center: multiple venues within 2 miles
No Car Needed, Most Venues Rely On Limited Street Parking｜Denver Center For Performing Arts Has A Paid Parking Lot

Denver has a strong live-music and performance scene, and chances are good there’s something happening while you’re in town. From intimate venues to larger theaters, the city attracts touring musicians, comedians, and local acts nearly every night of the week.

Popular spots like the Ogden Theatre, Bluebird Theater, Mission Ballroom, and Comedy Works regularly host shows across genres. Even if you don’t plan ahead, it’s worth checking schedules — catching a live show is a great way to experience Denver’s creative side after dark.

Tattered Cover Bookstore

Time Needed: 30+ minutes
Distance from City Center: 3 locations within 2 miles
No Car Needed, Limited Street Parking 

Tattered Cover is a Denver institution and one of the largest independent bookstores in the country. With multiple locations around the city, it’s the kind of place where you can easily lose an hour browsing shelves, flipping through travel guides, or discovering a new read.

Founded in 1971, the store has long been a hub for author talks and community events, which gives it a lived-in, local feel that’s increasingly rare. It’s an easy, low-key stop if you want something quieter between bigger activities.

Tour A Whiskey Distillery  

Time Needed: 2 hours
Distance from City Center: 3 miles
No Car Needed, Parking Available 

Denver’s whiskey scene punches well above its weight, and touring a local distillery is a fun alternative to the brewery circuit.

Stranahan’s Whiskey Distillery was Colorado’s first modern microdistillery, producing American single malt whiskey with Rocky Mountain water and a small-batch approach. Their tours offer a behind-the-scenes look followed by a guided tasting in a cozy lounge.

For a deeper dive into grain-to-glass production, Laws Whiskey House focuses exclusively on Colorado-grown ingredients and bold four-grain whiskies.

Both distilleries offer well-run tours and tasting rooms, and reservations are recommended.

Denver Farmers Market Or Festival

Time Needed: 1+ hour
Distance from City Center: various locations within 2 miles
No Car Needed, Limited Street Parking

Depending on when you visit, there’s a good chance Denver will be hosting a market or festival. The city’s event calendar stays full year-round, with everything from food and art festivals to seasonal markets and outdoor concerts.

Warm-weather months bring excellent farmers markets and street festivals like Civic Center Eats and First Friday Art Walks, while winter highlights include the Christkindlmarket and Denver Winter Brew Fest. These events are an easy way to spend time outdoors, support local businesses, and get a feel for Denver’s neighborhood culture without much effort.

Arcade Games At 1 UP Arcade Bar

Time Needed: 1+ hour
Distance from City Center: 2 locations within 1.5 miles
No Car Needed, Limited Street Parking

If you’re looking for something playful and chill, 1Up Arcade Bar is a classic Denver stop. With multiple downtown locations — including the massive Colfax outpost — it combines retro arcade games, pinball machines, and casual drinks in a lively setting.

It’s an easy place to drop in for an hour, whether you’re killing time before dinner or looking for a fun, unfussy night out. The mix of nostalgia, games, and cheap beers makes it popular with both locals and visitors.

Go Shopping

Time Needed: 2+ hours
Distance from City Center: Multiple locations within 1.5 miles
No Car Needed, Limited Street Parking

Shopping in Denver reflects the city’s mix of outdoor culture and urban life. You’ll often find technical outdoor gear, western-inspired pieces, and locally owned boutiques clustered together in walkable areas.

The flagship REI is worth a stop even if you’re just browsing, while Larimer Square and the Highlands neighborhood both offer local boutiques and a more curated feel. For big-name retailers, head to the 16th Street Mall, or visit Cherry Creek Shopping Center if designer brands are more your speed.

Day Trips From Denver

Free
Time Needed: Half to full day activity
Distance from City Center: roughly 30+ miles
Car Needed, Parking Will Vary

You can easily spend a full day in Denver without leaving the city, but the mountains sit so close that many visitors find it hard to resist a short escape. Sitting just east of the Front Range, Denver quickly gives way to scenic drives, outdoor adventures, and relaxed mornings in nearby mountain towns.

Towns like Estes Park, Evergreen, Idaho Springs, Golden, and Boulder are all close enough to feel manageable in a single day, while places like Breckenridge or Vail work best if you’re willing to commit a bit more time. If you start early, keep an eye on the highway shoulders — bighorn sheep are surprisingly common in certain areas.

If you’re short on hours and want a quick taste of mountain life, Idaho Springs is an easy choice with a walkable downtown and solid food options. Colorado Springs is another good alternative, pairing dramatic scenery at Garden of the Gods with views from Pikes Peak.

For more ideas check out my article: Quick Day Trips From Denver — all locations are located within 1.5 hours of downtown Denver. 

Rocky Mountain National Park

Time Needed: Full day activity
Distance from City Center: 75 miles
Car Needed, Parking Available

If you’re set on seeing the mountains during your one day in Denver, a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park is the most iconic option. Located about 1.5 hours from the city, it’s one of the most visited national parks in the country and offers an impressive amount to see in a relatively short time.

With limited hours, focus on a short hike around Bear Lake or Dream Lake, drive the scenic Trail Ridge Road, and keep an eye out for wildlife like elk and bighorn sheep. This is an early-start excursion, and during peak season timed-entry reservations are required and must be booked in advance. If you’re going to attempt this in a single day, arriving by 7:00 am (or earlier) will make a noticeable difference in both crowds and parking.

For a more detailed breakdown, I also have a full one-day guide to Rocky Mountain National Park if you want help planning logistics: Rocky Mountain National Park: One Day Guide.

Prefer to go at it with a tour? Check out Aspire Tours which offers a full day trip to RMNP: Aspire Tours Discover RMNP From Denver.

Denver 1-Day Itinerary

Below are a few sample itineraries for your one day in Denver:

One Day In Denver Itinerary Option 1:

• Grab coffee from Amante Coffee.
• Explore Union Station and grab a quick bite to eat in the area (there’s a variety of restaurants in, and immediately around, Union Station or stop by the nearby Milk Market food hall at Dairy Block).
• Snap a photo at the Colorado State Capitol, exactly 1 mile above sea level.
• Browse a museum in the Golden Triangle neighborhood, near the Capitol, such as the Denver Art Museum or Colorado History Center. If interested in shopping, stop by the 16th Street Mall, also located in this area.
• Enjoy a nice sit down dinner in the Golden Circle, Larimer Square, or RiNo. Or grab a quick bite from a popular Denver food hall.
• Wrap up the night with a local beer from a craft brewery. If you’re up for some entertainment consider catching a sporting event, live music event, or comedy show.

One Day In Denver Itinerary Option 2:

• Go for breakfast at popular brunch spot such as, Snooze A.M. Eatery, Root Down, or Denver Biscuit Company (vegans and vegetarians, you’ll also love City O’ City, located right by our next stop).
• Snap a photo at the Colorado State Capitol, exactly 1 mile above sea level.
• From there, head north to explore Union Station and McGregor Square. When ready for lunch, there’s tons of restaurants in these neighboring areas.
• Check out Confluence Park — if you love REI, pop in the Denver Flagship store, it sits right on the park.
• From Confluence Park, walk over to the Highlands neighborhood to browse local boutique shops. Here, you could also grab a drink overlooking the Denver skyline.
• Go for dinner at one of the Highland’s many wonderful restaurants, El Five and Linger are great options, among many.
• Follow up dinner with dessert at Little Man Ice Cream, a local favorite.
• Wrap up the night with a craft beer from a local brewery. If you’re up for some entertainment consider catching a sporting event, live music event, or comedy show.

Note: If you don’t want to walk over to the Highlands neighborhood, head to the RiNo area after Confluence Park – there’s tons of local breweries, art galleries, and great restaurants here.

One Day In Denver Itinerary Option 3:

• Grab a quick breakfast or lunch from Rosenberg’s Bagels, Snarf’s Sandwiches, or Illegal Pete’s then hit the road for a day trip.
• Take a day trip to Boulder or Idaho Springs, each 45 minutes away. If you have a bit more time, Estes Park, Breckenridge, or Vail are great as well. Each of the latter are about 1.5 – 2 hours from Denver. 
• Upon returning to Denver check out Union Station and/or the RiNo neighborhood. Both are great for walking around and offer an excellent dining and craft beer scene, in addition to entertainment options.

Getting To Denver

Getting from Denver International Airport to downtown has never been easier! This is thanks to the Colorado A Line, a 37 minute train from DIA to Union Station, which runs every 15 minutes.

Union Station is centrally located in downtown Denver, from here you can walk to nearby attractions or find other transportation options.

Getting Around Denver

Once you’ve arrived in Denver no car is necessary for a quick stay, unless you plan to visit the mountains.

If you do plan to rent a car, I recommend doing so at Denver International Airport.

Without a car you can easily get around Denver on foot, by scooter or bike, with public transportation, and via ride share apps.  

Denver has a bus and light rail system. Routes are more-so catered towards locals and commuters. Although, some may find this helpful during their day in Denver. Check out RTD Denver for routes.

Uber/ Lyft are readily available throughout Denver.

You can also easily find Lyft and Lime scooters or e-bikes scattered all around town. These can be rented via their respective mobile apps.

Where To Stay In Denver

If spending the night, there are a number of really cool hotels worth staying at during your day in Denver. 

Below are a few popular options, all of which are centrally located:

• The Source Hotel (RiNo)
• Catbird Hotel (RiNo)
• The Art Hotel Denver (Golden Triangle)
• The Crawford Hotel: Union Station Hotel (LoDo)
• The Brown Palace Hotel (Central Business District – centrally located between LoDo and Golden Triangle)

As you can see there’s no shortage of things to do with 24 hours in Denver. While one day certainly isn’t enough to see all we have to offer, you can definitely check off a few “musts” during this time.

Enjoy your quick trip to Denver!

Looking for more ideas? Below are additional Denver and Colorado guides or head on over to Visit Colorado!

More Information For Your Trip To Denver:

• Denver 3 Day Weekend Guide
• LoDo Denver: Top Things To Do
• Popular Day Trips From Denver
• Best Brunch In Denver
• Top Denver Food Halls
• What To Do In Denver During Summer
• What To Do In Denver During The Fall
• What To Do In Denver During Winter
• What To Do In Denver During Spring
• All Denver Guides

More Information For Your Colorado Vacation:

• Best Colorado Cities & Regional Hubs For Visitors
• Colorado Travel Guide (everything you need to know!)
• All Colorado Guides