Denver is the capital of Colorado and is steeped in Old Western history. This unique place has managed to combine the delights of a metropolitan city with its history to create a truly special place to spend your short break. There is so much to explore in Denver that we thought you might get lost (just like we did). So, we’ve come up with the ideal way for you to enjoy 36 hours in Denver. Just remember that this doesn’t include everything that you can do so be sure to research before you go. Let’s see where our tour will take us to first. Here’s our itinerary for 36 hours in the city of Denver in Colorado.
Day 1: Afternoon - Drop your bags and head to Humboldt Farm Fish Wine for lunch
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Step up your burger game with our Lamb Burger, featuring Colorado lamb, harissa aioli, goat cheese mousse, mint, arugula and pickled onion on a toasted brioche bun, served with hand-cut fries!
Posted by Humboldt Kitchen + Bar on Monday, May 31, 2021
This modern kitchen and cafe is an ideal spot for lunch. If you plan on having a late lunch, you could enjoy Happy Hour which lasts from 3 pm - 6 pm. Using local ingredients, the fresh and delicious lunches include options such as roasted-beef salad and truffle fries. There are also a number of signature dishes. The Filet Mignon Diane and oysters rate highly on our list.
Humboldt Farm Fish
Address: 1700 Humboldt St, Denver, CO 80218
Average cost for two people: 30 USD
Opening Times: 11am - 9pm
Website: Humboldt Farm Fish
Day 1: Evening - Explore City Park and visit the Denver Zoo
After a happy meal, you might need to go for a walk and there is no better place better than City Park. This massive 330 acre (133 hectares) landscape contains the Denver Zoo and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science which includes an iMAX cinema. We’d recommend strolling around the two pretty lakes before heading to Denver Zoo to see the animals.
Denver City Park
Address: Colorado Blvd. and York St., Denver, CO 80205
Website: Denver City Park
Denver Museum of Nature and Science
Address: 2001 Colorado Blvd. Denver, CO 80205
Ticket price: 16.95 USD
Opening Times: 9am - 5pm
Website: Denver Museum of Nature and Science
Day 1: Night - Enjoy a drink in My Brother’s Bar, an old-school watering hole
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by My Brother's Bar on Tuesday, June 19, 2018
Claimed to be the oldest watering hole in Denver, they also offer some of the best burgers. With plenty of Old West charm, you’ll fall in love with this bar. Be sure to try the long-pour Barmen Pilsner which takes about seven minutes to pour the perfect drink. It might seem like a long time, but believe us when we say that it is worth the wait.
My Brother’s Bar
Address: 2376 15th St, Denver, CO 80202-1112
Opening Times: 11am - 2am
Website: My Brother’s Bar
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Day 2: Morning - Take a free historical tour of the Colorado State Capitol
This landmark location, with its prominent gold bell-shaped dome, can be seen across the skyline. Free tours are available daily and you are rewarded with panoramic views from 5,280 feet (1609 meters) above sea level. The tour will last for about 45 minutes and it includes information on the history, artwork and architecture.
Colorado State Capitol
Address: 200 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80203-1776
Opening Time: 7.30am - 5pm
Website: Colorado State Capitol
Day 2: Afternoon - Check out the Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre
After taking excellent pictures from the Colorado State Capitol building the next stop is the Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre. This unique and naturally formed world-famous outdoor venue has been home to a number of well-known performers. During the summer months, tours of the site are available and cover musical history.
Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre
Address: 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison, CO 80465
Opening Times: Opens one hour before sunrise and closes one hour after sunset on non-show days.
General Admission: Free. Shows are ticketed.
Website: Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre
Day 2: Evening - Slip into one of the charming restaurants on Larimer Square
Located in the center of Mile High City, there are plenty of fantastic restaurants on this popular square. There are 17 restaurants in total and they range from BBQ joints to seafood specialists and everything in between. We’re sure that you’ll find something to suit your taste. The Mediterranean infused Rioja is one of our favorite ‘go to’ places and was the James Beard semifinalist for Outstanding Chef in 2016. The surrounding square is steeped in history so you’ll enjoy walking around the streets after a great meal. Be sure to visit the Walkway Gallery which showcases local artists’ work.
Larimer Square
Address: 1430 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80202
Website: Larimer Square
Rioja
Address: 1431 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80202
Average cost for two people: 100 USD
Website: Rioja
Day 2: Night - Head into one of the breweries around LoDo for a drink
The lower downtown area of Denver, lovingly nicknamed LoDo, is the best place to head to for a nice nighttime drink. As the oldest neighborhood in Denver, this spot has been repopulated with delicious restaurants, boutique shops and trendy bars. Again, you’re spoilt for choice. Head to Wynkoop Brewing Company to enjoy a drink in the oldest Brewery in the city. Or, if you’re looking for optimum beer options then the Falling Rock Tap House with its 75+ taps of craft beer might be your ideal match.
Wynkoop Brewing Company
Address: 1634 18th St, Denver, CO 80202
Opening Times: 11am - 2am
Website: Wynkoop Brewing Company
Falling Rock Tap House
Address: 1919 Blake St, Denver, CO 80202
Opening Times: 11am - 2am
Website: Falling Rock Tap House
Day 3: Morning - Have brunch at Fooducopia and explore Washington Park
Editor’s note: Establishment [Fooducopia] is permanently closed
Located just a short five-minute walk from Washington Park, Fooducopia is the ideal stop-off for a healthy but hearty brunch. As a farm to table, sustainable, family and friend owned business, their menu includes only organically produced ingredients. There are tonnes of options for vegetarians such as wild mushroom scrambler and the Veggies Delight Omelet. Meat eaters are also going to be happy with a wide range of dishes on offer. Our favorites are the Meat Lovers Omelet and the Chorizo Benedict. Yum!
After your delicious brunch, head to Washington Park and enjoy this 155-acre (62-hectare) public space. On a warm day, you can try taking a paddle boat out onto the lake or simply stroll around the two stunning flower gardens. A perfect way to enjoy the view and work off that brunch.
Fooducopia
Address: 1939 E Kentucky Ave, Denver, CO 80209
Opening Times: 8am - 3pm / 5pm - 9pm
Average cost for two people: 40 USD
Website: Fooducopia
Book a trip to Denver
With so much to see and do in Denver, we know that you could easily spend extra time there and still have things that you want to see. It’s hard to make a decision when so much is on offer. We hope that our guide on how to spend 36 hours in Denver has inspired you to book your short trip to Denver today. Remember that you can take us with you on your journey simply by tagging us on your Instagram posts.
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