Even though Denver has so much to offer you can still get a good feel for the city in just three days. Downtown is full of exciting things to do! There are lots of parks, museums, live music spots and old buildings to explore.
Just beyond the city you will find mountains, lakes, glaciers, waterfalls and lots more to discover. Denver is the perfect place to begin your adventure in Colorado!
If you are thinking about how to enjoy Denver Itinerary in three days, here is a simple guide for you.
We will explore all the popular places like cool buildings, museums, bustling markets and exciting downtown attractions. After that, we will switch it up and spend some time outside in the national parks to relax in nature and enjoy the fresh air.
When is the Perfect Time to Visit Denver?
The best times to visit Denver are during the shoulder seasons, which fall between April and May in spring or September and October in autumn. During these times, you’ll enjoy pleasant weather that’s not too hot or cold.
Additionally, fewer tourists mean cheaper flight and accommodation prices and it is the perfect opportunity to explore the city without the crowds. If you are into skiing or snowboarding, winter is ideal for hitting the slopes with plenty of fresh snow.
Summer brings hot and sunny weather which is perfect for outdoor activities but expect larger crowds and higher prices. In short, for a perfect weekend getaway, aim for spring or autumn for the best experience.
How to Reach Denver?
Getting to Denver by Plane:
Denver International Airport (DIA) is the third busiest airport in the nation. You can head straight to Concourse A to skip the main terminal security lines.
If you are renting a car take the shuttle to car rental agencies. For downtown Denver opt for the light rail train to Union Station.
Getting to Denver by Train:
Amtrak trains travel between Chicago and Los Angeles to Denver. This Union Station was opened in 1914 and provides food options as well as Crawford Hotel accommodations. Trains travel to Glenwood Springs, Moab, Salt Lake City and Yellowstone National Park.
Getting to Denver by Bus:
Greyhound buses offer affordable routes to Denver from various cities. Buses arrive at Union Station and provides easy access to light rail trains, local hotels and restaurants. Hostel Fish offers budget friendly accommodation downtown though it requires a longer walk from the station.
Also Read: 5 Day In Alexandria Itinerary & Tour
How to Get Around Denver?
Airport Rail: You can take the Airport Rail from Denver International Airport to Union Station downtown for $10.50 each way. It is simple and direct way to reach the city.
Renting a Car: If you are planning a road trip or exploring the mountains, renting a car is a great option. You can rent one at the airport or in the city itself for flexibility.
Exploring Without a Car: Denver is easy to explore without a car especially downtown. Most attractions are within walking distance so you can enjoy exploring on foot without worrying about parking.
Public Transportation: You can use Denver’s light rail and bus services to get around the city. They offer convenient routes and stops to explore different areas.
Ride Sharing Services: Ubers and taxis are readily available in Denver and it provides another simple option for getting around the city hassle free.
Where to Stay in Denver?
- Hostel Fish offers a great atmosphere and a convenient location near popular attractions like the 16th Street Mall, Coors Field & Union Station. It is ideal for budget conscious travelers and includes an on site restaurant, bar and tour desk.
- The Four Seasons Hotel in downtown Denver is renowned for its excellent amenities, including a bar, pool, spa, fitness center & comfortable rooms.
- For a taste of luxury, The Brown Palace Hotel offers accommodations and amenities in downtown Denver. It is situated near major attractions and offers a luxurious treat.
- Union Station is located in the historic Lower Downtown (LoDo) district and serves as a cultural hub surrounded by restaurants, shops and Coors Field. The Maven Hotel stands out as a top choice for accommodation in this vibrant area.
- In the lively River North Art District (RiNo), visitors can immerse themselves in Denver’s creative scene, with trendy galleries, breweries and nightlife. The Ramble or The Source Hotel offers trendy accommodations in this area.
- Upscale Cherry Creek appeals to shopping enthusiasts and luxury travelers, with its large shopping complex & high-end hotels.
- LoHi, is known for its stunning skyline views, trendy restaurants, bars and shops including the iconic Little Man ice cream shop, which makes it a hub for residential living and exploration.
- Uptown, situated near the CBD, offers a budget friendly option with dining and nightlife along 17th Avenue. The Warwick Hotel provides affordable accommodations with central access to Denver’s attractions.
- South Broadway (SoBo) attracts young professionals with its vibrant nightlife, trendy eateries and boutiques which makes it an exciting area for a lively stay outside downtown.
- Washington Park (Wash Park) is a residential area that surrounds the big Washington Park and is great for outdoor activities but may require a car or public transportation for access.
What & Where to Eat in Denver?
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Must-try Recipe |
|---|---|---|
| Frasca Food and Wine | Friulian | Lumache with tomatoes, olives, and herbs |
| Blackbelly | Contemporary American | Housemade charcuterie |
| Woody’s Wings N Things | Southeast Asian | Crispy whole fish with tamarind sauce |
| Tocabe, An American Indian Eatery | Native American | Indian taco with bison |
| The Ginger Pig | Pan-Asian | Sichuan spicy eggplant |
| Bodega | Cafe/Sandwich Shop | Boujee sandwich and mixed fries |
| Kiké’s Red Tacos | Mexican | Birria tacos |
| Safta | Modern Israeli | Wood-fired pita with hummus and salatim |
| Hop Alley | Regional Chinese | Chongqing-style fried chicken with chilies and scallions |
| The Blazing Chicken Shack II | Soul Food | Smothered pork chops and fried catfish |
| Noisette Restaurant & Bakery | French | Steamed ocean trout in beurre blanc with kale & sorrel |
| Spuntino | Italian with Indian | Handmade pasta with sausage, pistachios, and herbs |
| Uchi Denver | Japanese | Hama chili: yellowtail in ponzu with Thai chile & orange |
| Point Easy | Contemporary | Tuna crudo in tomato water with green coriander & Fresno chiles |
| La Diabla Pozole y Mezcal | Mexican | Pozole rojo |
| Ultreia | Spanish and Portuguese | Octopus a la plancha with ancho-butternut nage and romesco brussels sprouts |
| Tavernetta | Italian | Gnocchi with speck, smoked ricotta, and pecans |
| Annette | Contemporary American | Roast chicken with bitter greens, PX sherry vinegar |
| Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar | Seafood | Lobster maltagliati in sage brown butter along with whipped ricotta |
| A5 Steakhouse | Steakhouse | Bacon-and-kimchi fried rice |
| Lucina Eatery & Bar | Pan-Latin | Mofongo with pork belly chicharrón and plantain mash |
| Onefold | Breakfast/Brunch | Breakfast tacos with eggs, mozzarella & hash browns |
| Molotov Kitschen + Cocktails | Eastern European | Veal short-rib piroshki in foie gras veloute |
| Urban Burma | Burmese | Weh da nah with pork, potatoes, and pickled mango |
| sap sua | Vietnamese | Charred cabbage with anchovy breadcrumbs and egg yolk |
| Potager | Contemporary American | Maine halibut with cured asparagus and pea-shoot pistou |
| Fruition Restaurant | Contemporary American | Bison carpaccio with preserved fennel & crispy sunchoke |
| Barolo Grill | Northern Italian | Chilled foie gras terrine with puff pastry and apricot mostarda |
| La Calle Taqueria Y Carnitas | Mexican | Tacos with cueritos (pig skin) and cabeza (beef cheek) |
| African Grill and Bar | African | Egusi with lamb and kenkey (a fermented cornmeal staple) |
| Somebody People | Vegan | Celery salad with dates and smoked almond |
| Tikka & Grill | Indian/Nepalese | Rajma-and-aloo (kidney bean–and–potato) masala |
| Tofu Story | Korean | Soy sauce–marinated crab |
| Golden Falafel Restaurant | Middle Eastern | Falafel and chicken shawarma |
| Hong Kong Station | Cantonese | Brisket chao fan with black bean sauce |
Also Read: 7 Day In Dallas Itinerary & Tour
How to Spend 3 Days in Denver Itinerary?
Day 1
Start your day 1 by going to Rocky Mountain National Park. It is famous for its beautiful scenery with lots of different animals and great roads to drive on. One road called Trail Ridge Road is the highest paved road in the country! It is known for its amazing views of the Rocky Mountains. If you want an amazing experience then try to get to Bear Lake Trailhead early to see the sunrise over the calm water.
Before you leave the park, check out the Denver Art Museum nearby. It has lots of cool stuff from places like Asia and Europe, and even has some really old Chinese pottery. The museum building is also pretty amazing it looks like the mountains around here.
Finish your day by making a reservation at the Four Seasons Hotel Denver. It is right in the middle of the city’s theater area. This fancy hotel has big rooms with nice views, a pool on the roof and a spa where you can relax.
Day 2
Start your day 2 in Denver by visiting the Denver Botanic Gardens. Take a relaxing stroll through the different gardens like the Japanese Gardens and enjoy the beautiful plants and flowers in vibrant colors.
Make sure you check out the cool exhibitions and art displays in the botanical park. Then go downtown to learn about history at the Molly Brown House Museum. Molly Brown lived there and she survived the Titanic. She was also known for helping others.
In afternoon check out Capitol Hill. This area has the Colorado Capitol Building and other cool stuff to see. Take a walk in Civic Center Park, it is really nice with lots of trees, fountains and statues. You can also see the famous Colorado State Capitol Building with its shiny gold roof. Inside you can take a free tour to learn about the history of the Colorado General Assembly.
Finish your day with a visit to a downtown café or restaurant for a tasty lunch. There are lots of choices whether you are in the mood for food from around the world, fancy drinks or local beers. Afterward take a relaxed stroll downtown, enjoying the city lights and sounds at night before heading back to where you are staying.
Day 3
Start your day at the Downtown Aquarium where you can see lots of different sea creatures like seahorses, jellyfish and even sharks. As you explore the exhibits you can also enjoy cool underwater shows. Make sure to wear the right clothes or it might cause issues when you try to get in. There is parking close by and the aquarium is usually open from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm. Tickets cost $18.99 and you will probably stay for about 2 to 3 hours.
After enjoying the aquarium head over to the Denver Zoo for an amazing wildlife adventure. You will get to see over 3,500 animals from all over the globe including some that are rare and endangered. The zoo has different sections like Bear Mountain, Primates and Bird World for you to explore. It is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and tickets cost $9.
Wrap up your day three with a peaceful stay at Clayton Members Club & Hotel. It is conveniently close to the Denver Zoo and provides cozy rooms and great facilities. You can check out nearby spots like the Tam O’Neill Fine Arts Gallery or take a leisurely walk along the Cherry Creek Hike/Bike Path. Parking is right there at the hotel, making your stay in Denver easy and stress free.
Also Read: 5 Days San Diego Itinerary: Sun, Sand, and Skyline
Conclusion
Denver is a fantastic place to visit whether you like city fun or outdoor adventures. In just three days you can explore museums, enjoy delicious food and see amazing natural sights like mountains and parks. With comfy places to stay and easy ways to get around, Denver is perfect for a short trip.
FAQs About Denver Itinerary
Q. What are some fun things to do in Denver?
A. You can explore downtown, visit museums, go hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park and try yummy food from different cultures.
Q. How can I travel around Denver?
A. You can use trains, buses or rent a car for flexibility.
Q. Where should I stay in Denver?
A. There are options for different budgets from budget friendly hostels to luxurious hotels.
Q. When is the best time to go to Denver?
A. Spring and fall are best for nice weather and fewer crowds. Winter is great for skiing and summer is good for outdoor activities but can be busy.
Q. What are some fun places for families in Denver?
A. Families can enjoy places like the Downtown Aquarium, Denver Zoo and museums with interactive exhibits for kids.
