Denver in 3 Days: a guidebook for getting the most out of your visit

Denver is the capital of Colorado, one of the most popular cities in the American West and an ideal destination to use as a base for exploring the region's natural wonders. Three days might not seem like enough time to get to know this destination, but with the right itinerary and a packed itinerary, you'll be able to discover its main attractions.

Some of the best things to do in Denver in 3 days include touring the historic city centre and some of the most famous urban green spaces, seeing the Rocky Mountains around the city, exploring the city's artistic side in street murals and visiting Red Rocks to discover one of the world's most beautiful amphitheatres.

For the first day of the itinerary I propose a tour of Denver's traditional circuit, which includes some of the most visited green spaces as well as the city's murals, which highlight the artistic side of Colorado's capital as an open-air museum.

Visit the Botanical Gardens

Denver's surrounding area has some of the region's most outstanding natural wonders, but you don't have to go that far to discover one of the destination's best green spaces. From rose gardens to alpine trails, the Botanic Gardens offer a green oasis where you can immerse yourself in themed trails and admire the diversity of local and international flora .

The Denver Botanic Gardens are not only a visual feast, but also an educational haven and a relaxing space to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. That's why hiking the trails is one of the best things to do with kids in Denver.

No matter what time of year you plan to visit the city, the Botanic Gardens offer a unique perspective on this destination. From the snowy trails of winter in Denver to the flowering gardens of spring in Colorado, any season is perfect.

• How to get there: The site can be reached from anywhere in the city on the 1, 10, 15L and 24 bus lines and the E and W light rail lines.

See the Molly Brown House Museum

The next stop on the first day's itinerary is the Molly Brown House Museum, a historic retreat that offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the fascinating life of Margaret Brown, an iconic 20th century figure known as the Unsinkable Molly Brown after she survived the sinking of the Titanic in 1912.

Molly was a social activist, philanthropist and actress. Her house, built in 1889, is an elegant example of the Victorian architecture that distinguished this destination in the late 19th century. Now a museum dedicated to preserving her legacy, it is the focus of some of Denver's best guided tours.

In this museum you can tour the ornate rooms and exhibits that showcase Molly's career as a civil and social rights advocate. You'll also learn about her personal history, as she was an important figure in the city during her time and a trailblazer for women's representation on the political ticket.

• How to get there: The Molly Brown House Museum is a 15-minute ride from the Botanical Gardens on the 6, 10 and 15 bus.

Lunch at Union Station

Union Station is much more than just a train station. Built in 1881, the station has been restored and revitalised into a vibrant destination that combines historic architecture with modern amenities. Today, it's also home to one of the city's best dining circuits.

In the heart of Union Station you can visit a variety of restaurants, stalls and cafes offering everything from fast food options to gourmet preparations, making it the ideal place to grab lunch before continuing your tour. Local specialties not to be missed include the region' s signature grilled beef sandwiches or dishes that incorporate the culinary heritage of the American Southwest.

Union Station is also one of the most popular places to visit on Denver food tours.

• How to get there: From the Molly Brown House Museum you can get there on the 10, 15 and 15L buses for a 20-minute ride.

Tour the RiNo murals

Exploring the RiNo murals is one of the best things you can do in Denver to discover the city's artistic skyline. This district has blossomed into a vibrant and eclectic neighbourhood, and its streets are adorned with murals that stand out for their colour and originality. This unique experience is a celebration of the destination's cultural diversity, and the neighbourhood's open-air gallery is often featured on Denver's best tours.

RiNo's murals are not only works of street art, but also visual testimonials that tell community stories and explore social issues. From murals depicting the city's rich heritage to contemporary artistic expressions that defy convention, each work invites viewers to reflect and appreciate the diversity of voices that converge in this artistic enclave.

• How to get there: From Union Station you can reach RiNo on the 10, 19, 44 and 48 buses or the A line light rail.

Discover Denver's breweries

To round off the first day's tour, discover the local brewery scene, which boasts more than 70 breweries in the metro area, making Denver the Napa Valley of beer. That's why a visit to these places will not only allow you to taste the drink, but also to discover one of the great traditions of this area.

A must for beer enthusiasts is the Great Divide Brewing Company, a flagship brewery that has contributed significantly to Denver's beer scene since its founding in 1994. With a wide variety of styles, ranging from beers on tap to innovative canned options, Great Divide offers visitors a tour of local excellence.

For those looking for a more immersive experience, the Denver Beer Trail offers an itinerary through a variety of breweries, from small and cozy to large and nationally recognised. This self-guided tour allows visitors to explore different areas of the city and discover the diversity of styles and flavours Denver has to offer.

If you're looking for a guided tour, you can opt for a tour of RiNo or LoDo to experience the beer scene with an expert local guide.

• How to get there: Great Divide Brewing Company is a 10-minute walk from the Mural District or a 5-minute ride on the 48 bus.

After getting to know the traditional Denver circuit on the first day, for the second day I suggest an itinerary through Rocky Mountain National Park and the city's pubs, allowing you to get to know one of Colorado's most outstanding natural wonders and end the day sampling some of this destination's best brews.

Visit Rocky Mountain National Park

Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park is an experience that will transport you to a landscape of peaks, serene valleys and a rich diversity of wildlife. This national park, located approximately two hours' drive from Denver, is a vast natural sanctuary that is home to a spectacular mountain range and an abundance of flora and fauna.

With an extensive network of trails, the park offers opportunities for hiking, camping and breathtaking panoramic views, whether you plan to visit Denver in winter or summer.

One of the park's highlights is the Trail Ridge Road, a scenic road that winds through the mountains, reaching heights of more than 3,700 metres. This scenic drive will give you the opportunity to admire changing landscapes, ranging from alpine meadows to snow-capped peaks.

This park is one of the most visited sites in the region and can be reached by train, bus, rental car, taxi or on Denver's best tours, which last approximately 8 hours and allow you to participate in organised experiences, so you don't have to worry about logistics and transportation.

Hit the town's pubs

After visiting the Rocky Mountains on a full day tour, I suggest you relax your legs in some of the city's best pubs, usually located in the RiNo area, where you can explore bars offering everything from beers to modern signature drinks.

You can also join a haunted pub crawl, which is one of Denver's most popular activities. This is a fascinating experience that combines the history of the city with the mysterious legends of the streets. One of the highlights of these tours is the Cruise Room, located in the historic Oxford Hotel, which is known for its paranormal activity.

The Wynkoop Brewing Company, founded in 1988 in a historic building, is also a traditional destination for these experiences.

• How to get there: RiNo can be reached from anywhere in the city on the 10, 19, 44 and 48 buses or the A line light rail.

The third and final day in Denver still has some surprises in store. See one of the world's most famous amphitheatres, tour an aquarium that perfectly recreates the natural marine habitat and say goodbye to the city at Larimer Square, Denver's ground zero.

Visit Red Rocks Park

Booking a trip to Red Rocks Park allows you to take in the natural beauty that surrounds Denver and tour one of the world's most famous amphitheatres. Located about 30 minutes' drive from the city centre, the park's sandstone rock formations create a unique natural backdrop. During your visit, you can also explore the trails and take in the surrounding scenery.

Red Rocks Amphitheatre is famous for its unparalleled acoustics and natural setting. It has been the venue for countless performances by iconic artists in a variety of musical genres. Even if there isn't a concert scheduled, you can enjoy the experience of walking the bleachers and touring the stage.

The trails at Red Rocks Park also offer panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains and the city. You can get here by rental car, long-distance bus or on one of the tours from Denver.

Tour the Downtown Aquarium

After a 4-5 hour tour of Red Rocks Park , you can visit the Downtown Aquarium, which allows you to immerse yourself in a fascinating underwater world that captivates visitors of all ages. This aquarium offers an interactive experience that highlights the diversity of marine life. From tropical fish to sharks and manta rays, you'll be able to discover everything from tropical fish to sharks and manta rays in the aquarium's tanks.

As you explore the aquarium, you'll have the opportunity to discover authentically recreated marine habitats, including coral reefs and freshwater ecosystems. Highlights include the underwater tunnel, which allows you to walk through the ponds in an immersive experience.

The Centre's Aquarium not only offers the opportunity to observe marine life, but also to participate in interactive experiences. From touching starfish to attending educational talks on marine conservation, this site seeks to inspire environmental awareness.

• How to get there: The Downtown Aquarium can be reached on bus lines 28, 44 and 48 and on the A line of the light rail.

Say goodbye to the city at Larimer Square

Saying goodbye to the city at Larimer Square is an experience that fuses historic charm with Denver's vibrant modernity. This quaint and characterful spot is considered one of the most traditional places in the city and is located in the heart of Old Town. Stroll through Larimer Square and you 'll find yourself surrounded by the Victorian architecture and cobblestone streets that distinguish this destination's skyline.

Larimer Square is also known for its lively dining and entertainment scene. With bars and restaurants offering everything from local and international cuisine to gourmet alternatives, a visit here is one of the best things to do at night in Denver.

• How to get there: Larimer Square is a 20-minute ride from the Downtown Aquarium on the 28 and 44 bus.