A Walk Through Denver’s Historic Neighborhoods: Complete Weekend Itinerary
Denver is a historic city with plenty of character.
From its early beginnings as a gold mining town to its more recent reputation as a hub for the arts and culture, Denver has something for everyone.
If you’re looking to explore the city’s history and get a taste of its unique flavors, spend a weekend walking through Denver’s historic neighborhoods.
In this guide, we’ll dive into the best eateries, attractions, and activities Denver has to offer, as well as some unique experiences you won’t want to miss.
Before You Visit
Denver is a vibrant city with plenty to see and do. To make the most of your trip, it’s important to do a little bit of planning before you go. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Denver is a large city, so you’ll want to make sure you have plenty of time to explore. A weekend is the perfect amount of time to get a taste of what the city has to offer.
- Book a local airport transfer service in advance to make getting around town a breeze.
- Denver is home to many cultures and communities. Be respectful of the city’s diversity and take time to learn about its history before you visit.
- If you’re flying into Denver, you’ll want to book your plane tickets in advance. Denver International Airport is a busy airport, so you’ll want to make sure you have plenty of time to get through security and to your gate.
- Denver is a busy city, so it’s important to book your hotel room in advance. The city has many neighborhoods, each with its own unique flavor. Be sure to research the different areas of the city to find the perfect place to stay.
- Denver can be a bit pricey, so it’s significant to budget accordingly. Many of the city’s best attractions are free or relatively inexpensive, but you’ll want to make sure you have enough money for meals and souvenirs.
- Denver is located in the Rocky Mountains, so the weather can be unpredictable. Be sure to pack plenty of layers, so you’re prepared for any weather.
- Make a list of the places you want to see and the activities you want to do. Denver is a large city, so it’s essential to plan your time accordingly.
- Leave room for the surprise! Denver is full of hidden gems, so don’t be afraid to explore and see what the city has to offer.
Where to Stay
Denver has a variety of accommodations to suit any budget. If you’re looking for a luxurious experience, the Brown Palace Hotel and Spa is a Denver landmark offering upscale rooms and amenities. For a more mid-range option, try the Curio Collection by Hilton Denver Downtown.
This hotel is centrally located and offers beautiful views of the city. If you’re on a tight budget, Denver hostels are a great option. These hostels offer clean and comfortable rooms at an affordable price. For outdoor enthusiasts, Denver also has a number of camping options.
Check hotels at the best prices on Booking.com (I always use it myself)
Where to Eat
Denver is home to a variety of culinary delights. If you’re looking for a quick bite, stop by one of the city’s many food trucks. For a sit-down meal, Denver has plenty of great restaurants to choose from.
If you’re in the mood for Mexican food, be sure to try Denver’s famous street tacos. For a taste of the city’s Western heritage, try one of Denver’s many steakhouses.
Some of our favorites are The Denver ChopHouse & Brewery, The Buckhorn Exchange, and Guard and Grace. Denver is also home to a number of vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants. If you’re looking for a quick and healthy meal, stop by one of Denver’s many Juice Bars or smoothie shops.
Unique Experiences
Denver is a city full of unique experiences. If you’re looking for something truly memorable, take a ride on the Denver Mint Tour. This tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at how coins are made. For a taste of Denver’s outdoor culture, try your hand at fly-fishing. Denver is located near some of the best trout fishing in the country.
If you’re looking for a more adrenaline-pumping experience, Denver is also home to several great hiking trails.
If you are traveling with children, Denver also has a number of great family-friendly attractions, including the Denver Zoo and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.
Historical Attractions
Denver is rich in history, and there are plenty of great attractions to explore. For a taste of the city’s gold mining past, take a tour of the Denver Mint.
This tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at how coins are made. For a look at Denver’s more recent history, visit the Denver Art Museum. This museum is home to a collection of Native American art.
If you’re interested in Denver’s architecture, take a walking tour of the historic Larimer Square. This square is home to some of Denver’s most iconic buildings.
Planning on going to SanFran? Check this weekend itinerary
Outdoor activities
Denver is a great place to be outdoors, with its many parks and trails, as well as its proximity to the Rocky Mountains. There are plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and camping in Denver.
Some of the most popular trails include the Denver Botanic Gardens, Cheesman Park, and City Park.
Denver is also home to several great golf courses, including the Denver Country Club and Cherry Hills Country Club.
Shopping
Denver is a great place to shop, with its many unique boutiques and stores. For a taste of Denver’s local flavor, visit the Denver Artisan Market.
This market features a variety of locally made products, including food, art, and jewelry. Denver is also home to several great malls, including Cherry Creek Shopping Center and Denver Pavilions.
To help you make the most of your weekend getaway, here is an example of a three-day itinerary for Denver:
Day 1: Denver’s Historic Center
Start your journey in Denver’s historic center, Larimer Square. This is the city’s original main street and is home to some of Denver’s most iconic buildings, including the Brown Palace Hotel and the Denver Union Station. Stroll down the street and pop into some of the shops and restaurants. Make sure to try a Denver classic, the green chili.
Next, head to the Capitol Hill neighborhood. This is Denver’s oldest residential neighborhood and is home to some of the city’s most important historic landmarks, including the State Capitol Building and the Denver Mint.
Walk along tree-lined streets and admire the beautiful Victorian homes. Be sure to visit the Denver Botanic Gardens, a beautiful garden with more than 23,000 plants from around the world.
Points on the Way:
- Larimer Square – Denver’s original main street
- Brown Palace Hotel – Denver’s iconic hotel
- Denver Union Station – Denver’s historic train station
- Capitol Hill neighborhood – Denver’s oldest residential neighborhood
- State Capitol Building – Denver’s state capitol building
- Denver Mint – Denver’s historic mint
- Denver Botanic Gardens – A serene and breathtaking garden with over 23,000 individual plants
Colorado is a famous weed destination
Day 2: Denver’s Riverfront Neighborhoods
Start your day in Denver’s RiNo (River North) Art District. This neighborhood is home to some of the city’s best art galleries, studios, and museums. Walk around and admire the street art, then pop into some of the galleries.
If you’re feeling hungry, RiNo is also Denver’s culinary hot spot, with plenty of great restaurants to choose from. The most appreciated eateries in the area are Denver Biscuit Company, Linger Denver, and Work & Class.
After exploring RiNo, head to Denver’s Lower Downtown (LoDo) neighborhood. This is Denver’s oldest neighborhood and is home to Denver’s Union Station. This area has been revitalized in recent years and is now home to Denver’s best nightlife, restaurants, and shops. Walk along the cobblestone streets and enjoy the views of Denver’s skyline.
Points on the Way:
- Denver Union Station – Denver’s historic train station
- LoDo (Lower Downtown) – Denver’s oldest neighborhood
- Coors Field – Denver’s baseball stadium
- 16th Street Mall – Denver’s pedestrian mall
- Denver Pavilions – A Denver landmark and shopping center
Day 3: Denver’s Mountain Neighborhoods
No trip to Denver would be complete without spending a day in the mountains. Denver is home to some of the best skiing and hiking in the country. Start your day by taking a scenic drive up Lookout Mountain.
This mountain has stunning views of Denver and the surrounding area. Once you’re at the top, take a hike on one of the many trails or go for a scenic drive.
After spending some time in the mountains, head back into Denver and explore the Highlands neighborhood. This is Denver’s newest neighborhood and is home to some of the best views of the city.
Walk along the streets and admire the views, then pop into some of the shops and restaurants. Be sure to try a Denver beer. The city is home to many great breweries, among which are Denver Beer Co, Great Divide Brewing Company, and Wynkoop Brewing Company.
Points on the Way:
- Lookout Mountain – A Denver mountain with stunning views
- Denver Beer Co – A local Denver brewery
- Great Divide Brewing Company – A Denver brewery known for its unique beers
- Wynkoop Brewing Company – Denver’s first craft brewery
- Denver skyline – The best views of Denver’s skyline
- Highlands neighborhood – Denver’s newest neighborhood
Denver is a city full of history, culture, and outdoor adventure. With so much to see and do, it’s the perfect place to spend a weekend. This Denver old town guide will help you make the most of your time in the city. Remember to take your camera with you and have lots of fun!
Check out my guide to Nantucket
