What to do in Denver in 3 days? Day 1: Downtown Denver—Union Station, Larimer Square, Confluence Park, RiNo Art District. Day 2: Red Rocks Amphitheater (morning), Golden or Lookout Mountain (afternoon). Day 3: Denver Art Museum, South Broadway, Washington Park. This itinerary covers the essentials without exhausting you.
Day 1: Downtown Denver
Morning: Start at Union Station (coffee at Pigtrain), walk to Larimer Square (10 min), explore Dairy Block alley. Lunch at Mercantile (fancy) or Illegal Pete's (casual). Afternoon: Walk to Confluence Park, REI flagship store, then Uber to RiNo Art District for street art and breweries.
Evening: Dinner at Linger in LoHi (rooftop views, reservations needed). After: Williams & Graham speakeasy (behind a bookshelf). Stay downtown Day 1 to adjust to altitude—you're at 5,280 feet.
Day 2: Red Rocks & Mountains
Morning (8am): Drive 25 min to Red Rocks Amphitheater—arrive before crowds. Climb the stairs, do Trading Post Trail if energetic. Stop in Morrison (tiny town at base) for coffee. Lunch at The Fort (buffalo, elk, adobe fort replica) or Ship Rock Grille for normal food.
Afternoon: Golden (15 min from Red Rocks)—free Coors Brewery tour with beer, walk Clear Creek, cute downtown. Or Lookout Mountain for Buffalo Bill's grave and Denver views. Evening: Avanti Food & Beverage (multiple restaurants, rooftop). After: Little Man Ice Cream.
Day 3: Culture & Neighborhoods
Morning: Denver Art Museum (Civic Center area) or Meow Wolf (trippy interactive art, book ahead). Lunch at Sam's No. 3—Denver institution, green chili on everything. Afternoon: South Broadway (vintage shops, local vibes from 1st to Alameda), then Washington Park (lakes, bike rentals, people watching).
Evening: Happy hour at Denver Beer Co. Dinner at Root Down or El Five (both have views). Late night: Nocturne Jazz for music, Larimer Street bars for parties, Union Station hotel bars for chill vibes.
Flexible Swaps
Instead of Art Museum: Meow Wolf (trippy interactive art). Instead of Golden: Georgetown and loop railroad. Instead of South Broadway: Cherry Creek for upscale shopping. Add if time: Botanic Gardens, Capitol tour, brewery tour in RiNo.
Rainy day backup: more museums, Union Station exploring, Tattered Cover bookstore, Meow Wolf. If it snows: same itinerary but slower, everything looks prettier, more indoor bars.
Practical Tips
Altitude: Day 1 stay low and drink water constantly. Day 2 you're adjusting. Day 3 you're fine. Altitude is real—tough people get wrecked by stairs on day one. Must-try foods: green chili, craft beer, bison/elk, Mexican food.
Transportation: Uber is essential (Denver transit isn't great). Rent a car for Day 2 (Red Rocks/Golden). Scooters everywhere downtown. Walking shoes mandatory. Breakfast spots: Snooze (expect wait), Denver Biscuit Company, The Lobby (less crowded).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Denver?
Yes. 3 days covers downtown, Red Rocks, Golden, key neighborhoods, and the best restaurants. You'll see the highlights without rushing. Many visitors say 3 days made them want to come back for longer.
What's the best way to get around Denver?
Uber/Lyft for most trips. Rent a car for Day 2 (Red Rocks, Golden). Downtown is walkable. Scooters available everywhere. Public transit exists but isn't great for tourists.
Do I need to worry about altitude in Denver?
Yes. Denver is at 5,280 feet. Drink lots of water, avoid alcohol the first day, and take it easy on stairs. Most people adjust by Day 2. Red Rocks is higher so morning visits are best.
What should I eat in Denver?
Green chili on anything (it's a Denver thing). Craft beer at any local brewery. Bison or elk at The Fort or a steakhouse. Mexican food is better than expected. Breakfast at Snooze or Denver Biscuit Company.
Is Red Rocks worth visiting without a concert?
Absolutely. The natural amphitheater is stunning. Climb the stairs for exercise, do Trading Post Trail, visit the museum. Morning visits have fewer crowds and better photos. Free to enter when no concerts.
What if it rains or snows during my trip?
Rain: Museums, Union Station, Meow Wolf, Tattered Cover bookstore. Snow: Same itinerary but slower—everything looks prettier. Denver weather changes fast, so wait an hour and it might clear up.