One Day in Denver Itinerary: How to Spend 1 Day in Denver (2023)

Have you been looking for the best one day in Denver itinerary? I’ve got you covered!

Denver is an exciting and vibrant city that offers something for everyone! With so much to see and do, it can be difficult to fit everything into one day. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast looking for outdoor activities or a cultural connoisseur searching for the best art museums, Denver has plenty of activities to fill up your itinerary.

I’ve lived in Denver for three years and know the area well. When talking to travelers who are wondering how to spend just a day in Denver, I always recommend checking out some of the city’s most iconic attractions and also mixing in some more local spots.

No matter what kind of traveler you are, there’s something special waiting in Denver that will make your trip one-of-a-kind. What better way to explore than with an entire day dedicated solely to discovering this amazing city?

Here’s how to spend one day in Denver!

🤩 Would you rather get introduced to Denver with a guide? This Best of Denver tour is a great way to do that!

Eat breakfast at Snooze

Breakfast at Snooze is a must for any traveler in Denver. There’s usually a line out the door, but travelers can do Snooze one better by reserving the morning of online. When you get to the restaurant, you won’t be disappointed.

The eggs benedict is hands down one of the best breakfast dishes I’ve ever had – it’s always cooked perfectly and perfectly melts in your mouth! Try the Bella Bella Benny for a real treat. If you’re visiting Denver, make sure to check out Snooze before you leave – it’ll be well worth your time.

🤩 Want to try something else for breakfast? Click here to learn about the best breakfast in Denver!

Wander around RiNo & see the street art

Denver is the perfect city for those who want to explore while looking for unique and thought-provoking art. In the River North (RiNo) neighborhood, travelers can experience both of these things while strolling through the streets!

After starting the morning off with a hearty breakfast, use that energy to navigate the area’s vibrant street art scene. You can also explore chic boutiques and locally owned stores that will give you a true sense of what RiNo’s personality is all about.

Whether you’re looking for an inspiring mural or a one-of-a-kind souvenir to take home, you’ll find it all in this beautiful part of Denver. This is one of our favorite parts of the city to explore, and you often won’t find as many tourists in this neighborhood.

This is also a great spot to take an Instagram photo in Denver.

🤩 Wanna explore more of RiNo? Check out this beer and graffiti tour!

Have lunch at Denver Public Market

Eating lunch at Denver Public Market after a morning of street art perusing is the perfect next stop for the day. There are plenty of restaurant options, ranging from Mexican to Italian, that will satisfy your taste buds.

If you still have room in your stomach, try out an ice cream flight from High Point Creamery – the perfect way to end your lunch feast in Denver’s bustling market! With all these choices, you’ll be sure to find something that will make your lunchtime worthy of those Instagram stories.

Visit LoDo and walk around downtown

Heading to the historic LoDo district after a delicious lunch is an absolute must. While it can be touristy, the area has enough unique flare and exciting attractions to make it worth exploring.

The Milk Market and Dairy Block are a popular stop, giving visitors a chance to experience some of the best flavors and local stores in the city. Plus, LoDo has plenty of historical sites that visitors can explore and admire.

And if you’re looking for a bit more entertainment, you could always check out Coors Field for a game or take a stroll along 16th Street Mall. It’s easy to have fun in LoDo. We lived in Lodo for a few years and loved the atmosphere here and how walkable the area is.

If you need public transport in this area, just hop on the free 16th Street Mall ride.

Play a round at Urban Putt

After you explore LoDo, pop into Urban Putt!

Urban Putt is the perfect spot for travelers looking to do something unique and indoors. It’s a great place for a fun outing with friends to enjoy amazing food and drinks from their delicious menu.

Plus, at Urban Putt, you can experience two courses, each styled after the city of Denver! So grab some clubs and get ready to have a blast. And don’t forget about happy hour deals – they offer great discounts, and you can bring drinks on the course.

As of July 2023, Urban Putt is temporarily closed for upgrades and will reopen later in the year as Holey Moley.

Have dinner at D’Corozan

Visiting D’Corozan for dinner is a must for travelers on the hunt for authentic Mexican cuisine, so stop there for a nice dinner. It’s one of the more affordable restaurants in Denver, too.

They are known as being the local favorite (we ate here at least every other week while living in LoDo), and it’s not hard to see why with their tasty menu options.

The queso is a must-try when you visit, and all of the locals know that the beef burrito smothered in green chile is something that should not be missed.

However, no matter what you order from the menu, you really won’t be disappointed.

Watch the sunset at Red Rocks

It’s the perfect way to end the day: watching a sunset from the impressive Red Rocks Amphitheater. But before you head out there, make sure to check if there’s a show on!

And if so, why not catch the sunrise instead? You could enjoy an even more spectacular view with fewer people around.

If you have more time, this is also a spectacular place to hike, and there’s a museum where you can learn about some great musicians over the years. It’s free to visit.

Best Time to Visit Denver

Springtime in Denver is the perfect time for travelers who want to explore the great outdoors. The weather is perfect – warm enough during the day for long hikes and cool enough at night to dine at a rooftop restaurant.

Plus, since there are fewer tourists during this season, accommodation prices are usually more affordable than in other months! All of these factors make it the ideal time to plan a trip to Denver and enjoy all that Colorado has to offer.

Where to Stay in Denver

Wondering where to stay in Denver for your day? Here are a few of our top recs, depending on what you’re looking for.

LoDo (Lower Downtown) is the best neighborhood for first-time travelers to Denver who want to be in the center of it all. This historic area is known for its nightlife and art galleries, as well as its proximity to major tourist attractions such as Union Station, Larimer Square, and Coors Field.

The Westin Downtown Denver is a great central option with affordable rates.

RiNo (River North Art District) is great for those who want a good nightlife scene close by. Home to some of Denver’s most vibrant bars and restaurants, RiNo also features street art, creative venues, and an abundance of microbreweries.

The Ramble Hotel is a trendy option with a restaurant in RiNo.

Finally, LoHi (Lower Highlands) has become popular among travelers who want to stay in a quieter neighborhood with great restaurants. This area overlooks downtown Denver and offers views of the Rocky Mountains. LoHi is also home to hip boutiques, coffee shops, outdoor patios, and unique local stores.

Kasa Comma LoHi is an excellent option near many great restaurants.

Getting Around Denver

Denver is a great city to explore, and there are many ways to get around. For visitors just in town for a short stay, the best option is to rent a car from one of the many rental companies in Denver – there are some right at the airport.

However, if you’re staying downtown and don’t plan on leaving the area much, you can get around on foot or with Lyft scooters. If you don’t mind waiting for public transport, you can take advantage of the city’s bus system as well.

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