If you’re spending a weekend up in the city of Denver, you might need to make the most of your time. Follow this simple itinerary on how you can take in all of the awesome sights and sounds AND have a mountain of fun in Mile High City. Here’s the ultimate guide to 48 decadent hours in Denver!
DAY 1 in Denver
Start your day off with breakfast at the famous Denver Biscuit Co. Southern-style biscuits loaded with all your meaty, cheesy, satisfying fillings is the best way to start your day.
Image via Flickr CC – Ted Eytan
Take a cab, or do a brisk 30-minute walk (if you’re in the mood), to get to the Denver Museum of Nature & Science – check out some amazing exhibits that are great for both young and old alike.
Take in some silence and serenity in the confines of the lush Denver Botanic Gardens. You can see all kinds of plants and flowers and take a minute to sit down and watch the world float by.
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After your fill of history and science, head on over to Machete Tequila + Tacos, for interesting tacos with exotic fillings like squid ink or hibiscus, and some great tequila to wash it all down with.
We did promise a bit of decadence, didn’t we? Right. Find your way to 200 S. Kalamath Street, where you can engage in the highly rated whiskey tour at the Stranahan Distillery. You’ll taste some unique Colorado whiskey and see their whole process from barrel to bottle.
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You’re probably feeling a bit tipsy already, but we got to keep this party going. For a quirky fix, head over to Fifty-Two 80s, an antique store that specializes in pop culture accessories from the 80s. You’ll feel like you’ve time traveled back to your teenage years … or it could just be all that whiskey!
Head over to Dive-Inn, a dive bar that has a boat in the bar, ping pong, a pool table, and lets you drink with a life jacket on so you can wet your whistle in safety.
I already miss Denver : @badcctakespics
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Have a few slices of really good pizza at Atomic Cowboy – a South Broadway savior for those who stumble home after a pub crawl down the street.
Next stop – the 3 Kings Tavern. Depending on the night you might witness burlesque, live music, or comedy … or just a lot of people in their underwear (some nights you get in free for showing up in just your underwear).
We hope you left with your dignity – and your pants. Better rest up before your second day in Denver!
DAY 2 in Denver
Rise and shine – time for day 2, and you can get started by heading to Sunny’s on W. 44th Ave, where you should grab some coffee, waffles, or their famous Bomber (bacon with cauliflower, onions, cherry peppers topped with cheddar cheese and eggs).
Head down to Larimer Square, which is full of high-end restaurants and boutiques – even if you’re not buying it’s worth the walk through.
Make your way to the Forney Museum of Transportation, which showcases some really well-preserved vintage automobiles, motorcycles, bicycles, and even trains from decades past, with a few oddball vehicles for display as well.
Image via Flickr CC – Emily Mathews
After your visit, rev your engines to The Buckhorn Exchange, a unique eatery that serves up exotic fare that includes rattlesnake, alligator tail, and Rocky Mountain Oysters (yep – bull testicles!). If you’re not the adventurous type don’t worry, they do have a mean buffalo steak and other “normal” menu items. If you think what’s on the plate is weird, check out the interior – it’s full of frontier fervor with mounted animal heads and old weapons. The Buckhorn is also rumored to have served none other than Buffalo Bill himself!
After that unique lunch experience, head on over to the Civic Center Park and the impressive-looking Colorado State Capitol building nearby for a quick pic, or even take a free tour to learn more about the state’s history. If you’re an art lover, then don’t forget to stop by the Denver Art Museum, which is on the way to the Capitol building.
Next walk on over to, to the Molly Brown House Museum, which tells the story of Margaret “Molly” Brown – activist and philanthropist who famously survived the sinking of the Titanic.
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As evening approaches, mosey along to Highland Tap and Burger and enjoy a wide variety of beers on tap, and if you’re feeling a bit peckish their duck fat fries are sure to hit the spot.
It’s time for some dinner (and more drinks – after all, you need to get your quota of decadent), and you can get some grub at Linger, another unique Denver establishment. marketed as an “eatuary” (the place was actually a former mortuary), you’ll find their eclectic menu — with everything from fried chicken bao to masala dhosa and Vietnamese crepes — is to die for.
Close out the night by catching a ride over to Star Bar on Larimer Street, a legendary dive bar that offers up cheap drinks, a jukebox … and a good time to boot.
And there you have it – 48 decadent hours in Mile High City!
Are there any cool Denver spots we may have missed? Let us know in the comments below!
