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Denver is home to amazing restaurants, chic independent boutiques, vibrant nightlife, and world-renowned museums. The distinctive character and wild west attitude are what endears us all to the Mile High City. You will fall in love with the history, culture, and natural beauty that has made Denver one of the fastest-growing cities in America. Are you ready to explore this urban playground at 5,280 feet? Let’s get started.
My favorite way to start any trip is by taking a walking tour. You can get familiar with the city and learn tips for how to get around. Also, local guides always know the best spots to eat, drink, and hang out. The tours are full of interesting facts that you likely will not learn on your own. You will learn about the city, its history, architecture, culture, and so much more. If you're traveling solo, group tours are a great way to meet other people. Check out Denver Walking Tours for a variety of unique tours including free walking tours, spooky ghost tours, and art tours. The free walking tour of Denver is a great introduction to the Mile Hile City and its landmarks. It provides a nice overview of Denver to help get acquainted with the city. The tour meets at 10:00 am on the front steps of the Colorado State Capitol. From May 1st - October 31st, the tour is offered 7 days a week. From November 1st - April 30th, the tour is only on Saturdays and Sundays.
Larimer Square is the oldest commercial block in Denver and features beautiful 19-century buildings. It was originally a pioneer camp during the Gold Rush and this historic neighborhood remains the heart and soul of the Mile High City. Stroll around the block and you will find hip independent shops, restaurants from famous chefs, and great entertainment options.
The Denver Art Museum was originally founded in 1893 as the Denver Artists’ Club. Today, the museum is situated in downtown Denver and has over 70,000 works of art. The American Indian art collection represents works of nearly every tribe across North America. In addition to the world-renowned art housed in the museum, the building itself is also a work of art. It was designed by Italian modernist architect Gio Ponti, alongside other local architects in Denver. The Hamilton Building expansion on the museum has won multiple industry awards for its design.
Photo Credit: Delicious Denver Food Tours
The local restaurants and delicious food of Denver are something you must experience. A walking tour is the best way to get immersed in the culture. Delicious Denver Food Tours is locally (and female) owned and consistently ranks as the best food tour in Denver.
The Red Rocks Amphitheatre is one of the most unique venues in the world because it took over 200 million years to form. The stage is set between two massive sandstone formations, which makes for a beautiful setting and incredible acoustics. Performances have been held at Red Rocks for more than 100 years. Popular bands have played here such as The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, The Grateful Dead, U2, and many more.
A few years ago this historic train station was redeveloped into a luxury hotel with several boutique shops, restaurants, and bars. It is also still a fully functioning transport hub, with commuter and Amtrack trains leaving from here. The comfortable couches and relaxed atmosphere has given rise to its nickname as “Denver’s Living Room.”
The Colorado State Capital was built in the 1890s and stands at exactly one mile above sea level. Climb the 99 steps to reach Mr. Brown’s Attic to enjoy 360-degree panoramic views of downtown and the Rocky Mountains. Free public tours of the capitol building are offered Monday through Friday, on the hour from 10am – 3pm. You can do a self-guided tour through the building but you will not be able to visit the dome. It’s recommended to book in advance as tour space is very limited.
Washington Park is located in the center of Denver and is a favorite hang-out spot for local Denverites. The immense park stretches for over 165 acres and includes miles of walking paths, beautiful gardens, and two massive lakes. You can enjoy a picnic on the lush green, play a game of tennis at one of the park’s eight tennis courts, rent a boat at the lake, or take a fitness class at the Recreation Center.
Cheer on Denver at a professional sports game! Denver is only one of two cities in the US where there are professional teams for the four major sports – football, baseball, basketball, and hockey. No matter which game you attend, the atmosphere is sure to be energetic and lively. Order tickets online in advance because the games are very popular.
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We are Jacob and Taylor. Travel is our passion and we love sharing our experiences here at The Travelling Souk. Our hope is that you would be inspired by this little blog to try something new, embrace an adventure, and live life to the fullest.