Experience the Mile High City in a whole new way with a weekend getaway in Denver, Colorado. There’s something for everyone with a variety of attractions and activities, from outdoor adventures to cultural experiences. Whether you’re looking for a romantic escape or a family-friendly vacation, Denver has something to offer everyone.
The perfect weekend in Denver, Colorado is a great way to celebrate being vaccinated and re-entering the world. There are so many things to do in Denver. So when I found round trip tickets there from Detroit for under $100 USD ROUND TRIP I booked Logan and me tickets .0001 seconds later. (Umm sweetheart, we’re going to Denver next weekend ok?)
Did I mention the tickets were for Friday to Sunday? Trying to fit in all the best things to do in Denver within just 2 days would be challenging but possible. The perfect weekend in Denver was officially set into motion.
This is your guide to the perfect weekend in Denver, Colorado!
Be sure to check the most up-to-date COVID-19 restrictions before your trip!
How to get to Denver
To get to Denver we flew into (DEN) Denver International Airport early to make the most out of our first day. I spend a lot of my time on Skyscanner. Almost every single day. I’m constantly looking at flights out of Detroit to see what kind of deals there are, which is usually how we end up in the places we do.
Getting Around Denver
My recommendation is to rent a car in Denver if you plan on visiting the surrounding area. We picked up our rental car right at the airport and found parking in the city without difficulty.
Have you heard of Denver’s new eTuks? They are fully electric (zero emissions!), seat up to six people, and are equipped with seat warmers and see-through windscreens for cooler nights. Take an eco-friendly tour to see the city’s highlights, or just enjoy a nice carbon-free ride around the city.
Wondering when the best time to visit Denver is? Let me tell you.
where to stay in Denver
The Crawford Hotel is like no other hotel in Denver. Residing within the historic transportation hub, Denver Union Station, The Crawford provides its guests with the best of Denver all within steps. Each of the hotel floors represents a different era of Denver Union Station’s history. The architecture of Denver’s original train depot has been carefully preserved, resulting in room layouts that are completely unique from one another. Perfect for couples flying in for a weekend getaway to Denver.
The Ramble Hotel is locally owned and operated. It is also the first hotel in Denver’s industrial and artistic RiNo neighborhood. The boutique hotel houses the bar Death & Co; DC/AM, a cafe bar serving breakfast and lunch. Then there is Suite 6a, a reservation-only private bar featuring a cocktail-tasting menu experience – all operated by Death & Co. Additionally, The Ramble Hotel is also home to Vauxhall, an intimate music and theatre venue.
The Rally is located in Five Points, a neighborhood in Denver, and is in the entertainment district near a train station. MODERN COMFORT AND LOCAL SPIRIT IN DENVER’S NEWEST ENTERTAINMENT DESTINATION. This hotel is vibrant, family-friendly, and is in the LoDo neighborhood which puts you right in the center of all the action. Plus it has a pool with an incredible view.
Flora House Denver is a beautiful 1892 Victorian mansion bed and breakfast. There are six luxury rooms each featuring designer details and a focus on the beauty of nature. You’ll find living plants and botanical details all around this sustainable property. Because the owners work each day to make earth-friendly choices in all areas of their businesses and lives.
Visiting the Boulder area? Then Check out these cozy pet-friendly cabins!
Where to Eat in Denver
Food was the only thing on my mind as we arrived in Denver. It was 11 a.m. but we had been up since 5 a.m. EST and this girl hadn’t eaten yet- that made finding food priority #1. I’m more of a brunch person – so we sought out the best brunch spots in Denver and came across these delicious restaurants.
Brunch Spots
Snooze is THE place for brunch in Denver. The restaurant was packed with an hour-long wait for a table (still hungry) so we wandered around Union Station while we waited.
Southern & traditional style breakfast, brunch & lunch. Beignets are a must with your coffee or tea. Grab mimosas at the full bar, and plan your adventure in the insta-worthy kitchen.
As seen on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives on the food network this local cuisine cafe is an American-style menu full of unique biscuit-centered dishes with vegetarian and Vegan options. Denver Biscuit is also connected to Fat Sully’s Pizza in downtown Denver.
Coffee & Pastry desserts in Denver
After what might have been my favorite meal of the trip and some long-overdue caffeine from Pigtrain Coffee we headed out to explore Denver.
The Union Station coffee spot restaurant offers coffee classics, iced coffee drinks, and pastries from local sources as well as alternative beverages such as alcoholic coffee beverages and coffee cocktails, so you can enjoy an Irish coffee, a hot toddy, or add your favorite flavors to your java, while enjoying the smells, and sip coffee in the Great Hall which is in the renovated Union Station, near the Crawford Hotel.
This delectable treat shop speaks for itself. I’ll give you an example –“Popsters” in flavors of strawberry, caramel apple, & raspberry pistachio. Cookies – s’mores, nutty buddies, red raspberry thumbprint, & sprinkle sugar cookies.
You’re Welcome.
Voted Best Bakery in Denver 8/10 years! This award-winning bakery makes specialty cakes, pastries, and tea cookies! Featured on the Food Network, these professional pastry chefs also won the 2016 Minority or Women-Owned Business of the Year!
What about taking a food tour around Denver? Denver’s compact downtown area makes it easy to visit several restaurants in a short amount of time which is perfect for a food tour of the Mile High City.
Evening Restaurants
Root Down’s fresh-from-the-earth approach menu is vegan & vegetarian-friendly and full of seasonal flavor. This local favorite is open for both brunch & dinner! Try their Vdouvan Cauliflower with roasted tomato, almonds, coconut yogurt, dill, dijon & pomegranate molasses. Y-U-M
Restaurant Olivia is a high-class Italian restaurant located in the neighborhood of Wash Park. Splurge on a 5-course meal from chef Ty Leon, beverage guru Austin Carson and hospitality maven Heather Morrison.
“Welcome to Denver’s popular Japanese gastro pub serving global cuisine. The menu is tapas style, serving traditional Japanese plates along with dishes infused with international flavors.” – IZAKAYA DEN
Explore Denver’s Beer Trail
Visit some of the 100 brewpubs, breweries, and taprooms during your weekend in Denver. As always, please drink safely and responsibly with a designated driver. Get a taste of local flavors by exploring the Denver Beer Trail!
What to do in Denver
Denver City Pass
If you’re planning to visit Denver’s iconic sites, I would recommend getting a CityPASS to save you money. The pass gives you entry to your chosen number (3, 4, 5) of attractions throughout Denver.
Attractions Included:
Go Shopping at a Cannabis Dispensary
Cannabis. Weed. Marijuana. Mary J. Reefer. Bud. Flower. Pot. Herb. Grass. Chronic. Whatever you want to call it – visiting a cannabis dispensary is something you should absolutely experience during your weekend in Denver.
We popped into some local dispensaries to do a little taste test and compared Denver to Michigan growers. Cannabis dispensaries can be found all across the city. We found ourselves within walking distance of one in most neighborhoods. Each dispensary in Colorado offers a unique product to customers that can only be found at that specific dispensary, so it’s fun to go into a couple and see their house supply.
When you go into the dispensary, you’ll be asked to show your ID
You must be 21+ to enter. Just like at a bar or a club when you drink. Since we turned 21 a couple of years ago… (ok so it was more than a couple) we just walked into any that looked cool. One was located in this older abandoned building… it was on the top floor of this old creepy spiral carpeted staircase. We contemplated turning back each step up we took, thinking surely we were in the wrong spot (we weren’t). It turned out to be a really cool shop.
FYI – It’s important to speak with your budtender about your history with cannabis and what type of experience you want to have, so they can help you find the right product and dosage that is best suited for you.
Best Local Denver Bars
Reynard Social is on the sixth floor of the Thompson Denver hotel offering some of the best views in the city. The cocktail list here is fun and unique with drinks like the Montoneige, Grey Goose Essences ‘Strawberry & Lemongrass’ Vodka, Lillet (all-ways), Gruner veltliner, and soda. Sip on your drink and take in the views at this hip Denver bar.
The Crypt opened in January, filling the hole in Denver’s vegan bar scene. There’s a moody relaxed vibe, and you can order delicious things like vegan beer cheese soup, $3 beers, plus eggplant Reubens. You won’t find fancy cocktails here, but what you will find is good food and cheap beer.
Bezel is that kind of place you go to when you’re feeling extra. Located off the 16th Street Mall inside the Sheraton Downtown Denver, this Denver bar is not to be missed. I mean, with it’s own specialty ice program- you should know. So pass on ordering a beer or a shot, because you’re about to try a sophisticated cocktail with lavish frozen water.
Instagrammable BEYOND Light Show & Meditation in Denver
Immerse yourself in the rainbow world of BEYOND Lights. This light show in Denver is an hour-long combination of laser lights with accompanying music. The vibrant experience is open 7 days a week and is easy to fit into your weekend itinerary in Denver.
Larimer Square
We ventured over to Larimer Square to explore the local shops and see the famous lights (we went a little too early, they weren’t turned on yet). It was September, just the beginning of the fall season- and the weather that day was perfect, cloudy and 70 degrees. Ideal temperatures for walking around with a delicious cup of coffee.
Denver Milk Market
Denver Milk Market is located in the heart of the Ballpark Neighborhood in Denver. The Milk Market is a combo of take-out and dine-in locally-owned restaurants and bars. Over 16 venues occupy the cornerstone of the historic Dairy Block. Owners strive to draw in travelers, locals, out-of-towners, and fans celebrating a win. We walked around and smelled all the delicious bakeries and restauants, sampling things here and there. There was also a winery, distillery, and brewery inside.
Union Station
Located in an old train station full of cute shops and eateries, Union Station has something for everyone. The Crawford Hotel is conveniently located inside Union Station, putting you right in the middle of all the action and within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and Denver’s local transportation station.
Denver NightLife
54Thirty is downtown Denver’s highest outdoor rooftop setting, perfect for watching sunsets or sitting under the stars around a fire atop Le Méridien Denver Downtown. Where the menu is comprised of globally inspired eats and crafted cocktails.
CoClubs (SOCO Nightlife District) is on Broadway or Lincoln south of Colfax. There are four nightclubs in the area, Club Vinyl, The Church Nightclub, Bar Standard, and Milk. Our award-winning venues have it all: fire pits, rooftop patios with spectacular views, state-of-the-art sound systems, stylish interiors, energizing DJs, live music, and experienced staff to handle all of your event needs.
La Rumba is all about Latin dance. The club is 21 and up, appealing to quite a diverse crowd spanning multiple generations, cultures, and ethnicities. Diverse styles of Latin music are played giving it that Havana feels.
Day Trips From Denver
Enjoy the beauty of a hike in the Rockies, an Instagram photoshoot, ziplining, Pike’s Peak and so much more. Just a short distance outside the city of Denver you can explore the state of Colorado with either half or full-day tours that won’t disappoint!
While we walked around the city, I decided Denver was one of my favorite cities. I loved the vibes, the art pieces (even the restaurant signs were creative and artsy), the cleanliness of the city, and how chill the vibes were. This mountain town is certainly a place I plan to return.
Enjoy your weekend in Denver, and don’t forget to PIN IT for your trip planning!
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Morning: Start your day with a visit to the Denver Art Museum. The museum has a wide range of collections including American Indian art, contemporary art, and photography.