Set against the inspiring backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, Denver is best known for its outdoor recreation, but it also boasts a rich arts culture and a thriving culinary scene. It’s this dynamic blend of urban energy and natural adventure that draws so many visitors (and new residents) to the Mile High City—and it’s easy to experience this unique vibe yourself with a quick city break. Here’s how to spend 48 hours in Denver.
Stay at this fun Denver hotel
Known for its playfully themed floors and over-the-top suites, The Curtis - a DoubleTree by Hilton offers an upscale stay that balances quality with quirky charm. The immersive pop culture-themed rooms and floors are memorable, ranging from talk show hosts and comic book heroes to video games and disco. Amenities such as the cozy rooftop lounge, the sleek Corner Office Restaurant + Martini Bar, and fitness center further elevate the stay. Opposite the Denver Performing Arts Complex and Colorado Convention Center, The Curtis is central to many of Denver’s most popular attractions.
Try these top Denver bites
After your alarm pops off on day one, head to Snooze, an A.M. Eatery. Order the pineapple upside down pancakes for serious indulgence, or opt for the breakfast burrito, packed with eggs, chorizo, and green chili. Breakfast burritos are big business in Denver, and this is an excellent introduction to its renowned breakfast delicacy.
For a quality afternoon meal with a side of intrigue, try the coyly named Linger. Located in a former mortuary, the restaurant offers an atmosphere as eclectic as its globally inspired street food menu. Choices such as the Korean BBQ short rib tacos come highly recommended. You’ll forget neither the meal nor the ambiance.
Inside Denver’s Union Station, Mercantile serves refined American cuisine in a sophisticated dining room. The chic setting and expertly crafted dishes make this restaurant ideal for celebrating a special evening. Try the Colorado lamb loin skewers with spring vegetables for a local bite, or order the house-made pasta for a more indulgent option.
The Cruise Room, a classic Denver spot known for its Art Deco style and creative cocktails, opened its doors the day after Prohibition was repealed in 1933 and remains a time capsule to that vintage era. It’s the place to be after dinner, with a penchant for crafting old-school cocktails and classic martinis. If you want to pair a nightcap here with a big meal, however, there’s always the hotel’s swanky steakhouse next door, Urban Farmer.
Explore Denver’s top landmarks
Union Station is a historic Denver landmark that has been transformed into a hub of local activity. The beautifully restored train station is filled with restaurants, boutiques, and lively crowds. Grab a coffee at the nearby Denver Milk Market, a vibrant food hall, and enjoy a stroll through this beautifully reimagined transit hub.
From Union Station, make your way to Larimer Square, the city’s oldest block and first designated historic district. Known for its Victorian buildings, unique boutiques, and vibrant nightlife, this charming area is another pleasant place to stroll, shop, and enjoy the local flavor.
If you’re visiting during warmer months, don’t miss the Denver Botanic Gardens, which showcases vast plant collections and themed gardens. But even in cooler weather, the seasonal exhibits make it worth a visit year-round. It’s a peaceful break from the city pace (though Denver isn’t especially hectic) and provides a beautiful setting for a relaxing walk any time.
Denver’s proximity to majestic natural scenery makes quick trips outside the urban center easy. For a taste of the dazzling natural setting that hugs Denver, visit Red Rocks Amphitheatre. This iconic outdoor entertainment venue is set amid stunning natural rock formations—and is only 30 minutes from downtown Denver. Even if you’re not catching a concert, the views and the scenic hike around the area make it worth the trip.
Visit these Denver museums
Denver’s top museum is arguably the Denver Art Museum, a striking architectural landmark in the heart of the Golden Triangle Creative District. Inside, its expansive galleries span genres and media, but the museum is especially renowned for its extensive collection of Native American art, one of the most comprehensive in the country. The contemporary galleries are also impressive, offering thought-provoking works that both inspire and challenge.
Just across town, the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver (MCA Denver) brings a bold, experimental edge to the city’s art scene. Housed in a sleek, minimalist building near Union Station, MCA Denver showcases cutting-edge installations and rotating shows that highlight emerging artists and unconventional perspectives.
For a more niche and offbeat museum experience, try the Forney Museum of Transportation. It celebrates all things transportation with an amusing collection of antique vehicles—from vintage motorcycles and early 20th-century streetcars to an actual circus wagon and Amelia Earhart’s Kissel “Gold Bug” roadster. It’s a nostalgic journey through the evolution of transport.
Whether you’re drawn by Denver’s vibrant urban culture, its rich history, or the breathtaking natural landscapes just beyond the city limits, the Mile High City offers plenty to make a two-day getaway worthwhile.