Things to see in Denver

Tourist offices

VISIT DENVER, Visitor Information Center

Address: 1575 California Street, Denver, United States
Tel: +1 800 233 6837 or +1 303 892 1505
www.denver.org

There are visitor information centres at Denver International Airport (tel: 303 317 0629), and in the Colorado Convention Centre (tel: 303 228 8000).


Denver Art Museum

More than 70,000 works of art are housed in the two magnificent buildings that make up the Denver Art Museum in the heart of downtown Denver. The main building was designed by I M Pei, architect of the Louvre pyramid in Paris, while the huge expanse of the Hamilton building was designed by Daniel Libeskind. The museum contains collections of American, European and Asian art, but the undoubted highlight is the fabulous collection of Native American art.

Opening Times: Tues-Thurs and Sat-Sun 1000-1700, Fri 1000-2000.
Admission Fees: Yes for those age 19+ (but free for all on first Saturday of the month)
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
Address: 100 West 14th Avenue Parkway, Denver, 80204, United States
Telephone: +1 720 865 5000.
Larimer Square

A visit to Larimer Square, Denver’s oldest and most historic block, will you give a good deal of insight into the city’s history. Originally set up in 1858 to accommodate the gold rush, it has grown to be Denver's cultural hub. A major conservation project in the 1970s has preserved many of the original features, and horse-drawn carriages compete with yellow cabs for street space. The block is now lined with bars, restaurants, and shops. It also plays host to a number of annual events, including the Oktoberfest beer festival and the Denver Chalk Art Festival.

Admission Fees: No
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
Address: Larimer Square, Denver, 80202, United States
Telephone: +1 303 534 2367.
Coors Field

Denver is a sports fanatic's heaven. Visitors can choose from American football with the Denver Broncos, ice hockey with the Colorado Avalanche, basketball with the Denver Nuggets and, most importantly, baseball at Coors Field with the Colorado Rockies. Opened in 1995 and costing a cool US$215 million to build, Coors Field is a great place to experience the weird and wonderful world of American sports. With tickets starting at US$4 and regular games from February to September, an afternoon of football is always an option.

Admission Fees: Yes
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
Address: 2001 Blake Street, Denver, 80205, United States
Telephone: +1 303 292 0200.
Denver Museum of Nature and Science

The Denver Museum of Nature and Science is a great space in which to explore the earth and the creatures that live on it. The museum takes visitors on a journey from the age of the dinosaurs to the modern day. Attractions include an interactive investigation of the human body, a journey into the land of the dinosaurs, an IMAX theatre and a digital planetarium complete with simulated space journeys.

Opening Times: Daily 0900-1700.
Admission Fees: Yes
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
Address: 2001 Colorado Boulevard, Denver, 80205, United States
Telephone: +1 303 370 6000.
Denver Zoo

It’s no wonder the Denver Zoo is one of the most popular zoos in America. There are 4000 different animals representing over 600 different species on well-maintained, easily navigated grounds. The naturalistic habits also add to the experience. Be sure not to miss Predator Ridge, Tropical Discovery, or Primate Panorama.

Opening Times: Daily 0900-1700 (Mar-Oct); daily 1000-1600 (Nov-Feb).
Admission Fees: Yes.
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
Address: 2300 Steele Street, Denver, 80205, United States
Telephone: +1 720 337 1400
Denver’s breweries

Every October, nearly 50,000 beer lovers congregate in Denver for the Great American Beer Festival to get merry on Denver's best brews. The most popular is the Coors Brewery, located in Golden, which is the largest single brewery in the world. Guided 30-minute tours are available, following the entire brewing process, from roasting barley to bottling. There are free beer samples for those over the age of 21 years old. The microbreweries and brewpubs serve and brew in-house distinctive beer that won’t be found elsewhere. Denver’s best brewpubs are all within walking distance of each other in LoDo. Each brewpub offers tours and tiny samples of their ales, porters, stouts and lagers. The best include Wynkoop Brewing Company, Rock Bottom Brewery and Breckenridge Brewery.

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
Butterfly Pavilion

Imagine being surrounded by 1,600 free-flying tropical butterflies. This is possible at the Butterfly Pavilion. It’s a place where anyone can learn about science education and experience interactive fun in five different exhibit areas with daily educational programs and outdoor exploration. Make sure you learn how you can attract butterflies to your own yard.

Opening Times: Daily 0900-1700.
Admission Fees: Yes
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
Address: 6252 West 104th Avenue, Westminster, Denver, 80020, United States
Telephone: +1 303 993 0051
Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park

Colorado’s largest amusement park is conveniently located right on the outskirts of downtown Denver. There are a number of thrill rides that’ll get your stomach turning, as well as family rides and kids’ rides that don’t involve as much screaming. If it’s a hot day, head to the water park and jump in the Commotion Ocean, a giant wave pool ideal for relaxing or body surfing.

Opening Times: Hours vary throughout the year; see website for details.
Admission Fees: Yes
Disabled Access: No
UNESCO: No
Address: 2000 Elitch Circle, Denver, 80204, United States
Telephone: +1 303 595 4386.
Molly Brown House Museum

The spacious, three-storey Molly Brown House is a fascinating museum dedicated to the memory of socialite Margaret ‘Molly' Brown. As a member of Victorian Denver's upper-class, Molly Brown was well-known for her incredibly outgoing nature, and this mansion's opulence reflects her personality. As an aside, Molly Brown survived the sinking of the Titanic, and the museum includes a collection of memorabilia from the famous ship. Come at Christmas to see the house decked out in the colours of Molly's legendary Christmas parties.

Opening Times: Tours run Tues-Sat 0930-1530, Sun 1000-1530 (Jun-Aug); Mon-Sat 1000-1530, Sun 1200-1530 (Sep-May).
Admission Fees: Yes
Disabled Access: No
UNESCO: No
Address: 1340 Pennsylvania Street (two blocks south of Colfax Avenue), Denver, 80203, United States
Telephone: +1 303 832 4092.
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre

Just 24km (15 miles) west of Denver, nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountain range, lies the imposing Red Rocks Park. Huge sandstone ridges create a natural amphitheatre, which houses magical musical performances. Concerts are scheduled regularly throughout the summer, and there is a weekly ‘Film on the Rocks’, with a different film shown every week. For those more interested in the natural beauty of the area, there are several trail walks with the chance to see wildlife like raccoons, deer and the occasional rattlesnake.

Opening Times: Visitor Center hours: Daily 0700-1900 (April-October); daily 0800-1600 (Nov-March).
Admission Fees: No (except for performances)
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
Address: 18300 West Alameda Parkway, Morrison, 80465, United States
Telephone: +1 720 865 2494.
Visa and passport information is updated regularly and is correct at the time of publishing. You should verify critical travel information independently with the relevant embassy before you travel.