How to Spend 2 Days in Denver, CO for First-Time Visitors

If you’re planning to spend 2 days in Denver, you’re in for an unforgettable trip. Whether it’s your first time in the Mile High City or you’ve visited before, two days is just enough time to hit all the highlights—from iconic landmarks to top-rated eats.

One of my best friends moved to Denver in 2021, and now that it’s 2025, I figured it was high time to go visit him! Technically, this wasn’t my first trip to Denver—I had visited during the pandemic—but this would be my longest and most memorable visit yet.

Even though we stayed for closer to three days, one of those was spent horizontal on the couch binge-watching both Wonder Woman movies and trying to recover from the most aggressive bottomless mimosa drag brunch I’ve ever experienced.

So, for anyone not spending 24 hours nursing a hangover, this itinerary works way better as a guide for 2 days in Denver 😂

During my stay, we hit all the must-dos for first-timers—ate at the hottest restaurants, checked off the most touristy photo ops, and even spent an afternoon getting way too tipsy on a Denver beer tour (Rocky Mountain oyster beer, anyone?).

This guide is exactly what I’d recommend to any friend planning their first Denver getaway. Ready? Let’s go!

2 Days in Denver on the Map

Day 1: Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Central Market & Craft Beer Tour

Your first day in Denver is packed with the best this city has to offer.

From catching the views at Red Rocks Amphitheatre to sampling local bites at the Denver Central Market to downing local microbrews on a craft beer tour, it’s the perfect mix of outdoorsy and foodie (which is probably exactly how I would describe my travel style 🤔).

Let’s kick off your 2 days in Denver with a bang!

Grab Breakfast at Rosenberg’s Bagels and Delicatessen

I’ve never waited in line longer for a bagel in my life—and I used to live in Manhattan—but Rosenberg’s Bagels was absolutely worth the wait.

I visited during my first trip to Denver back in 2020, and it immediately became one of my favorite breakfast spots in the city.

A true staple of the Denver food scene, Rosenberg’s is the place to go when you’re a little hungover and need something greasy and delicious to bring you back to life. I ordered the breakfast bagel with bacon, cream cheese, fluffy scrambled eggs, and cheddar on an everything bagel, and I’m not exaggerating when I say it was life-changing.

It’s a great spot to grab a quick bite and fuel up before diving into your first full day in Denver.

Take a Quick Lap around the Denver Central Market

I’ve been to the Denver Central Market on both of my trips to the city. The first time, we mostly just wandered around and admired the space without grabbing anything.

The second time, we came a little more prepared—more specifically, we were a lot hungrier.

Denver’s Central Market is a treasure in the RiNo District, with 11 different vendors offering everything from fresh oysters to wood-fired pizza. We grabbed lattes from Crema Bodega (delicious, but at $7.70, not exactly Midwest-priced), and then stopped at Tammen’s Fish Market.

I went for a few oysters and my friend grabbed a tuna hand roll that looked pretty damn good.

Even if you’re not super hungry, it’s a fun place to wander through—especially if it’s raining or a little chilly. There’s plenty of outdoor seating, so it’s also a great spot for a casual bite or a quick midday coffee break on a sunny day.

Enjoy the Street Art in the Rino District

Along with its killer brewery scene, Denver is also known for its bold, colorful street art scene—especially in the RiNo District. If you’ve ever traveled to Toronto, it reminds me a bit of Graffiti Alley!

If you’re spending 2 days in Denver, you’ll want to carve out time to wander these blocks. Nearly every corner is covered in massive murals, pop-art characters, and vibrant abstract pieces.

After grabbing your coffee or a snack at the Central Market, take a stroll through the neighborhood. You don’t need a plan—just walk, snap a few photos, and take it all in.

The art changes often, so even if you’ve been there before, there’s always something new to discover.

RiNo is also a fantastic place for a quick photo shoot! 📸 The bright colors make every backdrop pop, especially on a sunny day.

If you’re looking to give your photos that perfect finishing touch, check out my Lightroom presets. I use them to edit all my travel photos, and they’re especially dreamy on mural shots like the one above.

Admire the Views from Red Rocks Amphitheatre

If you’re looking for a fun and totally free activity during your 2 days in Denver itinerary, don’t miss Red Rocks Amphitheatre.

We visited on my first trip to Denver, and even though it’s just a quick drive from the city, it feels like you’re in the middle of nowhere—surrounded by massive red and purple rock formations that are straight out of a movie.

The amphitheatre itself is carved right into the landscape, and the panoramic views of Denver off in the distance are stunning. If you’re planning to go, definitely check the concert schedule first—they often close the amphitheatre to tourists a few hours before a show.

Whether you catch a concert or just stop by to admire the views, Red Rocks is easily one of the most iconic spots in Colorado.

Grab Lunch at Temaki Den

I’m a sushi lover through and through—it doesn’t matter what city I’m in, I’m always hunting down the best local spot.

Before my weekend in Denver, I did a little research on the top sushi restaurants in the city. A few names popped up, but I was most drawn to Temaki Den, so that’s where we ended up for lunch on our first day.

They had a great lunch special where we were able to get a three-roll set for just $15. Of course, we couldn’t resist ordering a few extras because everything looked so good.

It was honestly the best sushi I’ve had with the exception of Sendo in New York—and that’s a huge compliment (cause I’ve had a lot of sushi).

The vibes were great, the service was quick, and everything we tried was fresh and flavorful. If you’re even slightly into sushi, Temaki Den needs to be on your 48 hours in Denver bucket list.

Take a Craft Beer Tour of Downtown Denver

One of the biggest draws of the Mile High City is its craft brewery scene, and we were determined to fully immerse ourselves in it during our Denver weekend trip.

Rather than just stumbling into random breweries and hoping for the best, we booked a guided craft beer tour of downtown Denver—and it ended up being one of the highlights of the trip.

Since we booked on a Friday, we got lucky and had the whole thing to ourselves! A private brewery tour through downtown Denver for only around $58 per person, including all the beer? Total steal.

We kicked things off at Rock Bottom Brewery, then walked over to Oskar Blues Grill & Brew—easily one of the more unique stops. The space was decked out with a drumstick chandelier and a bar covered in guitar picks.

This spot was extra special for me because it’s the home of one of my dad’s favorite beers, Dale’s Double IPA, so it was cool to try it right at the source.

Next up was Westbound & Down Brewing Company inside the Dairy Block, followed by our final stop at Wynkoop Brewing Company. We got a flight of four beers there, including one brewed with Rocky Mountain oysters—and yes, we tried it.

It was fun to say we did, but it was definitely my least favorite beer of the tour (and the only beer I didn’t finish).

If you’re not feeling the price tag and want to plan it on your own, consider completing the Denver Beer Trail instead—it maps out 18 local breweries around the city.

Whether you go with a guide or decide to DIY your own crawl, this is such a fun activity to add to your Denver itinerary.

👉🏼 Book your Denver Brewery Tour on Viator!

Have Tapas at El Five Rooftop Bar

We went to El Five Rooftop Bar for dinner on our first night in Denver, and it was such a fun way to end the day.

Just a heads-up—I definitely recommend making a reservation since they tend to fill up fast. I’d also suggest booking a bit earlier than we did. Our reservation was at 8:30 PM, which meant we totally missed the sunset. From that high up, the view over the mountains would’ve been incredible!

The food at El Five was fantastic. I will say it felt a little overpriced, but take that with a grain of salt—I’m from Wisconsin, and things are just cheaper here.

That said, it was still worth it for a splurgey dinner with great atmosphere. Our favorite dishes were definitely the dumplings and the goat cheese croquettes.

Day 2: Drag Brunch, Botanical Gardens, Denver Landmarks & Rocky Mountain Oysters

If you’re anything like me, you want your weekend in Denver, Colorado to include a little bit of everything—good food, a little chaos, some culture, and maybe even something weird you’ll talk about for weeks.

Day two is exactly that. From drag brunch to garden walks, iconic photo ops, and a food dare you’ll either love or regret, this day covers all the bases!

Go for Drag Brunch at Hamburger Mary’s

I’ve always wanted to go to a drag brunch, but living in Wisconsin doesn’t exactly offer a ton of options. So when my pre-trip research led me to the iconic Hamburger Mary’s during our two-day trip to Denver, I knew it was finally time to make it happen.

They were fully booked, but still managed to squeeze us in at the bar so we didn’t miss out. If you’re trying to get in without a res, I recommend showing up right at 10:00 AM when they open—you should be fine grabbing a bar seat.

But if you want a real table and a front-row view, definitely book as far in advance as you can. This place fills up fast!

We ordered breakfast (I got the breakfast sliders, my friend went for the Eggs Benedict—both were delicious), and of course, we couldn’t skip the bottomless mimosas.

We were there for a solid couple of hours watching the performers, and my friend even got called up for one of the on-stage contests—which had major entertainment value for the table.

If your plan is to hit every single thing on your Denver to-do list, you might want to consider skipping bottomless and just getting a single bottle. But if your tolerance is higher than ours and you’re not opposed to sightseeing a little tipsy, go for it.

Oh, and don’t forget to bring cash to tip the queens—but if you don’t have any, you can also tip through the Venmo QR codes on every table.

Wander Through the Denver Botanical Gardens

By the time 2:00 PM rolled around, the bottomless mimosas had fully caught up with us and we were horizontal on the couch watching a weird combination of Spongebob and both Wonder Woman movies.

But if you’re not massively hungover like we were—and the weather’s playing nice—you should definitely mosey over to the Denver Botanical Gardens during your two days in Denver.

We visited during our trip in 2020 and absolutely loved it.

The gardens are massive, peaceful, and totally worth a visit. They’re a great break from the city energy and the perfect spot for a scenic stroll or a photo op. Tickets are about $16 per person, and you’ll want to grab them in advance, if possible.

Loving these edits? 👆🏼Grab my Lightroom presets to give your photos a 1-click glow up!

Check Out Union Station

Union Station has been a Denver landmark since 1881, and today it’s more than just a train station—it’s packed with shops, restaurants, and cozy seating areas perfect for a quick coffee or people-watching break.

Even if you’re not catching a train, it’s worth popping in to check out the historic architecture.

Snap a Pic of the Blue Bear

You can’t visit downtown Denver without snapping a photo of the famous Blue Bear (officially titled I See What You Mean) peeking into the convention center. It’s quirky, fun, and one of the city’s most iconic photo ops—plus it’s quick, so it’s easy to fit into any Denver, Colorado trip.

Visit Coors Field Stadium

We didn’t have time on our weekend getaway to Denver to catch a game or go inside, but we did swing by Coors Field to check it out.

It’s home to the Colorado Rockies and has been a staple of the city since 1995. The stadium is known for its views of the mountains and its mile-high elevation, which makes it one of the most hitter-friendly ballparks in Major League Baseball.

If we’d had more time during our two days in Denver, I definitely would’ve booked a Coors Brewery tour! You can grab tickets for that on their official website, and it’s a great add-on for any beer lover visiting the city.

Try Rocky Mountain Oysters at The Buckhorn Exchange

The Buckhorn Exchange is one of the oldest and most iconic steakhouses in Denver. They first opened their doors back in 1893, and they’re best known for serving up one of the most infamous dishes in Colorado: Rocky Mountain oysters.

Yep—deep-fried bull testicles served with dipping sauces. And yes, we’ve tried them.

We actually gave them a shot during our first trip to Denver in 2020, but since it was the height of the pandemic and Buckhorn didn’t have any outdoor seating, we ended up grabbing an order to go and eating them in the car.

Crispy, salty, and served with a couple of different sauces—they were way more delicious than I expected.

This time around, we made sure to head back and actually sit inside to experience the full Buckhorn Exchange vibe. If you can get past what you’re eating (and you should because, let’s be honest, anything is good deep-fried), Rocky Mountain oysters are a must-try in Denver.

Wig Out at Meow Wolf

Meow Wolf opened its third exhibit—Convergence Station—right here in Denver, and it’s one of the most unique experiences to have in the city. They’re continuing to expand in North America, with new locations coming soon to Los Angeles and New York City.

If you partake in Denver’s weed scene, you might have a fantastic time hitting up a dispensary first and then heading over to Meow Wolf to explore their exciting neon interdimensional exhibits and “wig out” a little bit.

You’ll understand when you get there.

That said, the experience doesn’t come cheap. Tickets start at $39, but more often than not, you’re paying closer to $50–60 just to get in.

If you’re visiting Denver on a budget and trying to choose between Meow Wolf and the beer tour, I’d absolutely recommend the beer tour instead. But if you’re not too worried about cost and want to check off one of the most iconic experiences in the city, definitely add Meow Wolf to your Denver in two days bucket list.

Sit Down for Dinner at Gaetano’s

Dinner at Gaetano’s was the perfect way to wrap up two amazing days in Denver—especially if you’re a sucker for Italian food like I am.

After living in Italy, I’ve definitely become a bit of a pasta snob, but I’ve got to say… the carbonara here was pretty damn good. It was maybe a little heavy on the salt, but the flavors were spot on, and the prosecco was flowing.

I also snuck bites of the two pastas my friends ordered, and both were phenomenal—honestly, a little better than mine. If you’re looking for a cozy, satisfying final meal in the city, I highly recommend making a reservation at Gaetano’s for your last night in Denver.

Fun fact: Gaetano’s was actually opened by the Italian mob in 1947!

More Things to Do in Denver

• Join a downtown Denver food tour – Eat your way through the city with a local guide who knows all the best bites and hidden gems.
• Take a 2-hour historic walking tour of LoDo – Explore Denver’s oldest neighborhood with a knowledgeable guide, uncovering tales from the city’s Wild West days, and visiting landmark buildings.
• Explore Denver’s dispensary culture – With recreational weed fully legal, checking out a local dispensary (or two) is a uniquely Denver experience—whether you’re a seasoned pro or just curious.
• Visit the Denver Zoo – A great spot for animal lovers with 2,500+ animals and a walkable layout that’s perfect for a sunny afternoon.
• Or the Denver Aquarium – It’s smaller but still a fun stop, especially if you’re visiting Denver with kids or just want to chill out and watch some fish.
• Tour the Denver Art Museum – Known for its bold architecture and impressive Western and Indigenous art collections.
• Or the Denver Museum of Nature & Science – A fun, hands-on museum with everything from dinosaur bones to space exhibits.
• Stop by Larimer Square – One of Denver’s most charming blocks, lined with boutiques, wine bars, and string lights that make it super photogenic.
• Get high at the International Church of Cannabis – A psychedelic spiritual center and art space that’s definitely one of the most unique experiences in town.
• Check out Pearl Street – A laid-back shopping and dining district that’s perfect for a relaxed stroll.
• Take a day trip to Boulder – Just 45 minutes from Denver and full of hiking trails, breweries, and mountain town vibes.
• Grab Colorado Rockies game tickets – Catching a baseball game at Coors Field is a classic Denver experience, especially with a sunset view over the mountains.

More Denver Restaurants to Try

• Steuben’s – An iconic Denver diner-style spot with comfort food favorites and a great outdoor patio; we visited the Uptown location on our first trip.
• Snooze, an A.M. Eatery – Super popular for breakfast or brunch, with multiple locations across the city.
• Izakaya Den – A sleek, upscale sushi restaurant we almost picked before going with Tamaki Den—still high on my list for next time.
• Little Man Ice Cream – Known for its 28-foot-tall milk can out front, this place is a Denver dessert classic.
• My Brother’s Bar – The oldest bar in Denver, serving since 1873, and home to the legendary Johnny Burger, stacked with jalapeño cream cheese, American cheese, Swiss cheese, and grilled onions.
• Park Burger – A solid local burger chain with creative toppings and casual, no-fuss atmosphere.
• Tocabe – One of the few Native American restaurants in the city, and known for fresh, flavorful dishes you won’t find anywhere else.
• Maggiano’s Little Italy – Located right on the 16th Street Mall, the food here is delicious and a bit on the pricier side, but the huge portions and excellent service make it well worth the stop.

Denver for Solo Female Travelers

I want to be totally transparent—both of my trips to Denver were with friends, so I didn’t do this one solo.

That said, I’ve taken plenty of solo trips over the years, and I’ve gotten pretty good at reading a city’s vibe when it comes to solo female travel! Based on my experiences in Denver, I’d have absolutely no qualms about visiting the city alone.

Denver has a super friendly, outgoing culture that makes it easy to strike up conversations and meet people, even if you’re not traveling with a group. There are also some great hostel options for solo travelers looking to stay somewhere social and affordable.

Is Denver Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Overall, I’d consider Denver a safe destination for solo female travelers—at least as safe as any major U.S. city can be.

Street harassment isn’t frequently reported, which is always reassuring. That said, it is a big city, and the usual rules still apply: stay vigilant, especially at night, and trust your gut if something feels off.

If you’re out drinking alone or heading home late, it’s always worth it to spend the extra money on an Uber rather than risk walking back in the dark. Your safety is always worth more than a few bucks.

And if you’re nervous about traveling to Denver solo, feel free to reach out—I’m happy to talk it through with you. You can also check out my solo female travel safety checklist for more tips to help you feel confident and prepared.

Solo Travel Tips for Denver

• Book accommodations in walkable, well-lit neighborhoods like LoDo, Capitol Hill, or RiNo.
• Stay somewhere social, like a hostel, if you’re hoping to meet people.
• Sign up for group tours (like the food or beer tours I mentioned above)—they’re great for learning about the city and meeting fellow travelers.
• Use rideshare apps at night or anytime you don’t feel safe walking.
• Keep a portable phone charger with you so you’re never caught without a way to order a ride or call for help.

Where to Stay in Denver

📍 Budget-Friendly: Ember Hostel

I didn’t visit Denver solo this time, but if I were coming back on a solo trip, this is exactly where I’d stay.

Ember Hostel has the kind of social vibe that makes it easy to meet people while solo traveling, plus the dorm rooms come with privacy curtains (a must for solo travelers).

There’s even a hot tub outside—which is kind of iconic for a hostel, if you ask me. It’s located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood and has an impressive 8.9 rating on Booking.com, so clearly I’m not the only one who thinks it’s amazing.

👉🏼 Check availability for your Denver trip at Ember Hostel!

📍 Mid-Range: The Acoma House

If you’re into boutique stays with a serious artsy flair, The Acoma House might be the perfect pick for your stay in Denver.

This purple-painted building in Denver’s Golden Triangle Creative District is just a 5-minute walk from the Denver Art Museum. Each of the 24 rooms is uniquely designed by a local artist, so no two stays are the same.

Think cozy clawfoot tubs, velvet couches, and murals that make you want to redecorate your entire apartment. Prices range from $165-230 per night, and guests rave about the comfy beds and thoughtful touches like stocked kitchenettes and blazing-fast Wi-Fi.

It also has a 9.6 rating among solo travelers!

👉🏼 Book your stay at The Acoma House for your weekend trip to Denver!

(If $165-230 isn’t your idea of mid-range, I totally get it. Check out the Days Inn by Wyndham Denver Downtown instead.)

📍 Luxury: The Oxford Hotel

If you’re looking to splurge on a luxury stay in Denver, The Oxford Hotel is a standout choice. Established in 1891, it’s Denver’s oldest hotel, so guests get a mix of historic charm and modern amenities.

Located just steps from Union Station in the vibrant LoDo district, the hotel offers a prime location for exploring the city!

Guests can enjoy a range of amenities, including a full-service spa, fitness center, on-site restaurant and bar, and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the property.

The Oxford Hotel also boasts a 9.9 rating among solo travelers, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a luxurious solo getaway.

👉🏼 Get ready to live it up in luxury—check availability for The Oxford Hotel on Booking.com!

Renting a Car in Denver

If you’re looking for an easy way to get around, I highly recommend checking out Discover Cars for a reliable and stress-free rental experience.

We didn’t book a car on our most recent trip to Denver, but back in 2020, we flew into the Denver airport and started our adventure in Fort Collins—so a rental car was a must.

We originally booked a Toyota Corolla “or similar”, and somehow walked out of there with a Ford Mustang convertible. Totally unexpected, but not a bad upgrade for cruising around Colorado. It was super handy to have a car for that trip, especially since we were hopping between cities.

That said, you don’t need a car if you’re planning to stick to central Denver. The city is very walkable, and there’s decent public transportation plus Ubers if you’d rather skip the rental altogether.

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Don’t Miss Fort Collins: Colorado’s Hidden Gem!

Between the breweries, street art, epic eats, and quirky spots like Meow Wolf, Denver packs a ton of personality into a short trip. Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, 2 days in Denver is just enough time to fall in love with the city’s laid-back vibe and unforgettable energy.

Hopefully, I helped you successfully plan a trip to Denver, but if you’ve got a few more days to spare, I highly recommend grabbing a rental car and heading north to Fort Collins. This charming mountain town is perfect for hikers, nature lovers, or anyone looking to slow down and soak in some serious Rocky Mountain beauty.

Fort Collins has a fantastic downtown area packed with boutique shops, cozy coffee spots, and delicious restaurants. Plus, it’s super close to Rocky Mountain National Park, which means you’ll have access to some of the best hiking trails in the state.

Whether you’re chasing summit views or just want a low-key mountain getaway, Fort Collins is absolutely worth the extra mileage!

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